Campground List
CAMPGROUND NAME: Blue Jay
VISIT DATE: 12/16/1997
UPDATE DATE: 3/10/2021
STATE: California
REGION: Pacific Southwest
RANGER DISTRICT: Trabuco
NEAREST CITY/TOWN: Lake Elsinore
RESERVATIONS: No
DIRECTIONS:
From Lake Elsinore, CA, take State Rt. 74 south 5.7 miles to
Blue Jay campground sign. Turn right at sign and go 5.1 miles
to campground on right.
NOTE: Although paved, after 4 miles, the access road narrows
to a wide single-lane road.
GENERAL COMMENTS:
The elevation is 3,400 ft.
Campground is located in Santa Ana Mountain Range and is composed
of Live Oaks and Tahon (Hollywood shrubs). Understory is dense
in places. Bird watching in and from this campground is
considered excellent, especially during February and March. The
endangered Arroya Toad can be seen in the campground. State Rt.
74 has some excellent vistas of the mountains.
SEASONS
Open Seasonal: No
Open All Year: Yes
Comments:
Camp sites 39 through 50 closed during winter - open Memorial Day
through November.
RATE AND MAXIMUM STAY PERMITTED
Rate: $20 per day
Maximum Stay Permitted (days): 14
CAMPGROUND SITE CONFIGURATION
No. RV Sites: 0
No. Tent Sites: 19
No. Combined Sites (Tent or RV): 31
Total Sites: 50
Tent Pads: Yes
Open Sites: Yes
Wooded Sites: Yes
No. Tables on Sites: 50
No. Grilles on Sites: 50
Equestrian Camping: No
RV INFORMATION
Hookups: None
No. RV Pull Throughs: 1
Waste Station: No
Average Parking Apron Size: 15' X 49'
Comments:
The parking aprons are dirt and gravel. An RV waste station with
no potable water, is available for a fee, 3.8 miles north on State
Rt. 74 at Ortega Oaks RV Park.
FACILITIES
Vaults: Yes
Flush Toilets: No
Hot Showers: No
Wheelchair Friendly Toilets: No
Public Phone: No
Playground: No
No. Water Spigots: 10
No. Threaded: 7
WATER SPORTS - None
HIKING
San Juan Trail - 11.6 miles
FISHING - No
CAMPGROUND NAME: Bobcat Meadows
VISIT DATE: 12/23/1997
UPDATE DATE: 3/25/2025
STATE: California
REGION: Pacific Southwest
RANGER DISTRICT: Descanso
NEAREST CITY/TOWN: Pine Valley
RESERVATIONS: No
DIRECTIONS:
From Pine Valley, CA, take Interstate 8 east 6.3 miles to
"Buckman Springs" exit. At end of off ramp, turn right and go
0.1 miles to stop sign. Continue straight onto Buckman Springs
Rd. and go 3.3 miles to Corral Canyon Off Road Vehicle Area sign
(Corral Canyon Rd. - Forest Rt. 17S04). Turn right onto Corral
Canyon Rd. and go 5.9 miles to "Y" intersection (Four Corners
Trail head sign). Bear left onto Skye Valley Rd. and go 1.9 to
campground.
NOTE: After 3 miles, Corral Canyon Rd. becomes single lane with
few turnouts. The road is also winding with low overhanging
branches, rock slides and at least one low-water crossing bridge.
GENERAL COMMENTS:
The elevation is 3,800 ft.
Campground is situated in a dell, shaded by Live Oaks. It is
adjacent to the Corral Canyon Open ORV Area. At time of our
visit, interior road was badly eroded. Campground is pack it in,
pack it out.
SEASONS
Open Seasonal: No
Open All Year: Yes
RATE AND MAXIMUM STAY PERMITTED
No charge, BUT an Adventure Pass or American the Beautiful Pass
is required and must be displayed.
NOTE: Purchase the Adventure Pass from a Ranger District Office,
authorized local merchant or by credit card.
Those with America the Beautiful Pass are exempt. Go to
National Forest Adventure Pass for more information.
Maximum Stay Permitted (days): 14
CAMPGROUND SITE CONFIGURATION
No. RV Sites: 0
No. Tent Sites: 2
No. Combined Sites (Tent or RV): 18
Total Sites: 20
Tent Pads: No
Open Sites: Yes
Wooded Sites: Yes
No. Tables on Sites: 0
No. Grilles on Sites: 20
Equestrian Camping: No
RV INFORMATION
Hookups: None
No. RV Pull Throughs: 0
Waste Station: No
Average Parking Apron Size: 14' X 36'
Comments:
The parking aprons are dirt. There are low overhanging branches
in the campground. There is waste station at Buckman Springs
Rest Area off Interstate 8 at Buckman Springs exit - no fee.
