CAMPING GUIDE: THE CLEVELAND NATIONAL FOREST
One of the largest public lands in Southern California, the Cleveland National Forest is perfect for camping among mountains, high deserts, forests, and beautiful valleys.
In this Guide:
About The Cleveland National Forest
The Cleveland National Forest is part of the Peninsular Mountain Range and is comprised of several distinct and separate areas including the Laguna Mountains, Palomar Mountains, and the Santa Ana Mountains. From deserts to high-alpine forests, the Cleveland National Forest is a unique smattering of landscapes and ecosystems from coastal canyons, to high deserts and alpine forests. It covers over 460,000 acres and offers plenty of opportunities for camping, hiking, horse riding, biking, and other outdoor recreation.
This national forest is divided into three ranger districts, including the Descanso Ranger District, the Palomar Ranger District, and the Trabuco Ranger District. This is important because depending on where you wish to camp, the ranger district may have different rules and processes.
Curious about National Forests in general? Read about How To Camp in National Forests.
Brief History
Original Inhabitants
This area was inhabited for thousands of years by several Native American tribes who lived in the desert, mountain, and coastal areas of Southern California, including the Kumeyaay, Luiseños, Cahuilla and Cupeño bands. The arrival of Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo brought the first European contact to this area in 1542, with the native tribes losing the majority of their land to colonizers over the following centuries, forced onto reservations where they still reside. Today, many of the original trails and living sites are still present within the Cleveland National Forest.
Modern History
The Cleveland National Forest was created in 1908 by President Theodore Roosevelt and was named after another former president, Grover Cleveland.
How To Get There
To the Laguna Mountains (Descanso Ranger District)
The Laguna Mountains are one of the most popular areas to access the Cleveland National Forest with campgrounds, the famous PCT trail, a visitors center with activities, and a few small restaurants, supply stores, and lodging options.
From San Diego about 1 hour by car – Google Maps from San Diego to Mount Laguna.
From Los Angeles about 2 hours by car – Google Maps from Los Angeles to Mount Laguna.
To the Santa Ana Mountains (Trabuco Ranger District)
Northwest of Temecula is the Santa Ana Mountains, which is the northernmost area managed by the Cleveland National Forest.
From San Diego about 1.5 hours by car – Google Maps from San Diego to Santa Ana mountains.
From Los Angeles about 1.5 hours by car – Google Maps from Los Angeles to Santa Ana mountains.
To the Palomar Mountains (Palomar Ranger District)
These mountains collect lots of coastal fog which has created a relatively lush and green environment compared to the more common chaparral landscapes. Popular for its hiking, camping, and an observatory.
From San Diego about 2 hours by car – Google Maps from San Diego to Palomar mountains.
From Los Angeles about 2.5 hours by car – Google Maps from Los Angeles to Palomar mountains.
When To Visit
Spring is a great time to visit due to the cooler and wetter temperatures, although cold snaps and snow still can occur. Campgrounds are closed until late spring, but backcountry is allowed year-round. With the spring rain you are also more likely to encounter rock mud slides on the trails and roads, so please take extra precaution during this time.
Summer is great for camping and can be an escape from the urban heat, but even these mountains can face extreme heat spikes during summer. This is particularly true in the chaparral and desert areas where it is recommended you restrict hiking to early morning hours, or just avoid it until cooler seasons. Please do not underestimate the risk from the heat and be safe.
Fall is the ideal time to visit and camp among beautiful foliage, with warm days and cooler nights. The campgrounds begin to close in the fall so don’t book them too late, but overnight backcountry camping is still allowed year-round.
Winter brings rain and snow (yes, in SoCal) to the Cleveland National Forest. The Laguna Mountains typically receive the most snow during winter, and can be very popular for sledding and snowshoeing. If the conditions are right, you can even attempt the ski-and-surf in a day combo.
Types Of Camping Allowed In Cleveland National Forest
Car camping: Driving up to a camping area and packing your gear in a car. This can be at a developed campground, primitive campground, or on your own as dispersed camping. Ultimately, anywhere you camp with your car is “car camping.” For a full guide on car camping, read our Car Camping Basics article.
Backpacking: Where you travel only by foot and carry all your gear, food, and supplies in a backpack. You could backpack to a dispersed camping area, developed campground, or primitive campground. For a full guide on backpacking, read our Backpacking Basics article.
Solo camping: Where you do any of the above, but by yourself. Why does this need a distinct category? Because it requires a different level of planning, resourcefulness, and skills that is worth reviewing independently. For a full guide on solo camping, read our Solo Camping Basics article.
Where You Can Camp In The Cleveland National Forest
No matter where you’re camping, always check the current conditions and alerts with the managing agency.
Developed Campgrounds:
A designated camping area with basic amenities and facilities usually including fire rings, vault toilets (no water or flushing), tent platforms, potable water spigots, firewood for sale, and picnic tables. Oftentimes a campground host will be present to answer questions and collect fees.
Descanso Ranger District
Cibbets Flat Campground
Number of campsites: 24
Coordinates: 32.7772, -116.4466
Reservations: No reservations. First come, first served.
