Kelly Camp

For Californians seeking an authentic alpine adventure without venturing too far from metropolitan areas, Kelly Camp in Mt Baldy, CA, stands as an exceptional destination. Nestled high in the majestic San Gabriel Mountains, this trail camp offers a unique blend of challenging hikes and rewarding solitude, making it a favorite among experienced backpackers and a strategic rest stop for those aiming for the iconic Mount San Antonio (Mount Baldy) summit. It’s a place where the air is crisp, the views are expansive, and the sense of accomplishment is deeply felt, appealing to those who appreciate the wilder side of Southern California’s natural beauty.

Kelly Camp isn't your typical drive-up campground; it's a backcountry gem, requiring a significant hike to access. This very characteristic is what makes it so appealing to the adventurous spirit, ensuring a quieter, more immersive experience. For locals, it represents a readily accessible wilderness escape, a place to test endurance, reconnect with nature, and witness the stunning grandeur of our local mountain ranges. Whether you're planning an overnight backpacking trip or utilizing it as a mid-hike respite, Kelly Camp provides an essential and memorable part of the Mount Baldy experience.

The San Gabriel Mountains, a prominent feature of the Southern California landscape, offer a diverse range of ecosystems, from chaparral-covered foothills to high-alpine forests. Kelly Camp is situated within this breathtaking environment, providing a true mountain wilderness feel while remaining surprisingly close to millions of residents. It's a testament to the diverse outdoor opportunities available right in our own backyard.

Kelly Camp is strategically located in Mt Baldy, CA 91759, USA, high within the San Gabriel Mountains. Mt Baldy Village itself is a mountain community and a popular gateway to the higher elevations of Mount San Antonio (Mount Baldy). For Californians, especially those residing in the Greater Los Angeles Area, Orange County, and the Inland Empire, accessing the trailhead for Kelly Camp is relatively straightforward.

The most common approach to Kelly Camp involves hiking from the Manker Flats trailhead, typically via the Baldy Bowl Trail (also known as the Ski Hut Trail) or the Devil's Backbone Trail, which connects from the Baldy Notch. It is crucial to understand that Kelly Camp is a "trail camp," meaning there is no direct vehicular access to the campsites. Visitors must hike in, making it a destination for backpackers and well-prepared day hikers.

The hike to Kelly Camp is described by users as "a tough one but also a rewarding one." The elevation gain and rocky terrain require good physical conditioning and appropriate gear. While the distance to the camp can vary slightly depending on the exact starting point and trail chosen, it typically involves a significant uphill trek. However, the reward is a pristine alpine setting that feels wonderfully remote despite its proximity to a major metropolitan area. This accessibility to a genuine backcountry experience makes Kelly Camp a highly valued resource for local outdoor enthusiasts. Users often mention the hike being manageable to reach the camp, allowing for a strategic break before continuing to the summit of Mt. Baldy.

As a wilderness trail camp, Kelly Camp operates on a minimalist principle, offering very basic services to maintain its natural integrity and cater to self-sufficient backpackers. Visitors should be prepared for a rustic experience, bringing in all necessary supplies and adhering to "leave no trace" principles.

• Undeveloped Campsites: Kelly Camp provides a "huge open flat area with many spots to set up" tents. These are not designated, numbered campsites with amenities but rather natural clearings where campers can pitch their tents. There are no picnic tables, fire rings, or other typical campground furniture.
• Shaded Areas: As noted by reviews, "The places are mostly under the shadow," providing a nice respite from the sun, especially beneficial during rest breaks or in warmer weather.
• No Potable Water: It is explicitly mentioned by users that there might not be a reliable water source directly at the camp. One reviewer stated, "Just wonder what’s the water source. Maybe you need to fill in the water around the Icehouse Saddle." This strongly suggests that campers must carry in all their water or be prepared to filter and treat water from natural sources, if available, at higher or lower elevations (e.g., Icehouse Saddle, which is another common trailhead/juncture point in the area, often has water sources like spigots or streams, but these can be seasonal).
• No Restroom Facilities: Modern restroom facilities are not available. Campers are expected to practice proper wilderness sanitation, including burying human waste at least 6-8 inches deep and 200 feet away from water sources, trails, and campsites.
• No Trash Services: There are no trash bins or disposal services at Kelly Camp. All trash, including food scraps, must be packed out by campers, leaving absolutely no trace of their visit.

The emphasis at Kelly Camp is on self-reliance and environmental preservation. Its limited services are a feature, not a bug, attracting those who seek a genuine, unadulterated wilderness experience.

