El Prado Group
Closed — Closed for the season. Open annually from Memorial Day weekend through Columbus Day weekend. Reservations available through Recreation.gov.
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.
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.
About
El Prado Group Campground is a mountain retreat located at 5,600 feet elevation in the Laguna Mountain Recreation Area of Cleveland National Forest, approximately 50 miles east of San Diego. The facility consists of five individual group sites—Big Sage, Buckwheat, Manzanita, Whitehorn, and Yerba Santa—each accommodating groups of 30 to 50 people depending on the site. The campground is shaded by pines and oaks and offers cooler temperatures compared to the surrounding desert lowlands. The campground provides direct access to the extensive Big Laguna Trail System, including connections to the Sunset Trail and the Pacific Crest Trail, which stretches 2,650 miles from Mexico to Canada. The area is popular for hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding. A significant historical feature within the campground is the El Prado Cabin, constructed in 1911 as the first ranger cabin in Cleveland National Forest. The Laguna Mountain Recreation Area is home to diverse wildlife including numerous bird species and the endangered Laguna Skipper butterfly. Educational programs are available at the nearby Laguna Campground amphitheater, and a visitor center (Mount Laguna Information Center) is located a few miles away. The Noble Canyon National Recreation Trail is also accessible from the area.
Directions
Located 50 miles east of San Diego. Take I-8 to the Sunrise Highway (State Route S1) exit. Go 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.
Nearby Campgrounds
Amenities
| Water | Yes |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | — |
| Wifi | — |
| Pets Allowed | — |
| Showers | — |
| Electric Hookups | No |
| Water Hookups | No |
| Sewer Hookups | No |
| Camp Store | — |
| Price | $60 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | — |
| Max Trailer Length | — |
| Big Rig Friendly | — |
| 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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