How much does camping cost at Bandido Group Campground?

Camping fees at Bandido Group Campground range from $24-$120/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Bandido Group Campground first-come first-served or reservation?

Bandido Group Campground accepts online reservations. We recommend booking in advance, especially during peak season (typically summer weekends). Use campsite alerts to get notified when spots become available.

Can I see photos of campsites at Bandido Group Campground before I book?

Yes! Bandido Group Campground has 7 campsite photos on Outdoorithm, contributed by campers who've stayed there. Browse real photos of individual sites to see what to expect before you reserve. You can also add your own photos after your trip to help the next family plan theirs.

What is the best time to visit Bandido Group Campground?

Bandido Group Campground is open March 26 to November 15. The best time to visit depends on your preferences—summer offers the warmest weather and most activities, while spring and fall provide fewer crowds and milder temperatures. Check current conditions before your trip.

Are there showers at Bandido Group Campground?

Bandido Group Campground does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

How many campsites does Bandido Group Campground have?

Bandido Group Campground has 5 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Bandido Group Campground?

Pets are not allowed at Bandido Group Campground. This policy helps protect local wildlife and other campers. Consider nearby pet-friendly campgrounds if traveling with animals.

What amenities are available at Bandido Group Campground?

Bandido Group Campground offers: Restrooms. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Bandido Group Campground?

Popular activities at Bandido Group Campground include Hiking, Biking. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Bandido Group Campground

Q: Can I have a campfire at Bandido Group Campground?

Fire policies at Bandido Group Campground: No water available-please bring enough water for cooking, cleaning, drinking and extinguishing campfires.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

3.93

38 reviews

33708 Crown Valley Road

Featured in:Hidden Gem Campgrounds California

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

5,840 ft

Price

$24 - $120/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

5 campsites

Season

Open from March 26, ...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Book on Angeles National Forest Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

5,840 ft

Price

$24 - $120/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

5 campsites

Season

Open from March 26, ...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Book on Angeles National Forest Official Website

Get Directions

Bandido Group Campground

$24.00 - $120.00 / night

Campsite Fees

GROUP STANDARD AREA NONELECTRIC-SITE 1: $24.00; GROUP STANDARD AREA NONELECTRIC-SITE 2: $120.00; GROUP STANDARD AREA NONELECTRIC-SITE 3, 5: $60.00;...

Group Site Fee$120.00

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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

661-269-2808david.cline@usda.gov

I manage this campground

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Campground Map

33708 Crown Valley Road

Bandido Group Campground

33708 Crown Valley Road

Nearby places

La Canada (28.5 miles, approximately 40 minutes), Acton (approximately 15 miles, 25 minutes)

Driving directionsFrom La Canada at the junction of the I-210 and State Route 2 (Angeles Crest Highway), exit I-210 and turn north towards the mountains on State Route 2. Proceed 28.5 miles to Three Points (two miles past Newcomb's Ranch Cafe) and turn left onto Forest Service Road 3N17 (Santa Clara Divide Road). Continue west 2 miles to the entrance; gate is on the left. Use the combination you obtained when confirming your reservation to open the gate.

Weather at Bandido Group Campground

Current alerts(6)

Bears frequent the area- all food must be kept in approved containers.
Call (661) 269-2808 for current conditions and additional information.
Check out time is 11 am. Check in time is 2 pm.
Don't Move Firewood: Protect California's forests from tree-killing pests by buying your firewood locally and burning it on-site. For more information visit firewood.ca.gov.

Best Time to Camp at Bandido Group Campground

Best season: summer. Summer is the best time to visit Bandido because warm, reliably dry days (typically daytime highs in the mid-70s to low-80s°F, nights in the 40s–50s°F) make it ideal for hiking, mountain biking, and extended equestrian rides on nearby sections of the Pacific Crest Trail. Trails, riding routes, and group sites are fully accessible and the long daylight hours are perfect for campfires, stargazing, and multi-day backcountry trips. Expect moderate to busy weekend crowds as Southern California low‑eļ Peak months: July, August, June, September Avoid: December, January, February, March

Best

Spring(Mar-May)

4.0 / 5

Open from Mar 26; mild spring temps and good trail access for hiking and riding.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: March 26 to November 15. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open from March 26, 2025, to November 15, 2025.

About Bandido Group Campground

Bandido Group Campground sits in the mid-elevation forest of Angeles National Forest near Acton, operated by the U.S. Forest Service. This small, group-focused site offers vault toilets, fire rings, and picnic tables, with access to hiking and biking trails including nearby sections of the Pacific Crest Trail. The campground features designated quiet hours and an overnight gate closure, creating a secluded setting for organized groups seeking forest camping in Southern California.

The campground caters exclusively to group camping, and its facilities are designed to accommodate equestrian campers.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: summer. Summer is the best time to visit Bandido because warm, reliably dry days (typically daytime highs in the mid-70s to low-80s°F, nights in the 40s–50s°F) make it ideal for hiking, mountain biking, and extended equestrian rides on nearby sections of the Pacific Crest Trail. Trails, riding routes, and group sites are fully accessible and the long daylight hours are perfect for campfires, stargazing, and multi-day backcountry trips. Expect moderate to busy weekend crowds as Southern California low‑eļ Peak months: July, August, June, September Avoid: December, January, February, March

Elevation5840 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryJeffrey pines tower over the campground, their vanilla-scented bark and wide branches creating natural shade. The understory mixes scrub oaks and manzanita, typical of the transition zone vegetation at this elevation. At 5,840 feet, Bandido occupies a middle band in the San Gabriel Mountains, where ecosystems shift from desert scrub below to alpine terrain above. The forest sprawls across 700,000 acres of steep canyons and ridges, with elevations ranging from 1,200 to 10,000 feet. Reviews mention excellent stargazing on clear nights.

