Jackstraw Campground

For Californians yearning to disconnect from the everyday and immerse themselves in a truly wild setting, Jackstraw Campground offers an authentic backcountry experience within the majestic San Gorgonio Wilderness. Unlike drive-up campgrounds, Jackstraw is a primitive wilderness camp, requiring a hike in, which adds to its allure for those seeking solitude and a genuine connection with nature. It's a destination that promises rugged beauty, serene tranquility, and a refreshing escape for backpackers and seasoned hikers looking for their next adventure in Southern California's stunning mountain landscapes.

Jackstraw Campground is not about amenities; it's about the immersive experience of being deep within a protected wilderness area. It’s a testament to the diverse camping opportunities available within California, catering specifically to those who appreciate the challenge and reward of self-reliant outdoor exploration. If you're prepared to carry your gear and embrace the simplicity of wilderness living, Jackstraw provides an unforgettable backdrop for your next outdoor pursuit.

Jackstraw Campground is nestled within the expansive San Gorgonio Wilderness in the San Bernardino National Forest. Its address is identified as Forsee Creek Trail, Angelus Oaks, CA 92305, USA. This places it in a prime location for accessing some of the most beautiful and challenging trails in the Southern California mountains.

Accessibility to Jackstraw Campground is exclusively by foot or by horse, as it is a backcountry wilderness camp. There is no direct vehicle access to the campground itself. The primary way to reach Jackstraw is via the Forsee Creek Trail, which begins at the Forsee Creek Trailhead. This trailhead is located off a dirt road near Angelus Oaks. While the dirt road to the trailhead can be a bit rough in places, it is generally passable for most vehicles, though caution is advised.

From the Forsee Creek Trailhead, Jackstraw Campground is approximately a 4-mile hike with a significant elevation gain (around 2,000 feet) to an elevation of approximately 9,200 feet. This makes for a moderately strenuous to strenuous hike, requiring good physical conditioning and proper gear. Hikers should be prepared for changing weather conditions, even during warmer months, due to the elevation. The trail itself is largely shaded, offering a pleasant ascent through the forest. Visitors should be aware that a wilderness permit is required for overnight stays in the San Gorgonio Wilderness, and these permits are often quota-based and must be obtained in advance.

As a primitive wilderness camp, Jackstraw Campground offers very basic services, focusing on minimal impact and self-sufficiency. Campers must be fully prepared to bring everything they need and pack out everything they bring in.

• Undeveloped Camping Areas: Jackstraw provides designated, but undeveloped, areas for pitching tents. These are typically clearings or flat spots among the trees, offering a rustic and private camping experience without defined sites, picnic tables, or fire rings (unless pre-existing rings are present, and fire restrictions allow use).

• Intermittent Water Source: The name "Jackstraw" often refers to an intermittent spring or water source nearby. While water may be available, especially during wetter seasons or after snowmelt, its reliability can vary significantly. All water from natural sources MUST be filtered or treated before consumption. It is always advisable to carry sufficient water for your needs or have a reliable backup plan.

• No Restroom Facilities: There are no developed toilets or vault toilets at Jackstraw Campground. Campers are required to practice proper wilderness sanitation, including digging a cathole at least 200 feet from water sources, trails, and campsites, and packing out all toilet paper and hygiene products.

• No Trash Services: "Pack it in, pack it out" is the rule. All trash, food waste, and anything else brought into the wilderness must be carried out by the camper.

• No Camp Host or Staff: There is no on-site personnel at Jackstraw Campground. Campers are responsible for their own safety, navigation, and adherence to wilderness regulations.

• Permit Requirements: A wilderness permit is mandatory for all overnight stays in the San Gorgonio Wilderness. These are typically quota-based and should be secured well in advance of your trip. Day-use permits may also be required for hiking in the area.

• Bear Canisters/Food Storage: Depending on specific regulations and wildlife activity in the San Gorgonio Wilderness, bear-resistant food containers or proper food hanging techniques may be required or highly recommended to protect food from bears and other wildlife.

