El Cariso Campground
Open — Open year-round on a first-come, first-served basis. No advance reservations available.
Forest Truck Trail and Road Closures
Cedar Spur Road has 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
El Cariso Campground is a modest Forest Service facility situated along the Ortega Highway (Highway 74) in the Santa Ana Mountains section of Cleveland National Forest. The campground features 24 sites arranged along a single paved loop road, with mature oak trees providing shade throughout the camping area. Sites are available on a first-come, first-served basis with no advance reservations. The campground is conveniently located near the El Cariso Fire Station and Visitor Center, approximately 25 miles east of San Juan Capistrano and 5 miles west of Lake Elsinore. While the location offers easy highway access, campers should note that no potable water is available on-site. The campground provides vault toilets and each site includes standard amenities. The surrounding area offers access to day hiking trails and serves as a gateway to exploring the Cleveland National Forest backcountry.
Directions
Located adjacent to Ortega Highway (Highway 74), 25 miles east of San Juan Capistrano and 5 miles west of Lake Elsinore.
Nearby Campgrounds
Amenities
| Water | No |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | Yes |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | No |
| Water Hookups | No |
| Sewer Hookups | No |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $15 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | 22ft |
| Max Trailer Length | 22ft |
| Big Rig Friendly | No |
| Pull Through Sites | — |
Cell Service
| AT&T | Yes |
| Verizon | Yes |
| T-Mobile | None |
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