Hikers and water enthusiasts will find Gould Mesa Trail Campground positioned along a running creek in the Angeles National Forest, accessible via a 2-mile trail from street parking in Altadena. This walk-in campground features about ten spread-out sites with fire rings, pit toilets, and food storage boxes for bear safety. The approach requires crossing the stream several times, and campers report the trail can accommodate both hiking and mountain biking access.
The creek provides a reliable water source for those carrying filtration systems, eliminating the need to pack heavy water supplies. Sites sit far enough apart to avoid the crowded feel common at drive-in campgrounds closer to Los Angeles. Jamie G. notes "you can hear cars driving off in the distance but still overall quiet." Wildlife sightings are common, and JPL scientists from nearby facilities occasionally pass through wearing their work badges.
The campground experiences steady foot traffic since it sits on a popular hiking trail, with mountain bikers and day hikers regularly passing through the sites. Behind the first campsite, a 6-mile round-trip trail leads to two waterfalls. The location serves as a convenient base for exploring numerous trail connections throughout the canyon system. For additional options, campers can find campgrounds around La Cañada Flintridge within the broader region.
Description
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
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsGould Mesa Trail Campground is located in California near La Cañada Flintridge
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
Connectivity
T-Mobile5GGood CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 6/18/26- VerizonLTEGood CoverageVerified by 14 usersLast on 6/18/26
- AT&T5GGood CoverageVerified by 4 usersLast on 6/18/26
Connectivity
- T-Mobile5GGood CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 6/18/26
- VerizonLTEGood CoverageVerified by 14 usersLast on 6/18/26
- AT&T5GGood CoverageVerified by 4 usersLast on 6/18/26
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Tent Cabin
Features
For Campers
- ADA Access
- Trash
- Firewood Available
- Phone Service
- Electric Hookups
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Big Rig Friendly
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.
Drive Time
- 25 min from Los Angeles, CA
- 1 hr 3 min from Oxnard, CA
- 1 hr 26 min from Bakersfield, CA
- 2 hrs 3 min from San Diego, CA