FACILITIES
Vaults: Yes
Flush Toilets: No
Hot Showers: No
Wheelchair Friendly Toilets: No
Public Phone: No
Playground: No
No. Water Spigots: 0
WATER SPORTS - None
HIKING
Corral Canyon Open ORV Area (dirt bike, ATV or 4-wheel drive) -
has about 11 trails for up to 20 miles.
FISHING - No
CAMPGROUND NAME: Boulder Oaks
VISIT DATE: 12/23/1997
UPDATE DATE: 3/25/2025
STATE: California
REGION: Pacific Southwest
RANGER DISTRICT: Descanso
NEAREST CITY/TOWN: Pine Valley
RESERVATIONS: 1-877-444-6777 or make on-line reservation
DIRECTIONS:
From Pine Valley, CA, take Interstate 8 east 6.3 miles to
"Buckman Springs" exit. At end of ramp, turn right and go 0.1
miles to stop sign. Turn left at sign onto Old Highway 80 and go
2.2 miles to campground sign. Turn right at sign into
campground.
GENERAL COMMENTS:
The elevation is 3,300 ft.
NOTE: Reservations are required for equestrian campsites and only
they can be reserved.
Campground is composed of two loops - one for equestrian and the
other for family campers. The equestrian loop has a corral at
each site. The vegetation is dominated by Live Oaks, Manzanita
and Sage. Interior road is dirt and was somewhat eroded at time
of our visit. All pull throughs are located in the equestrian
loop. Reservations can be made for equestrian loop only.
SEASONS
Open Seasonal: No
Open All Year: Yes
RATE AND MAXIMUM STAY PERMITTED
Rate: $16 per day - single
$32 per day - double
Maximum Stay Permitted (days): 14
CAMPGROUND SITE CONFIGURATION
No. RV Sites: 0
No. Tent Sites: 1
No. Combined Sites (Tent or RV): 33
Total Sites: 34
Tent Pads: No
Open Sites: Yes
Wooded Sites: Yes
No. Tables on Sites: 29
No. Grilles on Sites: 29
Equestrian Camping: Yes
RV INFORMATION
Hookups: None
No. RV Pull Throughs: 12
Waste Station: No
Average Parking Apron Size: 14' X 49'
Comments:
The parking aprons are dirt. There is waste station at Buckman
Springs Rest Area off Interstate 8 at Buckman Springs exit - no
fee.
FACILITIES
Vaults: Yes
Flush Toilets: No
Hot Showers: No
Wheelchair Friendly Toilets: Yes
Public Phone: No
Playground: No
No. Water Spigots: 9
No. Threaded: 2
Comments:
Wheelchair friendly toilet located in family loop.
WATER SPORTS - None
HIKING
Pacific Coast Trail (PCT) - 37 miles (through the Ranger
District)
Foot and horse (in sections). Check with Ranger District.
FISHING - No
CAMPGROUND NAME: Burnt Rancheria
VISIT DATE: 12/30/1997
UPDATE DATE: 3/25/2025
STATE: California
REGION: Pacific Southwest
RANGER DISTRICT: Descanso
NEAREST CITY/TOWN: Pine Valley
RESERVATIONS: 1-877-444-6777 or make on-line reservation
DIRECTIONS:
From Pine Valley, CA, take Interstate 8 east 1.1 miles to Sunrise
Highway Scenic Byway (S1) exit. Bear right onto the exit and at
the stop sign, turn left onto the Sunrise Highway Scenic Byway
(S1). Go 9.3 miles to campground sign. Turn right at sign into
campground.
GENERAL COMMENTS:
The elevation is 5,500 ft.
Campground is one of two campgrounds in the Laguna Mountain
Recreation Area. It is comprised of six loops: Lilac, Yucca,
Pinyon, Mahogany, Redberry and Cherry. Located in the Laguna
Mountains, the campground enjoys cool summer temperatures in lots
of mature pines and Oaks. There is amphitheater with
interpretive programs during the summer.
At the entrance to the campground, an old "country-style"
Catholic church (Our Lady of the Pines) is nestled in the pines.
Services are held during the summer. The campground gets its
name from an incident that occurred on the property in 1885 when
the US Calvary burned a rancheria belonging to the Cuyapipe
Indians. Take a hike along the Desert View Nature Trail at
sunrise; it is delightful.
