Meadow Group Campground

For Californians, the vast and diverse landscapes of our state offer an endless array of opportunities for outdoor adventure. When it comes to planning a gathering with friends, a family reunion, or a class campout, finding a suitable location that accommodates larger groups can be a delightful challenge. That’s where places like Meadow Group Campground come into play. Nestled within the beautiful Angeles National Forest, this campground is specifically designed to host groups, providing the space and a basic framework for memorable collective experiences in nature.

Meadow Group Campground isn't your typical individual campsite; it's a dedicated space built for communal gatherings. From the perspective of local Californians, understanding its group-focused design is key to appreciating its value. It's a pragmatic choice for those who need ample room, multiple picnic tables, and several fire rings, making it easier to manage a larger number of people while still enjoying the rustic charm of forest camping. This campground provides a unique setting for fostering connections and creating shared memories amidst the stunning backdrop of the San Gabriel Mountains.

In this comprehensive guide, we'll delve into the specifics of Meadow Group Campground, outlining its precise location and accessibility, the essential services it provides, and the features that make it a notable choice for group outings. We aim to offer a clear, engaging, and factual description, emphasizing why this particular campground is ideally suited for local Californians looking to plan their next big outdoor gathering.

Meadow Group Campground is located in the Angeles National Forest, accessible from the general area of California 93550, USA. More specifically, it’s situated within the San Gabriel Mountains National Monument, at an elevation of approximately 5,300 feet. The campground is found amid Coulter pines and scrub oaks, offering a picturesque high-elevation setting that provides a refreshing escape from the warmer temperatures of lower elevations in Southern California.

The campground is relatively accessible by vehicle, featuring paved parking lots for both group areas. While specific road conditions weren't universally detailed, its inclusion as a reservable group site suggests standard forest road access. It's approximately 1.5 miles west of the Chilao Visitor Center, which serves as a helpful landmark and a source of information about the surrounding area. This proximity to a visitor center is a distinct advantage, allowing groups to easily access exhibits and learn more about the local environment and available activities.

For Californians, this location in the Angeles National Forest is a significant draw. It offers a convenient mountain escape that’s reachable within a few hours from many major metropolitan areas like Los Angeles. This makes it an ideal spot for weekend group trips, allowing for a substantial outdoor experience without requiring excessive travel time. However, it's important to note that cell service is generally not available in the area, encouraging a true disconnection from daily digital demands and a deeper immersion in nature.

• Group-Specific Sites: The campground features two dedicated group sites. Group Area 1 can accommodate up to 24 people, while Group Area 2 is significantly larger, designed for up to 80 people, offering flexibility for various group sizes.
• Vault Toilets: Shared vault toilets are available, providing basic restroom facilities for campers. These are generally located closer to Group Area 2.
• Trash Collection: Trash collection services are provided, helping to keep the campground clean and reducing environmental impact.
• Picnic Tables: Both group areas are equipped with multiple picnic tables (3 in Area 1, 10 in Area 2), offering ample space for group meals and gatherings.
• Fire Rings: Each group area includes several fire rings (3 in Area 1, 10 in Area 2), perfect for campfires, cooking, and communal warmth.
• Food Storage Lockers: To protect food from wildlife, particularly bears, food storage lockers are provided at both group sites.
• No Potable Water: It is crucial for visitors to note that there is no water available at the campground. Guests must bring their own sufficient supply of water for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.
• No Cell Service: As mentioned, cell service is typically unavailable in this area, promoting an unplugged experience.
• No Hookups: For RV users, there are no electrical, water, or sewer hookups available at the sites, reinforcing its rustic group camping nature. Maximum RV length is 30 feet.

• Ideal for Large Groups: Specifically designed to host larger gatherings, such as family reunions, youth group camps, or school outings, with ample space and shared amenities.
• Scenic High-Elevation Setting: Located at 5,300 feet amid Coulter pines and scrub oaks, offering cooler temperatures and a beautiful forest environment.
• Proximity to Chilao Visitor Center: Just 1.5 miles away, the visitor center offers educational exhibits, information about the area, campfire programs, and excellent bird watching opportunities, including ten species of woodpeckers.
• Access to Outdoor Recreation: The surrounding Angeles National Forest provides abundant opportunities for hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, and wildlife viewing. The San Gabriel Wilderness is also nearby, allowing for more extensive backcountry exploration.
• Wildlife Viewing: The area is known for bird watching, with squirrels also frequently spotted along nature trails.
• Bear Awareness: The presence of food storage lockers highlights the need for bear awareness, adding to the authentic wilderness experience.
• Paved Parking Lots: Provides convenient parking for multiple vehicles within the group areas.
• Quiet Hours: Strict quiet hours from 10:00 pm to 6:00 am ensure a peaceful experience for all campers.

Address: California 93550, USA (within Angeles National Forest)

For reservations, please call Toll Free 1-877-444-6777 or reserve online at www.recreation.gov. While no direct phone number for the campground itself is publicly listed, the reservation line is the primary contact for booking and inquiries.

For Californians, Meadow Group Campground in the Angeles National Forest stands out as an exceptionally suitable choice for those planning group-oriented outdoor experiences. Its design and location directly address the common challenge of finding adequate space and amenities to comfortably host a larger gathering, whether it's a multi-family camping trip, a scout troop expedition, or a school field trip. Unlike individual campsites, Meadow Group Campground provides dedicated areas specifically configured with multiple picnic tables, fire rings, and spacious grounds, making logistical planning for groups significantly easier.

The campground’s high-elevation setting at 5,300 feet is a major draw, particularly during warmer months. It offers a refreshing escape from the heat of lower-lying areas, providing cooler temperatures and the invigorating scent of pine and oak. This makes it an ideal spot for locals seeking a respite from urban environments while still remaining within a reasonable driving distance from major Southern California cities.

Furthermore, its location within the Angeles National Forest means unparalleled access to a wealth of outdoor activities. Hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding opportunities abound, allowing groups to tailor their outdoor adventures to various skill levels and interests. The proximity to the Chilao Visitor Center adds an educational component, offering exhibits and bird-watching opportunities that can enrich the experience for all ages. For Californians who value active recreation and learning about their local ecosystems, Meadow Group Campground serves as an excellent base camp.

While the absence of potable water and cell service means groups must come prepared, these factors also contribute to a more authentic and "unplugged" wilderness experience. This encourages greater interaction within the group and a deeper appreciation for the natural surroundings, a valuable commodity in our increasingly connected world. The presence of food storage lockers is a practical reminder of being in bear country, fostering responsible outdoor habits among campers.

In essence, Meadow Group Campground is more than just a place to pitch tents; it's a functional and scenic venue for building community and making lasting memories in California's beautiful Angeles National Forest. It's a prime destination for local groups seeking a rustic yet accommodating setting for their next collective outdoor adventure.

Meadow Group Campground

California 93550, USA