Meadow Group Campground
3.826 reviews33708 Crown Valley Road
Meadow Group Campground
$36.00 - $120.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$0.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$120.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
Group Standard Nonelectric fees range between $36 and $120 per night depending on the size of the group and season. Additional fees include a $10 service fee for reservation changes or cancellations, and a potential $20 no-show fee.
About this campground
Nestled high in the Angeles National Forest at 5,300 feet, Meadow Group Campground beckons adventurers seeking a mountain escape where large families and friends can gather under towering pines. This secluded retreat features two spacious group sites perfectly positioned near the pristine San Gabriel Wilderness, offering an ideal basecamp for those who crave both community and connection with nature's grandeur.
The Meadow Group Campground is specifically designed for group camping, accommodating both small (up to 24 people) and large groups (up to 80 people). Primitive conditions and vault toilets are a key feature.
Historical SignificanceSet within the boundaries of the San Gabriel Mountains National Monument, this campground serves as a gateway to lands that have captivated generations of Southern Californians. These peaks and valleys have long provided refuge from urban life, offering both ecological treasures and recreational adventures that have shaped the region's outdoor heritage. Today, the monument status ensures these wild spaces remain protected for future explorers to discover.
Weather and SeasonsBlue skies dominate the calendar at Meadow Group, where the dry mountain climate creates nearly perfect camping conditions from March through November. Spring brings wildflower blooms and crisp mornings, while summer days warm pleasantly without the valley's oppressive heat. Autumn paints the surrounding peaks in golden light, making every sunset a photographer's dream. Winter visitors should prepare for cooler temperatures and possible snow dustings that transform the landscape into a wonderland.
ElevationAt 5,300 feet above sea level, Meadow Group Campground offers a refreshing escape from lower elevation heat, where mountain breezes whisper through the pines even on summer afternoons. This elevated perch provides naturally cooler temperatures that make for comfortable sleeping under the stars, though first-time mountain visitors should take it easy their first day as bodies adjust to the thinner air. The reward? Crystal-clear night skies unmarred by city lights.
Natural Features and SceneryMajestic Coulter pines stand sentinel throughout the campground, their massive cones scattered like nature's ornaments beneath spreading branches. Scrub oaks create intimate groves perfect for hammock hanging, while expansive meadows invite morning yoga sessions or evening stargazing. The soundtrack of your stay features drumming woodpeckers announcing the dawn and chattering squirrels providing endless entertainment as they harvest pine nuts for winter storage.
Geological RegionThe San Gabriel Mountains rise dramatically around Meadow Group Campground, their ancient granite peaks and deep valleys telling a geological story millions of years in the making. Within the Angeles National Forest and San Gabriel Mountains National Monument, this landscape showcases Southern California's stunning biodiversity where Coulter pines—found nowhere else on Earth—thrive alongside hardy scrub oaks. Rolling grasslands carpet the spaces between forest groves, creating a mosaic of habitats that support everything from tiny wildflowers to soaring raptors.
Campsite details
AccessibilityNo explicit accessibility features mentioned.
Sites SizeArea 1 accommodates up to 24 people, while Area 2 accommodates up to 80 people. Specific site measurements or dimensions are not provided.
Sites PrivacyPrivacy varies; Area 1 and Area 2 are separate group sites. User reviews suggest some privacy concerns due to the proximity of other groups: "You can hear the Coulter group site if they are loud." - User review by SCOTT R.
Total Campsites2 campsites
Recommended CampsitesReviewers recommend bringing sufficient water and avoiding GPS directions that may lead to dangerous roads. Alternative nearby camps are noted for smaller families.
Best CampsitesArea 1 and Area 2 are generally praised for their seclusion and functionality for group camping.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
2PM
Check-out
11 AM
Stay Limit
Maximum stay is 14 consecutive nights.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Area 1 permits up to 24 guests, whereas Area 2 allows up to 80 guests.
Groups
Area 1 accommodates up to 24 people with three picnic tables, fire rings, and one water spigot. Area 2 accommodates up to 80 people with ten picnic tables, fire rings, and two water spigots.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutThe campground includes two designated group areas: Area 1 for 24 guests and Area 2 for 80 guests; each area has picnic tables and fire rings.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen season is from March 28 to November 15 for reservations; closed season is November 16 to March 27.
Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made via Recreation.gov or by calling 1-877-444-6777.
Walk-in AvailabilityWalk-up availability is unclear; reservations are prioritized using Recreation.gov's booking system.
Cancellation PolicyA $10 cancellation fee applies, along with forfeiture of the first night’s fee for cancellations within 14 days of arrival. No-shows incur a $20 fee.
Accomodation available
GroupGroup campsites are offered for larger parties such as families, schools, or organizations. These sites provide space and facilities to accommodate multiple people camping together.
Amenities available
Potable water
Fire rings
Food storage lockers
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
The campground provides access to a variety of recreational activities, including hiking, biking, equestrian trails, wildlife viewing, and bird watching. Its proximity to the San Gabriel Wilderness enhances the range of activities available.
