Jackson Flat Group Campground

For Californians seeking an unforgettable group adventure amidst the serene beauty of the San Gabriel Mountains, Jackson Flat Group Campground in Wrightwood, CA, offers an exceptional setting. Situated at a refreshing elevation of 7,500 feet within the expansive Angeles National Forest, this campground is specifically designed to accommodate large gatherings, making it an ideal choice for family reunions, scout troops, or friends looking to experience the vibrant outdoors together. This comprehensive guide will take you through what makes Jackson Flat Group Campground a prime destination, covering its distinctive location, the essential services it provides, its notable features, and crucial contact information. Our aim is to provide a clear, engaging, and factual overview from a local's perspective, helping you plan your next memorable group escape into California's majestic mountain landscape.

Jackson Flat Group Campground is highly regarded for its unique "walk-in" tent-only setup, which ensures a peaceful atmosphere free from vehicular traffic at the campsites. Reviews consistently highlight the convenience of amenities like piped water, flush toilets, and ample space for group activities. Visitors appreciate the dedication of camp hosts, who ensure cleanliness and a welcoming environment. Beyond the campground's immediate offerings, its strategic location provides unparalleled access to a wealth of recreational opportunities, from extensive hiking and biking trails to nearby visitor centers and scenic drives. It's a place where groups can truly connect with nature and each other, creating lasting memories under the clear, cool skies of the Angeles National Forest.

Jackson Flat Group Campground is located at 24414 Big Pines Hwy, Wrightwood, CA 92397, USA. This places it at an elevation of approximately 7,500 feet within the Angeles National Forest, offering a welcome escape from the heat of lower elevations, particularly during California's warm summer months. The campground is situated near the Grassy Hollow Visitor Center, which often hosts nature programs and activities, adding an educational dimension to your visit.

Accessibility to Jackson Flat is generally straightforward via well-maintained roads. It's a short drive northeast of the bustling Los Angeles metropolitan area, making it a convenient escape for many Southern California residents. The campground features a centrally-located parking area. A key aspect of Jackson Flat's design is that it is a "walk-in" tent-only campground. While campers may drive into the campsites only for "unloading/loading their gear," vehicles are not permitted to park directly at the campsites. This creates a peaceful, car-free environment at the tent areas. The walk from the parking lot to the campsites is approximately 200 to 600 feet, which is manageable but requires campers to be prepared to carry their equipment. Due to limited parking, carpooling is highly recommended, especially during peak season. Its location also offers easy access to nearby attractions like the Angeles Crest Highway and the charming ski resort town of Wrightwood, providing additional dining and recreational options within a short drive.

Jackson Flat Group Campground is specifically designed for group camping, offering a range of essential services and amenities that cater to larger parties, ensuring a comfortable and functional outdoor experience.

• Group Tent-Only Campsites: The campground features 5 large group tent areas, capable of accommodating a total of up to 180 persons. Sites 1, 2, and 3 have a maximum capacity of 40 people each, while Sites 4 and 5 accommodate up to 30 people. All sites are tent-only and accessed by a short walk from the parking area.
• Piped Water: Potable (drinking) water is available at each site or within easy access, with spigots conveniently located throughout the campground. This is a significant advantage, as it eliminates the need for campers to bring all their water supply.
• Flush Toilets: A major convenience, flush toilets are provided in multiple restroom buildings located throughout the campground, ensuring a more comfortable and hygienic experience compared to traditional vault or pit toilets. Reviews commend their cleanliness and consistent stocking.
• Picnic Tables: Each individual site within the group areas is equipped with multiple large picnic tables, some specifically for food preparation, providing ample space for group meals and activities.
• Campfire Rings and Grills: Every site includes a campfire circle with a grill, allowing for cooking over an open flame and traditional campfire gatherings.
• Bear-Proof Food Storage Lockers: Crucial for safety in the Angeles National Forest, bear-proof food storage lockers are provided at each site. This helps campers secure their food and deter local wildlife.
• Large Barbecue Grills: In addition to campfire rings, sites also feature large barbecue grills, ideal for preparing meals for a large group.
• Permanent Trash Cans: Each group site includes a permanent trash can for convenient waste disposal, contributing to the cleanliness of the campground.
• Central Gathering Areas: The campground boasts two large gathering areas, each with a central fire pit and nearby water spigot, perfect for communal activities and large group interaction.
• Camp Host On-Site: A dedicated camp host is usually on-site, providing assistance, ensuring facilities are clean, and helping to maintain a positive environment.
• Reservation System: All sites at Jackson Flat Group Campground are reservable, allowing groups to plan their trips up to 6 months in advance.

