John's Meadow Camp

For Californians seeking a true escape into the heart of nature, John's Meadow Camp offers a quintessential wilderness backpacking experience. Nestled within the vast and stunning San Gorgonio Wilderness, this campground provides a serene and essential stopping point for hikers venturing into the high country. Unlike roadside campgrounds, John's Meadow Camp promises an immersive encounter with the pristine natural environment, where the sounds of the city fade away, replaced by the rustle of pines and the flow of a natural spring. It's a destination for those who appreciate earned solitude and the simple, profound beauty of the mountains.

John's Meadow Camp is more than just a place to pitch a tent; it's a strategic waypoint for many multi-day backpacking trips and a rewarding destination for an overnight excursion. Its designation as a wilderness campground means that permits are required, a system that helps preserve the delicate ecosystem and ensures a less crowded experience, allowing Californians to truly connect with the natural world around them. This camp embodies the spirit of self-sufficiency and respect for nature, making it an ideal choice for environmentally conscious adventurers from across the state looking to explore the rugged yet beautiful landscapes of the San Bernardino National Forest.

John's Meadow Camp is located at Johns Meadow Trail, Angelus Oaks, CA 92305, USA. However, it's crucial to understand that this is a wilderness camp, meaning it is not directly accessible by vehicle. Instead, reaching John's Meadow Camp requires a hike, primarily from the Forsee Trailhead.

The camp is approximately a 3-mile hike from the Forsee Trailhead, making it a manageable distance for many backpackers, including those new to overnight wilderness trips. The Forsee Trailhead itself is located near Barton Flats, off Highway 38, providing relatively straightforward road access from various parts of Southern California. The journey from the trailhead to John's Meadow Camp involves traversing picturesque forest terrain, offering glimpses of the surrounding mountains. Furthermore, John's Meadow Camp serves as a crucial junction point, approximately 2 miles from other trails and Columbine Springs Campground, making it a central hub for further exploration within the wilderness area. This strategic location, combined with its accessibility via a well-defined trail, makes John's Meadow Camp an appealing and achievable wilderness destination for Californians eager to experience the backcountry. Parking at the Forsee Trailhead requires an Adventure Pass or an Interagency Pass, which can be obtained at ranger stations in the area or online. It's also worth noting that the dirt road leading to the Forsee Trailhead, while generally passable, can be rough and rocky, so a vehicle with decent clearance is advisable.

As a wilderness campground, John's Meadow Camp offers fundamental services that cater to the needs of backpackers while maintaining a minimalist approach to preserve the natural environment. These services are inherent to its designation and contribute to an authentic outdoor experience.

• Multiple Campsites: The camp provides "multiple campsites," indicating ample space for tents and ensuring that even during busier periods, there are designated areas for overnight stays. These are typically primitive sites, allowing campers to choose their spot within the general campground vicinity.
• Abundant Water Source: A critical amenity in the wilderness, John's Meadow boasts "abundant water." This reliable water source is a significant relief for backpackers, reducing the need to carry large quantities of water and allowing for resupply. While the water is abundant, it should always be filtered or treated before consumption to ensure safety.
• Wilderness Permit Requirement: While not a service in the traditional sense, the requirement for "permits for overnight" stays is a crucial aspect of using this camp. These free permits, managed by the San Gorgonio Wilderness Association in conjunction with the Forest Service, help regulate visitor numbers, minimize environmental impact, and ensure a more pristine experience for all. Obtaining a permit in advance is essential for planning your trip.
• Strategic Trail Junction: The camp's location near a "junction for other trail and Columbine Springs campground" serves as an important navigational and planning aid for hikers. It provides options for onward journeys or alternative routes, enhancing the overall utility of the camp for extended backpacking trips.
• Natural Shelter: While not explicitly stated in reviews, wilderness camps often benefit from natural features like trees or rock formations that provide some level of shade or wind protection, contributing to the comfort of the campsites.
• Opportunity for Solitude: By requiring a hike-in, the camp inherently offers a level of solitude and quiet that is often absent from drive-up campgrounds, allowing for a more profound connection with nature.

