Expert: Steve Summers - 6/10/2006

Question
Hi Steve,
I came across a question Pam had asked you in regards to group camping in Venura county.  I have the same question, but for the Los Angeles county or the nearby counties.  I plan a family and relative camping, a group of about 30 to 40 people.  I am hoping to find a group campsite that we can reserve in advance.  Part of criteria is also runnign water and flush toilet and also BBQ and camp fire.
Thank you kindly for your advice
All the best

Answer
Hi Omid,

Group camping in LA is a bit more difficult. There just aren't that many campgrounds. However, I do have a few for you to check out in LA and Orange County:

San Clemente State Beach, in south Orange County, has a group site that you can reserve. It's on a bluff overlooking the ocean. You can reserve it at www.reserveamerica.com. Campground info is also located at http://www.parks.ca.gov/default.asp?page_id=646 All sites have fire pits. There is running water near each site, as well as flush toilets and showers. There are BBQ's located in the picnic area.

In Los Angeles County, you could camp at one of the group campgrounds in Angeles National Forest (http://www.fs.fed.us/r5/angeles/recreation/develop-camp-group.shtml), but not all of these have flush toilets, so read the information carefully. Another alternative is at Frank Bonelli Regional Park (at the East Shore RV Park- I understand that they also allow tent camping, but I have not confirmed this). BONELLI PARK CAMPGROUND RESERVATIONS: East Shore RV Park, 1440 Camper View Road, San Dimas, CA 91773. (909) 599-8355).

There is also a private campground in Soledad Canyon, about 60 miles north of LA (still in LA County) called Thousand Trails Soledad Canyon. I know they host corporate picnics and have tent camping areas, so they should also be able to accomodate a group. You can find them at http://www.1000trails.com/site/page/pg3487-as22.html

Hope this helps,

Steve