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 Reservation
- 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.
Cleveland National Forest
Hike, camp, or gaze up at the Milky Way in California’s southernmost national forest.
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.
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.
Activities in the park
18 campgrounds in Cleveland National Forest
Looking for some remote Southern California camping? Head on over to Cibbets Flat Campground, hide out in a grove of shady oaks, and watch crimson sunsets amidst rolling hills of chapparel. What’s more, is this campground offers access to the Pacific Crest Trail. Ahh California…ain’t she grand!Read more...
STAR PARTIES. Need we say more? Photographers, this campground is your jam. By day, meander to nearby Little Laguna Lake, to capture that classic lake-plus-trees-plus-mountain-reflection shot, and at night grab a time-lapse of the stars as you learn more about the sky from a star party sponsored by San Diego State University (most Saturdays throug Read more...
Ain’t no party like a party in the mountains! Just be careful not to party too hard, you don’t want to disrupt the habitat of the endangered Laguna Skipper Butterfly that chose this place as its home before we chose it as our vacation home. El Prado’s five group campgrounds sit at an elevation of 5,600 feet, and each site can sit 30 to 50 of your Read more...
At 6,000 feet above sea level, Burnt Rancheria Campground towers over Southern California, boasting epic views of the desert and, on clear days, the Salton Sea. While it’s just 50 miles from San Diego, the campground is blissfully free of light pollution, making it a popular spot for stargazers; the San Diego State University Observatory even orga Read more...
Bobcat Meadow Campground is an OHV enthusiast's dream. These primitive and classic camping sites are adjacent to the Corral Canyon OHV area. Time to ride them dirt trails into the sunset and drink some brew by the campfire. Gotta love ‘Merica!Read more...
Crestline Group Campground is a group hike, cookout, campfire sing-a-long kinda place! Situated in the lovely Palomar Mountains, this super-accessible campground provides accommodations for up to 50 people at a time and includes vault toilets, water, and picnicking areas. It’s also within spitting distance of the Palomar Observatory, so get ready Read more...
It’s Friday in San Diego, and you’ve just about had it with the week. What you really need to do is grab your hiking boots, pup tent, some water, vittles, and hit the road to Indian Flats Campground in Cleveland National Forest. This first-come, first-served campground gives you access to the Pacific Crest Trail as well as plenty of rocks to scram Read more...
Horse Heaven Group Camp offers large group sites for rugged tent camping in a forested area of the Laguna Mountain region, along with drinking water, vault toilets and a peaceful break from civilization. This isn’t actually an equestrian site, just a sweet wilderness spot for hiking, birdwatching, and wildlife viewing. The “heaven” part, though, t Read more...
If you got a thing for dust and dirt, roll them wheels on over to the Corral Canyon Campground. Located in an OHV area, this place is dirttopia! No use in coming home from a camping trip clean. Read more...
A picnic in the mountains, a hike on the Pacific Crest Trail, and a ride into the sunset on your favorite horse. If these things put the wind in you sails, float on over to the scenic Boulder Oaks Campground, just an hour outside of San Diego. Read more...
Rev up that fancy RV, 'cause Wooded Hill Group Camp Ground is all about the motorized love. You'll have to leave your electrical hookups at home, but drinkable water and vault toilets up the comfort factor. Once you've found the perfect parking spot, go for a beautiful walk along the wooded trails and have a picnic. Trailers are welcome at the sit Read more...
Explore Dripping Springs Campground, and your jaw will be dropping in awe! This place seems to have the best of the best, whether you’re looking to catch a fish, catch a sunrise or catch a campground for you and your horse. Ok, it actually doesn’t have the best of RV sites (no hook-ups) but who needs amenities when you’re exploring non-stop? Littl Read more...
Trek around that wooded bramble and converse with Mother Nature like the old friend she is. Oak Grove Campground offers ample hiking opportunities as well as drinkable water, and you won't be able to say no to those new-fangled flushable toilets. With light usage and some idyllic picnicking spots, this may just be your next outdoor refuge. Read more...
Small, secluded, non-reservable. . . what’s not to love? OHV-friendly Wildomar Campground offers picnicking, hiking and, of course, plenty of off-road fun. With it all comes a dose of top-notch rugged scenery and terrain. Easy access off Los Alamos Truck Trail makes Wildomar convenient. Limited sites but low traffic make it the perfect place for a Read more...
Located on a picturesque pass in the Santa Ana Mountains, El Cariso campground has small, sunny and shady sites primarily suitable for tent camping. The campground is held together by quality CCC architecture, and is a prime spot for picnicking. An on-site visitor center and direct access to a self-guided nature trail, offer cool info on plant lif Read more...
Fancy a group camping site? If you’re in the Cleveland National Forest the Falcon Group Campground is a safe bet. There are three individual sites to choose from: Lupine, Sage, and Yarrow. Potable water and vault toilets are provided. Now all you have to worry about is finding the perfect stick to roast your marshmallows!Read more...
With a variety of primitive sites, and walking access into nearby wooded areas, Blue Jay Campground is a laid-back destination for hikers and picnickers. Situated in the Cleveland National Forest, three miles from Ortega Highway, the campground is a great place to explore the forest from the Blue Jay Trailhead. If reading this has started a mental Read more...
Enjoy primitive camping under the oaks at Upper San Juan Campground, conveniently located just off Ortega Highway. Despite the ease of access, it’s a small campground for tents and small RVs only, and it doesn’t see a huge amount of use. With hiking, picnicking and basic amenities, Upper San Juan is a nice place for relaxing outdoors in nice weath Read more...
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Notable Campgrounds
Notable Campgrounds
Tips for Snagging a Campsite Reservation
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
Nearby Attractions
Public campgrounds (book externally) —