Applewhite Campground — Hotel in Wrightwood

Stayed here mid October '24 on a Friday overnight with my dog. There were plenty of spots to choose from for First Come First Serve when I arrived around 4p. It was self serve for the payment and claiming an un-reserved spot, which was unexpected with so many reviews talking about a host. I didn't have change, so I overpaid. Unfortunately, the spot that I chose was on the lower loop and there were a lot of large loud groups and barking dogs on that side. The "quiet hours" were not enforced at all - the lower loop was still loud after midnight, and a group started doing a call-and-repeat before 7a. There was also some kind of night construction happening, too. The only time I saw a ranger or "host" was twice in the morning a few hours apart, who told me to leave before check out at noon. I guess because the group with the reservation had come early, even though check in doesn't start until 2p?

The camp overall has lots of bathrooms close walking distance from all campsites. There's also faucets with running water, but I think the water isn't potable so I brought my own. There was plenty of toilet paper in the bathrooms (no showers) and they were clean enough with plumbing. Campfires were allowed despite High/Red warning in the provided pits w/ grates, and there's also a stone bbq and picnic table for each campsite. It was very hot in the day and very cool after it got dark. It was a little too cloudy at night for a good view of the stars, but otherwise could be planned for nice visibility with the stretch of road nearby to the shooting range.

I wasn't able to find any good trails or ways to access the creek without going to the picnic areas nearby. I did a little hiking in the stretch of road to the shooting range, to where the creek would have been, but it's too hot now for any water there and it wasn't a pleasant hike since there's no trails and just rocks. Highly recommend thick pants if you go out there for some solitary nature experience - there's SHARP plants! If you go to the picnic areas, you do NOT need to pay additionally for the Adventure Day PASS; just keep your reservation in the window.

Finding a "first come first serve" spot on a Saturday night without a prior reservation would have been much more difficult, if not impossible, so I wouldn't recommend it.

Overall, I may come here again for the price, the creek nearby, and sky visibility. However, I'll be sure to reserve on the upper loop next time and bring...

I was so excited to learn that there was a campground near by so my family and I decided to give it a try. Upon arrival we noticed that part of the campground was closed but there were several other spots available on the other side. Imidailtly to your right is the campground host. Being that we have camped at many locations I was shocked to see that the campground hosts area was unkempt, full of junk and toys. That should have been a clue. After driving in further the "campers" or what seemed to be perminate residents seemed a bit sketchy.We found a spot towards the back corner near a large seemingly normal family. We set up under a large tree which we found out later was infested with bumblebees and huge strange bugs. I can go on and on but being there for a while our family didnt feel comfortable and felt like we would be part of some horror movie and got the hell out of there as fast...

As a previous review mentioned, they apparently close Tuesday-Thursday (with no mention of this on the Forest service webpage). See pic of the entrance sign taken on a Tuesday afternoon. A more permanent sign (with screws) is also posted with the Tues-Thurs closure. Otherwise, the vibe of this place is more like a city park, along a fairly major thoroughfare. On the east end of the campground, there is a very prominent wall, with spikes, marking the boundary line of the adjacent property. It seems more appropriate for picnics and birthday parties, not really tents and camping. I did not get a rough crowd vibe, but the review from six months ago with pics of their table shot with a found bullet is enough that 1) I’m glad there is cell service; and 2) I would...