Overview

Located along Santa Clara Divide Road in the Angeles National Forest, Bandido Group Campground sits among fragrant Jeffrey pines in the upper montane zone of the San Gabriel Mountains National Monument. At approximately 5,840 feet in elevation, the campground offers a cool mountain reprieve with convenient access to hiking, horseback riding, mountain biking, and scenic drives. Designed primarily for organized and equestrian groups, Bandido provides a peaceful base camp for exploring the surrounding mountains while remaining within easy driving distance of the Los Angeles Basin. Water is not available at the campground; visitors must bring enough water for drinking, extinguishing campfires, cooking, cleaning, and caring for livestock for the duration of their stay.

Recreation

Bandido serves as an ideal base camp for exploring the surrounding San Gabriel Mountains. Nearby trails and Forest Service roads provide opportunities for hiking, horseback riding, mountain biking, trail running, wildlife viewing, nature photography, and scenic driving. The nearby Pacific Crest National Scenic Trail offers access to one of the nation's premier long-distance trails, while the Angeles Crest Highway provides convenient access to numerous trailheads, scenic overlooks, and other recreational opportunities. Because water is not available at the campground, visitors should plan accordingly and bring sufficient water for riders and horses.

Facilities

Bandido Group Campground offers five reservable campsites designed to accommodate organized groups and equestrian users. Each campsite includes picnic tables, campfire rings, vault toilets, food storage lockers, and horse corrals. There are no utility hookups, showers, or water available within the campground. Visitors are responsible for bringing all water needed for drinking, cooking, extinguishing campfires, cleaning, and caring for livestock during their stay.

Natural Features

Bandido Group Campground is surrounded by a mixed conifer forest of Jeffrey pine, Coulter pine, and incense cedar with chaparral-covered slopes characteristic of the San Gabriel Mountains. The area's higher elevation provides cooler temperatures than nearby valleys, making it a comfortable escape during the warmer months. Wildlife commonly seen in the area includes mule deer, bobcats, coyotes, gray squirrels, Steller's jays, acorn woodpeckers, hawks, and a variety of other mountain birds. Spring and early summer bring colorful displays of native wildflowers, while autumn offers crisp mountain air and seasonal color.

Nearby Attractions

Nearby attractions include the Pacific Crest National Scenic Trail, the scenic Angeles Crest Highway (State Route 2), and several nearby hiking trails, scenic overlooks, and picnic areas. The Chilao Visitor Center, located just west of the campground along the Angeles Crest Highway, is open on weekends and offers exhibits, maps, visitor information, and interpretive programs by advance request.

Charges & Cancellations

Booking Window

For most locations, you can reserve 12 months in advance for group sites. There are some exceptions, so it is best to check with each facility. 

Change and Cancellation Policies and Fees

Camping: A $10.00 service fee will apply if you change or cancel your reservation. The $10.00 service fee will be deducted from the refund amount.

You can cancel or change reservations through Recreation.gov or by calling 1-877-444-6777.

Late Cancellations

Group Facility: If a customer cancels a group overnight facility reservation within 14 days of the scheduled arrival date they will be charged the $10.00 service fee and forfeit the first night's use fee. Cancellations for a single night's use will not be assessed a service fee.

No-Shows

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