El Prado Group
Currently closed for the pre-season. Opens Memorial Day Weekend 2026 and operates through Columbus Day Weekend. Reservations required via Recreation.gov; no walk-ins accepted. Fire use restrictions are in effect.
National Forest System Roads
Follow California Vehicle Code on National Forest System Roads
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.…
Elevated Fire Use Restrictions
Campfire, charcoal fire restrictions. Smoking area restrictions. Welding, or operating an acetylene or other torch with open flame as well as discharging a firearm, air rifle, or gas gun restrictions.
About
El Prado Group Campground offers a mountain retreat in the Laguna Mountain Recreation Area, roughly 50 miles east of San Diego. At 5,600 feet elevation, temperatures run cooler than the coastal areas below. The campground contains five group sites: four tent-only areas (Big Sage, Buckwheat, Manzanita, and Whitethorn) and one standard group site (Yerba Santa) with ADA accessibility. Each site accommodates 30-50 people with a 40-foot maximum vehicle length. The campground provides potable water, flush toilets, vault toilets, and a large parking area. Trails connect directly to the Big Laguna Trail System, including the Sunset Trail and a segment of the 2,650-mile Pacific Crest Trail. The area supports habitat for the endangered Laguna Skipper butterfly, with fenced protection zones that must not be entered. The historic El Prado Cabin within the campground dates to 1911 and served as the first ranger cabin in Cleveland National Forest. A visitor center and educational programs at nearby Laguna Campground offer additional resources. An Adventure Pass is required for parking.
Directions
From San Diego, take I-8 east to the Sunrise Highway (State Route S1) exit. Drive approximately 15 miles north to Laguna/El Prado Campground, just beyond the 26-mile marker. Stop at the entrance station for information and site location.
Amenities
| Water | Yes |
| Fires Allowed | — |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | — |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | — |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | — |
| Water Hookups | — |
| Sewer Hookups | — |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $60 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | 40ft |
| Max Trailer Length | — |
| Big Rig Friendly | No |
| Pull Through Sites | No |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (619) 445-6235 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | Yes |
| Verizon | None |
| T-Mobile | Yes |
Availability
Photos
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