Meadow Group Campground

Greetings, fellow Californians! Are you planning a large group gathering, a family reunion, or a retreat with friends where the primary goal is to truly disconnect and enjoy the great outdoors together? Look no further than Meadow Group Campground, a dedicated group camping facility nestled within the beautiful Angeles National Forest near Palmdale. For those of us living in California, finding a spacious and secluded spot that can accommodate a sizable group can be a challenge, but Meadow Group Campground offers just that – a place to get away from it all and create lasting memories in a natural setting.

Meadow Group Campground is designed with large gatherings in mind, providing ample space for multiple tents and vehicles, ensuring your group has the room it needs to spread out and relax. This isn't a campground bustling with individual sites crammed together; rather, it's a dedicated area where your group can enjoy a more private and immersive experience. It's the perfect antidote to the fast-paced urban environment, offering a genuine opportunity to unplug, enjoy conversation around a campfire, and simply be present with your loved ones.

We understand that when planning an outdoor adventure for a big group, practical details, accessibility, and the overall atmosphere are crucial. This comprehensive overview will guide you through all the essential aspects of Meadow Group Campground. We’ll cover its location, including vital tips for navigation to ensure a smooth arrival. We’ll also detail the services available, highlighting what you can expect in terms of amenities. Furthermore, we’ll explore the key features that make this campground particularly suitable for groups seeking a quiet and secluded retreat. For your convenience, we’ll provide all necessary contact information to help you plan your memorable group camping trip. Prepare to discover why Meadow Group Campground is an excellent choice for Californians looking to facilitate a large, unplugged gathering in nature.

Meadow Group Campground is located in the Angeles National Forest, near Palmdale, California, with its address listed as Forest Service 3N21 Mt Hillyer Rd, Palmdale, CA 93550, USA. This placement within the Angeles National Forest means it offers a true mountain escape, feeling remote and secluded despite being relatively accessible from the greater Los Angeles area.

For local Californians, its proximity to cities like Palmdale and Glendale makes it a viable option for group trips without requiring an extremely long drive. However, accessibility to the campground comes with a crucial caveat that prospective visitors, especially those relying on GPS, must be aware of. According to past visitors, "BEWARE the google maps directions send you to a closed service road (Loomis Ranch Road) full of rock slides, fallen trees and cliffs. Once you turn onto the road, there is nowhere to turn around and no way to call for help. Instead, you should turn at the Chilao Campground entrance, which also saves you about 35 mins of driving. The directions google gives are VERY DANGEROUS."

Therefore, for reliable and safe access, campers should plan their route to turn at the Chilao Campground entrance (located off State Highway 2 between the Manzanita Loop of the Chilao Campground and the Chilao Ranger Station, approximately 26 miles north of the 210 Freeway in La Canada). Meadow Group Campground is located just south of the Manzanita Loop within Chilao Campground. It is also imperative to note that there is "absolutely no cell service out there until you are almost back in Glendale," meaning you cannot rely on a phone for navigation or emergencies once you're close to the campground. Visitors must call and get the gate code from the office during business hours (M-F until 4:30 PM) prior to arrival, as the gate is closed and requires a combination lock for entry.

Meadow Group Campground offers essential services tailored for group camping, focusing on providing a functional and comfortable outdoor experience for larger parties:

• Potable Water: The campground has access to running water, a significant convenience for drinking, cooking, and basic hygiene. This is a highly valued amenity for any campground, especially one catering to larger groups.
• Toilets: The campground features toilets. While some sources mention flush toilets, others refer to them more generally, implying a standard, maintained facility for waste. Reviewers emphasize the cleanliness of these facilities.
• Spacious Campsites: Meadow Group Campground is specifically designed with "nice big camp spaces" and "lots of space in each campsite," making it ideal for accommodating "big groups" and multiple tents and vehicles. This ample space allows groups to set up their own distinct areas within the site.
• Fire Rings/Grills: Campsites typically include fire rings, suitable for campfires and cooking. Some sources mention grills as well, providing a place for preparing meals over an open flame (always check for current fire restrictions before lighting fires).
• Picnic Tables: Each site is equipped with picnic tables, providing designated areas for dining and group gatherings.
• Gate Access with Combination Lock: The campground is secured by a gate with a combination lock, which adds to the sense of privacy and control over who enters. Visitors must obtain the code from the office during business hours prior to arrival.
• Large Parking Area: As a group campground, it is equipped with a large parking area, often with capacity for many vehicles per site (e.g., 6 cars for an 18-person site, or 25 cars per site for larger capacity sites), making it convenient for large gatherings.