SEASONS
Open Seasonal: Yes
Open All Year: No
Seasonal Comment:
Open April 18 through October 18
RATE AND MAXIMUM STAY PERMITTED
Rate: $35 per day
Maximum Stay Permitted (days): 14
CAMPGROUND SITE CONFIGURATION
No. RV Sites: 0
No. Tent Sites: 11
No. Combined Sites (Tent or RV): 97
Total Sites: 108
Tent Pads: No
Open Sites: Yes
Wooded Sites: Yes
No. Tables on Sites: 108
No. Grilles on Sites: 108
Equestrian Camping: No
RV INFORMATION
Hookups: None
No. RV Pull Throughs: 0
Waste Station: No
Average Parking Apron Size: 11.5' X 42'
Comments:
The parking aprons are paved. There is waste station at Buckman
Springs Rest Area off Interstate 8 at Buckman Springs exit - no
fee.
FACILITIES
Vaults: Yes
Flush Toilets: Yes
Hot Showers: Yes
Wheelchair Friendly Toilets: Yes
Public Phone: No
Playground: No
No. Water Spigots: 21
No. Threaded: 0
WATER SPORTS - None
HIKING
There are 12 trails within the Laguna Mountain Recreation Area that
include foot, horse and mountain bike - one is the Pacific Crest Trail.
FISHING - No
CAMPGROUND NAME: Cibbets Flat
VISIT DATE: 12/23/1997
UPDATE DATE: 3/25/2025
STATE: California
REGION: Pacific Southwest
RANGER DISTRICT: Descanso
NEAREST CITY/TOWN: Pine Valley
RESERVATIONS: No
DIRECTIONS:
From Pine Valley, CA, take Interstate 8 east 9.2 miles to Cameron
Station exit. At end of exit ramp, turn left onto Kitchen Creek
Rd. and go 4.7 miles to campground sign. Turn right at sign into
campground.
GENERAL COMMENTS:
The elevation is 4,100 ft.
Campground is comprised of large Live Oaks with grassy
understory. It has a nice blend of open and shaded areas. Some
sites are located along a seasonal creek. The six walk-in tent
sites share five water spigots.
SEASONS
Open Seasonal: No
Open All Year: Yes
RATE AND MAXIMUM STAY PERMITTED
Rate: $14 per day - non-equestrian site
$28 per day - equestrian site
Maximum Stay Permitted (days): 14
CAMPGROUND SITE CONFIGURATION
No. RV Sites: 0
No. Tent Sites: 7
No. Combined Sites (Tent or RV): 17
Total Sites: 24
Tent Pads: No
Open Sites: Yes
Wooded Sites: Yes
No. Tables on Sites: 23
No. Grilles on Sites: 24
Equestrian Camping: No
RV INFORMATION
Hookups: None
No. RV Pull Throughs: 0
Waste Station: No
Average Parking Apron Size: 10' X 50'
Comments:
The parking aprons are paved. There is waste station at Buckman
Springs Rest Area, located 3 miles north on Interstate 8 (Buckman
Springs exit) - no fee.
FACILITIES
Vaults: Yes
Flush Toilets: No
Hot Showers: No
Wheelchair Friendly Toilets: No
Public Phone: No
Playground: No
No. Water Spigots: 11
No. Threaded: 5
WATER SPORTS - None
HIKING - No
FISHING - No
CAMPGROUND NAME: Corral Canyon
VISIT DATE: 12/23/1997
UPDATE DATE: 3/25/2025
STATE: California
REGION: Pacific Southwest
RANGER DISTRICT: Descanso
NEAREST CITY/TOWN: Pine Valley
RESERVATIONS: No
DIRECTIONS:
From Pine Valley, CA, take Interstate 8 east 6.3 miles to
"Buckman Springs" exit. At end of off ramp, turn right and go
0.1 miles to stop sign. Continue straight onto Buckman Springs
Rd. and go 3.3 miles to Corral Canyon Off Road Vehicle Area sign
(Corral Canyon Rd. - Forest Rt. 17S04). Turn right onto Corral
Canyon Rd. and go 5.9 miles to "Y" intersection (Four Corners
Trail head sign). Bear right and go 1.4 miles to campground.
NOTE: After 3 miles, Corral Canyon Rd. becomes single lane with
few turnouts. The road is also winding with low overhanging
branches, rock slides and at least one low-water crossing bridge.
GENERAL COMMENTS:
The elevation is 3,500 ft.
Campground is situated in a dell, shaded by Live Oaks. It is
adjacent to the Corral Canyon Open ORV Area. At time of our
visit, interior road was badly eroded. Campground is pack it in,
pack it out.
SEASONS
Open Seasonal: No
Open All Year: Yes
RATE AND MAXIMUM STAY PERMITTED
Rate: No charge, BUT an Adventure Pass or America the Beautiful Pass is
required and must be displayed.
