Bandido Group Campground

Star4.18
38 reviews
33708 Crown Valley Road

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

Opens Angeles National Forest site

Official Website
Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026
Bandido Group Campground
$24.00 - $120.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Group site rates vary by size and season, ranging between $24 to $120 per night. Fees do not include reservation service fees or additional charges.
Standard Site Fee$0.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$120.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

Get Notified When Available

We'll monitor this campground and alert you the moment sites become available.

Free with account · Checks every 2 minutes

150,000+ sites monitored · Email, SMS, or in-app notifications

Share this campground
Recreation Dot Gov
Provider
661-269-2808jmsugden@fs.fed.us
Help improve this page
See something outdated or incorrect? Let us know!

What Campers Say

4.18

Satisfactory

Based on 38 reviews

27 Google reviews

Most mentioned

quietcleanspacioussites

Some mention

noise

"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."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

33708 Crown Valley Road

Bandido Group Campground

33708 Crown Valley Road

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.
Road access to the campground is paved, with clear signage along Angeles Crest Highway. However, note that Forest Service Road 3N17 leading into the campground requires a gate code, which must be requested prior to entry. This gate may present challenges for visitors arriving after-hours or without prior communication, as reported by user reviews.
Nearby places
La Canada (28.5 miles, approximately 40 minutes), Acton (approximately 15 miles, 25 minutes)
Nearby supplies
Acton serves as the nearest location for groceries, camping supplies, and fuel. Specific supplier details were not provided.

Best Time to Camp at Bandido Group Campground

Summer transforms Bandido into a sun-drenched paradise where warm, crystal-clear days invite endless outdoor exploration. The dry season brings reliably gorgeous weather with brilliant blue skies stretching from dawn to dusk. While afternoon temperatures can climb during peak summer, the mountain elevation ensures refreshingly cool mornings and comfortable evenings around the campfire. This predictable sunshine makes summer the prime season for group adventures, though seasoned campers know to pack layers for those crisp mountain nights.

Best
Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.0 / 5

Summer offers warm, clear days and hiking; reliable dry-season weather noted.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
3.5 / 5

Open in fall, pleasant trail access but reports of yellow-jacket swarms late season.

Spring(Mar-May)
3.5 / 5

Open from Mar 26; spring offers trail access and milder weather for camping.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Campground closed Nov 15 to Mar 26; winter use not supported.

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

About Bandido Group Campground

Escape to Bandido Group Campground, where the spirit of the Old West meets modern outdoor adventure. This rustic mountain sanctuary welcomes equestrian enthusiasts and their four-legged companions to explore the legendary Pacific Crest Trail and beyond. With five spacious group sites nestled among towering pines, Bandido creates the perfect basecamp for memorable gatherings under star-filled skies. Whether you're planning a family reunion, scout expedition, or riding club adventure, this high-country haven offers the authentic wilderness experience large groups crave.
The campground caters exclusively to group camping, and its facilities are designed to accommodate equestrian campers.
Advertisement

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers
Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Check-in
2PM
Check-out
11 AM
Stay Limit
You may stay up to 14 nights during a visit at this campground.

Amenities available

Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
Group Sites

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.
HikingThe campground provides access to the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT), which is famous for its scenic views and challenging terrain. "Several trails for hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding can be accessed from the campground," notes the authoritative source. Hikers can enjoy both short and extended treks along the PCT.
BikingBandido offers mountain biking opportunities on trails accessible from the campground. The trails range from easy to challenging, catering to various skill levels.
Winter Activities
Water Sports
Advertisement

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsBears are a known hazard, as mentioned in multiple user reviews and official notices. Mosquitoes, yellow jackets, and flies are prevalent during summer and fall months, as highlighted in reviews.
No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

Weather at Bandido Group Campground

Reviews

4.2
38 reviews
Satisfactory
Satisfactory
Bandido Group Campground is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% 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

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...
Show more
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...
Show more
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...
Show more
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...
Show more
Based on 38 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site #1: "Small maybe 3 tents. 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 but there...
Show more
Based on 38 reviews

Accessibility Features

There are no specific reviews addressing ADA-compliant accessibility features.
Based on 38 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Reviews do not mention pet policies or experiences at Bandido Group Campground.
Based on 38 reviews

0
0 review
1
2
3
4
5

Add your voice to the Outdoorithm community

Been to Bandido Group Campground? Your review helps fellow campers discover what makes this place special—and what to expect.


Last updated January 13, 2026
Advertisement

Nearby Campgrounds

Campgrounds you may also like

Popular campgrounds in California

Campgrounds
Angeles National Forest
Bandido Group Campground