Bandido Group Campground
Open seasonally from early April to mid-November. Reservations required via Recreation.gov. Entrance gate is locked; obtain the combination within 15 days of arrival by calling the ranger district. No potable water on site. Fire danger is currently Moderate; campfires permitted with valid California Campfire Permit when restrictions allow.
Fireworks and Explosives are always Prohibited
Fireworks and explosives (including explosive targets) are always prohibited on national forest lands. The prohibition of fireworks and exploding targets on national forest system lands is part of a set of permanent fire safety regulations in the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), listed below.…
San Dimas Experimental Forest Closure
The San Dimas Experimental Forest, located north of Glendora, is currently closed to public recreation activities. The reason for this closure is that the Experimental Forest's primary purpose is research. Many long-term climate, soil, air pollution, erosion, vegetation, wildlife, and fire studies…
San Gabriel Canyon OHV Area Prohibitions
Be aware of the following restricted activities in the San Gabriel Canyon Off-Highway Vehicle Area:Entering or being in the San Gabriel OHV Area when closed. See associated documents and map below.Entering or being in the San Gabriel Reservoir.Parking or leaving a vehicle in violation of posted…
Fire Danger Level Downgraded to "Moderate"
Effective January 23, 2025, the Angeles National Forest fire danger level and associated restrictions are moving to MODERATE. Visitors to the forest, including recreational cabin owners and concessionaires, are advised of the following updates: All stoves and campfires require a valid California…
Eaton Fire Area Closure
In effort to protect the public and to facilitate natural recovery of the resources affected by the Eaton Fire, this closure extends the Eaton Fire Area Closure through December 31, 2027.The following roads and trails remain closed:RoadsMount Wilson Toll Road (below Mt Wilson Trail) Mount Wilson…
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.Possessing personal…
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. Hours and pass availability may change with limited or no notice.When one office is closed, please contact another forest…
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. 05-01-24-04), in effect through December 31, 2026, is for the protection of natural resources, specifically the…
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: 1. Camping outside of a Forest Service developed campground for > 7 consecutive days in a calendar year. 2. Camping outside of a Forest Service…
About
Bandido Group Campground is an equestrian-focused group camping area in the Angeles National Forest at 5,840 feet elevation. The campground sits among Jeffrey pines, scrub oaks, and manzanita in the San Gabriel Mountains National Monument. Five reservable group sites range from 12-person capacity (Site 1) up to 60 campers (Site 2), with a total capacity of 150 people. The campground is designed with horse camping in mind, featuring 20 corrals and hitching rails along the perimeter. Certified weed-free hay is required, and out-of-state horses need a current Coggins test. A connector trail provides access to the Pacific Crest Trail. Mountain biking and hiking trails are also accessible from camp. The facility is primitive: vault toilets and dumpsters are provided, but there is no potable water. Campers must bring sufficient water for drinking, cooking, cleaning, and fire extinguishment. Bear boxes are available for food storage. The entrance is gated and locked; the combination is provided within 15 days of arrival. Maximum RV length is 40 feet with no hookups available.
Directions
From La Cañada at the junction of I-210 and State Route 2 (Angeles Crest Highway), exit I-210 and head north on SR-2 for 28.5 miles to Three Points (two miles past Newcomb's Ranch Cafe). Turn left onto Forest Service Road 3N17 (Santa Clara Divide Road) and continue west 2 miles to the entrance gate on the left.
Amenities
| Water | No |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | Yes |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | — |
| Water Hookups | — |
| Sewer Hookups | — |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $60 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | 40ft |
| Max Trailer Length | 40ft |
| Big Rig Friendly | Yes |
| Pull Through Sites | No |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (661) 269-2808 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | None |
| Verizon | None |
| T-Mobile | None |
Availability
Photos
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