Bandido Group Campground
Closed — Closed for the season. Typically operates from early April through mid-November. Reservations available through Recreation.gov.
Wind Advisory issued December 29 at 7:22PM PST until December 30 at 3:00PM PST by NWS Los Angeles/Oxnard CA
* WHAT...Northeast winds 25 to 35 mph with gusts up to 55 mph expected. * WHERE...Interstate 5 Corridor, Santa Susana Mountains, Western San Gabriel Mountains and Highway 14 Corridor, and Western Santa Monica Mountains Recreational Area. * WHEN...Until 3 PM PST Tuesday. * IMPACTS...Gusty winds will blow around unsecured objects. Tree limbs could be blown down and a few power outages may result.
Fire Danger Level Downgraded to "High"
The fire danger level for the Angeles National Forest has been lowered from “Very High” to “High”. Despite the change, there are no new fire restrictions.What does this mean to you?
Be Prepared for Winter Weather
Recent storms have brought winter weather to the Angeles National Forest! From the foothills to elevations reaching over 10,000 feet, visitors can encounter a variety of conditions in the mountains.
Forest Order No. 05-01-25-13, Camping Equipment Prohibition
Pursuant to 16 U.S.C. § 551 and 36 C.F.R. § 261.50(a), and to provide for public safety, the following acts are prohibited within the Angeles National Forest and San Gabriel Mountains National Monument. This Order is effective from August 15, 2025, through August 1, 2027.
Bridge Fire Area Closure Terminated
The Bridge Fire Area Closure (Forest Order No. 05-01-25-12) that was in effect from June 5, 2025 through May 22, 2026 has been terminated starting June 20, 2025.
Mt. Baldy Communications Site Project
Renegade Towers, LLC, is proposing to build, operate, and maintain a communication uses facility and tower. The proposed facility would be constructed within the Mt.
Forest Order 05-01-25-09 Eaton Fire Area Closure
On Friday, April 4, several popular trails, forest roads, and a campground reopened after the Eaton Fire, as per a new forest order issued by the Angeles National Forest. To see the full forest order, visit www.fs.usda.gov/angeles.
Office & Visitor Center Updates - Need Info or Passes?
The information below provides updates to existing information on our webpage about Angeles National Forest offices and visitor centers. Check this alert regularly.
Angeles National Forest full closure to partial closure
The Angeles National Forest, which includes the San Gabriel Mountains National Monument, partially reopened on Thursday, January 30.
Williamson Rock Area and Trail Closure
Hikers and equestrians along the Pacific Crest Trail may be affected by a temporary closure of the Williamson Rock area of the Angeles National Forest. This closure (Forest Order No.
Planning to Camp? (Stay Limits/Dispersed Camping Restrictions) til Dec. 15, 2026
The following is prohibited within the Angeles National Forest and San Gabriel Mountains National Monument from Dec. 16, 2022, through Dec. 15, 2026:
About
Bandido Group Campground offers a scenic and rustic camping experience in the San Gabriel Mountains of Angeles National Forest at 5,840 feet elevation. Surrounded by Jeffrey pines, scrub oaks, and manzanita, the campground is specifically designed for equestrian groups and features 20 horse corrals and hitching rails along the perimeter. The facility consists of five separate group sites with capacities ranging from 12 to 60 campers, allowing groups to reserve individual areas or the entire campground for up to 150 people total. The campground provides vault toilets, bear boxes, and dumpsters, but no potable water is available on-site. Campers must bring adequate water for cooking, cleaning, drinking, and extinguishing campfires. RVs up to 40 feet are permitted, though no hookups are provided. Access to several trails is available directly from the campground, including the Silver Moccasin Trail and a connector to the Pacific Crest Trail, which traverses 176 miles through the Angeles National Forest on its journey from Mexico to Canada. The campground requires advance reservations through Recreation.gov, with a gate code provided upon confirmation. Fees range from $24 to $120 per night depending on the site reserved. The remote location on Santa Clara Divide Road offers a peaceful setting for large groups and equestrian campers seeking a backcountry experience with convenient trail access.
Directions
From I-210 in La Cañada Flintridge, exit and head north on Angeles Crest Highway (CA-2) for 28 miles. At Three Points (2 miles past Newcomb's Ranch Cafe), turn left onto Forest Service Road 3N17 (Santa Clara Divide Road). Continue west for 2 miles to the campground entrance gate on the left. Use the combination provided upon reservation confirmation to open the gate.
Nearby Campgrounds
Amenities
| Water | No |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | Yes |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | No |
| Water Hookups | No |
| Sewer Hookups | No |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $24 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | 40ft |
| Max Trailer Length | 40ft |
| Big Rig Friendly | Yes |
| Pull Through Sites | No |
Contact
| jmsugden@fs.fed.us | |
| Phone | +1 (661) 269-2808 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | None |
| Verizon | None |
| T-Mobile | None |
Availability
Photos
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