- Cleveland National Forest
The best camping in Cleveland National Forest, CA
93% (83)
Hike, camp, or gaze up at the Milky Way in California’s southernmost national forest.
Camper favorites near Cleveland National Forest
Top-rated campgrounds reviewed by the Hipcamp community.
Snag sold-out campsites.
Get notified the instant a national park campsite becomes available, for free.
See the best spots in one place.
Explore 500K+ public lands, RV resorts, and private sites you won't find anywhere else.
Book with confidence.
Read millions of real reviews from campers like you—so you know what to expect.Stories from the community
J
Joseph
4 days ago
Weekend Trip to Hideout Mountain Lodge
Great, cozy place to stay. Very welcoming, and only wish we stayed longer! :)
See more
L
Laura
5 days ago
With kids
Cleanliness, comfort and close to home, perfect retreat at an affordable price
See more
E
E. Thiago
6 days ago
Tent
With pets
Secluded, good for a family trip. Would recommend putting a grill as other campsites had one, but 16 did not.
Definitely look into the weather to take proper gear and all equipment needed.
Would come back if given the opportunity again.
See more
J
Joy
6 days ago
Tent
Cove #1 and 2 are quite spacious and tucked under the shade of large Oak trees, great for staying cool on hot days, maybe not so great if you need to recharge batteries with solar. Showers and toilets are a short walk away. All of the campsites aren't far from the main road so there is considerable road noise during the day, but it quiets down to almost none at night. There are so many stars visible after dark, it's magical. I didn't have the opportunity to meet the property manager, but I did notice him assisting other guests and the housekeeper, Janice watched out for me as a solo female camper, even bringing me leftovers from her Thanksgiving dinner. :)
See more
T.C.
1 week ago
18 ft Class B
Rugged and remote location with lots of space to explore. The old dam is super cool. I spent two nights there and had fun adventures. Hosts are very cool with an interesting backstory. The dirt road is pretty steep in parts, so you gotta know what you're doing with a heavy vehicles.
See more
D
Doug
1 week ago
13 ft travel trailer
With pets
It is a really nice site, private with all the amenities. Tami and her husband are really good host, friendly and very accommodating. I would definitely stay again if in the area.
See more
S
Stephen
2 weeks ago
With pets
We had a great beautiful mountain setting., and a peaceful quiet night of sleep. Thank you for giving us a great three days and two nights of relaxing stress free retreat. Thank you so much you been a very great presous host. Steve and Katie Nolan ❤️ 💙
See more
B
Blake
2 weeks ago
Weekend Trip to Granite Mountain
Such a lovely spot! We felt right at home with everything we needed for a relaxing weekend. Ken is a great host, very responsive when we had a question, has set up very easy checking and checkout. We would love to come back!
See moreI
Isaac belmontes
2 weeks ago
Tent
With kids
Super awesome place. First time camping with kids and it was very nice experience.
See moreT
Tara
2 weeks ago
Weekend Trip to The Happy Camper
Loved the location, the camper and experience at The Happy Camper. Davida was wonderful in getting supplies prepared for a campfire, answering questions, and very responsive and respectful. Loved it and definitely will recommend and share another adventure in the Happy Camper again.
See more
Thomas
2 weeks ago
Weekend Trip to Hideout Mountain Lodge
This mountain retreat was perfect for a weekend getaway. It was close enough to Julian but away from the crowds. The host was super responsive as well!
See more
C
Chinsan
2 weeks ago
Weekend Trip to Granite Mountain
cool but the cabin was super warm and cozy! water heated up fast in the shower and ken provided ample drinking water in a few tanks. air was crisp and views were beautiful
See more
Josh
2 weeks ago
With pets
Ken’s Eagles Nest was the perfect retreat for our babymoon. The cabin was exceptionally cozy and stocked with thoughtful amenities that truly exceeded our expectations — a clean composting toilet, a warm outdoor shower, an easy-to-use outdoor stove, and a great campfire pit for relaxing evenings.
The huge windows offered stunning views that made the whole place feel peaceful and connected to nature. We felt comfortable, cared for, and completely recharged.
Highly recommend this spot to anyone looking for a beautiful, serene getaway!
See more
K
Kristin
2 weeks ago
With pets
We loved our time at eagles nest! Ken our host was great! He gave us great instructions on how to get to the site and also gave us many recommendations on places to visit around the area. I stayed at this glamping site for a weekend and absolutely loved it.
The property itself is gorgeous—quiet, well maintained, and surrounded by nature.
If you’re looking for something that blends outdoor adventure with hotel-like comfort, this place nails it. I left feeling relaxed, refreshed, and already planning my next visit.