Jackson Flat Group Campground offers a variety of features and highlights that contribute to its popularity as a premier group camping destination in Southern California:

• High-Altitude Escape: Situated at 7,500 feet, the campground provides a refreshing, cooler climate during the summer months, offering a welcome respite from the heat of lower elevations. The natural features include groves of pine and fir trees, providing ample shade.
• Walk-In Tent Camping: The unique walk-in, tent-only setup creates a quiet, car-free camping environment, enhancing the sense of immersion in nature and making it safer for children to play freely.
• Direct Trail Access: The campground serves as a trailhead with a few short nature trails looping within the grounds. More significantly, a spur trail connects directly to the Pacific Crest National Scenic Trail (PCT), offering unparalleled hiking opportunities for all skill levels.
• Proximity to Grassy Hollow Visitor Center: Being adjacent to the Grassy Hollow Visitor Center means easy access to interpretive programs, nature activities, and additional information about the Angeles National Forest.
• Abundant Recreational Opportunities Nearby: The broader Angeles National Forest boasts over 500 miles of hiking and equestrian trails (riding permitted on all but nature trails). Nearby lakes like Crystal Lake, Elizabeth Lake, and Pyramid Lake offer boating, kayaking, and fishing. Off-roading opportunities are also extensive in the area.
• Observation Deck: A unique feature within the campground is an observation deck, providing scenic views of the surrounding forest and mountains.
• Family-Friendly Environment: With spacious sites, ample areas for games like badminton and cornhole, and the absence of constant car traffic, the campground is often praised as a safe and enjoyable place for families with children.
• Dedicated Group Amenities: The provision of multiple long picnic tables, large BBQ grills, and central group fire rings caters specifically to the needs of large gatherings, making group meals and activities seamless.
• Well-Maintained Facilities: Reviews consistently commend the cleanliness of the flush toilets and the overall upkeep of the campground, often attributing this to dedicated camp hosts.

For reservations, inquiries, or more information about Jackson Flat Group Campground, you can typically contact the managing authority, the Angeles National Forest, or the concessionaire that operates the campground.

Address: 24414 Big Pines Hwy, Wrightwood, CA 92397, USA

For general inquiries about the Angeles National Forest or the specific campground, you can use the provided phone numbers:

Phone: (626) 574-1613 (This is a general Angeles National Forest contact number)

Mobile Phone: +1 626-574-1613 (Same as above)

Some sources also list a direct number for the campground operator/concessionaire, which might be more specific for on-site information or immediate needs: (760) 316-7828 or (760) 249-3526. It's always best to verify the most current contact method.

Reservations: Jackson Flat Group Campground is reservable. Reservations can be made up to 6 months in advance via Recreation.gov, the official platform for booking federal recreation sites. Searching for "Jackson Flats" or "Jackson Flat Group Campground" on Recreation.gov is the recommended method.

For Californians, Jackson Flat Group Campground stands out as an exceptional choice for group outdoor adventures in the Southern California mountains. Its strategic location in Wrightwood, within the Angeles National Forest, offers a relatively short and scenic drive from the sprawling Los Angeles metropolitan area, making it an accessible and refreshing escape for locals. This convenience allows groups to maximize their time enjoying nature rather than enduring long commutes.

What truly makes Jackson Flat suitable for Californians is its dedication to facilitating large group experiences. The spacious, tent-only, walk-in sites provide ample room for multiple families or organizations to gather, while ensuring a peaceful, car-free environment that is safe and enjoyable for children. The presence of modern amenities like piped water, flush toilets, and bear-proof lockers significantly elevates the comfort level, blending rustic charm with essential conveniences. Furthermore, the direct access to an extensive network of hiking and biking trails, including the iconic Pacific Crest Trail, and its proximity to the Grassy Hollow Visitor Center, offer endless opportunities for recreation and education. For local groups seeking a high-altitude, well-equipped, and conveniently located campground to foster connection and create lasting memories in the stunning San Gabriel Mountains, Jackson Flat Group Campground is an ideal and highly recommended destination.

Jackson Flat Group Campground

24414 Big Pines Hwy, Wrightwood, CA 92397, USA