NOTE: Purchase the Adventure Pass from a Ranger District Office,
authorized local merchant or by credit card.
Those with America the Beautiful Pass are exempt. Go to
National Forest Adventure Pass for more information.
Maximum Stay Permitted (days): 14
CAMPGROUND SITE CONFIGURATION
No. RV Sites: 0
No. Tent Sites: 0
No. Combined Sites (Tent or RV): 22
Total Sites: 22
Tent Pads: No
Open Sites: Yes
Wooded Sites: Yes
No. Tables on Sites: 0
No. Grilles on Sites: 22
Equestrian Camping: No
RV INFORMATION
Hookups: None
No. RV Pull Throughs: 0
Waste Station: No
Average Parking Apron Size: 11.5' X 50'
Comments:
The parking aprons are dirt. There is waste station at Buckman
Springs Rest Area off Interstate 8 at Buckman Springs exit - no
fee.
FACILITIES
Vaults: Yes
Flush Toilets: No
Hot Showers: No
Wheelchair Friendly Toilets: No
Public Phone: No
Playground: No
No. Water Spigots: 0
WATER SPORTS - None
HIKING
Corral Canyon Open ORV Area (motorcycle, ATV or 4-wheel drive)
Gun Slinger - 2.5 miles
Sidewinder - 0.9 miles
Bronco Peak - 2.7 miles
Wrangler - 3.9 miles
Corral - 1.2 miles
Greenhorn - 1.1 miles
Bronco Flats - 0.8 miles
Tombstone - 0.8 miles
Sodbuster - 0.9 miles
Wrangler Tie - 0.2 miles
Bobcat - 1 mile
FISHING - No
CAMPGROUND NAME: Dripping Springs
VISIT DATE: 12/20/1997
UPDATE DATE: 3/25/2025
STATE: California
REGION: Pacific Southwest
RANGER DISTRICT: Palomar
NEAREST CITY/TOWN: Temecula
RESERVATIONS: 1-877-444-6777 or make on-line reservation
DIRECTIONS:
In Temecula, CA, take State Rt. 79 south 10.6 miles to campground
sign. At sign, turn right into campground.
GENERAL COMMENTS:
The elevation is 1,600 ft.
Live Oaks and Sycamores provide most sites with filtered shade.
Campsites 30 through 34 are designated equestrian only. Four
single-horse corrals and one large corral are provided. The
Campground is adjacent to the seasonal Arroyo Seco Creek and
Agua Tibia Wilderness.
SEASONS
Open Seasonal: No
Open All Year: Yes
RATE AND MAXIMUM STAY PERMITTED
Rate: $25 per day - single
$50 per day - double
Maximum Stay Permitted (days): 14
CAMPGROUND SITE CONFIGURATION
No. RV Sites: 0
No. Tent Sites: 0
No. Combined Sites (Tent or RV): 33
Total Sites: 33
Tent Pads: Yes
Open Sites: Yes
Wooded Sites: Yes
No. Tables on Sites: 30
No. Grilles on Sites: 30
Equestrian Camping: Yes
RV INFORMATION
Hookups: None
No. RV Pull Throughs: 13
Waste Station: No
Average Parking Apron Size: 11' X 47'
Comments:
The parking aprons are paved.
FACILITIES
Vaults: Yes
Flush Toilets: No
Hot Showers: No
Wheelchair Friendly Toilets: Yes
Public Phone: No
Playground: No
No. Water Spigots: 10
No. Threaded: 0
Comments:
Only wheelchair friendly toilet is located near site 34.
WATER SPORTS - None
HIKING
Dripping Springs Trail (foot only) - 6.8 miles
Accesses Agua Tibia Wilderness and 25 miles of
trails
FISHING - No
CAMPGROUND NAME: El Cariso North
VISIT DATE: 12/16/1997
UPDATE DATE: 3/10/20217
STATE: California
REGION: Pacific Southwest
RANGER DISTRICT: Trabuco
NEAREST CITY/TOWN: Lake Elsinore
RESERVATIONS: No
DIRECTIONS:
From Lake Elsinore, CA, take State Rt. 74 south 5.9 miles to
campground on right.
GENERAL COMMENTS:
The elevation is 2,600 ft.
Campground is located in the Santa Ana Mountain Range and is
comprised of Live Oaks, some Madrones, Coulter, other pines and
California Scrub Oak. Understory is dirt.
