Camp Josepho

For decades, Californians, especially those in the bustling Los Angeles area, have sought out pockets of nature that feel miles away from the urban sprawl. Camp Josepho, nestled deep in Rustic Canyon of the Santa Monica Mountains, offers precisely that. This unique campground, primarily serving the Scouting community, provides a remarkable blend of rugged wilderness and accessible facilities, making it a truly special place for youth to connect with the outdoors.

While a recent tragic fire caused significant damage to the camp, including the loss of the iconic Malibu Lodge, the spirit and mission of Camp Josepho endure. The Western Los Angeles County Council of the Boy Scouts of America is committed to rebuilding and continuing the legacy of outdoor education and character development that Camp Josepho has fostered for generations. It’s a place where countless boys and young adults have forged lasting memories, learned essential outdoor skills, and gained a deep appreciation for nature.

Camp Josepho is not a public campground in the traditional sense, where individuals or families can simply show up and set up a tent without prior arrangement. It is a private property owned and operated by the Western Los Angeles County Council, primarily for Scouting activities such as Cub Scout Day Camps, Webelos Resident Camp, Boy Scout summer camps, and various troop and pack campouts. It embodies a traditional camp setting, with a rich history and a focus on hands-on outdoor learning.

Camp Josepho is strategically located at 3000 Rustic Canyon Trail Rd, Pacific Palisades, CA 90272, USA. What makes its location truly remarkable is its seemingly remote feel despite being "nestled in the Palisades," surprisingly close to the heart of metropolitan Los Angeles. This unique positioning provides an invaluable wilderness experience for inner-city youth, just a short distance from their homes.

Access to Camp Josepho is a distinctive part of the experience. While it feels secluded, it's just off the 405 (San Diego) Freeway at Sunset Boulevard, near the vibrant towns of Brentwood and Santa Monica. However, the final approach to the camp involves navigating Rustic Canyon. The road leading to Camp Josepho, specifically Sullivan Fire Road, is owned by California State Parks and is also privately maintained. It is a challenging but manageable road, often described as a gravel or dirt path. Visitors are advised to take it slow, as the maximum speed limit is 10 MPH, and the road has blind curves. It is open to hikers, bicyclists, and dogs, so courtesy to other users is essential. The entrance to Camp Josepho is marked by a wooden arch off Sullivan Fire Road.

It is important to note that access to the camp is typically restricted by a gate with regularly changed codes. This means that unannounced visits, particularly by individuals not affiliated with a scheduled Scouting event, are not permitted and can lead to being turned away as it is private property. Planning and coordination through the Western Los Angeles County Council are essential for authorized entry. Despite the challenging road, the feeling of being "far away" while remaining close to Los Angeles is a significant part of Camp Josepho's allure.

As a dedicated Boy Scout camp, Camp Josepho offers a robust set of facilities and services tailored to its primary mission of youth development and outdoor education. These are designed to support a wide range of Scouting activities and provide a comprehensive camping experience.

• Campsites and Cabins: The camp features 16 developed natural campsites of various sizes and 14 cabins, each sleeping up to 8 persons in bunk beds with mattresses, offering flexibility for different group sizes and preferences.
• Malibu Lodge (formerly): While the original Malibu Lodge was tragically lost in a recent fire, it previously served as a central hub with a commercial kitchen, large meeting halls, conference rooms, and restrooms with showers. Plans for rebuilding will likely include similar central facilities.
• Archery and Rifle Ranges: Dedicated ranges for archery, rifle, and BB gun shooting provide opportunities for merit badge clusters and skill development under qualified supervision.
• Outdoor Amphitheater & Campfire Circle: Facilities for group gatherings, presentations, and traditional campfires, including a gas-fueled campfire for safety during fire-restricted periods.
• Restrooms with Hot Showers: Flush toilets and hot showers are available at various points within the camp, including near the Olympic-size swimming pool, ensuring comfort.
• Hiking and Biking Trails: Extensive trails radiate from the camp, allowing for exploration of Rustic Canyon and the Santa Monica Mountains, ideal for hiking and mountain biking.
• Program-Specific Facilities: Dedicated areas for Scoutcraft, nature studies, handicrafts, and a parade ground for ceremonies and activities.
• Year-Round Programming: The camp offers structured programs throughout the year, including Cub Scout Day Camps, Webelos Resident Camp, Boy Scout summer camps, and various weekend events and training conferences.
• Food Services: For organized camps, prepared meals are often provided in a dining hall setting, eliminating the need for individual cooking (e.g., Friday night check-in with Saturday breakfast through Sunday breakfast provided for family camps).

