Little Jimmy Campground
Open year-round, first-come, first-served with no fees. Currently Highway 2 is closed from Islip Saddle to Vincent Gap and from Newcomb's Ranch to Islip Saddle due to emergency repairs, blocking the primary 2-mile trail access from Islip Saddle. Alternative access via Crystal Lake (3-mile hike) may be available. No toilet facilities are currently on site. Campers must filter water from Little Jimmy Springs and pack out all trash.
National Forest System Roads
Follow California Vehicle Code on National Forest System Roads
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.…
Fire Danger Level Elevated to "High"
Effective June 12, 2026, fire danger levels have increased to “HIGH” at the Angeles National Forest, which includes the San Gabriel Mountains National Monument. Visit our Newsroom Webpage to read the full press release.
About
Little Jimmy Trail Camp offers a true backcountry camping experience in the San Gabriel Mountains at 7,500 feet elevation. Named after early 20th-century cartoonist Jimmy Swinnerton, who camped here while recovering from tuberculosis, this historic site provides seven primitive campsites equipped with picnic tables, fire rings, and vintage backcountry ovens. The camp is accessible via two hiking routes: a 2.1-mile trek southeast from Islip Saddle along the Pacific Crest Trail, or a 3-mile hike from Crystal Lake Recreation Area. Little Jimmy Springs provides seasonal water that must be filtered or treated before drinking. Currently there are no toilet facilities at this site. An Adventure Pass or Interagency Pass is required to park at trailheads. The campground operates year-round on a first-come, first-served basis at no fee, though winter snow can make access difficult or impossible. The site is managed by concessionaire Mountain High and serves as a popular overnight stop for PCT thru-hikers and weekend backpackers.
Directions
From Interstate 210 and CA-2, proceed 39.5 miles north on CA-2 to Islip Saddle Day Use Area on the left. From the parking area, access the Pacific Crest Trail on the south side of CA-2 and hike southeast for 2.1 miles to Little Jimmy Trail Camp. Alternative route: From Crystal Lake Recreation Area, hike approximately 3 miles to the camp. Adventure Pass required for trailhead parking.
Amenities
| Water | No |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | No |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | — |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | — |
| Water Hookups | — |
| Sewer Hookups | — |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $0 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | — |
| Max Trailer Length | — |
| Big Rig Friendly | No |
| Pull Through Sites | No |
Contact
| campgrounds@mthigh.com | |
| Phone | +1 (760) 316-7828 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | None |
| Verizon | Yes |
| T-Mobile | None |
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