SEASONS
Open Seasonal: No
Open All Year: Yes
RATE AND MAXIMUM STAY PERMITTED
Rate: $15 per day
Maximum Stay Permitted (days): 14
CAMPGROUND SITE CONFIGURATION
No. RV Sites: 0
No. Tent Sites: 5
No. Combined Sites (Tent or RV): 19
Total Sites: 24
Tent Pads: Yes
Open Sites: Yes
Wooded Sites: Yes
No. Tables on Sites: 24
No. Grilles on Sites: 24
Equestrian Camping: No
RV INFORMATION
Hookups: None
No. RV Pull Throughs: 0
Waste Station: No
Average Parking Apron Size: 11' X 39'
Comments:
The parking aprons are paved. Live Oak branches may impede high
RVs. There is waste station 3.6 miles south of campground on
State Rt. 74 at Ortega Oaks RV Park - fee $5, no potable water.
FACILITIES
Vaults: Yes
Flush Toilets: No
Hot Showers: No
Wheelchair Friendly Toilets: No
Public Phone: No
Playground: No
No. Water Spigots: 7
No. Threaded: 0
Comments:
The water spigots are hand pumps.
WATER SPORTS - None
HIKING - No
Comments:
The San Juan Trail is 3.6 miles south of campground on State Rt.
74.
FISHING - No
CAMPGROUND NAME: Fry Creek
VISIT DATE: 12/29/1997
UPDATE DATE: 3/25/2025
STATE: California
REGION: Pacific Southwest
RANGER DISTRICT: Palomar
NEAREST CITY/TOWN: Santa Ysabel
RESERVATIONS: 1-877-444-6777 or make on-line reservation
DIRECTIONS:
In Santa Ysabel, CA, take State Rt. 79 north for 6.9 miles to
State Rt. 76. Turn right onto Rt. 76 and go 4.6 miles to County
Rt. S7. Turn right onto Rt. S7 and go 11.4 miles to County Rt.
S6. Continue straight on Rt. S6 and go 2.5 miles to campground
on left.
GENERAL COMMENTS:
The elevation is 4,900 ft.
Campground is heavily wooded with Live Oak, beautiful mature
Cedars and (we think) large Douglas Firs and Spruce. Campground
caters to tenters with most sites scattered and secluded under
the pines. Forest Service does not recommend use of trailers in
the campground. There are limited groceries in a general store
at the intersection of County Rts. S7 and S6.
County Rt. S7 has some excellent vistas. The Palomar Observatory
is 2 miles further up County Rt. S6. There, one can enter the
Observatory and view the active telescope. There is also a
museum.
SEASONS
Open Seasonal: Yes
Open All Year: No
Seasonal Comment:
Open April 1 through December 1
RATE AND MAXIMUM STAY PERMITTED
Rate: $15 per day
Maximum Stay Permitted (days): 14
CAMPGROUND SITE CONFIGURATION
No. RV Sites: 0
No. Tent Sites: 20
No. Combined Sites (Tent or RV): 0
Total Sites: 20
Tent Pads: No
Open Sites: No
Wooded Sites: Yes
No. Tables on Sites: 20
No. Grilles on Sites: 20
Equestrian Camping: No
RV INFORMATION
Some camp site will accommodate slide-in RVs.
FACILITIES
Vaults: Yes
Flush Toilets: No
Hot Showers: No
Wheelchair Friendly Toilets: No
Public Phone: No
Playground: No
No. Water Spigots: 6
No. Threaded: 0
WATER SPORTS - None
HIKING
Fry Creek Trail - (loop - foot only) - 1.75 miles
FISHING - No
CAMPGROUND NAME: Indian Flats
VISIT DATE: 12/29/1997
UPDATE DATE: 3/10/2021
STATE: California
REGION: Pacific Southwest
RANGER DISTRICT: Palomar
NEAREST CITY/TOWN: Warner Springs
RESERVATIONS: No
DIRECTIONS:
From Warner Springs, CA, take State Rt. 79 north 1.6 miles to
Lost Valley Rd. (Forest Rt. 9S05). Turn right onto Lost Valley
Rd. and go 6.6 miles to campground.
NOTE: Although paved, Lost Valley Rd. is single lane, winding
(hairpin in places), rough road. There are also some significant
dips. Between the hairpin turns and dips, road could be
troublesome for some RVs.
GENERAL COMMENTS:
The elevation is 3,600 ft.
Campground is located in a grove of tall Live Oaks, scrubby
Ribbonwood and Manzanita. It is considered a high desert
campground. There are unmarked trails and lots of rock
formations to view and explore. The interior road has two
significant dips that could be troublesome for some RVs. Campground
and access to it are not RV friendly. Forest Service does not
recommend trailers.
