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Little Jimmy Trail Campground

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Little Jimmy Trail Campground, near Glendora, California, is a fantastic spot for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life. This hike-in campground is tucked away in the Angeles National Forest, just a couple of miles off the Angeles Crest Highway, making it a perfect retreat for campers who appreciate a bit of adventure.

The campground features several first-come, first-served sites equipped with fire rings and picnic tables, ideal for cozy evenings under the stars. Visitors rave about the year-round running water from Little Jimmy Springs, which is a refreshing treat after a day of hiking. As one camper put it, “The site was really a welcomed sight,” especially after the uphill trek.

For outdoor enthusiasts, the Pacific Crest Trail runs right through the area, offering easy access to stunning hikes and breathtaking views. The surrounding forest is filled with Coulter Pines and Big Doug Firs, providing plenty of shade and a serene atmosphere. Just keep in mind that bears can be common visitors in the summer, so securing your food in the provided bear lockers is a must.

While some campers have mentioned that it can get crowded, especially during peak times, the natural beauty and peaceful vibe of Little Jimmy make it a worthwhile destination. Whether you're a seasoned backpacker or just looking for a weekend getaway, this campground has a lot to offer.

Description

National Forest

Angeles National Forest

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

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Location

Little Jimmy Trail Campground is located in California

Detail location of campground

Coordinates

34.34800064 N
117.83000028 W

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Access

  • Hike-In
    Backcountry sites.

Stay Connected

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

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.

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General Info


Reviews

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4.5

out of 5

7 Reviews

Reviewed Apr. 8, 2021

As others said, "Little Gem"

Fantastic in the snowy season.  Getting to Windy Gap usually requires spikes or crampons and axe, but it's well worth the effort.  There's also year-round running water at Little Jimmy Springs.  Right by PCT.  And also close to another Gem.  South Mt. Hawkins, but that one is unorganized, you'll have to search for a place for your bivy to lay if you set up there.

I've been to Jimmy multiple times in dirt, snow, and even a little rain.  It's not overly windy, because it's protected by a bunch of trees.  The peaks and saddles around it can get a little windy.

Month of VisitJanuary
  • Review photo of Little Jimmy Trail Campground by Brian T., April 8, 2021
  • Review photo of Little Jimmy Trail Campground by Brian T., April 8, 2021
Reviewed Sep. 20, 2020

Local gem of a campsite

This campsite is located in California and is one of my favorites. Located above Crystal Lake you’ll find Little Jimmy, it’s a backcountry hike-in only campground nestled just 2 miles off the Angeles Crest Highway. It has around 7 first-come, first-served sites with fire rings, vault toilets (which are currently not in service), and vintage backcountry ovens. After parking at Islip Saddle, cross the highway and begin hiking for 2 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 Big Doug 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 make sure and secure your food in provided bear boxes or bring your own bear canisters. As always, make sure you follow the "Leave No Trace" principles and pack everything in and out!

  • Review photo of Little Jimmy Trail Campground by Tony  C., September 20, 2020
  • Review photo of Little Jimmy Trail Campground by Tony  C., September 20, 2020
  • Review photo of Little Jimmy Trail Campground by Tony  C., September 20, 2020
  • (15) View All
Reviewed Sep. 4, 2020

Love this place!

My first backpacking trip was with my brother and husband and we went to little Jimmy campground. It was awesome!! The hike is less than 3 miles and the first mile is uphill. I did ok but I did take many breaks because I overloaded my backpack with unnecessary items. The hike is great though. Once you wind up at little Jimmy it was really a welcomed site. We looked around for a good site and found one quite secluded up a hill. The only problem was the wind at night. Good trees for a hammock too. The site is a short trail to the little Jimmy springs which was so tasty!!! I am yurning to go back. I can't wait!

Reviewed Sep. 2, 2019

Great hidden away spot

Fairly easy hike in (after the 1st mike at least!) went over Labor Day weekend when it was its “busiest” and was still not very packed. Campsite is very nice looking and has a great natural spring by that has water year round. Bear lockers and back country ovens. One of My favorite places.

  • Review photo of Little Jimmy Trail Campground by Ian C., September 2, 2019
  • Review photo of Little Jimmy Trail Campground by Ian C., September 2, 2019
Reviewed Jul. 30, 2018

nice backcountry campground

I hiked in while doing the Pacific crest trail from the south. great campground with bear lockers and many sites, also nearby spots along the pct. a short walk from little jimmy spring, where you can get water to filter. also a short hike from mount baden Powell, mount Williamson & mount islip.

Reviewed Jul. 7, 2018

Hike in campground along pct

2 ways up here. Hike in , via the PCT, an easy couple miles , to little jimmy campground. or hike up Little Jimmy road, which is a wider dirt road ( no vehicles)

Lots of sites ( I’ve never seen more than a couple occupied) now there are bear lockers - please use them! Has picnic tables. Many trails lead from here. Including a 1.2 mike haunt up to a little peak. ( Mt Islip)

Month of VisitJuly
  • Review photo of Little Jimmy Trail Campground by Jennifer D., July 7, 2018
  • Pct trail leading up. Hugs the side of the mountain. Plenty of trees!
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  • Review photo of Little Jimmy Trail Campground by Jennifer D., July 7, 2018
Reviewed May. 21, 2017

Crowded and not well maintained

When we got into the campsite, it was extremely crowded. There were about fifty or so Boy Scouts in the area for the weekend so finding a spot was really difficult. 

Overcrowding aside, the campsite looked like it hadn't been maintained in a while. The pit toilets were some of the worse we've ever used and the door was slightly busted from one of the Boy Scouts. 

On the positive side, this campsite is in a really great location if you're planning a one day trip up to Baden Powell. There's numerous hiking trails that run nearby the campsite, and at Little Jimmy there's a spring where you can collect fresh

Month of VisitMay
  • A look at how crowded the campsite was
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  • Review photo of Little Jimmy Trail Campground by Alexa S., May 21, 2017
  • Review photo of Little Jimmy Trail Campground by Alexa S., May 21, 2017

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Are fires allowed at Little Jimmy Trail Campground?

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