Blue Jay Campground
Closed due to Airport Fire burned area closure through May 23, 2026. Fire use restrictions are also in effect across Cleveland National Forest. The lower loop remains closed due to hazard trees. Access from Lake Elsinore side only due to Ortega Highway construction closures on alternating weekends.
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.…
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…
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. 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…
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.
About
Blue Jay Campground offers 50 campsites spread across a forested setting in the Santa Ana Mountains of Cleveland National Forest. Located approximately 4 miles north of Ortega Highway (Highway 74) on North Main Divide Road, the campground sits within the Trabuco Ranger District and provides a true backcountry camping experience with sites varying in distance apart. Amenities are basic but functional: vault toilets, trash cans, fire pits, and grills are provided. The campground has potable water available. A 22-foot vehicle length limit applies, making this better suited for tent camping and smaller trailers rather than large RVs. The lower loop has been closed due to hazard trees. The area serves as a basecamp for exploring the surrounding trail network, including routes for hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding. The Trabuco Ranger District maintains trail information and maps for connecting routes throughout the area.
Directions
From Lake Elsinore, take Ortega Highway (Highway 74) west approximately 20 miles. Turn north onto North Main Divide Road and continue approximately 3-4 miles to the campground. Note: Access is currently only available from the Lake Elsinore side due to CalTrans construction closures on alternating weekends.
Amenities
| Water | Yes |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | — |
| 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 | — |
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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