Bandido Group Campground

Boasting beautiful scenery and a relaxing atmosphere at an elevation of 5,840 feet, Bandido Group Campground is a dog-friendly campground just a 1.5-hour drive from Los Angeles. The site welcomes all types of groups up to 150 campers. With a rustic ambiance, the campground has been designed for equestrian campers; you will find numerous horse corrals and hitch racks.

There are 5 campsites, all with different capacities. Regardless of your group size, you will love how the scrub oaks, Jeffery pines, and manzanita surround the site. Almost 0.7 million acres of the Angeles National Forest cover most of the San Gabriel Mountain range. There are many trails for mountain biking, hiking, and horseback riding. There is a connector trail to the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT). For a great, dog-friendly hike, consider the Chilao visitor center. It is a nice station with polite and helpful rangers who may even recommend some good hikes, like the Burkhart trail hike. Overall, the trail within the Angeles Forest is an impressive 176 mile-long journey.

Water and electricity are not available, so be ready for a nature-friendly trip. In addition to 25 picnic tables, there are some community fire rings, pit toilets, and 20 horse corrals. The paved roads and trailer parking space contribute to your comfort. Remember to keep Fido on a leash that’s no more than 6 feet long when outside your vehicle. While there, consider driving on the Angeles Crest Highway. It’s a picturesque byway that winds through pine tree forests, oak thickets, chaparral and high desert landscapes. Roll down the window to let Fido enjoy the ride too!

Even in rattlesnake season, some campers report not seeing any snakes. In any case, be careful for yourself, family, and your doggo. Activities such as bird watching and mountain biking add to the universal appeal of Bandido Group Campground. Overall, it’s an ideal weekend camping spot near LA.