Hiking
The campground is located 1.5 miles from the San Gabriel Wilderness, offering diverse hiking trails. "This campground is 1.5 miles from the San Gabriel Wilderness- where hiking and equestrian use is permitted." - Official source.Biking
Biking trails are available nearby. Specific trail details are not provided.Wildlife viewing
The area is known for bird watching, particularly woodpeckers. "Excellent bird watching opportunities, including ten species of woodpeckers." - Official source.Cultural and Educational Programs
Educational programs and exhibits are available at the Chilao Visitor Center, located 1.5 miles east. "The Chilao Visitor Center... offers exhibits and information about the area, campfire programs." - Official source.Winter Activities
No specific winter activities were mentioned.Water Sports
No non-motorized water sports, such as kayaking or paddleboarding, were described.Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- Campfires are allowed within designated fire rings, subject to seasonal restrictions due to fire hazards.
- Quiet hours are 10 PM - 6 AM
Hazards
General hazardsPotential hazards include wildlife encounters and the risk of accidentally accessing dangerous roads due to GPS errors.
Weather forecast
79
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Strong wind, exercise caution
Humidity: 36%
Comfortable humidity levels
Wind: 10.1 mph
Strong wind, exercise caution
Clear sky
7-Day Forecast
Access to 7-day forecasts tailored to each campground—covering temperature, precipitation, wind, and sky conditions.
Daily & Hourly Insights
View hourly forecasts with expected weather patterns throughout the day.
Temperature Trends
Visualize how temperatures shift over the month to help pick the most comfortable days for your trip.
Precipitation Trends
Plan around rain or snow with monthly visualizations of expected precipitation patterns.
Weather Summaries
Assess conditions with visuals for easier decision-making on when and where to camp.
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Emergency Services
Emergency services can be contacted at Chilao Ranger Station, which is located nearby. Public telephone access is available at Newcomb's Ranch Cafe.
Good to know
Peak season datesMarch 28 – November 15
Trash and recyclingAnimal-resistant dumpsters are provided for trash disposal in both camping areas. Recycling was not mentioned.
Proximity to water featuresNo significant water features are directly adjacent to the campground; limited water spigots are available for use.
Common complaintsLimited water availability and non-functioning flush toilets are recurring issues mentioned by reviewers.
Campground Map
33708 Crown Valley Road
Driving directionsFrom the Los Angeles basin side of the San Gabriel Mountains: drive to La Canada via the I-210 (Foothill Freeway) to the State Highway 2 (Angeles Crest Highway) exit. Turn north towards the mountains. Stay on State Highway 2 for 25.6 miles to the lower Chilao Road (Forest Service Road 3N21); turn left onto lower Chilao Road. Proceed west 1.5 miles to the entrance gate on your left. Use the combination you obtained when confirming your reservation to open the gate.
The campground is accessed via State Highway 2 and lower Chilao Road. Reviewers have noted that GPS directions may incorrectly send visitors to dangerous closed service roads such as Loomis Ranch Road; instead, turn at Chilao Campground entrance for safer navigation. Roads are primarily paved, but caution is required due to potential hazards.Nearby places
Closest city is Acton, CA. La Canada is 26 miles away, reachable via the I-210 Freeway.
Nearby supplies
Supplies for camping, fuel, and groceries can be found in nearby cities such as Acton and La Canada. Visitors are urged to bring water due to limited availability at the campground.
Camper Reviews
3.8
6 reviews
Meadow Group Campground has mixed reviews, placing it in the bottom 85% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews reflect mixed sentiments about the campground, emphasizing its secluded nature and suitability for large groups while raising concerns about infrastructure, gate access, and cell service.
Review Summaries
Based on 6 reviews
What Campers Love
Several reviews praise the campground's spaciousness and secluded nature, especially for groups. "Beautiful location with plenty of room for a larger group." - User review by RICHARD B.
Based on 6 reviewsCommon Concerns
Complaints include non-functional flush toilets, unclear gate combination instructions, and dangerous Google Maps directions. "The combo to the gate was confusing. There is absolutely no cell...
Based on 6 reviewsShow more
Pro Tips & Recommendations
Campers recommend avoiding Google Maps directions and using the entrance at Chilao Campground, bringing sufficient water, and considering quieter sites like Little Pines Loop instead of Meadow Group.
Based on 6 reviewsSeasonal Insights
Reviews suggest higher usability during warmer months but highlight infrastructure challenges. No seasonal-specific reviews were explicitly provided.
Based on 6 reviewsCamper Quotes
"Beautiful location with plenty of room for a larger group. The toilet's with running water are down but there are two without running water." - Richard B. "Bathrooms were full of flies, but it was...
Based on 6 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Specific reviews mention Area 1 and Area 2 as well as other nearby loops like Little Pines Loop. "Highly recommend sites 17 & 18 on the Little Pines Loop! Very private." - Scott R.
Based on 6 reviewsAccessibility Features
No specific reviews addressing accessibility features were found.
Based on 6 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
No specific reviews addressing pet policies or experiences were found.
Based on 6 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025