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    Buckhorn Campground

    4.0 (88 reviews)
    Closed 8:00 am - 1:00 pm, 1:30 PM - 4:30 PM

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    Wildflowers
    Marisol A.

    So we spent a long Memorial Day weekend out here for 2022. Never been before and arrived late Thursday to secure our spot. Plenty of potable water and restrooms. What I didn't count on is how cold it would be this early in the summer. Whatever warmth you think you need make sure to bring just a tiny bit more as you are much higher up this have cooler weather. There are bear boxes for your use and fire pits, just make sure you get a free license online. Our site had a stream behind it which was nice, the space was also quite large. All the sites are first come first serve, just make sure you pay in the center of the campground with either cash or check, $5 for a second car ($12 daily rate). There are no showers so bring your own or lots of baby wipes. There is a central area to throw out your trash so make sure to do it. You have absolutely no cell service so keep that in mind. The sights at the beginning of the campground tent to be cooler and only get drier and more desert like as you drive further into the campground. It also tends to be busier towards the back. Will be back but with warmer gear.

    Fun

    Everything , the lake, the water falls. Having fun with family and friends. I love the views

    One if our campsites
    Rosie F.

    It was super relaxing. Well laid out. Not a fan of latrines, but other than that, beautiful. We went in the middle of the week, so we were able to stay together, but Friday it became very crowded. People were lining up to take spots.

    The little water hole.  You have to climb down a rope to get to.
    Lexus M.

    Absolutely love this place. The massive trees are so beautiful. You are truly in the woods. The campsites are spacious. Some are huge. Good privacy. Good hike to the little watering hole. Not strenuous. But the "waterfall" is a water dribble. Still nice little waterhole to cool off at and find. So peaceful here. There were a TON of flies but we were close to some dumpsters. Hopefully it's not like that at every site. Would definitely recommend this campground to anyone. My favorite I've found so far. Still so many to find. If you love to camp and haven't been here definitely check it out.

    Kids setting up their tents
    Ana L.

    Beautiful shaded campground. If you go on the weekend you'll be lucky if you find an available space. Best advice get there as early as you possibly can.

    Isaiah C.

    Great campground! Pretty quiet the last time I went, Wednesday September 25th only about 3 other groups. Walked a good distance of the Buckhart trail. Beware of flies in restroom

    Made it!
    Darren B.

    My review is for our hike to Will Thrall Peak via Buckhorn Campground into the wasabi View Ridge Wilderness. We are hiking Mt Whitney and have been doing some training hikes leading to our trip next week and we chose this hike due to our personal schedules and the elements of the hike and the similarities we'll face on our hike to Trail Camp (distance, elevation gain) except for the 20-30° temps! This is a very solid 11-mile hike (18 if you come from Devils Punch bowl) and is like a skateboard ramp with elevation gain to the peak and when you return back to your auto. This is one of the more remote peaks in the San Gabriel Mountains and thusly rarely visited. Once you reach the 5-mile marker you'll turn left up the lightly used day trail. Most descriptions say "it's just a half mile up the trail from here", but what they don't tell you is that it's 800 foot incline straight up and there are approximately four false summits to try and break your spirit. Take your time and you'll get there. As stated, remember... Your trip back is Also uphill for the last 1.5 - 2 miles and while it's not steep, the incline is very real and tiring after your 11-mile RT venture

    Set up in the shade but the hot midday sun came out and ruined all hope of a cool sanctuary away from the flies
    Simone F.

    The camp ground is perfect BUT it's like they installed the bathrooms years ago and havent cleaned them out since. The bathrooms are like a fly party and becuase of that the whole place is fly central. While I don't mind doing my business in the wild, I would rather not if there are bathrooms available. Its bearable but still quite irritating. Otherwise it's great. If you go in the summer it will be hot even at 60000 feet so get a shaded site.

    Lyndsay R.

    Love this place! It's a little gem, so small and quaint. It is first come first serve, so make sure to get there early. Make sure to not forget anything (nearest town is like an hour away). It is dog friendly but you must keep your dog on a leash. There are some hikes nearby with a waterfall. There is no running water. No cell phone service, which was great because we needed to unplug for the weekend. We enjoyed our stay, and will definitely visit again !

    Upper falls
    Karen J.

    Beautiful Campground. The sites are all spacious, with one or two unique features at each. Cooper canyon falls is a gorgeous hike just off the end of the Campground. It can get very hot, but the water is amazing even in the summer. Went on a Wednesday morning at 10am. There were only 2 other people there. Don't know if that was because of COVID - it filled up more by the end of the day but there were still some open lots at night. $12/night is a steal for what you get. No potable water, but there are spigots around the Campground. It was nice and quiet at night. Bear safe containers at every site for food storage. The spacing of the sites creates the perfect balance of an atmosphere where you are alone, but can feel camper community around. Will be coming back for sure!

