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Camper submitted image from Spruce Grove Trail Campground - OpenView 17 Photos
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Spruce Grove Trail Campground - Open

6 ReviewsAdd Review

Note: Spruce Grove Trail Campground is temporarily closed due to fire.

Angeles National Forest's Gabrielino Trail leads to Spruce Grove Trail Campground, a free, hike-in site tucked into Santa Anita Canyon above Sturtevant Falls. The camp sits alongside a creek that typically runs through the season, giving campers access to water that must be treated before drinking. No potable water is available on-site.

The camp holds roughly 8 to 10 sites, each with a picnic table and fire ring, spaced with enough room between them to accommodate a scout troop or small group. Shade is consistent. Reviewers note the sites can fill quickly on weekends, and arriving on a Friday does not guarantee a spot will be taken. One safety consideration worth knowing: the campground's proximity to the greater Los Angeles area means it draws a range of visitors, and solo travelers or pairs may want to plan accordingly. Sturtevant Camp sits a short distance up the trail and has served as an alternative when conditions at Spruce Grove are uncertain.

"Beyond the falls, the trail takes on a greater feeling of wilderness immersion," notes David F., describing the approach through Santa Anita Canyon. Toilets and trash service are listed among the amenities, though at least one reviewer mentions no bathroom was present during their visit. Check current conditions before heading out. Campers planning a multi-night route through the area can also browse campsites around Angeles National Forest for additional options along the way.

Fee Info

Adventure Pass/America the Beautiful Pass Required. California Campfire Permit Required.

Reservation Info

TO MAKE A CAMPFIRE: California Campfire Permit Required.

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Map & DirectionsSpruce Grove Trail Campground is located in California near Mount Wilson

Detail location of campground
Public Campground

Coordinates

34.22067403 N
118.03025 W

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Connectivity

  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile5G
    Good Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    VerizonLTE
    Some Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    AT&T5G
    Good Coverage

Connectivity

  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile5G
    Good Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    VerizonLTE
    Some Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    AT&T5G
    Good Coverage

Access

  • Hike-In
    Backcountry sites.

Site Types

  • Tent Sites
  • Group

Features

For Campers

  • Trash
  • Picnic Table
  • Toilets
  • Alcohol
  • Pets
  • Fires

FREE established camping

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

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Reviews6 Camper Reviews - Spruce Grove Trail Campground

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5 Stars

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1 Star

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17%

4.5

out of 5

6 Reviews

Many campers appreciated the peaceful, well-spaced sites with shade and creek access in this hike-in campground. Visitors often highlighted the basic amenities but noted the lack of restrooms and running water. Some safety concerns were raised about the remote location and potential for encountering concerning individuals.

Reviewed Nov. 29, 2025

scary experience

I took my friend backpacking on a Friday in August with the goal of camping at Spruce Grove camp that night. I read other reviews talking about how busy the campground can be over the weekend, so I was hoping we would still get a spot if we arrived Friday instead of Saturday. My friend and I were less than a mile away from the camp sites when it got dark and a guy started following us on the trail. It was unsettling, and we hoped it would be fine once we got to Spruce Grove. Unfortunately, upon arriving to the camp, it was completely empty. The guy started explaining that he didn't have a tent and his story didn't make sense (ex: said he walked up from Pasadena, instead of parking at the trailhead). Anyways, I know this guy isn't a permanent part of the campground, BUT it made me realize that backcountry camping in the Angeles National Forest is different than other backpacking I've done, because it's so close to an urban area. I've camped in many other parts of the ANF, but never the backcountry sites. I also want people to know that the campground is empty sometimes, so if you're going, I would only do it with a larger party.

The story ends by us taking safe haven at Sturtevant Camp a little further up the trail

Month of VisitAugust
Reviewed Oct. 15, 2019

Lovely little campground

This is a hike in campground that has stoves and a creek running through. The sites are nicely spaced and there is plenty of shade. Perfect little backpacking trip.

  • Review photo of Spruce Grove Trail Campground - Open by Morgan F., October 15, 2019
Reviewed May. 28, 2019

Beautiful site above Sierra Madre

If the short hike to Sturtavant falls leaves you yearning for more, get more by continuing up Santa Anita Canyon to Spruce Grove Camp. Beyond the falls, the trail takes on a greater feeling of wilderness immersion. This section of Gabrielino Trail gets less foot traffic, making it a great retreat for those times when you need to feel far from LA.

Month of VisitApril
  • Review photo of Spruce Grove Trail Campground - Open by David F., May 28, 2019
  • Review photo of Spruce Grove Trail Campground - Open by David F., May 28, 2019
  • Review photo of Spruce Grove Trail Campground - Open by David F., May 28, 2019
Reviewed Aug. 17, 2018

Nice Isolation

This is a great small, hike in camp ground with no privy but decent tent sites. There's no running water but the creek is usually running so come prepared with your own water and something to treat the creek water with. Check for fire restrictions and dig your cat holes at least 200 feet from the water. Or bring WAG bags and pack it back out. Very much like Hoegees campground. Good for families abs Scouts.

Reviewed May. 11, 2017

Adorable campground

This is a backpackers campground. First come first serve, picnic tables and fire rings included. I think there is only about 8-10 sites. Nice creek flows though the campground. No bathrooms beautiful hike in. Close to the camp that's up there

  • Review photo of Spruce Grove Trail Campground - Open by Brittany N., May 11, 2017
  • Review photo of Spruce Grove Trail Campground - Open by Brittany N., May 11, 2017
  • Review photo of Spruce Grove Trail Campground - Open by Brittany N., May 11, 2017
  • (8) View All
Showing results 1-6 of 6 reviews

Frequently Asked Questions

What amenities are available at Spruce Grove Trail Camp?

Spruce Grove Trail Camp offers basic backcountry amenities. The small campground features approximately 8-10 first-come, first-served sites, each equipped with picnic tables and fire rings. A creek flows through the campground providing a water source, though you'll need to treat this water before consumption. There are no bathrooms or running water facilities, so campers should be prepared to dig cat holes at least 200 feet from water sources. Sites are nicely spaced with plenty of shade, creating a peaceful backpacking destination.

How do I get to Spruce Grove Trail Camp?

Spruce Grove Trail Camp is a hike-in backcountry campground accessed via Santa Anita Canyon. The trail begins past Sturtevant Falls - continue hiking up the Gabrielino Trail through the canyon to reach the camp. This section of trail receives less foot traffic than the falls area, offering a more immersive wilderness experience. The hike provides beautiful scenery along the way, making the journey to the campground part of the adventure. Be prepared for a moderate hike with your camping gear.

Are there photos available of Spruce Grove Trail Camp?

Photos of Spruce Grove Trail Camp can be found online through various hiking and camping websites. These images typically showcase the shaded campsites, creek that runs through the property, and surrounding forest environment. While browsing photos, you'll get a good sense of the campground's layout, the natural setting with plenty of trees, and the picnic tables and fire rings at each site. For the most current images, check official forest service websites or dedicated camping platforms like The Dyrt.

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