Burnt Rancheria
Closed — Closed for the season. Typically open late April through late October or early November, with exact opening and closing dates determined by weather conditions. Reservations available through Recreation.gov during operating season.
Wind Advisory issued December 29 at 7:47PM PST until December 30 at 1:00PM PST by NWS San Diego CA
* WHAT...Northeast to east winds 15 to 25 mph with gusts up to 45 mph expected. Isolated gusts to 65 mph possible. * WHERE...San Diego County Mountains and San Diego County Valleys. * 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 along the coastal slopes of the mountains and adjacent foothills and far inland valleys.
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.
About
Burnt Rancheria Campground is a large, multi-loop facility located in the Laguna Mountain Recreation Area of Cleveland National Forest, right off the Sunrise Scenic Byway. At 6,000 feet elevation, the campground sits among abundant pines and oaks, surrounded by open oak groves with spectacular views of the desert below. The campground serves as an ideal base for exploring the Pacific Crest Trail, which runs through the area. Day hiking and picnicking are the most popular activities, with a short hike to Desert View Picnic Site offering bird's-eye views of the desert 6,000 feet below and clear views of the Salton Sea to the southeast. Families can enjoy summer activities including campfire programs, guided hikes, and self-guided interpretive trails. On most Saturday evenings during summer, the San Diego State University Observatory hosts star parties, showcasing the remarkable night sky. Each campsite includes a table and campfire ring. The campground provides vault toilets, potable water, and coin-operated showers during the reservation season. Firewood is available for purchase from the camp host. The facility can accommodate RVs up to 40 feet but offers no hookups or dump station. The nearest dump station is at Buckman Springs Rest Area, 4 miles east of Pine Valley on I-8.
Directions
From San Diego, take Interstate 8 east to the Sunrise Highway (S1) exit. Travel north on Sunrise Highway for 9.4 miles. The campground entrance is at Milepost 23.
Nearby Campgrounds
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
Community Posts
No posts yet. Be the first to share your experience!