Boulder Oaks Campground

Pacific Crest Trail, Cleveland National Forest, CA
Pacific Crest Trail, Cleveland National Forest, CA

Boulder Oaks Campground

Cleveland Natioinal Forest


Boulder Oaks Campground

Boulder Oaks Campground is in Cottonwood Valley in the Cleveland National Forest, 3.8 miles northeast of Lake Morena (as the crow flies). The campground serves as a convenient stopping place for those hiking or horseback riding on the Pacific Crest Trail, except that the campground is closed from March through May to protect the breeding time of an endangered species, the arroyo toad. During those times water may not be available at the campground. (Use the PCT button to find information about the Pacific Crest Trail at Boulder Oaks Campground.)

Pacific Crest Trail information button

Boulder Oaks Campground offers 32 campsites for RVs, trailers, and tents. Six of the sites are doubles. Seventeen of the sites in a separate loop have corrals and are designated for those with horses. The equestrian sites require reservations while all the other sites are first-come, first-served. Campsites are shaded by oak and manzanita.

Boulder Oaks Campground Basics
Boulder Oaks Campground Location: Off Highway Interstate 80at the Buckman Springs Rd. exit. Then west on Old Highway 80 2 miles
Elevation: 3,180 feet
Mileage/Driving Time: 55 miles east of San Diego - 1:04 minutes
Number of Campsites: 32
Open - Closed: Open year-round, but may be closed March through May
Max. People per Site: 8 (including children)
Vehicles per Site: 1 vehicles, fee for additional vehicles
Pets: On leash, always attended
Operated by Cleveland National Forest
Descanso Ranger District: (619) 445-6235

Reservations for Boulder Oak Campground
Reservations: Reservations for equestrian campsites only; other campsites are first come, first served
Booking Window: from 4 days up to 6 months in advance of arrival
Maximum RV/Trailer Length: 27 feet
Accessible Sites: None designated
Fees: $14 per night per single site
Equestrian sites - $16 per night
Reservations: Boulder Oaks Equestrian Campsite Reservations
Check-in, check-out: 2:00 PM, 1:00 PM

Boulder Oaks Campground Amenities
Campsites: Picnic table, fire ring, no hook-ups
Campground: Vault toilets, tap water
Showers: No
Dump station: in Buckman Rest Area on I-8
Attractions near Boulder Oaks Campground: Enjoy hiking or horseback riding on the Pacific Crest Trail. Visit the Golden Acorn Casino and Travel Center (8 miles SE on I-8) for dining and gaming. Head north to Cuyamaca Rancho State Park.


Pacific Crest Trail Information

Trail Miles Northbound from Boulder Oak Campground

Trail Miles Southbound from Boulder Oak Campground

Nearest Town

Pine Valley, 7.6 miles northwest on Interstate 8
  Grocery store, restaurants, Frosty Burger, lodging

Always confirm mileages and directions with a reliable PCT source such as the Pacific Crest Trail Association's The Pacific Crest Trail: Exploring America's Wilderness Trail.


Cleveland National Forest
Attractions and Activities

Visitors to the Cleveland National Forest find many interesting places to visit. Campers at Boulder Oaks Campground can make the drive up to the Laguna Mountain region for many interesting places to investigate.

  • Attend Star Parties at Laguna Mountain and Palomar Mountain.
  • Hike to Cedar Creek Falls. Plan on a moderate 6.6-mile round trip best during cooler months. A $6 permit is required.
  • Try your luck fishing at Loveland Reservoir.
  • Head over to the Corral Canyon OHV Area with over 51 miles of trails and roads.
  • Explore the Kwaaymii Cultural Interpretive Trail.

Key Boulder Oaks Campground Regulations

  1. Fires must be confined to provided fire rings.
  2. Dogs must be on leash and always attended.

    Check Cleveland National Forest - Boulder Oaks Campground for any campground updates.



Nearby Campgrounds

San Diego County Parks


Anza-Borrego Desert State Park


Cuyamaca Rancho State Park


Cleveland National Forest


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General Camping Information

Opening and closing dates of campgrounds are only estimates, usually dependent on weather conditions. Not all campsites can accommodate trailers or RVs of all lengths.

Temperatures can reach 80-100 degrees in the spring. Visitors are advised to carry water and wear sun protective hats. Be aware of possible flash floods during storms. Check with the park for road conditions. Always notify someone of your plans, including when you plan to return.

In order to prevent the spread of invasive insects, firewood from outside the area is not permitted.

Accessible Sites

Designated Accessible sites are reserved for people with disabilities who have a vehicle displaying an accessible parking placard or license plate

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