Skip to main content
Site Open
Recreation Region: Los Angeles Gateway District

Messenger Flats Campground

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

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.

Reservations

Campsites are first come-first served. No reserving or holding of campsites allowed. 

General Information

This campground is hike-in only, 10 miles from Mill Creek.

Fees: Camping - Adventure Pass/America the Beautiful Pass Required. 

            Day use - Adventure Pass or America the Beautiful Pass required.

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.

Overnight Use:
Single Site: $5 per night
Day Use:
$5 per vehicle per day
$30 per annual
$5 per secondary annual

Dogs must be on leash.

36 CFR 261.8 (d) Possessing a dog not on a leash or otherwise confined. 

$150 fine

Photo of the entrance to the LA Ranger District Office

Address: 12371 N. Little Tujunga Canyon Road San Fernando, CA 91342
Phone: (818) 899-1900
Hours: Open Monday- Friday: 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Closed 1 p.m. - 1:30 p.m. for lunch. (Closed on federal holidays)

Getting There

Latitude / Longitude

Latitude: 34.38001

Longitude: -118.1888889

Elevation

5,500 ft.

Directions

Location: From Interstate 210 in La Canada exit at Angeles Crest Hwy (Hwy. 2) and drive north for 9 miles. Turn left onto the Angeles Forest Hwy (County Rd. N3) and drive about 12 miles to Mill Creek Summit. Turn left on Santa Clara Divide Rd. and continue 12 miles to the campground.

Facility and Amenity Information

Restrooms

Restrooms are available at this site.

Water

Potable water is not available at this site.

There is no water available. Please bring enough water for cooking, cleaning, drinking, and extinguishing campfires. 

Picnic Tables

Picnic tables are available at this site.

Horse/Pack Animal Information

Horse/Pack animals are allowed at this site.

Two horse corrals available. 

Recreation Opportunities

Backpacking Info

Just a short walk to the Pacific Crest Trail located across from the campground entrance 

Recreation Groups

Steep mountains at sunset with clouds

The Pacific Crest Trail, or the PCT, is arguably the most famous of the nation's designated National Scenic Trails.  Winding its way through spectacular vistas fr

Last updated May 21st, 2025