Camp Josepho: Secluded Campground with Mixed Reviews on Access and Hospitality in Pacific Palisades, CA

20 reviews

3000 Rustic Canyon Trail Rd, Pacific Palisades, CA 90272, USA
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Camp Josepho Introduce

Camp Josepho, located at 3000 Rustic Canyon Trail Rd in Pacific Palisades, California, USA, is a secluded campground with mixed reviews regarding its accessibility and hospitality. As part of the Campgrounds & RV Parks category, this campground offers a unique experience but presents potential challenges.

Camp Josepho offers the following features and services:

Secluded Location: The campground is nestled in the Palisades, providing a sense of seclusion.
Lodge: The campground features a lodge.
Shooting Range: A shooting range is located within the campground.

However, it is important to be aware of the following potential challenges:

Challenging Road Access: The road leading to the campground is described as challenging.
Private Property Concerns: The campground is private property, and access may be restricted.
Aggressive Encounters: Some visitors have reported aggressive encounters with staff and an unchained dog.
Overgrown Areas: The picnic areas are described as overgrown.
Confusing Boundaries: Hiking trails may lead to encounters with private property boundaries.

Guests have reported mixed experiences at Camp Josepho. While some praise the lodge and the feeling of seclusion, others have encountered aggressive behavior from staff and an unchained dog. The challenging road access and private property concerns are also significant factors. The campground's operational status appears to be confirmed, but access via hiking trails may lead to confusing encounters with private property boundaries.

Camp Josepho is suitable for individuals seeking a secluded camping experience in Pacific Palisades, CA, who are prepared for challenging road access and potential encounters with private property boundaries. It is particularly suitable for those who appreciate secluded environments and are aware of the potential for aggressive encounters. Visitors should be prepared for a challenging access and potential encounters with aggressive staff or dogs.

For inquiries, please visit the location at:

Address: 3000 Rustic Canyon Trail Rd, Pacific Palisades, CA 90272, USA

Location

California Los Angeles County Los Angeles Pacific Palisades Rustic Canyon Trail

Customer Reviews

4.0

20 reviews

Marc Sieder

Aug 02, 2024

Accidentally stumbled across this place while hiking the Murphy ranch trail and then following a little dry creek bed. Turning the corner I all of a sudden noticed a desolate campground with overgrown Picknick area and a shooting range. Thinking it’s still part of Murphy ranch I persisted and was eventually met at the gates of camp Josepho with a barking, unchained German shepherd running towards me. Knowing dogs I stayed calm and saw in the distance a woman coming out of the cabin simply yelling “go back where you came from, this is private property “ The dog made a u-turn back to the cabin it ran out of and a guy came out also yelling if I hadn’t seen the private property signs. Declined that (having followed no road but a creek bed) I asked if this is a camp anytime during the year to which he just said “no, this is private property”. Being the curious person I am I googled the place and it seems to be fully operational? I found it extremely rude and quite frankly dangerous how I was met and spoken too. Had I not stayed calm when the dog aggressively approached me it could have turned out very different (for me or the dog since my hand was on my knife the entire time).

Scott Cusack

Dec 10, 2023

Yes, the road is challenging but if you take it slow it's not as bad as people make it out to be. The lodge is fantastic. My boys and I have lots of great memories here. It's amazing how far away it feels while being nestled in the Palisades.

Michael Ong

Oct 25, 2021

Great place for scouts to go camping. It is shockingly close to the city, which makes it feel like a small oasis of nature in Los Angeles. The road to get in and out is very windy with multiple hairpin turns and a very rough unpaved section - you really need to follow the 10 mph signs or you might have trouble.

Gerry Saenz

Nov 20, 2022

The road to get down to the camp is quite rough and narrow. I usually take my SUV to avoid getting my car damaged on the uneven spot on the road. The camp has everything needed for Scouts to have fun.

Outdoor Millennial

Nov 06, 2021

Used to come here during my childhood while in the Boy Scouts in the late 90s and early 2000s when Ranger Joe was in charge. So many memories were made here, and it’s a pleasure to visit reminiscing about a simpler time in life.