See more
J
Jeffrey
3 weeks ago
Tent
A very unique and beautiful spot to pitch your tent. The quiet was deafening, the views amazing. You can watch both the sunrise and sunset from the mountain top. The huge pergola provided space for a large picnic table with benches, a counter with sink and food prep areas plus a stove and propane. Two Adirondack chairs provide front row seats to the surrounding hills and rock formations, with the view extending all the way to the Pacific Ocean. The flush toilet perched on the side of a huge boulder was certainly one, of many elements, that made this spot so unique. Having this mountain top camp spot all to ourselves made this a most memorable experience. One more item, take seriously the 4WD, high clearance vehicle requirement. Thanks Steve for sharing Whiteside Mountain.
See more
Michelle
3 weeks ago
Tent
With kids
Our crew had such a great time and Vicki was a wonderful host. She was responsive, accommodating, and friendly. The land and campsite were gorgeous, and our kids especially loved being visited by the resident pigs!
See more
K
Katherine
3 weeks ago
16 ft car
Easy to find spot, instructions were clear and straightforward. No issues camping for the night!
See more
j
jason
3 weeks ago
Tent
With pets
Property was exactly what we were looking for. Me and my fiancé wanted a spot our dogs could roam free with no leash. The stargazing was phenomenal. The host was very accommodating. We forgot our coffee and the host brewed us a whole pot, absolutely saved our morning. Thanks again will recommend your friends.
See more
Jameson
3 weeks ago
15 ft campervan
What an amazing place to stay! The hosts were super nice & my stay quiet & comfortable. I'll definitely be back again 😊
See more
S
Sara
3 weeks ago
With pets
Had a great time. Tent was clean and comfortable. The kitchen had everything we would have ever needed. We made pizza, tea, and breakfast. The bathrooms were clean. My only complaint would be that the showers were cold. We tried morning and night and there was no hot water. Would come back again. My daughter loved pointing out all of the avocados on the property.
See moreTop public campgrounds in the park
Stay at a public campground in Cleveland National Forest
Top-rated campgrounds
The best camping in Cleveland National Forest, CA guide
Overview
About
The southernmost national forest in California, Cleveland National Forest encompasses nearly half a million acres of dry, hilly brushland. It's a popular getaway for San Diegans in the summer months, offering a small number of Forest Service-run campgrounds plus ample opportunities for hiking, horseback riding, and off-roading. The oftentimes clear skies and high elevations found throughout the park lend themselves particularly well to stargazing, and San Diego State University uses the forest for astronomical activities ranging from scientific research to public stargazing parties. The forest is also the site of the university's Mount Laguna Observatory.
Notable campgrounds
- Best for getting away from it all: Blue Jay Campground offers 50 spaced-apart sites surrounded by brush and grasslands for a wilderness feel.
- Best for stargazing: Laguna Campground attracts astronomy fans in the summer months, with regular San Diego State University-sponsored star parties.
- Best for gorgeous views: At 6,000 feet above sea level, Burnt Rancheria Campground offers epic views over the desert. On clear days, you can see the Salton Sea.
Tips for snagging a campsite
- Most of the campsites in the Cleveland National Forest are only available on a first-come, first served (FCFS) basis. Arrive in the morning for the best selection.
- Reservable campsites can be booked up to six months in advance on the National Park Service website. Reservations open at 7am Pacific Time. If you have your heart set on a specific site, then it’s wise to wake up early to secure your spot.
- Weekend FCFS camping can be challenging to secure, particularly in summer, but if you can come earlier in the week to claim your spot, you’ll have better chances.
When to go
Cleveland National Forest offers year-round recreation, though it's at its most popular in the summer months, particularly for campers and hikers. The period between the Memorial Day weekend and Labor Day is busiest, so it's a good idea to visit in September or early October to strike a balance between good weather and fewer crowds. The forest gets some snowfall in the winter at higher elevations, and chains can be necessary to navigate the roads.
Know before you go
- Cell service can be spotty in parts of the Cleveland National Forest, so it’s a good idea to download offline maps before you set out.
- You are allowed to collect firewood in the forest, but you will need to obtain a permit through the Descanso, Palomar or Trabuco Ranger District offices in order to do so.
- Wildfires are an issue in the Cleveland National Forest, and fire restrictions are frequently put into place. Portable stoves are generally allowed during fire bans. Check with a ranger station or on the Cleveland National Forest website before starting a fire.
Nearby attractions
- Experience the wonders of camping at William Heise County Park, a hidden gem nestled in nature's embrace. Set up camp amidst towering trees and enjoy the peacefulness of the surroundings.
- Escape to Agua Caliente County Park for a rejuvenating camping experience. Camp amidst tranquil surroundings, soak in natural hot springs, and enjoy stargazing under clear night skies.