Fees: A nightly fee is required, paid at the site (bring cash).
Passes/Permits: A regional “Adventure Pass” or a national “America the Beautiful” pass is required.
Campfires: Only allowed in designated fire rings.
Rules: Other rules and details can be found here.
Boulder Oaks Equestrian Campground
Number of campsites: 24 campsites, 17 horse stables.
Coordinates: 32.7297, -116.4828
Reservations: No reservations. First come, first served.
Fees: A nightly fee is required, paid at the site (bring cash).
Passes/Permits: None required.
Campfires: Only allowed in designated fire rings.
Rules: Other rules and details can be found here.
Corral Canyon Campground
Number of campsites: 19
Coordinates: 32.71272, -116.57185
Reservations: Reservations can be made on recreation.gov.
Fees: A nightly fee is required, paid online through your reservation or at the site.
Passes/Permits: None required.
Campfires: Only allowed in designated fire rings.
Rules: Other rules and details can be found here.
Bobcat Meadow Campground
Number of campsites: 18
Coordinates: 32.7125, -116.5563
Reservations: Reservations can be made on recreation.gov.
Fees: A nightly fee is required, paid online through your reservation or at the site.
Passes/Permits: None required.
Campfires: Only allowed in designated fire rings.
Rules: Other rules and details can be found here.
Fry Creek Campground
Number of campsites: 20
Coordinates: 33.34526, -116.88651
Reservations: Reservations can be made on recreation.gov.
Fees: A nightly fee is required, paid online through your reservation or at the site.
Passes/Permits: None required.
Campfires: Only allowed in designated fire rings.
Rules: Other rules and details can be found here.
Atáxam Mámta’ash Campground
Number of campsites: 17
Coordinates: 33.3488, -116.6594
Reservations: No reservations. First come, first served.
Fees: A nightly fee is required, paid at the site (bring cash).
Passes/Permits: None required.
Campfires: Only allowed in designated fire rings.
Rules: Other rules and details can be found here.
Palomar Ranger District
Observatory Campground
Number of campsites: 42
Coordinates: 33.34342, -116.87891
Reservations: Reservations can be made on recreation.gov.
Fees: A nightly fee is required, paid online through your reservation or at the site.
Passes/Permits: None required.
Campfires: Only allowed in designated fire rings.
Rules: Other rules and details can be found here.
Dripping Springs Campground
Number of campsites: 34 campsites, 9 horse stables.
Coordinates: 33.46154, -116.97135
Reservations: Reservations can be made on recreation.gov.
Fees: A nightly fee is required, paid online through your reservation or at the site.
Passes/Permits: None required.
Campfires: Only allowed in designated fire rings.
Rules: Other rules and details can be found here.
Crestline Group Campground
Number of campsites: 1
Coordinates: 33.31290, -116.86372
Reservations: Reservations can be made on recreation.gov.
Fees: A nightly fee is required, paid online through your reservation or at the site.
Passes/Permits: None required.
Campfires: Only allowed in designated fire rings.
Rules: Other rules and details can be found here.
Oak Grove Campground
Number of campsites: 64
Coordinates: 33.3863, -116.7891
Reservations: Reservations can be made on recreation.gov.
Fees: A nightly fee is required, paid online through your reservation or at the site.
Passes/Permits: None required.
Campfires: Only allowed in designated fire rings.
Rules: Other rules and details can be found here.
Trabuco Ranger District
Blue Jay Campground (SITE TEMPORARILY CLOSED)
Number of campsites: 50
Coordinates: 33.65239, -117.45275
Reservations: NA until site re-opens.
Fees: A nightly fee is required, paid online through your reservation or at the site.
Passes/Permits: None required.
Campfires: Only allowed in designated fire rings.
Rules: Other rules and details can be found here.
Falcon Group Campground (SITE TEMPORARILY CLOSED)
Number of campsites: 1
Coordinates: 33.65651, -117.45129
Reservations: NA until site re-opens.
Fees: A nightly fee is required, paid online through your reservation or at the site.
Passes/Permits: None required.
Campfires: Only allowed in designated fire rings.
Rules: Other rules and details can be found here.
El Cariso Campground
Number of campsites: 24
Coordinates: 33.65176, -117.41254
Reservations: No reservations. First come, first served.
Fees: A nightly fee is required, paid at the site (bring cash).
Passes/Permits: None required.
Campfires: Only allowed in designated fire rings.
Rules: Other rules and details can be found here.
Upper San Juan Campground
Number of campsites: 18
Coordinates: 33.60710, -117.43228
Reservations: No reservations. First come, first served.
Fees: A nightly fee is required, paid at the site (bring cash).
Passes/Permits: A regional “Adventure Pass” or a national “America the Beautiful” pass is required.
Campfires: Only allowed in designated fire rings.
Rules: Other rules and details can be found here.
Wildomar Campground
Number of campsites: 18
Coordinates: 33.58148, -117.34154
Reservations: No reservations. First come, first served.
Fees: A nightly fee is required, paid at the site (bring cash).
