Coulter Group Campground
Angeles National Forest, Near Palmdale, California
Coulter Group Campground does not offer reservations through Recreation.gov. Please take a look at the area details below for more information about visiting this location. Enjoy your visit!
Overview
Nestled within the San Gabriel Mountains National Monument, Coulter Group Campground offers a secluded forest setting ideal for family reunions, youth groups, scout troops, and other organized gatherings. Located within the Chilao Recreation Area at approximately 5,200 feet in elevation, the campground provides a peaceful mountain retreat with convenient access to hiking, horseback riding, mountain biking, scenic drives, and other recreational opportunities. The campground accommodates groups of up to 50 people and offers a private camping experience while remaining just minutes from the Chilao Visitor Center and Angeles Crest Scenic Byway. A potable water spigot (Woodford hydrant) is available within the campground, providing a convenient source of drinking water throughout the stay.Coulter Group Campground features a single reservable group campsite accommodating up to 50 people. The site includes four group picnic tables, a large group campfire ring with benches, cooking grills, a vault toilet, and parking for passenger vehicles and RVs up to 40 feet in length. A potable water spigot (Woodford hydrant) is available within the campground. While drinking water is provided, larger groups are encouraged to bring additional water containers for convenience.Coulter Group Campground is surrounded by a mixed conifer forest of Jeffrey pine, Coulter pine, incense cedar, and native chaparral. Fragrant pines provide some shade during the summer months, while the campground's elevation offers cooler temperatures than the surrounding valleys. The surrounding forest provides habitat for mule deer, gray squirrels, bobcats, coyotes, Steller's jays, acorn woodpeckers, hawks, and many other wildlife species. During spring and early summer, native wildflowers brighten the forest floor, while autumn brings crisp mountain air and seasonal color.Nearby attractions include the Pacific Crest National Scenic Trail, the scenic Angeles Crest Highway (State Route 2), and several nearby hiking trails, scenic overlooks, and picnic areas. The Chilao Visitor Center, located approximately 1.5 miles east of the campground, is open on weekends and offers exhibits, maps, visitor information, and interpretive programs by advance request.Coulter Group Campground serves as an excellent base camp for exploring the many recreational opportunities found throughout the Chilao Recreation Area. The nearby Silver Moccasin Trail is open to hiking, horseback riding, and mountain biking and connects with the Pacific Crest National Scenic Trail, offering opportunities for day hikes or extended backcountry adventures. Additional Forest Service roads and trails throughout the area provide opportunities for wildlife viewing, bird watching, photography, trail running, scenic driving, and exploring the diverse landscapes of the San Gabriel Mountains National Monument.