93%
83 ratings · 29 reviews
Recommends
· April 2025
What a great campground! I’ll definitely be back. It was so peaceful and well maintained.
O
Olivia G.
8 reviews
Recommends
· April 2025
Such a magical place to camp! Highly recommend it
E
Erin C.
2 years on Hipcamp
Recommends
· October 2021
First time camping here, and I'll definitely come back. Of the 50+ individual spots, I think a grand total of 10 of them were occupied leaving the entire campgrounds largely "to us"! Granted it was cool October weather and mid-week, but hey! totally worth taking a day off from work! Facilities were nice (TP running awfully low though!) and everything was pretty clean. There were no payment envelops in the box at the entrance to the campgrounds, thus no way to pay for the spot. This implies to me minimum attention from the forest service (at least around the time we went).
Marc M.
6 years on Hipcamp
Recommends
· April 2021
Overall a nice first come first serve campground. We were hiking the PCT and used the tent sites across the bridge. Very nice, large sites . Unfortunately no one was taking care of the campground itself. No toilet paper in the bathrooms and it looked like they had not been cleaned in a month. Very disappointed.
April 24 and 25 2021.
Holly A.
4 years on Hipcamp
Recommends
· November 2019
Camped here the Saturday before Thanksgiving 2019 and really enjoyed it! It wasn't packed, maybe ~10-20% capacity. There's 50 Drive-in sites, some of which are clustered together well enough to make for a great group camping trip. It's $20/night per site, and you pay at the campground entrance. It's a self-service drop box with envelopes, so you can check in at any time of the day or night. Even though it's an honor system, there was a park ranger checking the drop box at 9:30am sharp on Sunday morning so make sure to bring cash! Picnic bench and fire pit ring available at each camp site. Depending what site you're at, it's only a couple hundred paces to water spouts, dumpsters, and stocked latrines. Great drive-in campground!
J
Julia F.
4 reviews
May 2018
Stayed here over Memorial Day. Advantages are that it's available long after other campsites fill up. That said there isn't much to do around the camp. There's a very steep hike across the road. Getting there requires crossing the highway. It's strenous and uphill. I conferred with other campers and few made it to the top. The sites vary in size. I stayed in #5 which was overun with ants in the afternoon. I don't mind bugs, but this was so bad there was little room to pitch a small tent. The bathrooms are ok, some are flushing but smaller. The drop toilets have more space. The camp host was friendly. There's just not a lot to do around the campground.
Amy G.
7 years on Hipcamp
Recommends
· September 2017
First come first serve. You pay cash at the entrance then have to drive around until you find an open space.
Ivy G.
8 years on Hipcamp
Recommends
· September 2017
Going during the week mid summer was fantastic! No one around!
Anna P.
8 years on Hipcamp
September 2017
We love this quick getaway for its easy access, large sites, and miles and miles of awesome trails for hiking or biking. The water levels on the ponds will vary at different times of the year, but the meadow just outside of the campground is a favorite for our kids - they ride their bikes over and sit on the rocks talking the night away.
Spectacular sunsets and mind-boggling starry skies await.
For the brave, watch the local weather report and plan a camping trip for the night before a good snowstorm, then wake up to a winter wonderland right in San Diego!
Nitpicks: The bathrooms are not very nice here and there is no dump/washout for RVs or campers.
Jack R.
8 years on Hipcamp
May 2017
We love this place so much that we came here two weekends in a row. We actually shot a bit of video here because it was so beautiful: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SAYMnTTNoIY
Lindsay R.
10 years on Hipcamp
May 2017
Came up here around Memorial Day weekend after unsuccessfully trying to get a spot up at Blue Jay. Arrived around 3pm and the place was pretty open but that soon changed. I took Site 19 which I thought was the best spot with a nice little stairway leading up to the site and a tent clearing behind some bushes for extra privacy. It's a small campground but cozy. The only real downside is it's close to the Ortega Highway so you don't get a lot of quiet, but it's good cause it's a short drive to get supplies if you need them.
Dexter K.
2 reviews
May 2017
Went here on a Friday morning during early May, and secured a first come first serve spot no problem (there was only a couple other people camping). There are lots of cool spots along the creek, we camped across the creek in 21 and had a huge area basically to ourselves. There's plenty of shade and trees, and shrubbery. Lots of places to picnic and hang a hammock. Later in the day more campers rolled up, but still remained largely quiet and peaceful. The drive in is awesome and there's trails around the campgrounds including the PCT. This place is a seriously awesome and underrate spot I would highly recommend to anyone. Also there is new vault toilets, running water and it's only $15 a spot!! See for yourself!