SEASONS
Open Seasonal: No
Open All Year: Yes
NOTE: Maybe closed during wet periods.
RATE AND MAXIMUM STAY PERMITTED
Rate: $12 per day
Maximum Stay Permitted (days): 14
CAMPGROUND SITE CONFIGURATION
No. RV Sites: 0
No. Tent Sites: 15
No. Combined Sites (Tent or RV): 0
Total Sites: 15
Tent Pads: No
Open Sites: Yes
Wooded Sites: Yes
No. Tables on Sites: 15
No. Grilles on Sites: 15
Equestrian Camping: No
FACILITIES
Vaults: Yes
Flush Toilets: No
Hot Showers: No
Wheelchair Friendly Toilets: No
Public Phone: No
Playground: No
No. Water Spigots: 0
WATER SPORTS - None
HIKING - No
Comments:
Pacific Crest Trail (foot and horse) - 2,650 miles
Trail access is about 0.6 miles south of campground on
Lost Valley Rd.
There are also unmarked trails.
FISHING - No
CAMPGROUND NAME: Laguna
VISIT DATE: 12/30/1997
UPDATE DATE: 3/25/2025
STATE: California
REGION: Pacific Southwest
RANGER DISTRICT: Descanso
NEAREST CITY/TOWN: Pine Valley
RESERVATIONS: 1-877-444-6777 or make on-line reservation
DIRECTIONS:
From Pine Valley, CA, take Interstate 8 east 1.1 miles to Sunrise
Highway Scenic Byway (S1) exit. Bear right onto the exit and at
the stop sign, turn left onto the Sunrise Highway Scenic Byway
(S1). Go 12.6 miles to campground sign. Turn left at sign and
go 0.2 miles to the campground.
GENERAL COMMENTS:
The elevation is 6,000 ft.
NOTE: Sites are reservable from year round.
The campground is one of two campgrounds in the Laguna Mountain
Recreation Area. It is composed of five loops: Shady, Roadside,
Sunny, Meadow and Hillside. Located in the Laguna Mountains, the
campground enjoys cool summer temperatures. It is comprised of
Jeffrey Pines with Cedars and Oaks mixed in. In the group area,
there is the El Predo Cabin, which was occupied by the first
Forest Ranger in the Forest during 1911. Interpretive programs
are offered during the summer months in the amphitheater.
San Diego State University Observatory sponsors "Star Parties" for
campers most Saturday evenings during the summer. The schedule can
be obtained at the nearby visitor center on Laguna Mountain.
SEASONS
Open Seasonal: No
Open All Year: Yes
Seasonal Comment:
Sites are reservable year-round
NOTE: Between early October and mid-May, showers and flush toilets are closed.
Check with Ranger District Office for status.
RATE AND MAXIMUM STAY PERMITTED
Rate: $35 per day
Maximum Stay Permitted (days): 14
CAMPGROUND SITE CONFIGURATION
No. RV Sites: 0
No. Tent Sites: 23
No. Combined Sites (Tent or RV): 80
Total Sites: 103
Tent Pads: No
Open Sites: Yes
Wooded Sites: Yes
No. Tables on Sites: 102
No. Grilles on Sites: 103
Equestrian Camping: No
RV INFORMATION
Hookups: None
No. RV Pull Throughs: 2
Waste Station: No
Average Parking Apron Size: 12' X 40'
Comments:
The parking aprons vary from dirt to gravel to paved. The Meadow
loop is the most RV friendly. There is waste station at Buckman
Springs Rest Area off Interstate 8 at Buckman Springs exit - no
fee.
FACILITIES
Vaults: Yes
Flush Toilets: Yes
Hot Showers: Yes
Wheelchair Friendly Toilets: Yes
Public Phone: Yes
Playground: No
No. Water Spigots: 25
No. Threaded: 10
Comments:
Showers are coin operated and are wheelchair friendly. They are
located near site 65
WATER SPORTS - None
HIKING
There are 12 trails within the Laguna Mountain Recreation Area that
include foot, horse and mountain bike - one is the Pacific Crest Trail.
FISHING - No
CAMPGROUND NAME: Oak Grove
VISIT DATE: 12/20/1997
UPDATE DATE: 3/25/2025
STATE: California
REGION: Pacific Southwest
RANGER DISTRICT: Palomar
NEAREST CITY/TOWN: Temecula
RESERVATIONS: 1-877-444-6777 or make on-line reservation
DIRECTIONS:
In Temecula, CA, take State Rt. 79 south 24.1 miles to campground
sign. Turn left at sign into campground.
GENERAL COMMENTS:
The elevation is 2,800 ft.
