Burnt Rancheria
Open for the season. The campground operates from mid-April through late October. Fire use restrictions are in effect through July 31, 2026, but campfires remain permitted within the developed campground fire rings. Current forest-wide fire danger level is moderate.
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
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.
Amenities
| Water | Yes |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | Yes |
| Showers | Yes |
| Electric Hookups | — |
| Water Hookups | — |
| Sewer Hookups | — |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $35 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | 50ft |
| Max Trailer Length | 50ft |
| Big Rig Friendly | No |
| Pull Through Sites | No |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (619) 473-0120 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | Yes |
| Verizon | Yes |
| T-Mobile | Yes |
Availability
Photos
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