Burnt Rancheria

About

Burnt Rancheria Campground occupies a heavily wooded setting of pines and oaks at 6,000 feet elevation in the Laguna Mountain Recreation Area of Cleveland National Forest. Located along the Sunrise Scenic Byway approximately 50 miles east of San Diego, the campground offers cooler mountain temperatures and direct access to a segment of the Pacific Crest Trail. The nearby Desert View Picnic Site provides a bird's-eye view of the desert 6,000 feet below, with the Salton Sea often visible to the southeast. The campground features multiple loops with sites suitable for tents and RVs up to 40 feet. Each site includes a picnic table and campfire ring, with firewood available for purchase from the camp host. Facilities include vault toilets, potable water, and coin-operated showers that operate during the reservation season. There are no hookups or dump station on site. Summer programming includes ranger-led campfire programs, guided hikes, and self-guided interpretive trails with brochures available from the host. San Diego State University Observatory hosts star parties on most Saturday evenings during summer months, taking advantage of the excellent night sky visibility at this elevation.

Directions

From San Diego, take Interstate 8 east to the Sunrise Highway (S1) exit. Travel north on Sunrise Highway approximately 11 miles to Milepost 23. Stop at the entrance for campground information and site location.