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Camping

Free Camping Collection

Established Camping

Gould Mesa Trail Campground

Gould Mesa Trail Campground, near Flintridge, California, is a fantastic spot for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle without straying too far from the city. This campground offers a unique blend of nature and accessibility, making it perfect for a quick getaway or an overnight adventure.

With a few tent sites scattered around, you'll find a bit of privacy while still being close to the action. Visitors rave about the nearby stream, which provides a refreshing water source—just remember to bring a filtration system. As one camper noted, “The stream is great. If you have a filter, there is no need to hike in water.”

For those who enjoy hiking, there’s a fantastic six-mile trail leading to two waterfalls just behind campsite one. It’s a great way to cool off after a day of exploring. The area is also popular with hikers and mountain bikers, so expect some friendly faces passing by, but it’s not overwhelming.

While the campground doesn’t have running water or many amenities, it does have fire rings for cozy campfires under the starry sky. Just be prepared for a more primitive experience, as some campers have mentioned the lack of facilities like toilets and showers. Still, the natural beauty and the chance to connect with nature make Gould Mesa a solid choice for your next camping trip.

Description

State Park

Angeles National Forest

Water is from a stream - come prepared with your own or have a way to filter/purify

5 Hike-in campsites- Picnic tables and campfire rings, vault toilets, trash receptacles, no piped water available. Seasonal stream water (treat before using). However, water flow may be low or non-existent due to reduced rainfall. Please bring enough water for cooking, cleaning, drinking, and extinguishing campfires.

Equestrian: Hitching Rail (52 linear feet).

Gould Mesa Trail Camp is a hike-in campground located 2 miles from Ventura Street on the Gabrielino Trail. Being only a few miles away La Canada-Flintridge, it offers a quick-respite for the weary hiker. Those choosing to start in Altadena near the Jet Propulsion Laboratories will walk through riparian groves along a tranquil steam surrounded by steep ridges. The trek to Gould Mesa Trail Camp is 5.1 miles round trip with 300 feet of elevation change.

Fee Info

You must have a CA campfire permit in order to build a fire.

Reservation Info

First come first serve

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Location

Gould Mesa Trail Campground is located in California

Detail location of campground

Directions

Location: Accessible by the Gabrielino National Recreation Trail. From Interstate 210 WEST in La Canada, take Windsor Ave. Turn right on Windsor to Ventura St. and park. Take the Gabrielino Trail 2 miles to the campground. OR from Interstate 210 exit at the Angeles Crest Highway (Hwy. 2) and head north about 2 miles. Park on the right before you enter the forest and hike the dirt road 1 mile past the power substation to the campground.

Coordinates

34.2220003 N
118.17800067 W

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Access

  • Drive-In
    Park next to your site
  • Walk-In
    Park in a lot, walk to your site.

Stay Connected

  • WiFi
    Unknown
  • Verizon
    Available
  • AT&T
    Available
  • T-Mobile
    Unknown

Site Types

  • Tent Sites

Features

For Campers

  • Trash
  • Phone Service
  • Pets
  • Fires

FREE established camping

Enjoy camping on government land. Limited or no services at this camping area.


PERMIT might be REQUIRED

We curate permit requirements across the US for our PRO members. Try PRO to see if Gould Mesa Trail Campground needs a permit.

Contact

General Info


Reviews

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5 Reviews

Reviewed Oct. 17, 2022

Great for an overnighter

Scoped it out a few weeks ago and thought it was an easy enough hike for a beginner (me) and his pal camp at. There were a dozen or so mountain bikers and about the same amount of hikers runners that venture by the campground throughout the day. Not enough to really ruin the experience, just enough to notice them there.

PROS:

* More quiet than in the city. You can hear cars driving off in the distance but still overall quiet.

* Close to LA. This is about a 15 minute drive then 30 minute hike from my house.

* The stream is great. If you have a filter there is no need to hike in water.

* Sites are spread out and not on top of each other like most other camp sites close to the city.

* It's FREE!!!!

CONS

* Lots of traffic. It's on a popular hiking trail so it's expected.

* Sometimes you get squatters. We had a lady who talked to herself and sometimes would yell.

Month of VisitOctober
  • Review photo of Gould Mesa Trail Campground by Jamie G., October 17, 2022
  • Review photo of Gould Mesa Trail Campground by Jamie G., October 17, 2022
  • Review photo of Gould Mesa Trail Campground by Jamie G., October 17, 2022
  • (4) View All
Reviewed Sep. 8, 2020

Amazing Hike

Go behind campsite one and you will find a 6 mile hike in and out to two different waterfalls. Really fun and refreshing, limited shade in hike, so a dip at the end is so nice!

  • Review photo of Gould Mesa Trail Campground by Luke V., September 8, 2020
  • Review photo of Gould Mesa Trail Campground by Luke V., September 8, 2020
  • Review photo of Gould Mesa Trail Campground by Luke V., September 8, 2020
  • (4) View All
Reviewed Jun. 24, 2019

Camping without leaving the city

It’s a nice little getaway without leaving the city, perfect for a one nighter or to backpack in with the kiddos. It’s around 2 miles to camp on a leveled surface with a few stream crossings. It’s known for squatters but didn’t encounter any unpleasant ones. Running stream at site so no need to bring a lot of water, just a filtration system and a jug. Pit toilets on site as well, bring your nose plugs and TP just in case. The trail continues past the campsite so you’ll get plenty of hikers throughout the day.

  • Review photo of Gould Mesa Trail Campground by Tony  C., June 24, 2019
  • Review photo of Gould Mesa Trail Campground by Tony  C., June 24, 2019
  • Review photo of Gould Mesa Trail Campground by Tony  C., June 24, 2019
  • (8) View All
Reviewed Aug. 17, 2018

JPL Approved

This is a nice hike-in campground with about ten sites available and a privy. Lots of hikers up here on the weekend ( and weekdays too). There's no running water but the creek is usually running so bring something to treat the water. The parking is available either at Oak Glen Park or further north on the streets...but check with the city on overnight street parking. Very beautiful now that the canyon vegetation has grown back in and there are plenty of trails in the area for miles of hiking. Lots of wildlife. Fire rings in camp sites but check for fire permits. Funny to see JPL scientists walking aroud up here with their ID badges hanging around their necks.

Reviewed Apr. 15, 2015

Primitive Backcountry near the City

This campground has pit toilets and no running water. If you are in LA and looking for the back-country feel without a long drive, this is just a 3 mile hike or ride up the canyon from Altadena.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Are fires allowed at Gould Mesa Trail Campground?

    Yes, according to campers on TheDyrt.com, fires are allowed at Gould Mesa Trail Campground, although make sure to check current fire restrictions in the area.

  • Does Gould Mesa Trail Campground have wifi?

    No, according to campers on TheDyrt.com, Gould Mesa Trail Campground does not have wifi.

  • Is there cell phone reception at Gould Mesa Trail Campground?

    According to campers on TheDyrt.com, Verizon signal is available, AT&T is available, and T-Mobile is unknown.