Kelly Camp

For those truly seeking to immerse themselves in the raw beauty and challenging terrain of the Southern California mountains, Kelly Camp, situated near Mt. Baldy, CA 91759, represents a quintessential "Camping Near Me" destination for backpackers and serious hikers. Unlike traditional drive-up campgrounds, Kelly Camp is a primitive trail camp, demanding effort to reach but rewarding visitors with an authentic wilderness experience within the San Gabriel Mountains.

The environment of Kelly Camp is rugged, scenic, and characteristic of high-altitude mountain terrain. It is located within the Cucamonga Wilderness, an area that spans both the Angeles National Forest and parts of the San Bernardino National Forest. The camp itself is described as a "huge open flat area with many spots to set up," often providing welcome shade, which is a significant advantage, especially during warmer months. This flat expanse offers a stark contrast to the steep and demanding trails that lead to it. The elevation of Kelly Camp is approximately 7,840 feet (some sources list it slightly higher, around 8,740 feet when referencing the Ontario Peak Trail route), placing it firmly in an alpine forest setting. The journey to Kelly Camp is a key part of its appeal and challenge. The most common route is via the Icehouse Canyon Trail, a popular but strenuous ascent. Reviewers consistently highlight the difficulty of the hike to get there, but also emphasize its rewarding nature. The surrounding landscape features towering pine trees, manzanita, and expansive views, creating a serene and natural backdrop. It's a place where you're truly enveloped by the mountain ecosystem, far from urban distractions, though you should be prepared for typical mountain wildlife.

As a primitive backcountry camp, Kelly Camp offers minimal services and features in the traditional sense. It is not equipped with amenities found in developed campgrounds, such as picnic tables, restrooms, potable water, or trash disposal. This means campers must be entirely self-sufficient and practice strict "Leave No Trace" principles. All waste, including human waste, must be packed out. The most critical aspect to note is the water situation. While some historical accounts and older reviews might mention a spring near Kelly Camp, more recent information indicates that this water source is often seasonal and unreliable, especially during drier periods or in late summer. As one reviewer aptly noted, "Just wonder what’s the water source. Maybe you need to fill in the water around the icehouse saddle." Reliable water sources are typically found earlier on the Icehouse Canyon Trail, such as Columbine Spring (about 2 miles from the trailhead) or at the Ski Hut (near San Antonio Creek), or campers must pack in all their water. It is always advisable to carry a water filter or purification tablets. Campfires are generally restricted; while there might be makeshift fire rings, open wood fires are often prohibited in wilderness areas and during periods of high fire danger. Use of portable stoves (gas, jellied petroleum, or pressurized liquid fuel) typically requires a California Campfire Permit, which can be obtained free of charge from any Forest Service office, including the Mt. Baldy Visitor Center. Wilderness permits are required for entry into the Cucamonga Wilderness where Kelly Camp is located; these free permits can be obtained at the Mt. Baldy Visitor Center or, sometimes, as self-issue permits at the trailhead. It's crucial to check current conditions and permit requirements with the relevant Forest Service office before embarking on a trip.

The primary features of Kelly Camp are its strategic location for advanced hiking and its capacity for solitude. It serves as an excellent base camp for those attempting to summit nearby peaks such as Cucamonga Peak (an additional 1.8 miles from Kelly Camp, as noted by a reviewer) or Ontario Peak. The flat, open area provides ample space for multiple tents, making it suitable for small groups of backpackers. Its position along the trail offers a much-needed resting point for those undertaking strenuous multi-day treks or even ambitious day hikes, allowing hikers to shed heavier packs before continuing to the summit, as one satisfied camper described: "We got here, set up our camp, had lunch and took a break, and then heading up the remaining 1.8 miles to the summit with less weight on our backs." The historical context of Kelly Camp, once a backcountry resort in the 1920s with visible foundations of old buildings, adds an interesting layer to its rustic charm, hinting at a past era of mountain recreation. The fact that it's "mostly under the shadow" provides a cool retreat from the sun, especially important before the exposed final push to the summits.

Promotional information for Kelly Camp is primarily disseminated through hiking guides, outdoor blogs, and word-of-mouth among the backpacking community. It's not marketed with glossy brochures or extensive amenity lists, but rather through the shared experiences of those who have successfully navigated its challenges. The reviews themselves act as a form of promotion, highlighting its value as a "great trail camp for backpacking or a great break spot for day hikers" and a "very flat and big place for camping." The satisfaction comes from the achievement of reaching it and the immersion in nature it provides. For those actively searching "Camping Near Me" with an emphasis on challenging hikes and primitive, uncrowded camping, Kelly Camp is a highly recommended option. Its appeal lies in its ruggedness, the sense of accomplishment it offers, and the profound connection to the wilderness. Prospective campers are advised to consult detailed hiking resources, the USDA Forest Service San Bernardino National Forest website, or directly contact the Mt. Baldy Ranger Station for the most up-to-date information on trail conditions, closures, fire restrictions, and permit requirements before planning their adventure to Kelly Camp.

Kelly Camp

Mt Baldy, CA 91759, USA