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Groups of all types will enjoy staying at the Bandido Group Campground, which boasts beautiful scenery in a relaxing, rustic atmosphere. The site accommodates groups of up to 150 campers, but is designed for equestrian campers and provides several horse corrals and hitch racks. Bandido is divided into five campsites, each with varying capacities for smaller groups. Site #1 has a capacity of 12 campers. Site #2 can accommodate 60 campers. Site #3 and #5 can each hold a maximum of 30 campers. Site #4 has a capacity of 18 campers.
Several trails for hiking, mountain biking and horseback riding can be accessed from the campground. This includes a connector trail to the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT). The PCT stretches from Mexico all the way north to Canada. Within the Angeles Forest, the impressive trail covers 176 miles of its lengthy journey.
No water or electricity is available. There are 25 picnic tables, community fire rings, vault toilets and 20 horse corrals. The site also boasts paved roads and space to park trailers.
The campground sits at an elevation of 5,840 feet, surrounded by Jeffery pines, scrub oaks and manzanita. The Angeles National Forest spans 694,187 acres over most of the San Gabriel Mountain range in southern California. Elevations here range from 1,200 to 10,000 feet, from the low canyon lands to the snow-capped mountain peaks.
Drive the Angeles Crest Highway, a scenic byway that meanders through oak thickets, chaparral, high desert landscapes and pine tree forests.
From 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.
I always like this campground. Our troop came here twice some we joined the troop. Nice and quiet. Bring lot of water and foods of you plan to stay long. Quite a distance to go to closed town. I am not sure how often the outhouse clean out; so be prepare.
Pros: lots of space of your activities, lots of tables available, firepit and amphitheater was epic. Cons: no water, no bear boxes. Infested with bees and yellow jackets that swarm any type of food you might have. Limited shade available, no level ground so prepare to sleep on a slope. Nearby Christian camp is unnecessarily loud late at night. Vault toilets were atrocious and had not been cleaned out for some time.
Great place to relax and disconnect from electronics. Lots to do, hiking, rock climbing or just relaxing with the family. Love that you can get a spot for 30 people and just have it for yourself. About an hour to town, so make sure you havw enough food, water, firewood and gear. I cant wait to visit again!