Camp Josepho stands out not just for its facilities but for the unique combination of its setting, historical significance, and the experiences it offers.

• "An Oasis of Nature in Los Angeles": This sentiment is frequently echoed by those who visit. The camp offers a genuine wilderness feel, surprising given its close proximity to a major metropolitan area. It’s an invaluable resource for exposing youth to nature.
• Rich History and Legacy: Donated by Anatol Josepho, the inventor of the photo booth, the 110-acre property has a long and storied history of serving the Scouting movement since 1941. It’s a place where generations of Scouts have learned and grown.
• Unique Program Focus: Beyond traditional camping, Camp Josepho has embraced innovative programming, including "where dreamers become makers" with merit badge clusters focusing on filmmaking, technology, game design, and shooting sports, blending outdoor adventure with modern skills.
• Community and Memory Building: For former Scouts and their families, Camp Josepho holds immense sentimental value, with countless "great memories" being made within its grounds. It fosters strong bonds and a sense of belonging.
• Secluded Yet Accessible: Despite the challenging access road, the sense of being "hidden away" offers a true escape from city life, providing a peaceful and immersive natural environment.
• Dedicated Leadership and Maintenance: Reviews often praise the "amazing owners and staff" who keep the camp clean and in great shape, highlighting the commitment to providing a positive experience.
• Abundant Wildlife: Being in a natural canyon setting, campers can experience local wildlife and native chaparral, adding to the authentic outdoor experience.

For inquiries, reservations, or more information about Camp Josepho, especially concerning their various Scouting programs and events, it is essential to contact the Western Los Angeles County Council of the Boy Scouts of America directly.

Address: 3000 Rustic Canyon Trail Rd, Pacific Palisades, CA 90272, USA

General inquiries regarding Camp Josepho programs or facilities can be directed to the Western Los Angeles County Council Camping Department.

Phone for Western Los Angeles County Council Camping Department: (818) 933-0130

Email for Camping Department: camping@bsa-la.org

For specific event registrations, such as Family Camps, Cub Scout programs, or Scout BSA summer camps, it is advisable to visit the official Western Los Angeles County Council website (bsa-la.org) and navigate to their "Camps" or "Events" sections. Registration for specific events is often managed through platforms like Doubleknot, with direct links provided on the council's website. Given the tragic fire, it is particularly important to check the latest updates on facilities and operational status directly with the council before making plans.

For Californians, especially families in the Los Angeles area, Camp Josepho represents an invaluable local resource for youth development and outdoor engagement. In a region where open spaces and truly rustic experiences can be hard to come by, Camp Josepho offers a unique urban oasis that feels incredibly remote despite its proximity to major metropolitan centers. This allows local youth to easily access wilderness experiences and outdoor education without extensive travel, making it highly suitable for weekend campouts, summer programs, and other Scouting events.

The camp's focus on structured youth programs, including merit badge clusters that blend traditional outdoor skills with modern technology and filmmaking, provides a comprehensive and enriching experience that goes beyond typical camping. It’s a safe and supportive environment where boys and young adults can build character, develop leadership skills, and foster a lifelong appreciation for nature. For parents seeking meaningful and accessible outdoor opportunities for their children within the Southern California landscape, Camp Josepho is a premier choice.

Furthermore, the long-standing history and the dedication of the Western Los Angeles County Council ensure that Camp Josepho remains a beacon for Scouting values. Despite the challenges of recent fires, the commitment to rebuilding highlights its importance as a cherished local institution. For those who understand and value the transformative power of outdoor experiences for youth, Camp Josepho serves as a vital community asset, offering a treasured escape into nature right in our own backyard.

Camp Josepho

3000 Rustic Canyon Trail Rd, Pacific Palisades, CA 90272, USA