Blue Jay Campground
Closed — Closed due to damage from the 2024 Airport Fire. The closure order remains in effect through September 17, 2025. While some areas in the Trabuco Ranger District reopened in May 2025, Blue Jay Campground was not included in those reopenings.
Forest Truck Trail and Road Closures
North Main Divide, Indian Truck Trail, and Maple Springs road have all been closed due to inclement weather. For additional updated conditions, visit Forest Truck Trail and Road Closures.
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.
Harmful Algal Bloom Caution - Cedar Creek Falls
Caution – Harmful Algae may be present at Cedar Creek Falls Pool.
Water Unavailable at Penny Pines Trailhead Spigot
Attention Hikers: There is currently NO WATER available at the Penny Pines Trailhead. The water spigot pump is broken and there is no estimated time of repair at this time. Be prepared to bring or seek out alternative water sources.
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.
Camping Stay Limits
This order prohibits extended camping in developed campgrounds, undeveloped areas, and maximum annual camping durations.
Cedar Creek Falls Forest Orders
Forest Order No. 02-23-02 closes the cliffs surrounding the falls, 02-23-03 requires visitors to have a permit to access the falls, 02-23-04 prohibits alcohol along the entirety of the trail system.
Wind Advisory issued December 29 at 7:47PM PST until December 30 at 1:00PM PST by NWS San Diego CA
* WHAT...Northeast winds 15 to 30 mph with gusts up to 50 mph expected. Isolated gusts to 65 mph possible below the passes. * WHERE...San Bernardino County Mountains, San Bernardino and Riverside County Valleys-The Inland Empire, San Gorgonio Pass near Banning, and Santa Ana Mountains and Foothills. * WHEN...Until 1 PM PST Tuesday. * IMPACTS...Gusty winds will blow around unsecured objects. Tree limbs could be blown down and a few power outages may result. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Strongest winds will occur through and below the Cajon Pass and adjacent foothills, below the San Gorgonio Pass, and through the canyons of the Santa Ana Mountains.
About
Blue Jay Campground is located approximately 4 miles off Ortega Highway (Highway 74) on North Main Divide Road in the Trabuco Ranger District of Cleveland National Forest. This campground offers 50 individual campsites with a varying distance apart for an authentic wilderness camping experience. Each site includes a fire pit and grill, and the campground provides vault toilets and trash service. The campground serves as a gateway to numerous trails in the area for hiking, mountain biking, and equestrian activities. The San Juan Trail is accessible from the campground, providing backcountry hiking opportunities. Due to its location away from the main highway, the campground offers a quiet, secluded atmosphere. Vehicles are limited to 22 feet maximum due to the narrow access road and campsite configurations. Campers should bring their own water as potable water is not available on-site. Access to Blue Jay Campground is via the Lake Elsinore side of Ortega Highway on North Main Divide Road. Note that Cal Trans periodically performs highway-widening work on SR-74 with intermittent nightly closures.
Directions
Located approximately 3 miles north of Ortega Highway (Highway 74) on North Main Divide Road. Access is available from the Lake Elsinore side of Ortega Highway.
Nearby Campgrounds
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 | $20 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | 22ft |
| Max Trailer Length | 22ft |
| Big Rig Friendly | No |
| Pull Through Sites | No |
Contact
| SM.FS.TrabucoRD@usda.gov | |
| Phone | +1 (951) 736-1811 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | Yes |
| Verizon | Yes |
| T-Mobile | None |
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