Bandido Group Campground
Closed — Closed for the season. Typically operates from early April through mid-November. Reservations available through Recreation.gov.
Mt. Baldy Trails Closure Extended to March 20
A temporary closure has been extended for National Forest System trails within the Mount Baldy (Mount San Antonio) area of the San Gabriel Mountains National Monument. The purpose of the closure is to provide for public safety. This closure is in effect from February 27 through March 20, 2026.The…
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…
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. For your safety and the safety of first responders, be sure to “Know Before You Go” this…
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 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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