John's Meadow Camp offers several compelling features and highlights that make it a desirable destination for wilderness enthusiasts in California:

• Reliable Water Source: The "abundant water" is a major highlight. In many parts of the California wilderness, reliable water can be scarce, especially in drier months. John's Meadow's consistent water supply makes it a highly sought-after and practical overnight stop for backpackers.
• Accessible Wilderness Experience: Located just "3 mile hike from Forsee trailhead," John's Meadow offers a relatively short and manageable entry point into a true wilderness area. This makes it ideal for those new to backpacking or families looking for a less arduous but still authentic backcountry experience.
• Multiple Campsites: The presence of "multiple campsites" means that even when other areas might feel crowded, there's a good chance to find a suitable spot to set up camp, contributing to a more relaxed experience.
• Connection to Other Trails: Its proximity to a "junction for other trail and Columbine Springs campground" signifies its role as a hub for more extensive exploration within the San Gorgonio Wilderness. This allows hikers to use John's Meadow as a base for day hikes to other points or as part of a longer loop.
• Genuine Wilderness Setting: The description "Wilderness campground" emphasizes that this is an undeveloped site, offering a raw and unadulterated natural experience, far from the amenities and noise of front-country camping.
• Good (but not spectacular) Views: While "the views are good but not spectacular," this indicates pleasant surroundings and an appreciation for the natural beauty of the area. It suggests a more forested, intimate setting rather than dramatic alpine vistas, which can be appealing for those seeking a tranquil retreat.
• Permit System for Preservation: The requirement for permits, while a logistical step, is a highlight in itself as it ensures the preservation of the wilderness character, limiting overuse and helping to maintain the pristine condition of the area.

Address: Johns Meadow Trail, Angelus Oaks, CA 92305, USA

Phone: (909) 382-2882

Mobile Phone: +1 909-382-2882

Please be aware that the phone number provided for John's Meadow Camp is not a direct line to the campsite itself, as it is a wilderness area with no direct on-site staff or facilities beyond what nature provides. This number belongs to the Mill Creek Ranger Station, which is part of the San Bernardino National Forest and oversees the San Gorgonio Wilderness.

For Californians planning a trip to John's Meadow Camp, it is essential to contact the Mill Creek Ranger Station (or the San Gorgonio Wilderness Association, which operates in partnership with the Forest Service) for vital information. This includes obtaining the mandatory wilderness permits for overnight stays, checking current trail conditions, understanding any fire restrictions, and getting updates on water availability along the trail. Always secure your wilderness permit well in advance, especially for popular weekends, as quotas are in place to protect the wilderness. Relying on this contact information for pre-trip planning will ensure a safe, legal, and enjoyable wilderness experience at John's Meadow Camp.

For Californians who cherish the outdoors and seek a genuine backcountry adventure, John's Meadow Camp is an exceptionally suitable destination. Its accessible 3-mile hike from the Forsee Trailhead makes it an ideal introduction to backpacking for those new to the activity, or a convenient and rewarding overnight trip for more experienced hikers. The primary draw for locals is the promise of "abundant water," a critical and often elusive resource in many parts of California's wilderness, simplifying logistical planning for multi-day excursions. This reliable water source, combined with "multiple campsites," ensures a more comfortable and less stressful experience compared to some drier, more crowded wilderness areas.

While the views are described as "good but not spectacular," this often implies a more intimate, forested setting, which can be a welcome change from the exposed, high-altitude peaks. It offers a tranquil environment perfect for unwinding and connecting with nature without the constant pressure of dramatic vistas. The requirement for wilderness permits, while a step in the planning process, ultimately benefits locals by preserving the pristine character of the area, preventing overcrowding, and ensuring a higher quality wilderness experience. John's Meadow Camp embodies the opportunity to disconnect from urban life, embrace self-sufficiency, and immerse oneself in the serene beauty of the San Gorgonio Wilderness – a truly Californian adventure awaiting those ready to lace up their boots and hit the trail.

John's Meadow Camp

Johns Meadow Trail, Angelus Oaks, CA 92305, USA