The campground is composed of three loops: Oak, Ribbonwood and
Chamise. Attractive campground that is comprised of Chamise,
Ribbonwood and Live Oaks in chaparral vegetation. Most sites are
open, but secluded because of the Chamise shrubs. There is
abundant bird life and clear night skies for star gazing. Some
sites have stone fire pits. The nearby Oak Grove features a
small museum.
SEASONS
Open Seasonal: No
Open All Year: Yes
RATE AND MAXIMUM STAY PERMITTED
Rate: $15 per day - single
$30 per day - double
Maximum Stay Permitted (days): 14
CAMPGROUND SITE CONFIGURATION
No. RV Sites: 0
No. Tent Sites: 0
No. Combined Sites (Tent or RV): 79
Total Sites: 79
Tent Pads: No
Open Sites: Yes
Wooded Sites: Yes
No. Tables on Sites: 79
No. Grilles on Sites: 79
Equestrian Camping: No
RV INFORMATION
Hookups: None
No. RV Pull Throughs: 2
Waste Station: No
Average Parking Apron Size: 10' X 55'
Comments:
The parking aprons are paved. The pull throughs are double-fee
sites.
FACILITIES
Vaults: Yes
Flush Toilets: Yes
Hot Showers: No
Wheelchair Friendly Toilets: No
Public Phone: No
Playground: No
No. Water Spigots: 24
No. Threaded: 1
Comments:
Flush toilets are on Chamise and Oak loops; vault toilets only in
the Ribbonwood loop.
WATER SPORTS - None
HIKING
Hiking: Yes
Comments:
Oak Grove Trail (foot) - 1.5 miles
located across State Rt. 79, behind Ranger Station
FISHING - No
CAMPGROUND NAME: Observatory
VISIT DATE: 12/29/1997
UPDATE DATE: 3/25/2025
STATE: California
REGION: Pacific Southwest
RANGER DISTRICT: Palomar
NEAREST CITY/TOWN: Santa Ysabel
RESERVATIONS: 1-877-444-6777 or make on-line reservation
DIRECTIONS:
In Santa Ysabel, CA, take State Rt. 79 north for 6.9 miles to
State Rt. 76. Turn right onto Rt. 76 and go 4.6 miles to County
Rt. S7. Turn right onto Rt. S7 and go 11.4 miles to County Rt.
S6. Continue straight on Rt. S6 and go 2.3 miles to campground
on right.
GENERAL COMMENTS:
The elevation is 4,800 ft.
The campground is partially wooded with Live oaks, cedar and other
mixed pines. There are a number of side-by-side campsites with
shared parking aprons. Although separate sites, these are good
for group camping. Some of the open sites have round cement pads
for directional star viewing. There are limited groceries in a
general store at the intersection of County Rts. S7 and S6. A
paved walkway provides easy access for everyone to the amphitheater.
County Rt. S7 has some excellent vistas. The Palomar Observatory
is 2 miles further up County Rt. S6. There, one can enter the
Observatory and view the active telescope. There is also a museum.
Join the campground's Star Parties held each month, no charge.
For a schedule, click here - Explore the Stars Program - Star Parties
SEASONS
Open Seasonal: Yes
Open All Year: Yes
Seasonal Comment:
Services available April 1 through December 1
RATE AND MAXIMUM STAY PERMITTED
Rate: $20 per day - single
$40 per day - double
Maximum Stay Permitted (days): 14
CAMPGROUND SITE CONFIGURATION
No. RV Sites: 0
No. Tent Sites: 9
No. Combined Sites (Tent or RV): 33
Total Sites: 42
Tent Pads: No
Open Sites: Yes
Wooded Sites: Yes
No. Tables on Sites: 42
No. Grilles on Sites: 42
Equestrian Camping: No
RV INFORMATION
Hookups: None
No. RV Pull Throughs: 0
Waste Station: No
Average Parking Apron Size: 9' X 55'
Comments:
The parking aprons are paved.
FACILITIES
Vaults: No
Flush Toilets:Yes
Hot Showers: Yes
Wheelchair Friendly Toilets: Yes
Public Phone: No
Playground: No
No. Water Spigots: 7
No. Threaded:7
Comments:
Hot showers are coin operated.
WATER SPORTS - None
HIKING
Observatory Trail (foot only) - 2.25 miles
Trail leads up to Palomar Observatory.
FISHING - No
CAMPGROUND NAME: Upper San Juan
VISIT DATE: 12/16/1997
UPDATE DATE: 3/10/2021
STATE: California
REGION: Pacific Southwest
RANGER DISTRICT: Trabuco
NEAREST CITY/TOWN: Lake Elsinore
RESERVATIONS: No
DIRECTIONS:
From Lake Elsinore, CA, take State Rt. 74 south 10.3 miles to
campground on right.