Passes/Permits: None required.
Campfires: Only allowed in designated fire rings.
Rules: Other rules and details can be found here.
Dispersed Camping:
There are opportunities for dispersed camping in Cleveland National Forest, however because there is more access to trails (including PCT) as opposed to forest service roads, you will find more dispersed camping sites via backpacking as opposed to car camping. But in general, unless you’re hiking the PCT, the Cleveland National Forest is best enjoyed through campgrounds and day hiking.
Descanso Ranger District:
Pacific Crest Trail – Through Hikers
Number of campsites: NA. Please use existing sites created by previous campers, or make your own site.
Access: Backpacking only.
Coordinates: The entire length of the Pacific Coast.
Reservations: NA.
Fees: NA.
Passes/Permits: Overnight permits are required for camping on the PCT in Cleveland National Forest, more information can be found here on recreation.gov.
Campfires: NO campfires allowed. Only gas stoves are permitted. You must obtain a free California Campfire permit for any type of fire use (including gas stoves).
Rules: Other rules and details can be found here.
Kitchen Creek Road
Number of campsites: NA. Please use existing sites created by previous campers, or make your own site.
Access: Car and bike.
Coordinates: 32.84736, -116.44774
Reservations: NA.
Fees: None, free to camp.
Passes/Permits: A free dispersed camping permit is required overnight dispersed camping in Cleveland National Forest.
Campfires: NO campfires allowed. Only gas stoves are permitted. You must obtain a free California Campfire permit for any type of fire use (including gas stoves).
Rules: Other rules and details can be found here.
Thing Valley Road (La Posta Road)
Number of campsites: NA. Please use existing sites created by previous campers, or make your own site.
Access: Car and bike.
Coordinates: 32.79128, -116.39169
Reservations: NA.
Fees: None, free to camp.
Passes/Permits: A free dispersed camping permit is required overnight dispersed camping in Cleveland National Forest.
Campfires: NO campfires allowed. Only gas stoves are permitted. You must obtain a free California Campfire permit for any type of fire use (including gas stoves).
Rules: Other rules and details can be found here.
Pine Creek Road
Number of campsites: NA. Please use existing sites created by previous campers, or make your own site.
Access: Car and bike.
Coordinates: 32.85079, -116.52507
Reservations: NA.
Fees: None, free to camp.
Passes/Permits: A free dispersed camping permit is required overnight dispersed camping in Cleveland National Forest.
Campfires: NO campfires allowed. Only gas stoves are permitted. You must obtain a free California Campfire permit for any type of fire use (including gas stoves).
Rules: Other rules and details can be found here.
Palomar Ranger District:
Barker Valley
Number of campsites: NA. Please use existing sites created by previous campers, or make your own site.
Access: Backpacking only.
Coordinates: 33.33956, -116.78786
Reservations: NA.
Fees: None, free to camp.
Passes/Permits: A free dispersed camping permit is required overnight dispersed camping in Cleveland National Forest.
Campfires: NO campfires allowed. Only gas stoves are permitted. You must obtain a free California Campfire permit for any type of fire use (including gas stoves).
Rules: Other rules and details can be found here.
Cutca Valley
Number of campsites: NA. Please use existing sites created by previous campers, or make your own site.
Access: Backpacking and car camping opportunities are available.
Coordinates: 33.39635, -116.85490
Reservations: NA.
Fees: None, free to camp.
Passes/Permits: A free dispersed camping permit is required overnight dispersed camping in Cleveland National Forest.
Campfires: NO campfires allowed. Only gas stoves are permitted. You must obtain a free California Campfire permit for any type of fire use (including gas stoves).
Rules: Other rules and details can be found here.
More Camping Options In The Cleveland National Forest
The Cleveland National Forest contains several large sub-units that have their own unique camping and outdoor recreation opportunities. For this reason, we have created distinct guides for these sub-units so you can fully explore the camping opportunities.
Laguna Mountain Recreation Area
Guide coming soon!
Pine Creek Wilderness
Guide coming soon!
Hauser Wilderness
Guide coming soon!
San Mateo Canyon Wilderness
Guide coming soon!
Agua Tibia Wilderness
Guide coming soon!
Stewardship & Etiquette When Camping
Regardless where you camp on our public lands, it’s important to learn, practice, and share proper camping etiquette. Please read our more detailed article on Camping Etiquette For Beginners.
How To Support The Cleveland National Forest
A Note on Public Lands Today
Public lands in the United States exist because people chose long-term care over short-term gain. These are lands that were stewarded for generations by Indigenous nations. That protection is never guaranteed. It depends on laws, funding, leadership, and public attention.
Unfortunately, recent federal decisions have weakened protections and increased pressure from extractive use and private enterprises. This puts ecosystems, natural resources, wildlife, cultural sites, historical sites, the economy, and public access at major risk.
If you appreciate public lands and the benefits they provide to all of us, please help support them through action and conversation.
National Park Conservation Association
National Forest Foundation
Trust For Public Land
The Nature Conservancy
The Sierra Club Foundation
The National Audubon Society
