Kelly Camp: A Historic Backcountry Retreat near Mt. Baldy

23 reviews

Mt Baldy, CA 91759, USA

Kelly Camp Introduce

Escape to the rustic beauty of Kelly Camp, a historic backcountry campground nestled near the majestic Mt. Baldy in California. This secluded site offers a unique camping experience for seasoned backpackers seeking solitude and a deep connection with nature.

A Primitive Wilderness Experience with History

Kelly Camp is a true backcountry campground, offering a primitive camping experience for those willing to venture off the beaten path. There are no designated campsites or amenities typically found in developed campgrounds. Instead, you'll find a clearing amidst the trees, providing a blank canvas for your wilderness adventure. The camp's history adds an extra layer of intrigue, as it was established in 1905 by mining prospector John Kelly. Today, only scattered foundations remain of the resort that once stood here, offering a glimpse into the area's past.

Things to Know Before You Go

Backcountry Camping: Kelly Camp is a primitive campground. Campers should be experienced in backcountry navigation, Leave No Trace principles, and have all necessary equipment for self-sufficient camping.
Permits: A permit is required for camping at Kelly Camp. These can be obtained from the Mount Baldy Visitor Center.
Hike-In Access: The campground is accessible via a hike of approximately 4.25 miles from the Icehouse Canyon Trailhead. Be prepared for a moderate to strenuous hike with an elevation gain of around 2,000 feet.
No Amenities: Kelly Camp offers no amenities such as restrooms, picnic tables, or water sources. Campers must be entirely self-sufficient.
Fires: Open fires are not permitted at Kelly Camp. Camp stoves with prearranged permits are allowed.

What to Expect

Kelly Camp rewards those who make the trek with stunning views of Ontario Peak and the lower San Gabriel Mountains. The elevated location offers a unique perspective of the surrounding wilderness. The solitude and tranquility of the campground provide an unparalleled opportunity to connect with nature and reflect on the history of the site.

Getting There

The trailhead for Kelly Camp is located at the Icehouse Canyon Trailhead off Mount Baldy Road. Detailed directions and trail information can be found through the Mount Baldy Visitor Center and online hiking resources.

Promote Kelly Camp

Share your Kelly Camp adventures with us! Use #KellyCamp and #MtBaldy on social media to connect with fellow backcountry enthusiasts and showcase the rugged beauty and history of this unique campground.

Location

California San Bernardino County

Customer Reviews

4.0

23 reviews

Robert Curtis

Oct 08, 2021

Great trail camp for backpacking or a great break spot for day hikers. Huge open flat area with many spots to set up. The hike to get here is a tough one but also a rewarding one. 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. Would camp here again if in the area.

Ted Kaufmann

Sep 01, 2024

Did not Camp here but hiked by on my way to the peak. Camp spots look pretty good, some really flat areas to choose from. Today, 9/1/24 there was no water nearby. Next water source today was way below the ice house saddle…

Chien-Chang Chen

Jun 27, 2020

A very flat and big place for camping. The places are mostly under the shadow so it’s a quite nice place to take a rest before you keep going up and expose to the sun. Just wonder what’s the water source. Maybe you need to fill in the water around the icehouse saddle.

Sp Yuan

May 29, 2024

Still some snow left, but I think it will be gone very soon.

Raul Sandoval

Oct 25, 2017

Kelly Camp is a campground along the trail leading up to Big Horn and Ontario Peaks. It’s offers generous amounts of shade from the tall trees surrounding the campground and finding a flat surface to pitch a tent is easy. During the winter time Kelly Camp is buried in snow up to 2-3 ft. deep. I’ve never been here during the summer but I hear that there is a water source at or near this campground. It’s about a 1/5 of a mile in diameter. Walking into the camp there’s a wooden sign that says ‘Kelly Camp’. You can find the campground on maps distributed at the visitor center.