Kelly Camp, while simple in its amenities, offers an array of compelling features and highlights that make it a highly desirable destination for adventurous Californians.

• Strategic Alpine Location: Nestled high on the slopes of Mount Baldy, Kelly Camp serves as an ideal "break spot for day hikers" and a perfect "trail camp for backpacking." Its location allows hikers to drop heavier packs, set up camp, and then continue their ascent to the Mt. Baldy summit (an additional 1.8 miles, as noted by a reviewer) with less weight, significantly enhancing the summit experience.
• Spacious & Flat Campsites: Reviewers consistently highlight the "very flat and big place for camping," with "many spots to set up." This provides ample space for tents and allows campers to spread out, fostering a sense of privacy even with other groups present.
• Natural Shade: The presence of trees providing "mostly under the shadow" spots is a significant advantage, particularly in the warmer months. This offers a cool respite during the day and can make for more comfortable camping conditions.
• Rewarding Hike: While the "hike to get here is a tough one," it is universally described as "rewarding." The challenging ascent builds anticipation, and the sense of accomplishment upon reaching the camp, coupled with the stunning alpine scenery, makes the effort worthwhile.
• Gateway to Mt. Baldy Summit: For peak baggers, Kelly Camp is an invaluable stepping stone. Its proximity to the summit allows for an early start on summit day, or a less strenuous final push after a night's rest.
• Tranquil Wilderness Experience: Away from the noise and crowds of lower elevations, Kelly Camp offers profound solitude and peace. The sounds of nature prevail, providing a true escape and an opportunity for deep reflection.
• Stargazing Opportunities: High in the mountains and away from urban light pollution, the night skies above Kelly Camp are often spectacularly clear, offering incredible opportunities for stargazing.

These features collectively make Kelly Camp an essential and beloved destination for local Californians seeking a challenging yet deeply rewarding alpine adventure in their backyard.

For detailed and up-to-date information regarding Kelly Camp, including current trail conditions, permit requirements (if any), and regulations within the San Gabriel Mountains and Angeles National Forest, it is always best to contact the managing authority.

Address: Mt Baldy, CA 91759, USA

As Kelly Camp is a wilderness trail camp within the Angeles National Forest, the primary point of contact for information would be the United States Forest Service, specifically the local ranger district office responsible for the Mt. Baldy area. While a direct phone number for Kelly Camp itself is not applicable due to its nature as an undeveloped site, the general phone number for the Angeles National Forest or the specific Mt. Baldy Ranger Station would be the most relevant. A quick online search for "Angeles National Forest Mt. Baldy Ranger Station contact" will usually provide the most current phone number and office hours.

Additionally, consulting the official Angeles National Forest website and reputable hiking websites or forums dedicated to the San Gabriel Mountains is highly recommended. These resources often provide crucial information on trail closures, fire restrictions, water availability (which is a significant concern for Kelly Camp), and "Leave No Trace" principles vital for wilderness camping in this region.

For Californians, Kelly Camp in Mt Baldy is more than just a place to pitch a tent; it's an essential part of the Southern California hiking and backpacking experience, offering a rigorous yet incredibly rewarding escape into the high country. Its suitability for locals stems from its unique combination of challenging accessibility and profound natural beauty, all within a reasonable drive from the sprawling metropolitan areas.

The fact that it requires a "tough but also a rewarding" hike to reach makes it particularly appealing to those seeking a true wilderness adventure without venturing thousands of miles. This inherent barrier to entry ensures a less crowded, more authentic alpine experience, a precious commodity in a highly populated state. For many, Kelly Camp serves as the perfect mid-point for an assault on Mount Baldy's summit, allowing hikers to lighten their load, rest, and then continue their ascent, making the formidable peak more attainable and enjoyable.

The camp's "huge open flat area with many spots to set up" under natural shade is a significant comfort after a strenuous hike. While the lack of potable water and conventional restrooms demands self-sufficiency and careful planning—requiring campers to carry all their water or filter from potentially distant sources like Icehouse Saddle—this also fosters a deeper connection to the principles of responsible wilderness stewardship.

Ultimately, Kelly Camp offers Californians an accessible yet truly wild backcountry experience. It provides the perfect setting for physical challenge, mental rejuvenation, and an unparalleled opportunity to witness the raw, majestic beauty of the San Gabriel Mountains. For those looking to push their limits, enjoy spectacular stargazing, and find solitude amidst towering peaks, Kelly Camp is an indispensable local treasure, inviting repeated visits for years of memorable adventures.

Kelly Camp

Mt Baldy, CA 91759, USA