Cleveland National Forest Camping: Discover Top Spots in Trabuco, Palomar & Descanso Districts
Discover the beauty of the Cleveland National Forest, where outdoor enthusiasts can explore diverse camping options across its stunning landscapes. The San Mateo Canyon Ranger District offers serene campgrounds nestled among lush forests and opportunities for hiking and wildlife viewing. For those seeking a high-altitude escape, the Laguna Mountain Ranger District boasts picturesque sites with breathtaking views and access to scenic trails. Head to the Trabuco Ranger District for a rugged camping experience, complete with thrilling off-road adventures and secluded spots for relaxation. Whether you prefer family-friendly campgrounds or backcountry sites for a more adventurous stay, Cleveland National Forest has something for everyone. Experience the great outdoors and create lasting memories in this enchanting natural paradise!
Boulder Oaks Campground is located in the Descanso Ranger District, Cleveland National Forest (34 min east of El Cajon, CA) with an elevation of 3,172 feet. There are a total of 13 campsites. The campground is open all year. Max equipment length is 40 feet. All sites are currently reservable. Reservations can be booked up to 6 months in advance. Fees range from $16.00 to $32.00. Activities include horseback riding, hiking trails.
Burnt Rancheria Campground is located in the Descanso Ranger District, Cleveland National Forest (41 min east of El Cajon, CA) with an elevation of 5,970 feet. There are a total of 56 campsites including 8 tent-only sites. The campground is normally open from mid April to the end of October. 47 sites can accommodate RVs between 22 and 50 feet. All sites are currently reservable. Reservations can be booked up to 6 months in advance. Each site includes a picnic table and fire ring. Prices start at $32.00 per night. Some amenities include shower, amphitheater, flush toilets.
Dripping Springs Campground is located in the Palomar Ranger District, Cleveland National Forest (just 19 min east of Temecula, CA) with an elevation of 1,638 feet. There are a total of 33 campsites including 2 tent-only sites. The campground is open all year. 30 sites can accommodate RVs up to 25 feet. All sites are currently reservable. Reservations can be booked up to 6 months in advance. Fees range from $15.00 to $30.00.
El Prado Group Campground is located in the Descanso Ranger District, Cleveland National Forest (46 min east of El Cajon, CA) with an elevation of 5,472 feet. There are a total of 5 campsites which are all tent-only sites. The campground is normally open from the end of May to mid October. Max equipment length is 45 feet. All sites are currently reservable. Reservations can be booked up to 6 months in advance. Fees range from $45.00 to $75.00. Activities include biking, horseback riding, hiking trails.
Falcon Group Campground is located in the Trabuco Ranger District, Cleveland National Forest (just 29 min west of Lake Elsinore, CA) with an elevation of 3,301 feet. There are a total of 3 campsites which are all tent-only sites. The campground is open all year. Max equipment length is 25 feet. All sites are currently reservable. Reservations can be booked up to 6 months in advance. Fees range from $60.00 to $120.00. Activities include biking, hiking trails.
Fry Creek Campground is located in the Palomar Ranger District, Cleveland National Forest (1 hr 1 min southeast of Temecula, CA) with an elevation of 4,976 feet. There are a total of 12 campsites which are all tent-only sites. The campground is normally open from the beginning of April to the beginning of December. Max equipment length is 12 feet. All sites are currently reservable. Reservations can be booked up to 6 months in advance. Each site includes a picnic table and fire ring. Prices start at $15.00 per night.
Horse Heaven Group Campground is located in the Descanso Ranger District, Cleveland National Forest (44 min east of El Cajon, CA) with an elevation of 5,670 feet. There are a total of 3 campsites which are all tent-only sites. The campground is normally open from the end of May to the beginning of September. Max equipment length is 30 feet. All sites are currently reservable. Reservations can be booked up to 6 months in advance. Fees range from $60.00 to $150.00. Activities include biking, horseback riding, hiking trails.
Laguna Campground is located in the Descanso Ranger District, Cleveland National Forest (47 min east of El Cajon, CA) with an elevation of 5,615 feet. There are a total of 71 campsites including 7 tent-only sites. The campground is open all year. 64 sites can accommodate RVs between 20 and 50 feet. All sites are currently reservable. Reservations can be booked up to 6 months in advance. Each site includes a picnic table and fire ring. Prices start at $35.00 per night. Some amenities include shower, restroom, flush toilets. Activities include biking, horseback riding, hiking trails.
Oak Grove Campground is located in the Palomar Ranger District, Cleveland National Forest (33 min east of Temecula, CA) with an elevation of 2,769 feet. There are a total of 80 campsites. The campground is open all year. Sites can accommodate RVs and trailers up to 25 feet. Reservations can be booked up to 6 months in advance. Each site includes a picnic table and fire ring with grill. Fees range from $15.00 to $30.00. Some amenities include drinking water, restroom, trash dumpster, amphitheater, flush toilets. Activities include hiking trails.
Observatory Campground is located in the Palomar Ranger District, Cleveland National Forest (1 hr southeast of Temecula, CA) with an elevation of 4,908 feet. There are a total of 28 campsites including 21 tent-only sites. The campground is open all year. 4 sites can accommodate RVs between 12 and 35 feet. All sites are currently reservable. Reservations can be booked up to 6 months in advance. Each site includes a picnic table and fire ring. Fees range from $15.00 to $30.00. Some amenities include amphitheater. Activities include hiking trails.
Palomar Mountain Campground is part of Palomar Mountain State Park in California (1 hr 7 min southeast of Temecula, CA) with an elevation of 4,956 feet. There are a total of 30 campsites. The campground is open all year. Sites can accommodate RVs and trailers up to 24 feet. All sites are currently reservable. Reservations can be booked up to 6 months in advance. Prices start at $40.00 per night. Some amenities include shower, accessible, restroom, flush toilets. Activities include hiking trails.
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