Messenger Flats Campground
Open year-round, first-come first-served. No reservations accepted. Adventure Pass or America the Beautiful Pass required, or $5/night camping fee. No potable water available. Campfires permitted in fire rings with valid California campfire permit when fire 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.…
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
Messenger Flats Campground sits at 5,500 feet along the Santa Clara Divide Road in the western portion of Angeles National Forest. This lightly-used campground offers 10 sites with picnic tables and fire rings, two vault toilets, and two horse corrals for equestrians. The Pacific Crest Trail crosses just outside the campground entrance, making it a convenient base camp for PCT section hikers or day hikes. The campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis with no advance reservations. Camping requires an Adventure Pass, America the Beautiful Pass, or $5 per night fee. Day use also requires a pass or $5 per vehicle. There is no potable water at the campground, so visitors must bring all water for drinking, cooking, cleaning, and extinguishing campfires. The drive in follows a scenic but winding route: from Interstate 210, take Angeles Crest Highway north for 9 miles, turn left onto Angeles Forest Highway for 12 miles to Mill Creek Summit, then left on Santa Clara Divide Road for 9 miles to the campground.
Directions
From Interstate 210 in La Canada, exit at Angeles Crest Highway (Hwy 2) and drive north for 9 miles. Turn left onto Angeles Forest Highway (County Road N3) and drive about 12 miles to Mill Creek Summit. Turn left on Santa Clara Divide Road and continue 9 miles to the campground.
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 | $5 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | — |
| Max Trailer Length | — |
| Big Rig Friendly | No |
| Pull Through Sites | — |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (818) 899-1900 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | None |
| Verizon | Yes |
| T-Mobile | None |
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