Best Camping Cabin El Monte Near Me

4worldlovers:
A hike-in mountain resort & event venue operating in Big Santa Anita Canyon of Southern California since 1893


Sturtevant Camp is temporarily closed due to fire damage at camp and in Big Santa Anita Canyon. The devastating Bobcat Fire of 2020 has rendered the canyon hazardous for the general public. Chantry Flat Recreation Area and all related trails remain closed by the U.S. Forest Service until trails can be fully repaired and all natural dangers have waned.


If you are new to Sturtevant Camp, please continue reading to learn more about this unique piece of living history. For those visiting to learn how you can help with fire recovery, please see any announcements at the top of this page or see the roundup of ways to help.

Sturtevant Camp is located in the upper reaches of Big Santa Anita Canyon, in the San Gabriel Mountains of Southern California. We are a hike-in camp dating back to the “Great Hiking Era”. The trail in is a little over four mile hike from the parking lot at Chantry Flat, north of the City of Sierra Madre, California. Just like it was in the “Great Hiking Era”, the only way to get to camp is to hike. No motorized vehicles. Although a person could ride a horse or mule, there are none locally to rent.

The camp is open to the public and rental cabins are available from 2 to 40 people. Cabin rates are from $90 – $320 per night.

For your trip to this rustic location, the friendly donkeys of Adams’ Pack Station will take your personal items and food for a mere $1 per pound. Indicate that you want packing when filling out the reservation form. Read the Packing Services page for more info. Keep in mind that the only way that supplies, equipment, food, and personal items to arrive in camp is to carry the on a person or a donkey.

Lodging consists of four roomy guest cabins, each sleeping eight, the cozy Honeymoon Cottage, and the homelike, self-contained Retreat Cabin. All cabins include mattresses, bedding, blankets, and pillows. In cool weather, cabins are warmed by propane wall heaters. The bath house, separated for men and women, has flush toilets and hot showers.

Common facilities include a spacious dining hall, an industrial kitchen and a game room with fireplace and piano. We also have an outdoor chapel/gallery for presentations, entertainment and spiritual services.

Keep in mind that the Camp is a step back in time. Although there are electric lights in the evening, the Camp is otherwise unwired with electricity by a generator. No electric outlets, no wi-fi, no cell phone access. Please be prepared to be off the grid for your stay. You will find that it is quite relaxing.

Activities at Sturtevant Camp includes volleyball, badminton, ping-pong, shuffleboard, horseshoes, croquet, big swing, games, self-guided nature walk and, of course, splashing in the creek. The natural surroundings provide many sightseeing opportunities: the big spruce trees, ferns, chaparral and wildflowers. There are dozens of bird species to spot and vistas to enjoy by hiking to Mt. Wilson or Newcomb Saddle.

Sturtevant Camp is not just located in the Angeles National Forest, but it is located in true wilderness, just miles from the city. As such, the forest is a host to a multitude of wildlife. Come and enjoy smaller creatures such as gray squirrel, fox, racoon, and skunk. Only the squirrels are seen during the day as the others are very nocturnal. We have several varieties of snake such as rattle, gopher, racer, and California king snakes. Only the rattlesnake is poisonous and mostly seen off trail, so please stay on the trail. There are both mountain lions and bobcat that are occasionally seen during the day, mostly during the night. The most interesting are the black bears that are actually more brown in color. People are most concerned about these larger animals and really should not be if some caution is used. They are just as afraid of us as we are of them. If you encounter a bear, retreat if possible. Otherwise, stand your ground, make yourself big by raising your hands. Making noise will also move him/her on.

The entire camp is run by volunteers, from the Board of Directors, to camp hosts, and maintenance people. The camp is run under Sturtevant Conservancy. Volunteer hosts are at the camp to direct hikers, provide orientation, and generally keep the place running during the weekend. They appreciate tips.

4worldlovers: DUE TO RECENT WINTER STORMS, SOME RECREATION AREAS MAY BE INACCESSIBLE OR CLOSED. PLEASE CHECK ALERTS & NOTICES FOR ANY CLOSURES / RESTRICTIONS / OFFICE UPDATES.

General Camping Info: Find helpful guidance and tips for an enjoyable trip to the forest!

Know Fire & Other Restrictions Before You Go!: These conditions can affect your entire trip. For example, Extreme and Critical fire use restrictions mean no campfires and no portable cooking systems/stoves. Bring cold food and no S'mores.

Be Bear Aware!: Bear safety is critical, for the safety of your group and/or you, as well as our bears. Help keep bears wild by following these tips.

Campground is located 5 miles from Switzer's Picnic Area. Requires a 5-mile hike (one-way) in to the campground. Equestrian and mountain bike use not recommended.

Amenities: 3 hike-in campsites each with a designated picnic table. No toilets. No trash receptacles. Pack In-Pack Out. There is no piped water available. Seasonal stream water (treat before using). However, water flow may be low or non-existent due to reduced rainfall/drought. (Please bring enough water for cooking, cleaning, drinking, and extinguishing campfires.)

General Camping Info: Find helpful guidance and tips for an enjoyable trip to the forest! Know Fire & Other Restrictions Before You Go!: These conditions can affect your entire trip. For example, Extreme and Critical fire use restrictions mean no campfires and no portable cooking systems/stoves. Bring cold food and no S'mores. Be Bear Aware!: Bear safety is critical, for the safety of your group and/or you, as well as our bears. Help keep bears wild by following these tips.

Campsites are first-come, first-served. Reserving or holding of sites not allowed.

The Adventure Pass or America the Beautiful Pass is required for vehicles parked in the forest at standard amenity recreation fee sites.

Please call the LA Gateway District Office at: (818) 899-1900 for current conditions and additional information. For more office info, visit Information & Pass Sales.

From Interstate 210 in La Cañada Flintridge, exit at Angeles Crest Highway (CA-2) and drive northeast for approximately 10 miles to the Switzers Picnic Area. Take a right into the Switzers Picnic Area and follow the narrow paved road about 1/2 mile down to the lower parking lot. The trail to Bear Canyon Campground begins at the east end of the parking lot across a wooden footbridge.

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