Meadow Group Campground offers several key features and highlights that make it a suitable and attractive option for local Californians seeking a specific type of outdoor experience, particularly for groups:

• Ideal for Large Groups: Its primary highlight is its design and capacity for accommodating "big groups." This makes it perfect for family reunions, scout troops, school campouts, or any large gathering that requires ample space and dedicated facilities. Sites are noted as having "lots of space in each campsite."
• Opportunity to Unplug: A significant feature is the "absolutely no cell service" within the campground itself. For many, this is a highly desirable aspect, allowing for a complete digital detox and encouraging genuine connection with nature and fellow campers without the distractions of phones and internet.
• Secluded and Private Feel: Despite being a group campground, the generous spacing of sites and the gate access contribute to a sense of seclusion and privacy, making it a peaceful retreat. It's described as a "place to get away" from the hustle and bustle.
• Beautiful Scenery: Located within the Angeles National Forest, the campground is known for its "beautiful scenery," particularly at sunset. The natural surroundings, including rock formations and forest elements, provide a picturesque backdrop for outdoor activities.
• Running Water: The availability of running water is a major plus, as it provides convenience for cooking, cleaning, and personal hygiene, distinguishing it from more primitive campsites that lack this essential amenity.
• Proximity to Ranger Station: The campground is located "next to the rangers station," which can provide a sense of security and a resource for information or assistance during your stay.
• Hiking Opportunities (Nearby): While one review mentions "not much in the way of hiking trails" *directly within* the immediate group camp area, other sources indicate that there are "good hikes nearby" and access to "several trails for hiking, horseback riding, or biking in the expansive San Gabriel Wilderness." The Chilao Visitor Center, 1.5 miles east, offers exhibits and information about the area, including bird watching.
• Rock Climbing/Bouldering Opportunities: For the more adventurous, nearby areas like Horse Flats offer bouldering opportunities.
• Quiet Evenings (When Rules are Followed): The intent of the campground is for a quiet retreat; however, campers should be aware that the canyon can amplify sounds, so group dynamics will influence the overall noise level.

For inquiries and information about Meadow Group Campground, please use the following contact details:

Address: Forest Service 3N21 Mt Hillyer Rd, Palmdale, CA 93550, USA

Phone: (818) 899-1900

Mobile Phone: +1 818-899-1900

It is crucial for potential visitors to call the provided phone number during business hours (typically Monday-Friday until 4:30 PM) to obtain the necessary gate combination code prior to their arrival. Without this code, entry to the campground will not be possible. Additionally, due to the lack of cell service in the area, it's essential to have all necessary information, including the gate code and reliable directions (avoiding Loomis Ranch Road and instead aiming for the Chilao Campground entrance), printed or downloaded before departing for the campground. For reservations, utilize Recreation.gov, where sites can typically be reserved up to 12 months in advance, and check for specific site capacities and availability.

For Californians, Meadow Group Campground in the Angeles National Forest presents a highly suitable and often essential option for a specific type of outdoor escape: large group gatherings focused on genuine disconnection and shared experiences. Its primary advantage for locals is its dedicated group-oriented design, offering ample space and facilities that are difficult to find in more conventional campgrounds. This makes it perfect for family reunions, school trips, club outings, or any large assembly looking for a unified camping experience.

The campground's deliberate remoteness, characterized by the complete lack of cell service, is a significant draw for many Californians seeking a true digital detox. In our increasingly connected world, the opportunity to truly unplug and immerse oneself in nature, fostering face-to-face interactions and real-world activities, is invaluable. This enforced disconnection allows for deeper conversations, more engaged outdoor play, and a genuine "get away" feeling, even though it's relatively close to major urban centers like Los Angeles and Glendale.

Despite its rustic feel, the presence of running water and maintained toilets provides essential comforts, making the camping experience manageable and pleasant for a diverse range of campers. The large, spacious sites ensure that even big groups have enough room for privacy and individual activities within their designated area. The beautiful natural scenery and access to nearby hiking trails (via Chilao Campground entrance) offer opportunities for exploration and appreciation of the Angeles National Forest's unique landscape.

While the navigation warnings are crucial to heed, they underscore the campground's commitment to preserving its secluded atmosphere. For Californians willing to plan ahead and follow precise directions, Meadow Group Campground offers a unique and invaluable resource for creating memorable, unplugged, large-group outdoor adventures right in their own backyard.

Meadow Group Campground

Forest Service 3N21 Mt Hillyer Rd, Palmdale, CA 93550, USA