Reservations possible?
No
RV Hookups
No
Potable water
No
Please respect the outdoors by practicing Leave No Trace. Learn more about how to apply the principles of Leave No Trace on your next outdoor adventure here.

Kelly Camp is a backcountry campground set along the Ontario Peak about 1 mile from Icehouse Saddle. It sits on the north slope of Bighorn Peak, and was at one time the highest wilderness resort in the San Gabriel Mountains.

Named after mining prospector John Kelly, who first established the camp in 1905, today the only remains of the resort that the camp eventually grew into are some scattered foundations. The best preserved foundation has the cement floor and porch steps, which the Ontario Peak Trail passes right through. 

Despite makeshift fire rings, there are no fires allowed, and use is by free permit from the Mount Baldy Visitor Center (909.982.2829).

There is also a fresh water spring located immediately west of the main camp area; visitors should note, however, that this spring is seasonal, varies by recent conditions, and should not be considered a reliable source for anyone making the hike to the camp or surrounding peaks.

As a backcountry camp, Kelly Camp contains no amenities, but it may make a good base from which to hike to several of the surrounding peaks.

Logistics + Planning

Preferable season(s)

Spring
Summer
Fall

Parking Pass

California Adventure Pass

Pros

Seasonal water spring. Plenty of space.

Cons

No amenities of any kind.

Pets allowed

Allowed with Restrictions

Managed by

Forest Service

Features

Historically significant

Location

Nearby Lodging + Camping

San Gabriel + San Bernardino Mountains, California
San Gabriel + San Bernardino Mountains, California

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