- 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
Kaitlyn
1 week ago
2 nights at Starlight Outpost
Had an amazing stay! From the moment we pulled in I was in love! Had everything we needed to be comfortable. The night time vibes were amazing with the lighting and adorable decor. Don’t forget your warm clothes though, it was definitely colder then I expected but the heated bed made sleeping cozy!
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
T
Tove
2 weeks ago
I
Isaac belmontes
2 weeks ago
Tent
With kids
Super awesome place. First time camping with kids and it was very nice experience.
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 moreK
Katherine
3 weeks ago
16 ft car
Easy to find spot, instructions were clear and straightforward. No issues camping for the night!
See more
Q
Quinn
3 weeks ago
Tent
Lovely spot. Perfect for stargazing!
Just a tip-if you click on the map it will not take you to the correct place but if you directly plug in a ur coordinates, it’s perfect!
See more
B
Brandon
3 weeks ago
Tent
With kids
Dante was great host who offered firewood and use of a canoe. This was a first tent camping trip for my two sons and when it was time to pack up, they both said they wish we had an extra night. We all caught a fish. The relaxing sound of the frogs and owls was perfect. Unzipping the tent door to the view of the lake in the morning was awesome. We saw ducks, turtles, egret, along with a few of Dante’s goats. Very peaceful and remote.
See more
Sean
November 2025
Tent
Such a special place! The creek side spot was soothing and quiet. Just what the doctor ordered! Would love to come back
See more
Alvaro
October 2025
With kids
We loved spending a weekend at the cabin, with the highlight being lying down on the wood benches by the campfire and look at the stars.
The cabin is well equipped with bed pillows a land and a battery to keep your tech things charged up !
Kitchen has cooking items and the bbq makes it easy to cook. Bathroom with hot water and bio toilets are very well thought.
See more
M
Madison
October 2025
Weekend Trip to Svatantria Boutique Retreat
Me and my partner had a lovely stay at Hellya cabin! We loved this spot especially for its view and quiet atmosphere. Parking was very close and we had a good distance from the other cabins.
Keep in mind there are no heaters in this cabin but the building retained heat well at night and was cool during the day.
Stuart and Janel’s dogs greeted us as we drove up and after a few barks they greeted us with snuggles! They were great company on our weekend trip.
Thank you Stuart and Janel for letting us enjoy your land!
See more
David
October 2025
Tent
With kids
We loved our night at Carlotta’s place. It all started with a fund ride down off roading (bring a higher car) which the kids loved, then she upgraded us to a bigger site with a decent outhouse. The highlights were definitely the privacy, the swings and the awesome hikes around the property. Would definitely recommend, especially with a nice host like Carlotta!
See more
A
Andrea
October 2025
Group trip
We had a wounderful time. From the very start Diana was very responsive. Upon our arrival she got all checked in a familiar with supplies and amenities. I was very impressed by all the small details such as signage and provided materials. Even more so impressed by how much work Diana takes to make the experience comfortable and environmentally sustainable. We got to see some wild turkeys at night and enjoyed looking at her bee hive boxes. Compost toilet was a new one for me and like she promised it was easy, comfortable, and left no smell. It would be a pleasure to stay again!
See more
Neil
October 2025
Tent
Great location - less than an hour from San Diego, but you feel much further. Tons of stars at night and we couldn't hear any noise from the other sites. Road in isn't bad if you have some clearance and AWD/4WD. Would happily stay again.
See more
John
October 2025
16 ft campervan
I had a really peaceful stay and enjoyed the quiet and contemplative environment when I walked around. Thank you for providing great directions, Lexi! I will be coming back sometime soon.
See more
Michael
October 2025
Tent
Easy to check in. Very peaceful property with super nice people. Being close to the water was awesome and key for a tent camping with nearby cars and other noise getting droned out.
See more
J
JOY
October 2025
31 ft pop-up camper
With pets
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Three days and two nights of pure relaxation — my solo stay couldn’t have been better!
Arriving after dark, Lexi kindly helped me find my way, which immediately made me feel welcome. She responded to every message I sent throughout my stay, making communication effortless and stress-free. The site is private, secure, and peaceful — I could even head into the city and return without a worry.
The hot shower was refreshing, and the flush toilet with toilet paper and hand soap was perfect — clean, convenient, and easy to use. The outdoor kitchen was a great bonus, and my drinks in the community fridge were fully secured. Cooking or just relaxing outdoors in this calm, natural setting felt so grounding. Waking up to earthy scents, the rooster’s crow, and warm sunshine made it easy to slow down and enjoy the moment.
On my second night, I received an invitation to the open mic night — professional talent and friendly people made it truly memorable.
Huge thanks to Lexi for sharing such a welcoming, beautiful space. I left feeling relaxed and grateful — and I’ve already booked my next stay! 🌞🐓🌿
See moreJ
Jennifer
October 2025
Tent
I would definitely stay there again. Well curated. Loved the outdoor kitchen scene and I swam in the stream every morning as a cold plunge. No wifiin the shady grove area. So go close to the house to make a call.
See moreJ
Jennifer
October 2025
Tent
Tent camped between two pepper trees. Was lovely. A few minutes walk to a bathroom and outdoor kitchen thst was so fun to cook in. No wofo at the tent space but WiFi near the main house. Did a cold plunge in the stream every morning! Absolutely loved the property and will be back
See moreC
Cae
October 2025
Tent
Really beautiful spot with friendly, accommodating hosts. We stayed at the Dam site and felt completely secluded. It was a warm day but the site has a big shaded area so we were very comfortable. There was an outhouse as expected and it even had a nice view. The hosts were kind enough to even leave us water for dousing the fire and a trash can. This is not a glamping situation at all, but it's exactly what we were hoping for and expecting when we booked it! There are many historical sites and features that we didn't have time to check out this time but are looking forward to seeing on the next trip. Only word of caution is that the road really is pretty rough to get in. You definitely need reasonably high clearance and we were glad to have 4WD on the way back out, although you could probably get by with FWD. Normally I think people overstate this in reviews but I really don't think you should try to access this site in a sedan or low-ish crossover. Not a complaint, just a heads up.
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