    Carol S.

    Our family loves this campsite! We always have an awesome time! Nice hiking trail to go on to before dinner or whenever you're feeling up to it and beautiful scenery

    Camp site #35. Very roomy.
    Michael M.

    We got here at around 12 pm on Sunday and stayed for two nights. There were many camp sites available but we decided to stay on site #35 because of other yelper's recommendation. Pros: (site #35) - VERY spacious - A lot of privacy (isolated from other sites except for #32 but they were pretty far away) - 2 restrooms and a water spigot nearby (only cold water available! Which I didn't mind that much) - plenty of tree branches and barks that you can forage (we end up only using 2 bags of firewood for two nights) Cons: - lots of stubborn flies and swarms hovering around your head, you will see people constantly swatting them away - terrible smell from the vault restrooms with flies swarming out of them but was kept clean despite the reviews from others claiming that there were sh*t everywhere - loud music from neighboring camp sites during quiet hours (this varies on the people you're camping with) - NO SIGNAL!! Tips: - keep the fire going to keep the flies away - bring a bucket to refill water back to your camp - there's no shower: we used towelettes and baby wipes to wipe ourselves down - bring exact change (unless you want to overpay) - keep your food hidden when leaving it unattended (our camp site got raided by squirrels while we were napping!)

    Buckhorn Campground
    Waqas Q.

    My wife and I wanted to go camping in the mountains. After days of research I stumbled upon Buckhorn, thanks to google. It seemed like we were driving up on the mountain for a long time. As you go higher up the mountain the trees get taller and grass more lush. We first turned into the Buckhorn day camping area and thought it was the overnight campsite and seeing it closed we we were devastated. Before we decided to head back we drove further up about 1/4 of a mile and to our pleasant surprise we found the actual campsite. I have been to Montana, Ohio, Wyoming, Nor. Cal and I can say this with confidence that as soon as you start driving into this campsite it gives you the vibe of those places and it's nothing like So. Cal which is mostly dry and brown. There's only 1 trail that you can hike but besides that I'm not sure if there is any other recreational activities offered at the campsite but that's not why we go camping. We camp to stay away from all that and just be close with nature and enjoy the silence. We definitely recommend hiking the trail. It's gorgeous and there are some great giant rocks to sit on and have a few drinks and there are plenty of breathtaking photo op spots. Each campsite is fairly private and especially ours was at a perfect spot. Each site comes with a fire pit, a picnic table, and a parking spot. We didn't encounter any bugs, bears, rattle snakes, or mountain lions. My only problem with this place were the bathrooms. They are disgusting and it's not a big deal if you're a guy but I felt bad for my wife. We will go there again and again and again. Buckhorn Campground gets our highest recommendations!!! PROS: Beautiful scenery Hiking trail Privacy No bugs Fire pit Picnic table Convenient parking CONS: Disgusting bathrooms

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    8 months ago

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    8 months ago

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    1 year ago

    My secret spot. Such an easy campground to get to and enjoy. The best. Park and enjoy the LA nature.

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    12 years ago

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    4 years ago

    Really great spot. Each camping space is roomy and easily accessible.

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    7 years ago

    I love it there ! It's so relaxing & beautiful ! Go during the week it's not packed . We used to go here once a year for family vacation .

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    Page 1 of 3

    Ask the Community - Buckhorn Campground

    Can I take my 36 foot RV to the camp ground?

    No. The sites including the parking spots are very small. However I have seen small camper vans easily park there.

    Website says it's closed. Can anyone confirm this?

    It's open. No campfires allowed.

    Can you just show up for a spot or you have to call for one?

    Yes, it's first come, first serve. Though it may not be open right now due to COVID. Call for the latest.

    The website says fees are due within 30 minutes of settling in. Where do I actually pay these fees and is there an option online to do so?

    Towards the middle of the campground there is a pay station with envelopes provided, cash only. Park your car at the desired site number, then pay for your site. No online option since it's first come, first serve.

    Is this campground opened weekends?

    Yes it's open to camp on the weekends until the end of the season, which should be in November. It's high elevation and closed for camping for the winter. I guess it says closed on the weekend on Yelp is if you want to call the phone number (meaning… Read more

    On the website it says they are closed for the season....is that still true or just not updated?

    We camp at Little Pines, which is 15 minutes away, last weekend and stopped by to check buckhorn. The gate was still locked. Not sure when it's going to be open. Wish to camp there as well.

