Camping at Bandido Group Campground

Overview of Bandido Group Campground

Bandido Group Campground is a popular group camping destination located in the Angeles National Forest in Southern California. The campground offers a remote wilderness experience while being relatively close to urban areas such as Los Angeles.

Location and Access

Address: To reach Bandido Group Campground, you will generally need to navigate to the Chilao Visitor Center vicinity and then follow signs for the campground.

Driving Directions:

• Access from the 210 Freeway, exiting at Angeles Crest Highway (CA-2) in La Cañada Flintridge.
• Drive northeast on CA-2 for approximately 26.7 miles to the campground.

Campground Features

Campsites:

• Several group sites which can accommodate varying numbers of campers.
• Amenities typically include picnic tables, BBQ grills/fire rings, and space for tents.

Facilities:

• Vault toilets are usually provided.
• Visitors need to bring water as potable water may not be available.

Safety:

• Bear-proof containers for food storage due to the presence of bears in the area.
• Fire restrictions may be in place depending on the season and conditions.

Activities and Recreation

Hiking: There are several trails accessible from the campground, suitable for various skill levels.

Wildlife Watching: The area is home to diverse wildlife, including birds and possibly larger animals like deer.

Stargazing: With minimal light pollution, the campground offers excellent stargazing opportunities on clear nights.

Reservations and Fees

Reservation Policy:

• Group sites must be reserved in advance.
• Reservations can be made through the National Recreation Reservation System or by calling their hotline.

Fees:

• There's typically a per-night fee for each site, which varies depending on the size of the site and the number of people.

Important Regulations

Fire Rules:

• Check fire rules before your visit as they can change with conditions.
• Generally, campfires are allowed in provided campfire rings unless there are restrictions.

Wildlife Precautions:

• Proper food storage is a must to avoid attracting bears and other wildlife.
• Feeding wildlife is prohibited.

Leave No Trace:

• Visitors are expected to follow Leave No Trace principles to minimize their impact on the environment.

Seasonal Information

Operational Seasons:

• Typically, the campground is open from Spring through Fall, depending on weather conditions.
• It may be closed during the winter months due to snow and could also close during extreme fire danger.

Weather Conditions:

• Temperatures can vary greatly from day to night.
• Visitors should be prepared for the possibility of sudden weather changes.

Contact Information

Managing Agency:

• Information about current conditions, regulations, and any alerts can be obtained by contacting the Angeles National Forest through their official channels.

Reservation System:

• National Recreation Reservation System (recreation.gov or the reservation hotline)

Before visiting Bandido Group Campground, it’s strongly advised to check the most recent information, as conditions and regulations can change. Always notify someone about your camping plans and expected return, especially in remote areas like this campground.