Devore Trail Camp

For Californians craving an authentic wilderness experience, a true escape into the tranquil embrace of nature, Devore Trail Camp offers an ideal solution. Tucked away within the stunning San Gabriel Mountains near Azusa, this isn't a drive-up campground with endless amenities, but rather a rewarding hike-in destination that promises peace, natural beauty, and a genuine connection to the outdoors. It's a place where the sounds of the city fade away, replaced by the rustle of leaves and the gentle murmur of a flowing creek.

Devore Trail Camp is celebrated by those who seek a more primitive and immersive camping experience. Visitors consistently praise it as a "great campground with fire rings, benches, and a creek nearby that's still flowing!" This highlights the essential elements of a satisfying wilderness camp: a place to gather around a fire, comfortable spots to rest, and the comforting presence of a reliable water source. The ample shade, noted by campers, is a significant benefit, particularly during California's warmer months, providing respite from the sun and contributing to a more comfortable stay.

One of the most reassuring features, according to real customer feedback, is the dependable water source: "the stream is not diverted and there is plentiful water likely year-round. It's a great place to camp!" This is a critical detail for backcountry campers, as access to water can often be a challenge in drier regions. The continuous flow of the creek enhances the camp's appeal, not only for practical reasons but also for the calming ambiance it provides. Devore Trail Camp truly embodies the spirit of secluded, natural camping, making it a perfect spot for those looking to disconnect and recharge in the heart of the Angeles National Forest.

Location and Accessibility

Devore Trail Camp is situated along the Rincon-Shortcut OHV Trail in Azusa, CA 91702, USA. This places it within the vast and diverse landscape of the Angeles National Forest, a vital green lung for the densely populated Southern California region. While the address indicates a specific location, it's important for prospective campers to understand that Devore Trail Camp is primarily a hike-in or ride-in campground, not directly accessible by private vehicle.

Access to Devore Trail Camp typically involves a hike or ride along trails within the Angeles National Forest. One common approach is from the Red Box Saddle, approximately 14 miles up Angeles Crest Highway (Hwy. 2) from La Canada. From Red Box, campers can follow the Gabrielino Trail for about 5.5 miles to reach the campground. The Rincon-Shortcut OHV Trail, which the camp is located on, suggests that access is also possible via off-highway vehicles, motorcycles, or mountain bikes for those with the appropriate permits and vehicles. However, it's crucial to verify current trail conditions and any specific access requirements with the Angeles National Forest before planning your trip, as road and trail conditions can change due to weather or fire activity.

For Californians living in Los Angeles County and surrounding areas, Devore Trail Camp offers a relatively accessible wilderness experience. The drive to trailheads leading to the camp, such as Chantry Flat or Red Box, is manageable for a day trip or an overnight backpacking adventure. This convenience allows locals to experience true backcountry camping without needing to embark on extensive cross-state journeys, making it a valuable resource for outdoor enthusiasts seeking a quick escape into the mountains.

Services Offered

• Designated Campsites: Devore Trail Camp features 6 small, designated campsites. These sites are equipped to accommodate hikers, mountain bicyclists, or horseback riders.
• Fire Rings: Each campsite includes a fire ring, allowing campers to safely have campfires (subject to current fire restrictions and requiring a valid Campfire Permit).
• Benches: Campsites are also furnished with benches, providing convenient seating for campers.
• Year-Round Water Source: A significant amenity, the camp has a nearby stream that provides plentiful water, likely year-round. However, it is crucial to note that this is stream water and must be treated (filtered and purified) before consumption.
• Ample Shade: The campground boasts ample shade, offering relief from the sun, especially during warmer months.

Features / Highlights

• Secluded Wilderness Experience: As a hike-in camp, Devore Trail Camp offers a genuine backcountry feel, providing a peaceful escape from urban noise and crowds.
• Reliable Water Source: The presence of a perennial, flowing creek nearby is a major highlight, providing a consistent water supply for campers (after proper treatment).
• Shaded Environment: The abundant tree cover ensures ample shade throughout the camp, contributing to a cooler and more comfortable experience.
• Basic Camping Amenities: Equipped with fire rings and benches, the campsites offer essential comforts for a rustic camping experience.
• Located on OHV Trail: Its location on the Rincon-Shortcut OHV Trail provides access for off-highway vehicles and mountain bikers, alongside hikers and equestrians, offering diverse recreational opportunities.
• Proximity to Hiking Trails: The camp serves as an excellent base for exploring the extensive network of hiking trails within the Angeles National Forest, including sections of the Gabrielino Trail.
• Post-Wildfire Resilience: Like many areas in the Angeles National Forest, Devore Trail Camp has been subject to wildfire activity (such as the Bobcat Fire). Its continued operation and positive reviews highlight the resilience of these natural spaces and the efforts to restore them.

Contact Information

Address: Rincon-Shortcut OHV Trail, Azusa, CA 91702, USA

For general inquiries regarding the Angeles National Forest and specific conditions at Devore Trail Camp, it is best to contact the local Ranger District or the Angeles National Forest's main office. While a specific phone number for Devore Trail Camp itself is not directly provided in the given information, contact for the Angeles National Forest can typically be found on the U.S. Forest Service website. For instance, the San Gabriel Mountains National Monument Office can be reached at (626) 335-1251.

Conclusion: Why Devore Trail Camp is Suitable for Locals

For Californians, especially those residing in the sprawling Greater Los Angeles area, Devore Trail Camp offers an invaluable opportunity for an accessible yet genuinely immersive wilderness experience. Its designation as a hike-in or ride-in camp means it naturally filters out casual visitors, preserving a sense of tranquility and seclusion that is increasingly rare in popular recreational areas.

The camp's fundamental amenities—fire rings, benches, and crucially, a reliable, year-round flowing creek—provide the basic comforts needed for a rewarding primitive camping trip. The ample shade is a major draw, offering a cool respite during warm Southern California days and contributing to a more comfortable and enjoyable stay. For locals, this means less concern about extreme heat and more focus on relaxation and outdoor activities.

Devore Trail Camp serves as an excellent base for exploring the vast Angeles National Forest. Its location on the Rincon-Shortcut OHV Trail, combined with proximity to major hiking routes like the Gabrielino Trail, opens up a myriad of opportunities for outdoor pursuits, whether it's an invigorating mountain bike ride, a peaceful horseback trek, or a challenging hike. This accessibility to extensive trail networks right in their backyard allows Californians to regularly engage with nature, fostering a healthy and active lifestyle.

Choosing Devore Trail Camp means embracing a truly authentic backcountry adventure without having to travel across the state. It allows locals to disconnect from urban pressures, breathe fresh mountain air, and reconnect with the natural beauty that defines California's wild spaces. It's a testament to the fact that even near a major metropolitan area, profound wilderness experiences are within reach, offering a vital escape for rejuvenation and exploration.

Devore Trail Camp

Rincon-Shortcut OHV Trail, Azusa, CA 91702, USA