    Some campground allow you t camp after closing they just turn off the H2o. Can you camp here when it is closed?

    There is a locked gate at the entrance.

    Is this campground open during Veterans Day weekend? And are all the sites first come first serve?

    I believe its first come first serve!

    Hello, just curious... who can we reach? When our loved ones don't have service at this campsite. Forest service?

    There no cell coverage anywhere up there. There's a payphone a few miles down the road at Newcombe Ranch restaurant. There isn't a Ranger on duty there, the are on patrol though. Call the forest service office in Arcadia; they will know.

    Does this campsite have a river or waterfall around?

    I don't know if I'd call it a "river" but there is a pretty decent stream through the campsite! I believe there is a waterfall down one of the hiking trails.

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    Review Highlights - Buckhorn Campground

    The other part I recommend checking out is also on the burkhart trail and not nearly as far.

    Mentioned in 6 reviews

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    Spruce Grove Campground

    Spruce Grove Campground

    4.4(14 reviews)
    3.4 mi

    I have been there as a scoutmaster with my scout troop in the 1990s the camp is a great camp for…read morefirst time scouts the hiking is not to hard a good training hike have a great time ! .

    I've fancied myself an outdoorsman since I was a kid--fishing, hunting, kayaking, hiking,…read moreorienteering... heck, all I needed was an Eagle Project to finish the whole BSA thing, but instead, I got a girlfriend... oh well, I was THAT close... But all that as prologue to a couple of weeks ago, when I went with my son, another dad, and a slew of Boy Scouts on a two-night backpacking trip into the San Gabriels. I've completed the Sturtevant Falls hike more times than I can count, and I've hiked and re-hiked all sorts of trails in this area. But I can't say that prior to this trip, I had taken the path to Spruce Grove Campground... it just never came up I guess. I'm glad to have experienced this nice little spot just a few miles from the parking lot at Chantry Flats. The campground is little more than a marginally flat area between the trail and the creek. Plenty of shade trees in the riparian spot makes for a tranquil camping place, despite the steady flow of hiking and trail biking traffic just feet from your tent. Each campsite features a fire pit, and there is a rather unique toilet with a conveyor belt "flushing" system. Kudos to the engineers for not only a waterless set-up, but also the clear plexiglass roof offers light and a nicer view of the laurel and sycamore trees. Just a few minutes from Sturtevant Camp, this simple little camp site is first come, first served, and free to use. No bear boxes here, so bring a good bear can/hard-sided bear container. Unless you're really good at it and know what you're doing, don't bother trying to hang a bear bag. Really, you're doing it wrong. Pack out what you pack in, trash wise, too. If you're camping here, it's probably during the "absolutely no fires.... seriously, what were you thinking even bringing a lighter?" season. So there's that, too. Four stars for being a cool, free, close, and relatively pretty campsite in a high traffic area. The consistent parade of people in their REI-inspired plumage was definitely a few steps higher on the food chain than the Eaton Canyon waterfall people, but still distracting.

    Photos
    Spruce Grove Campground
    Spruce Grove Campground
    Spruce Grove Campground

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    Henninger Flats Campground

    Henninger Flats Campground

    4.3(98 reviews)
    4.4 mi

    Nice beginner destination for a backpacking trip…read more Likes: + Great view of Altadena/Pasadena and the LA county. Maybe you can spot Catalina or the Disney fireworks at night in the distance. + Pleasant getaway from town. Quiet, peaceful nature ambience. + A couple firepits for roasting your food with friends. + Great Mt Wilson with access to the giant 60-inch and the 100-inch Hooker telescopes. A hike you can do in a day. A camping/backpacking trip you can do in day & night. + Trails are wide and well defined. Non-likes: - The water spigot here runs extremely slow. I recommend packing your own extra water. - Restrooms running low on toilet paper. - Cosmic Cafe only open Apr-Sept 10am-5pm, and 10-4pm late Sept-Nov. If you walk farther uphill about 1-2 min, you'll find the white lavatory. Restroom stalls are more spacious than the auburn one. The water fountain and the water spigot there run fine and strong.

