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.
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 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…
Air Quality Alert issued May 20 at 3:59PM PDT by NWS Los Angeles/Oxnard CA
* WHAT...The South Coast AQMD has issued an air quality alert due to increased fine particle pollution from wildfire smoke. Visit https://www.aqmd.gov/alertinfo to check current and forecasted air quality levels. * WHERE...in portions of Los Angeles, Riverside, and San Bernardino Counties. Levels of particle pollution can vary by time and location depending on fire activity and local weather conditions. * WHEN...until 10 PM on Thursday. * IMPACTS...Particles in wildfire smoke can get deep into the lungs and cause serious health problems such as heart attacks, strokes, asthma attacks, and difficulty breathing. Everyone can be affected, but people with lung or heart disease, older adults, people who are pregnant, children, and those who spend a lot of time outdoors are at greater risk.
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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