About COULTER GROUP CAMPGROUND
Overview At Coulter Group Campground groups can relax and enjoy the experience of being outdoors without traveling far from the greater Los Angeles metropolitan area. The Angeles Crest Highway, a scenic byway that meanders through oak thickets, chaparral, high desert landscapes and pine tree forests is located nearby.Recreation Visitors can explore the Silver Moccasin Trail, open to hiking, horseback riding and mountain biking. The 58-mile trail accesses the extensive Pacific Crest Trail, which stretches from Mexico to Canada.Facilities The campground has four group picnic tables, a vault toilet, stoves, and a group campfire ring with benches. The maximum RV length is 40 feet. Natural Features The campground sits at an elevation of 5,300 feet, less than a mile from the San Gabriel Wilderness. Over 36,000 acres within the Angeles National Forest are designated as the San Gabriel Wilderness Area and have been set aside to preserve their wilderness character. The area encompasses some extremely rugged terrain, ranging in elevation from 1,600 to 8,200 feet. The lower elevations are covered with dense chaparral which rapidly changes to pine and fir-covered slopes and majestic peaks with glimpses of wildflowers and a variety of wildlife as you enter the upper elevations. Nearby Attractions Visit the Chilao Visitor Center, just 1.5 miles east of the campground. The center provides exhibits and interesting information about the region and excellent bird watching opportunities. Visitors can learn about the 10 species of woodpeckers in the area.Charges & Cancellations Booking Window For most locations, you can reserve 12 months in advance for group sites. There are some exceptions, so it is best to check with each facility. Change and Cancellation Policies and Fees Camping: A $10.00 service fee will apply if you change or cancel your reservation. The $10.00 service fee will be deducted from the refund amount. You can cancel or change reservations through Recreation.gov or by
How to Get There
From La Canada, CA, at the intersection of I-210 and Angeles Crest Highway (State Rt. 2): Take Rt. 2 east for 25.6 miles to the Chilao Overnight campground sign. Turn left at the sign and go 0.1 miles to a "Y" intersection. Bear left at the "Y" into the Little Pines Loop. Proceed to campsite 18 and turn right on the road blocked by the white gate that goes to Coulter Group Campground. Use the combination you obtained when confirming your reservation to open the gate.
Driving directions (Google Maps) →What to Pack for Your Stay
Tuned to the live forecast for this park.
👔 What to Wear
- 👕
Long-sleeve shirt
Synthetic or merino, sun-protective.
- 🧥
Light shell or windbreaker
Even on warm days, wind can chill (avg wind 0 mph).
- 👖
Hiking pants or convertible
Layer for variable conditions.
- 🥾
Trail runners or low boots
Comfortable, broken in.
🎒 What to Pack
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Water
Bring at least 1L of water; more in heat.
- 🍫
High-energy snacks
A snack for the trail.
- 🧴
Sun protection
Sunscreen, sunglasses, brimmed hat.
- 🩹
First-aid kit
Blister patches, ibuprofen, tape, antiseptic wipes.
- 🗺
Offline map
Download your route in advance via Gaia, Caltopo, or OSM-based apps.
Recommendations adapt to the current forecast + trail stats. Use them as a starting point — local conditions, your experience, and the time of day you start all matter.
Plan Your Visit to COULTER GROUP CAMPGROUND
Heading to COULTER GROUP CAMPGROUND? A few things to know before you go:
- Reservations: popular sites fill up fast — check Recreation.gov 6 months in advance
- Fees: day-use and camping fees vary; check current rates on the official park page
- Trash & pack-out: follow Leave No Trace principles
- Wildlife: store food in bear boxes where provided; never feed wildlife
- Weather: the 5-day forecast above is updated every 6 hours; verify just before you go
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a reservation for COULTER GROUP CAMPGROUND?
No central reservation system listed for COULTER GROUP CAMPGROUND. Check the official page (https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/234554) for the latest entry policy and availability.
How do I get to COULTER GROUP CAMPGROUND?
From La Canada, CA, at the intersection of I-210 and Angeles Crest Highway (State Rt. 2): Take Rt. 2 east for 25.6 miles to the Chilao Overnight campground sign. Turn left at the sign and go 0.1 miles to a "Y" intersection. Bear left at the "Y" into the Little Pines Loop. Proceed to campsite 18 and turn right on the road blocked by the white gate that goes to Coulter Group Campground. Use the comb…
How do I contact COULTER GROUP CAMPGROUND?
You can reach the park at phone: 661-269-2808 or email: jmsugden@fs.fed.us.
References & Official Resources