    What goes up, must come down…read more This hike was a moderate 3 mile hike up and around the San Gabriel Mountains, but so much easier to trek back down. Although we did an extra mile after missing the turn and ended up hiking a total of 7 miles; it wasn't too bad. I only hike about once a month, so I took a few breaks along the way up so it took us about 3 hours roundtrip. The hike starts at the Eaton Canyon Nature Reserve after parking on the street along Altadena. There's parking in a lot as well but I find it easier to park on the street than finding a spot during peak hours. We started the hike by following the Eaton Canyon Falls trail, then veered onto the Walnut Canyon trail, and then followed the Old Mount Wilson Toll Road the rest of the way to the campground. There's some shade on the hike but not much so I wouldn't hike this during the Summer. We did this on 12/2/18 in 64 degree weather and it was perfect. We saw some people that did a one night backpacking trip so it's an ideal spot to practice for longer trips. There are bathrooms but they were locked when we were there and there is no water. There are also lots of tables available so pack a picnic and enjoy the view. Directions I used. If you see a white bridge on your way back, you missed the turn like I did and just did an extra mile. https://modernhiker.com/hike/henninger-flats/

    Photos
    Henninger Flats Campground - So lush back here (at the moment)

    So lush back here (at the moment)

    Henninger Flats Campground - Wide space to set up tents.

    Wide space to set up tents.

    Henninger Flats Campground

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    Sturtevant Camp

    Sturtevant Camp

    5.0(2 reviews)
    5.1 mi

    As an avid hiker, Sturtevant Camp was always something of a unicorn; relatively close to the…read morenearest parking lot, but even closer to much easier hikes often taken with young Cub Scouts and inexperienced hiking parents (like Sturtevant Falls, for example)... I just never had occasion to visit. Instead, I would just happen upon the website (http://www.sturtevantcamp.com/) from time to time, and marvel at this relic of yesteryear, so close yet so far.... Well, that all changed a few weeks ago. On a short weekend backpacking trip with my eldest son and his Boy Scout troop, our 12 mile loop passing through nearby Spruce Grove put us on the doorstep of Sturtevant Camp... literally 0.1 miles from it! Not wanting to miss the opportunity to visit a place I had read about for years, I took the two minute walk from camp. Upon arrival, you really feel a sense that you've traveled back in time. Huge trees tower overhead-- much larger than any of the laurels and oaks that dot the landscape near the creek. Sturtevant Camp offers small rustic cabins, a mini-museum, a large mess hall (that offers hikers free coffee right nest to a tip/donation jar), and plenty of campy camp. Seasonally, irises bloom in small plantings, a big rope swing between big cedars is eye-catching, and the whole place makes you feel like you're a kid at summer camp, even for the briefest of moments. Due to its proximity to the REI in Arcadia (yeah, I went there, which is to say... I WENT there), large shoals of twenty-something hiking-social groups come through here frequently, especially on weekends. Clad in puffer jackets, workout crop tops, yoga pants, and $200 trail running shoes... oh, and with plenty of fancy hydration devices... the whimsy of your time travel is quickly Thanos-snapped back to reality. Unless you're into that sorta thing. But no matter-- they move along, and you can linger as long as you like. I suppose it might be worth it to try staying here sometime. Per the website, you can hire a mule team to carry your gear in for a nominal fee. Heck, there's even a honeymoon suite (probably not quite as fancy as other similarly-named accommodations at other places down the hill, but not without its charm, I'd guess.) In the meantime, this one is worth hiking to sometime. One note: the trail here from the south is very scenic, very narrow in places, shared with trail cyclists who often ride very fast, and has steep drop-offs that would certainly result in first responders coming to rescue you or recover your corpse. If you bring little ones-- or if you're one of those people who hikes with headphones so you can't hear bikes coming-- please be careful!

    Who knew someplace this rustic and wild still existed so close to Los Angeles?! The camp is an…read moreeasy four-mile hike -- mostly well shaded -- out of Arcadia, CA (a suburb in the San Gabriel Valley). They offer a bunch of terrific cabins for rent...very cheaply as it's a non-profit. They have CLEAN men's and women's bathhouses with hot and cold showers, plus a fully equipped camp kitchen with EVERYTHING you need to make and eat as extravagant a meal as you want. All you need to bring is your food (and they even offer a mule train to haul THAT for you if you want!). There's ping-pong, a zip line, a huge swing between two mammoth Redwood trees, archery, horseshoes...even a piano in the lodge that at least one guest always seems to know how to play. The whole thing is nestled in a heavily forested canyon under a thick canopy of massive trees...you'd swear you're in Sequoia or Yosemite even though you're only a few miles as the crow flies from the big city. Totally unique experience...a great quick weekend adventure without going far at all.

    Photos
    Sturtevant Camp - Big Swing enjoyed by all.

    Big Swing enjoyed by all.

    Sturtevant Camp - Ranger Cabin

    Ranger Cabin

    Sturtevant Camp - Honeymoon Cottage

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    Honeymoon Cottage

    Buckhorn Campground - campgrounds - Updated May 2026

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