Burnt Rancheria Campground
Cleveland National Forest

Burnt Rancheria Campground, Cleveland National Forest, CA
Burnt Rancheria Campground, Cleveland National Forest, CA

Burnt Rancheria Campground
Cleveland National Forest


Burnt Rancheria Campground - Cleveland National Forest

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Burnt Rancheria Campground - Cleveland National Forest is in the Mount Laguna area. Children's activities and evening campfire programs in the summer make it a popular spot for families. The campground is high enough to offer cooler temperatures than in surrounding desert areas. Campers enjoy spectacular desert views, hiking on the Pacific Crest Trail, and star-gazing.

Burnt Rancheria Campground - Cleveland National Forest features 107 campsites set amidst a forest of pines and oaks. Eight of the sites are for tents only. The remainder can accommodate RVS, trailers, and tents. Reservations can be made for specific sites for many of the campsites. Some sites are available first-come, first served.

Pacific Crest Trail information button

The Pacific Crest Trail passes near the campground and many hikers choose to camp overnight at Burnt Rancheria, using the opportunity to resupply, take showers, and pick up mail. (Use the PCT button to find information about the Pacific Crest Trail at Burnt Rancheria Campground.)


Burnt Rancheria Campground - Cleveland National Forest Basics
Burnt Rancheria Campground Location: Highway S1, north of I-8 near Pine Valley
Elevation: 5,900 feet
Mileage/Driving Time: 50 miles east of San Diego - 58 minutes
Number of Campsites: 107
Open - Closed: April through October
Max. People per Site: 8 (including children)
Vehicles per Site: 2 vehicles, 3rd extra vehicle fee $8
Pets: On leash, always attended
Operated by Recreation Resource Management for the Cleveland National Forest
Campground Information: (619) 473-0120

Reservations for Burnt Rancheria Campground - Cleveland National Forest
Reservations available: Burnt Rancheria Campground - Cleveland National Forest reservations can be made for many of the sites whenever open mid-April through mid-October. At other times in April and October sites are fist-come, first-served. Some sites are available first-come, first-served even during reservation periods.
Booking Window: Up to 6 months in advance of arrival
Maximum RV/Trailer Length: 20-30 feet
Accessible Sites: #12, plus several other unspecified sites
Fees: $35 per night
Campground Map: Burnt Rancheria Campground Map
Reservations: Burnt Rancheria Campground Reservations
Check-in, check-out: Check-in: 2:00 PM
Check-out: Noon

Burnt Rancheria Campground Amenities
Campsites: Picnic table, fire ring, no hook-ups
Campground: Flush and vault toilets, tap water, campfire circle
Showers: Yes, coin or token operated
Only available from about mid-April through mid-October
Dump station: in Buckman Rest Area on I-8
Attractions near Burnt Rancheria Campground:





Pacific Crest Trail Information

Trail Miles Northbound from Burnt Rancheria Campground

  • Mount Laguna Campground - 6 miles
  • Scissors Crossing - 35.5
  • Warner Springs - 68 miles
  • Canada Border - 2,608.5 miles

Trail Miles Southbound from Burnt Rancheria Campground

Nearest Town

Mount Laguna - 0.4 miles west of PCT
  Post Office, Mount Laguna Sports, lodge, store

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.


Burnt Rancheria Campground, Cleveland National Forest, CA

Burnt Rancheria Campground - Cleveland National Forest

Reviews from Previous Campers

- 2022 - 2024 -

  • Quiet campground.
  • Some sites well spaced out; others a little close.
  • Avoid camping near smelly vault toilets.
  • Lots of families at the campground.
  • Nice camp hosts.

Cleveland National Forest
Attractions and Activities

Visitors to the Cleveland National Forest enjoy a wide range of scenic places to visit. Campers at Burnt Rancheria Campground are only a short drive from many of these key attractions.

  • 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.
  • Attend Star Parties at Laguna Mountain and Palomar Mountain.
  • Head over to the Corral Canyon OHV Area with over 51 miles of trails and roads.
  • Explore the Kwaaymii Cultural Interpretive Trail.

Key Burnt Rancheria Campground Regulations

  1. Fires must be in fire rings and are only permitted between 7 AM to 11 PM.
  2. Wooden pallets are not allowed for campfires.
  3. Dogs must be on leash.

    Check Cleveland National Forest - Burnt Rancheria Campground for any campground updates.


Nearby Campgrounds

Cleveland National Forest


San Diego County Parks


Anza-Borrego Desert State Park


Cuyamaca Rancho State Park


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Burnt Rancheria Campground, Cleveland National Forest, CA

Burnt Rancheria Campground - Cleveland National Forest

map of campground locations around the Mount Laguna