Applewhite Picnic Area — Attraction in Wrightwood

Parking pass required. Purchase available at gate entry point or at Ranger Station 3 miles before picnic area on the right side of the road. Active military annual passes, 4th grader passes, and veteran lifetime passes also available at Ranger Station for free.

Area is right on the creek, no hiking required. Parking availability is decent, wasn't crowded at all on a Sunday. Rangers do patrol the lot and will ticket vehicles without passes. The creek current is pretty heavy, smaller children definitely need adults to help cross and supervise playing. Small community BBQs are available.

Restrooms are shared men/women. They're very wet, slippery, smelly, and nasty. I recommend using restrooms prior to entering picnic area, bringing portable children potty's, or going into town. 0/10 rating for restroom...

This is no glamping, it's small, rustic, the toilets are latrines.... lots of people park on the side of the roads to get to the river, and you still have to have a permit $5 (you have to buy it at the gas station or rangers office). I rather go to the picnic area, plenty of trees cement tables with benches and grills, they close the gate when it gets full. Great to have an adventure with your family!

Applewhite is the small camp site almost across the road, we like it very much, it could have some TLC, no need for reservation, walk ins $10 per night, (flushable toilets with paper, bring your own soap, no showers) you can walk to the river picnic area, if you drive you still...

Great place to come and escape the busy city life. There is no cell reception unless you have Verizon. The Picnic area is a long parking strip that runs along side a small ankle deep creek. The creek is 95% covered with shade from trees. The water can be cold at times. Its a place my family and I enjoy returning to as much as possible. Dont forget to buy your $5 day pass (required to park in the forest) you can buy it at Melody's market / Bar / restaurant. There is a marked white cross walk on the ground right in front...