Bandido Group Campground

For Californians looking to escape the relentless digital buzz and reconnect with nature and each other, Bandido Group Campground in Pearblossom offers an exceptional opportunity. Tucked away within the expansive Angeles National Forest, this campground is specifically designed to accommodate larger groups, fostering a sense of community and providing ample space for collective outdoor adventures. It’s a place where the fresh mountain air genuinely "resets your nervous system," as one visitor aptly put it, allowing you to truly relax and disconnect.

Bandido Group Campground stands out for its emphasis on primitive yet comfortable group camping, where the focus shifts from screen time to quality time. Whether you're planning a family reunion, a scout troop outing, or a gathering of friends, this destination offers the perfect backdrop for creating lasting memories amidst Southern California's stunning natural landscapes. This article will explore the key aspects of Bandido Group Campground, including its location, the services it provides, its unique features, and why it's an ideal choice for California locals seeking a memorable group camping experience.

Bandido Group Campground is situated in the Angeles National Forest at an elevation of 5,840 feet, surrounded by the natural beauty of Jeffery pines, scrub oaks, and manzanita. It's an ideal setting for groups ranging from small gatherings of 12 people to large assemblies of up to 150 campers, providing a rare opportunity for collective wilderness enjoyment. The campground’s design caters not only to general group camping but also prominently features amenities for equestrian campers, making it a versatile choice for a variety of outdoor enthusiasts.

The core appeal of Bandido lies in its ability to offer a genuine escape. With no cell service, it truly encourages campers to "disconnect from electronics" and engage with their surroundings and fellow campers. This intentional isolation fosters an environment where activities like hiking, rock climbing, or simply "relaxing with the family" become the main focus, devoid of modern distractions. This makes Bandido Group Campground a perfect choice for those who value meaningful interaction and an immersive natural experience over constant connectivity.

Bandido Group Campground is located at Bandido Group Campgroud, Pearblossom, CA 93553, USA, within the Angeles National Forest. This address places it in a high-desert mountain environment, offering cooler temperatures than the valleys below and access to diverse ecosystems. While it feels remote, it's approximately an hour's drive from town, emphasizing the need for thorough preparation regarding food, water, and supplies.

Accessing Bandido Group Campground generally requires a drive through mountainous terrain. While paved roads lead into the general area, specific instructions or gate codes may be necessary for entry to the group sites. It is crucial to obtain the combination to the gate lock within 15 days of your arrival date by calling the provided phone number and giving your reservation details. This managed access helps maintain the tranquility and security of the campground, ensuring that only registered groups are on site.

Its location within the Angeles National Forest means campers are surrounded by a vast landscape ideal for exploration. The forest itself spans over 694,187 acres, with elevations ranging from 1,200 to 10,000 feet, offering a variety of natural features and recreational opportunities. The drive to the campground can be scenic, passing through different forest ecosystems and providing a sense of ascending into a truly wild area. This relatively close proximity to Southern California's urban centers, despite its remote feel, makes it a convenient yet impactful wilderness destination for local residents.

Bandido Group Campground provides essential amenities designed to support a comfortable group camping experience in a natural setting. As a designated group campground, it focuses on communal facilities.

• Campsites: The campground features five distinct group sites, each with varying capacities to accommodate different group sizes. Site #1 can host 12 people, Site #2 up to 60, Sites #3 and #5 accommodate 30 each, and Site #4 holds 18. Each site is equipped with multiple picnic tables and fire rings/BBQ pedestals.
• Vault Toilets: Vault toilets are available on-site for restroom facilities. While a review mentioned the outhouse at a different campground in the forest as "disgusting," another noted "The toilets are always clean, creating a comfortable feeling" for Bandido, suggesting varying experiences or improvements.
• Trash Disposal: Dumpsters are provided for trash collection, helping campers responsibly dispose of their waste and maintain the cleanliness of the area.
• Equestrian Amenities: A significant feature is the provision of 20 horse corrals and hitching rails located along the perimeter of the campground, making it highly suitable for equestrian groups.
• Paved Roads and Trailer Parking: The campground boasts paved roads within its boundaries and offers space for parking trailers, which is a convenience, particularly for those bringing horse trailers or larger vehicles.
• No Water: Crucially, there is no potable water available at the campground. Campers must "bring enough water for cooking, cleaning, drinking, and extinguishing campfires (when campfires are allowed)." This requires careful planning and preparation.

Bandido Group Campground offers several compelling features that make it an attractive destination for groups seeking an authentic outdoor experience in California.

• Designed for Groups: Its primary highlight is its capacity to host large groups, offering dedicated sites that can accommodate significant numbers of people, providing a private and spacious setting for gatherings. "Love that you can get a spot for 30 people and just have it for yourself."
• Complete Disconnection: The absence of cell service is a significant advantage for those looking to truly "disconnect from electronics" and immerse themselves in nature and social interaction. This fosters a unique environment for relaxation and bonding.
• Outdoor Activities: The campground offers direct access to a variety of recreational activities, including extensive trails for hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding. A connector trail to the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) is also accessible from the campground, appealing to long-distance trekkers. "Lots to do, hiking, rock climbing or just relaxing with the family."
• Equestrian Friendly: With dedicated horse corrals and hitching rails, it is a premier destination for equestrian groups.
• Natural Setting: Surrounded by Jeffery pines and other native vegetation at 5,840 feet, the campground provides a serene and visually appealing environment.
• Seclusion: Being about an hour from town, it offers a truly removed experience from urban noise and light pollution, promoting quiet nights and clear stargazing opportunities.

Customer reviews emphasize the positive impact of this environment: "The fresh air will reset your nervous system. You can relax here without your phone because there's no cell service." and "Great place to relax and disconnect from electronics." These highlight the campground's unique ability to facilitate genuine rest and engagement.

For reservations, gate codes, and the most current information regarding conditions, fire restrictions, or any updates, it is essential to contact the Angeles National Forest directly.

Address: Bandido Group Campgroud, Pearblossom, CA 93553, USA

Phone: (661) 269-2808

Mobile Phone: +1 661-269-2808

Remember that the phone number is particularly important for obtaining the gate combination for your reservation, which is typically changed on the first of each month. Always call ahead, especially for updates on fire restrictions or any closures that might affect your visit.

For Californians, particularly those residing in Southern California, Bandido Group Campground offers an invaluable resource for group outdoor activities. Its specialized capacity for large gatherings makes it ideal for family reunions, youth group trips, or friends' getaways that seek to share a collective wilderness experience. The emphasis on disconnecting from digital devices resonates deeply with a local population often immersed in fast-paced, technologically driven lives, providing a much-needed mental and emotional reset.

The accessibility for equestrian groups is a significant draw for the vibrant horse-riding community in California, offering well-equipped facilities that cater specifically to their needs. Furthermore, the extensive network of hiking and mountain biking trails, including a connector to the iconic Pacific Crest Trail, provides endless opportunities for exploration and physical activity, appealing to the active Californian lifestyle.

While the requirement to bring your own water and the hour-long drive from town necessitate proper planning, these aspects contribute to the campground's secluded and pristine environment. For locals who are well-versed in outdoor preparation, Bandido Group Campground delivers a unique blend of adventure, tranquility, and communal bonding. It's a place where shared experiences in nature take precedence, creating a perfect setting for Californian groups to forge stronger connections and enjoy the stunning landscapes of the Angeles National Forest.

Bandido Group Campground

Bandido Group Campgroud, Pearblossom, CA 93553, USA