Despite its primitive nature, Jackstraw Campground offers several compelling features that draw outdoor enthusiasts:

• Authentic Wilderness Experience: This is a true backcountry camp, offering unparalleled solitude and a profound sense of immersion in nature, far from roads and developed facilities. It's ideal for those seeking to truly disconnect.

• Gateway to High Peaks: Jackstraw serves as an excellent base camp for exploring higher elevations within the San Gorgonio Wilderness. From here, experienced hikers can access trails leading towards prominent peaks such as San Bernardino Peak, offering challenging routes and panoramic views.

• Stunning Forest Environment: The campground is set amidst a beautiful forest of pines and other conifers, providing ample shade and a classic mountain forest ambiance. The air is crisp, and the scenery is invigorating.

• Exceptional Stargazing: Far from urban light pollution, the night skies above Jackstraw Campground are incredibly dark, offering spectacular opportunities for stargazing and viewing the Milky Way.

• Wildlife Viewing Opportunities: Being deep within the wilderness, there's a higher chance of observing diverse wildlife in their natural habitat, contributing to a richer outdoor experience.

• Seasonal Spring: The presence of an intermittent natural spring (from which the camp likely takes its name) can be a useful feature for water resupply, though purification is always necessary, and its reliability should not be solely depended upon.

• Physical and Mental Challenge: The required hike-in and self-reliant nature of the camp offer a rewarding physical challenge and a mental reset, promoting resilience and a deeper appreciation for the effort involved in experiencing wild places.

For a backcountry wilderness camp like Jackstraw Campground, there isn't a direct phone number for the site itself, as it is unstaffed and primitive. All information, including permit requirements and current conditions, is managed by the U.S. Forest Service.

Address: Forsee Creek Trail, Angelus Oaks, CA 92305, USA (This address is for the trailhead access, not direct access to the campground).

For wilderness permits and up-to-date information:You will need to contact the appropriate Ranger District of the San Bernardino National Forest. The closest and most relevant office for the San Gorgonio Wilderness is typically the San Gorgonio Wilderness Association (SGWA) or the supervisor's office of the San Bernardino National Forest.

Permits for the San Gorgonio Wilderness are often managed through an online reservation system (e.g., Recreation.gov) or by direct contact with the local ranger station. It is crucial to obtain your permit well in advance, especially for popular seasons or holidays, as there are quotas on overnight stays.

General U.S. Forest Service information for the San Bernardino National Forest can be found on their official website (www.fs.usda.gov/sbnf). Here you can find contact numbers for ranger stations, current conditions, fire restrictions, and permit information. Always check official sources immediately prior to your trip for the most current advisories.

For Californians, Jackstraw Campground, representing a true wilderness backcountry experience, is exceptionally suitable for those seeking a profound escape into nature right within their home state.

Firstly, its location within the San Gorgonio Wilderness, a relatively accessible mountain range from Southern California's major population centers, means that a deep wilderness immersion is achievable without requiring extensive travel. While a hike-in is required, the trailhead is within a reasonable drive, making a substantial overnight or multi-day backpacking trip feasible for a weekend. This accessibility allows locals to truly disconnect and recharge in a wild setting with minimal logistical overhead.

Secondly, for the many Californians who are passionate about hiking, backpacking, and self-reliant outdoor recreation, Jackstraw offers the quintessential experience. It demands preparedness, navigation skills, and adherence to Leave No Trace principles, fostering a deeper connection to the natural environment and promoting personal growth through challenge. It’s a chance to fully embrace the rugged beauty and solitude that California's protected wilderness areas offer, often a stark contrast to the busy urban lives of many residents.

Finally, in a state where natural spaces can sometimes feel crowded, Jackstraw's primitive nature and the required effort to reach it act as natural filters, ensuring a more solitary and pristine experience. It allows locals to experience truly dark skies for stargazing, listen to the untouched sounds of the forest, and witness wildlife in an undisturbed habitat. For those seeking genuine peace, a physical challenge, and an unadulterated appreciation for California’s vast and wild landscapes, Jackstraw Campground stands as an ideal and rewarding local destination.

Jackstraw Campground

Forsee Creek Trail, Angelus Oaks, CA 92305, USA