Horse Heaven Group
Closed for the season. The campground operates Memorial Day through Labor Day weekend. Reservations required through Recreation.gov.
Fireworks and Explosives are always Prohibited
Fireworks and explosives (including explosive targets) are always prohibited on national forest lands. The prohibition of fireworks and exploding targets on national forest system lands is part of a set of permanent fire safety regulations in the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), listed below.…
Proposed changes to recreation fees on the Cleveland National Forest
(San Diego, CA, May 25, 2026) — The Cleveland National Forest is proposing changes to recreation fees at various recreation sites on the forest.The forest offers a wide variety of recreational opportunities including hiking, mountain biking, off-highway vehicle riding, and camping. The proposed…
Orosco Ridge Closures
Forest Order details the implementation for temporary closures of Orosco Road, Boden Canyon Road, and Santa Ysabel Road to protect arroyo toads and their habitat during sensitive seasonal conditions. These closures will be implemented based on hydrologic and temperature triggers and will remain in…
Forest Truck Trail and Road Closures
For additional updated conditions, visit Forest Truck Trail and Road Closures.Contact Information: Cleveland National Forest Supervisor’s Office (phone: 858-673-6180)Forest and road closures change frequently depending on the fire hazard level, weather, and various other unforeseen elements. This…
Prescribed Fires Begin on the Cleveland
The Cleveland National Forest is planning prescribed fire operations this fall & winter. Work will continue through the spring as weather conditions allow. We use prescribed fires to help reduce overgrown vegetation to help protect local communities, infrastructure and natural resources from…
Airport Fire Burned Area Closure
The Cleveland NF has closed the Airport Fire burned area perimeter on the Trabuco Ranger District of the Cleveland National Forest. This closure prohibits going into or being upon any National Forest System lands, roads, and trails within the boundaries of the closure. The closure will be in effect…
Camping Stay Limits
This order prohibits extended camping in developed campgrounds, undeveloped areas, and maximum annual camping durations. The purpose of this order is to provide for the protection of natural resources by prohibiting long-term or semi-permanent occupancy of National Forest System lands within the…
About
Horse Heaven Group Campground is a tent-only group facility nestled in the pines at 5,600 feet elevation within the Laguna Mountains of Cleveland National Forest. Located about 50 miles east of San Diego, it provides a mountain escape with cool summer temperatures for groups ranging from 40 to 100 people across three separate sites: Lupine, Buttercup, and Hollyhock. Despite the name, the campground has no equestrian sites or horse facilities. The area is known for excellent hiking opportunities, including access to a segment of the 2,650-mile Pacific Crest Trail and the Big Laguna Trail System. Mountain biking and wildlife viewing are also popular activities. The campground is managed by Westrek Services and operates seasonally from Memorial Day through Labor Day weekend. This is an overnight camping facility only with no day use permitted. Vault toilets are available but potable water is not available at this site. Pets are allowed and campfires are permitted in designated areas, though fire restrictions may be imposed during hot, dry conditions.
Directions
From San Diego, take I-8 east to the Sunrise Highway exit. Continue approximately 14 miles on Sunrise Highway until you see the Horse Heaven Group Campground sign, then turn onto the campground entrance road.
Amenities
| Water | No |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | Yes |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | — |
| Water Hookups | — |
| Sewer Hookups | — |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $150 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | — |
| Max Trailer Length | — |
| Big Rig Friendly | No |
| Pull Through Sites | No |
Contact
| SM.FS.DescansoRD@usda.gov | |
| Phone | +1 (619) 445-6235 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | Yes |
| Verizon | None |
| T-Mobile | Yes |
Availability
Photos
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