Ps. brig bug spray
Nicole A.
9 years on Hipcamp
April 2017
Hidden campground and absolutely peaceful. My boyfriend and I stayed there in April and the campsites around us were empty and the neighbor we did have was super friendly! Clean toilets too! Even though it isn't far from San Diego, it was pretty chilly up there so make sure to check the weather so you can pack accordingly.
Paige B.
8 years on Hipcamp
April 2017
This place is just magical! I can't believe that this is so close to San Diego. It's a combination of meadow and forest and is currently bright green from all of the rain. The campsites are spread out pretty well, so you don't feel like you're right next to other campers. Definitely will be back here!
Lindsay R.
10 years on Hipcamp
Recommends
· March 2017
Fantastic campground! Pacific Crest Trail is easily accessible from anywhere on the campground, there's a great restaurant walking distance just outside of campground entrance, and each site is a bit unique. They have coin-operated showers and some bathrooms are flush. Well-maintained.
Natalia R.
8 years on Hipcamp
Recommends
· March 2017
Great hiking, check out Alpine and Pine Valley.
J
Jolene L.
8 years on Hipcamp
Recommends
· March 2017
This is one of those rare places in Southern California where you can see deciduous trees with leave that change color in the fall!
Jeremy F.
10 years on Hipcamp
January 2017
Beautiful campground. Very well maintained. We stayed in January and had the campground to ourselves. I believe the torrential rains and being there mid-week probably kept a lot of people away. We managed to do a little hiking between rains. We would certainly stay there again.
Phyllis S.
8 years on Hipcamp
December 2016
Love this campground, and camp here at least twice a year. Nice sites, most with shade, and a great host. Lots of trees and plants and you can hear the coyotes at night. Lock up food, as there are raccoons who aren't bashful about wandering through your site even when you right there. Store just a few miles away.
Dianne B.
9 years on Hipcamp
July 2016
I like to camp at Cibbets Flat from Sunday to Tuesday. Most people have cleared out by Sunday, leaving 2 days of glorious stillness and solitude. The evenings get chilly, despite the warm days, especially from Oct-May. During summer (Jun-Sep), the temperature can be in the 90's at the high, to the low 50's at the low. Layering is key to comfort! For the cost of an overnight stay ($14, double that for a double size campsite) it can't be beat! There's plenty of hiking in the area, and access to a beautiful creek. The campground has plenty of water spigots (not potable!) and vault toilets.
Ryan B.
9 years on Hipcamp
June 2016
Flaming Gorge National Recreation Area is in Utah - please update the description of this campsite! Thanks.
Jack H.
9 years on Hipcamp
April 2016
My favorite campground in the San Diego area. Just a short drive off the 8 only a stop or two past the usual roads to Julian and Lake Cuyamaca. Open meadows, beautiful forests, plenty of hikes, and some lakes and gorgeous views all around. A wonderful place. We came up here Easter weekend and had no problem finding a 2 person walk-in space on Saturday and had a larger space on the next day. A general store, cabin restaurant, and an outdoor store nearby if you need any comforts. Wonderful area and campground.
Dominic D.
11 years on Hipcamp
October 2015
Perfect spot for a weekend getaway. No reservations make it nice, but always a risk! Calm, quiet and serene. This is a favorite spot of mine!
Raleigh B.
10 years on Hipcamp
October 2015
Beautiful little campground tucked away and forgotten. Very well maintained with many new features like campsite tables and new pit toilets. Just off of the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) and usually used by thru-hikers or those trying to avoid Mt. Laguna campgrounds.
Jacob Z.
10 years on Hipcamp
May 2015
Try for the first come first served campsites. They are more wooded, especially with pine trees. Also if you have young ones or dogs be wary of rattlesnakes. There is a good chance they are hanging around the campsite.
M
Mark B.
10 years on Hipcamp
March 2015
Ask a ranger how to get to the “golfball.” You’ll earn yourself some sweet 360 degree views, all the way out to Salton Sea.
H
Hipcamper
10 years on Hipcamp
March 2015
This one is about an hour from San Diego and a getaway spot for many city dwellers. Especially in the summer months, campsites will be crowded. If that’s not your thing, try spring or early fall.
H
Hipcamper L.
10 years on Hipcamp
March 2015
Check out Three Sisters Waterfall! The views and the swimming spots are well worth it, but be sure to bring water and food for the journey; the hike is a bit strenuous.
H
Hipcamper
10 years on Hipcamp
March 2015
If you’re planning to head to the popular Mount Laguna Campground, we’d recommend spot #81; it’s pretty private for a large campground, shielded on 3 sides with trees.
H
Hipcamper
10 years on Hipcamp