Lodging & AccommodationsThe campground is strictly designed for group camping and does not offer hotel-style lodging or accommodations.

Programs & ActivitiesThere are no mentions of cultural or educational programs in both official and user reviews.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

You may stay up to 14 nights during a visit at this campground.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Guest limits vary by site, ranging from 12 to 60 campers.

Groups

Group campsites at Bandido can accommodate different numbers of campers: Site #1 supports up to 12 campers, Site #2 allows up to 60, Sites #3 and #5 hold up to 30 each, and Site #4 accommodates up to 18. Larger sites are suitable for bigger groups, while smaller ones offer a more intimate setting.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsReservations must be made through Recreation.gov online platform or by phone.

AccessibilityThe campground features paved roads and trailer parking spaces, which may enhance accessibility for vehicles and equestrian campers. However, there is no specific information on ADA-compliant facilities.

Site SizeThe campground is divided into five group campsites, each with varying capacities: Site #1 accommodates up to 12 campers, Site #2 up to 60 campers, Sites #3 and #5 up to 30 campers each, and Site #4 up to 18 campers. Individual campsites are spacious enough for group activities but vary in tent capacity.

PrivacyThe sites provide reasonable privacy given their group camping layout. "The spots are far enough so no other group was affecting the other in noise or proximity," one user noted.

Total Campsites5 campsites

Recommended SitesCampsite #1 has very little space for tents," writes one visitor. Site 2 offers isolation and is spacious, while sites 3 and 5 are suitable for mid-sized groups.

Best CampsitesSite #2 accommodates up to 60 campers and gets recommended for its central location and size, though one October review noted yellow jacket problems. Site #1 holds 12 campers, making it the smallest option. Sites #3 and #5 each fit 30 campers. Spacing between sites is good enough that groups don't intrude on each other with noise or proximity, according to reviews.

Need help booking Bandido Group Campground?

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Recreation.gov Guide

Booking tips & windows

When to Book

Find your booking window

Cancellation Alerts

Free alerts for this campground

Amenities available

No water available-please bring enough water for cooking, cleaning, drinking and extinguishing campfires.

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

Group Sites

I manage this campground

RV details

Activities you can enjoy

Bandido Group Campground offers a variety of recreational activities, with a strong emphasis on equestrian camping and hiking. It provides access to several trails for mountain biking, hiking, and horseback riding, including a connector trail to the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT). The PCT spans 176 miles through Angeles National Forest, allowing users to experience breathtaking views and diverse terrain.

Hiking

Biking

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

No Electric HookupsElectric hookups are not available at this campground. RV campers should arrive with a full battery and plan for off-grid power (generator hours/quiet rules permitting).

No Water HookupsSite-level water hookups are not available. RV campers should fill freshwater tanks before arrival; check the No Potable Water note above if applicable for drinking water.

Fire PolicyNo water available-please bring enough water for cooking, cleaning, drinking and extinguishing campfires.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours are 10 pm to 6 am

Trash & RecyclingTrash collection services are available at the campground, although recycling facilities are not mentioned.

Cell CoverageCell phone reception is reportedly poor at the Bandido Group Campground. One user noted, "No cell service," and another wrote, "I arrived at 7pm, no one around, no parking, no cell service." This can present challenges for campers relying on connectivity.

Trip Planning Tools

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Questions & answers

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Tips from campers

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Reviews

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From Booking Sources

3.9

38 reviews

Mixed Reviews

Bandido Group Campground has mixed reviews, placing it in the bottom 85% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews of Bandido Group Campground vary widely in sentiment, with overall ratings averaging around 3.78 for camping-specific experiences. Positive feedback highlights the campground’s rustic atmosphere, spacious group sites, and excellent hiking opportunities. Negative reviews often focus on logistical issues, such as the locked gate requiring an access code and the lack of potable water.

Review Summaries

Based on 38 reviews

Best sites at a glance

Pulled from per-site mentions in 38 reviews.

Site #2Loved
Too many mosquitos & flies."Site #2: "We rented site 2... we were the only ones there!"Site #3: "There is no running water so you'll have to bring your own…
Site #1Mentioned
Site #1: "Small maybe 3 tents.

What Campers Love

1. "Amazing, clear night sky, quiet."2. "Bandido is excellent for large groups with many cars. There is plenty of parking throughout the campground as well as the front."3. "Nice, clean, spacious and...

Based on 38 reviews

Common Concerns

1. The locked gate requiring a combination code can be problematic: "We arrived after dark and we’re never told you needed a code for a locked gate. We were stuck and it was late."2. Lack of potable...

Based on 38 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

1. Bring sufficient water for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.2. Obtain the gate code before arrival to avoid access issues.3. Mosquito traps or repellents are essential, as insects can be...

Based on 38 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Reviews indicate that late summer and early fall can bring challenges like yellow jackets and flies. "This was at the end of October, and there were just swarms of [yellow jackets] everywhere."

Based on 38 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. "Amazing, clear night sky."2. "Bathrooms were dirty all weekend."3. "Nice, clean, spacious and quiet campsites."4. "We arrived after dark and we’re never told you needed a code for a locked...

Based on 38 reviews