Angeles National Forest is home to Little Jimmy Trail Campground, a free, hike-in site sitting roughly 2 miles from Islip Saddle along the Angeles Crest Highway. The trailhead starts on the far side of the highway, climbing switchbacks through Coulter Pines and Big Douglas Firs before the camp appears on the right. Around seven first-come, first-served sites are spread across the area, each with fire rings, picnic tables, and bear lockers. Vintage backcountry ovens add an unusual touch you won't find at most drive-in campgrounds. The Pacific Crest Trail runs directly through the camp, which makes it a practical overnight stop for PCT hikers moving between Mount Baden-Powell, Mount Islip, and Mount Williamson.
Water is a notable draw. Little Jimmy Springs sits a short walk from the sites and, as Brian T. notes, has "year-round running water." Reviewers recommend filtering before drinking. Bears are active in the area during summer, so using the provided bear lockers is strongly advised. The surrounding trees provide some wind protection, though campers report gusts at night can still be noticeable.
Crowding varies. Scout troops have historically filled the camp on weekends, making it difficult to find a site during those periods. Outside of organized group visits, occupancy tends to stay low. Vault toilets are on-site but have received mixed reports on maintenance. An Adventure Pass is required for parking at Islip Saddle. Campers looking for a drive-in alternative nearby can consider Crystal Lake Rec Area Campground, located about 1.6 miles south and accessible by road.
Description
Currently NO toilet facilities at this site.
Just above Crystal Lake lies Little Jimmy trail camp...a backcountry campground nestled just 2 miles off the Angeles Crest Highway.
It features seven first-come, first-served sites with picnic tables, fire rings, vault/composting toilets, and vintage backcountry ovens.
Hike-in only (2.5 miles one-way). After parking your vehicle at Islip Saddle, cross the highway and begin hiking for 2.5 miles up the switchbacks until you reach Little Jimmy Campground on your right.
Popular with Boy Scout and Girl Scout troops, this scenic spot offers a chance to get away from established campgrounds and live amongst the Coulter Pines and Bigcone Douglas Firs.
Campers turned hikers have easy access to hop on the legendary Pacific Crest Trail which runs through the camp.
There is no fee to camp here other than an Adventure Pass for your parking. In the summertime, bears can be common visitors, so it please secure your food and scented items in bear-proof boxes provided or bring your own bear canisters. As always, make sure you follow the "Leave No Trace" principles and pack everything in and out!
Reservation Info
First-Come-First-Served
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsLittle Jimmy Trail Campground is located in California near Valyermo
Coordinates
34.34800064 N
117.83000028 W
Connectivity
T-Mobile5GExcellent Coverage
VerizonNo Coverage- AT&T5GExcellent Coverage
Connectivity
- T-Mobile5GExcellent Coverage
- VerizonNo Coverage
- AT&T5GExcellent Coverage
Access
- Hike-InBackcountry sites.
Site Types
- Tent Sites
Features
For Campers
- Picnic Table
- Phone Service
- Drinking Water
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- 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 Little Jimmy Trail Campground needs a permit.
Drive Time
- 1 hr 20 min from Los Angeles, CA
- 1 hr 59 min from Oxnard, CA
- 2 hrs 22 min from Bakersfield, CA
- 2 hrs 59 min from San Diego, CA