GENERAL COMMENTS:
The elevation is 1,800 ft.
The campground is located in the Santa Ana Mountain Range. It is
nicely manicured with dirt understory and lots of Live Oaks.
Campground built by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) in
1933. The seasonal San Juan Creek runs through the campground.
There are limited groceries and good candy available at the Ortega
Country Cottage General Store (formally known as the "Candy
Store"). It is located 0.75 miles north of the campground on
State Rt. 74.
SEASONS
Open Seasonal: Yes
Open All Year: No
Comments:
Open April or May through November.
NOTE: In 2021, campground is still closed due to
hazard tree danger. Contact ranger district office for status
RATE AND MAXIMUM STAY PERMITTED
Rate: $18 per day
Maximum Stay Permitted (days): 14
CAMPGROUND SITE CONFIGURATION
No. RV Sites: 0
No. Tent Sites: 6
No. Combined Sites (Tent or RV): 12
Total Sites: 18
Tent Pads: No
Open Sites: No
Wooded Sites: Yes
No. Tables on Sites: 18
No. Grilles on Sites: 18
Equestrian Camping: No
RV INFORMATION
Hookups: None
No. RV Pull Throughs: 0
Waste Station: No
Average Parking Apron Size: 12' X 22'
Comments:
The parking aprons are paved. Low hanging branches at some sites
and along the interior road will impede some RVs - not RV
friendly. An RV waste station, with no potable water, is available for
a fee 0.75 miles north of campground on State Rt. 74 at the Ortega
Oaks RV Park.
FACILITIES
Vaults: Yes
Flush Toilets: No
Hot Showers: No
Wheelchair Friendly Toilets: No
Public Phone: No
Playground: No
No. Water Spigots: 2
No. Threaded: 0
Comments:
The water spigots are hand pumps.
WATER SPORTS - None
HIKING
San Juan Loop Trail - 2.1 miles (foot, mtn. bike & horse)
Loop trail accesses the San Juan trail (11.6 miles), Chiquito
Trail (9.2 miles) and Chiquito Basin Trail (2 miles). Primary
trail head for the latter 3 trails located 0.75 miles north of
campground on State Rt. 74 (across from the Ortega Country
Cottage General Store).
FISHING - No
CAMPGROUND NAME: Wildomar
VISIT DATE: 12/16/1997
UPDATE DATE: 3/10/2021
STATE: California
REGION: Pacific Southwest
RANGER DISTRICT: Trabuco
NEAREST CITY/TOWN: Lake Elsinore
RESERVATIONS: No
DIRECTIONS:
From Lake Elsinore, CA, take State Rt. 74 south 5.7 miles to
South Main Divide Rd. Turn left onto South Main Divide Rd.
and go 10 miles to campground.
NOTE: Although paved, after 5 miles, South Main Divide Rd.
turns into single lane with some turnouts. It is rough in places
with some pavement breaks.
GENERAL COMMENTS:
The elevation is 2,400 ft.
Campground is within a 360-acre OHV area with over 4 miles of
trails in the Santa Ana Mountain Range. It is shaded by Live
Oaks in Chaparral ecosystem with no understory. Campground is
adjacent to Sam Mateo Canyon Wilderness.
SEASONS
Open Seasonal: No
Open All Year: Yes
Comments:
During any rainy period, campground may be closed. Call the
Ranger District Office for status.
NOTE: In 2021, campground has no water and is
closed. Contact ranger district office for statusRATE AND MAXIMUM STAY PERMITTED
Rate: $15 per day
Maximum Stay Permitted (days): 14
CAMPGROUND SITE CONFIGURATION
No. RV Sites: 0
No. Tent Sites: 0
No. Combined Sites (Tent or RV): 11
Total Sites: 11
Tent Pads: No
Open Sites: Yes
Wooded Sites: Yes
No. Tables on Sites: 10
No. Grilles on Sites: 11
Equestrian Camping: No
RV INFORMATION
Hookups: None
No. RV Pull Throughs: 0
Waste Station: No
Average Parking Apron Size: 16' X 52'
Comments:
The parking aprons are dirt and gravel.
FACILITIES
Vaults: Yes
Flush Toilets: No
Hot Showers: No
Wheelchair Friendly Toilets: No
Public Phone: No
Playground: No
No. Water Spigots: 1
No. Threaded: 0
Comments:
The water spigot is a hand pump.
WATER SPORTS - None
HIKING
Network of OHV trails. There is trail head 0.5 miles from
campground.
FISHING - No
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