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

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Burnt Rancheria Campground is in the Mount Laguna area of Cleveland National Forest. The campground is set amidst a forest of pines and oaks. 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.

Burnt Rancheria Campground features 107 campsites. Eight of the sites are for tents only. The remainder can accommodate RVS, trailers, and tents. Reservations can be made for specific sites for about half the campsites. For other reservations, called Management, specific sites are assigned upon arrival. Some sites are available first-come, first served.

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 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
Reservations available: Reservations can be made for half 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: from 4 days 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: 2:00 PM, 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
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.


Burnt Rancheria Campground, Cleveland National Forest, CA

Burnt Rancheria Campground

map of campground locations around the Mount Laguna