Lake Morena County Park Campground
Lake Morena County Park Campground is located in eastern San Diego County, south of the Laguna Mountains. The surrounding chaparral, oak woods and grasslands of the park and the campground provide a pleasant setting. The 3,250-acre park includes 8 miles of multi-use trails for hikers, mountain bikers, and horseback riders. When the lake level is high enough, the park offers boat rentals. No body contact with the lake's water is permitted.
Over the past several years Lake Morena has suffered from low water. The rains of 2017, 2019, and 2023 offered a short respite, but water levels are still a concern.
Lake Morena County Park Campground has 86 campsites as well as 10 wilderness cabins which may be rented. Seventeen campsites have water and electric hook-ups. Forty campsites have full hook-ups. Twenty sites are for tents only. And 9 sites are for RVs, trailers, and tents with no hook-ups. The amount of shade varies from site to site, but the reservation website has pictures of each site to help you choose the best for your needs.
The Pacific Crest Trail passes the campground, and for many hikers, the Lake Morena Campground makes a convenient overnight stop. Some campsites are set aside in a Backpacker Tent Site, giving PCT hikers priority. (Use the PCT button to find information about the Pacific Crest Trail at Lake Morena Campground.)
Lake Morena County Park Campground also has a Youth Group Campsite for up to 48 people.
Pacific Crest Trail Information
Campsites set aside for PCT backpackers stopping at Lake Morena are sites #64 and #65 in the northeast corner of the campground, immediately off the trail.
Trail Miles Northbound from Lake Morena Campground
Trail Miles Southbound from Lake Morena Campground
- Campo - 18.6 miles
- Mexico Border - 20 miles
Nearest Town
Lake Morena Village - 0.4 miles SE of trail
Lake Morena Country Market, Oak Shores Malt Shop includes restaurant with pizza, burgers, shakes
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.
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 in the desert 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 local authorities 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
Reviews from Previous Campers
2021 - 2024