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.
Heat Advisory issued August 9 at 12:53PM PDT until August 9 at 8:00PM PDT by NWS San Diego CA
* WHAT...Temperatures up to 98. * WHERE...San Diego County Mountains. * WHEN...Until 8 PM PDT this evening. * IMPACTS...Hot temperatures may cause heat illnesses.
Flood Advisory issued August 9 at 1:21PM PDT until August 9 at 4:20PM PDT by NWS San Diego CA
* WHAT...Flooding caused by excessive rainfall is expected. * WHERE...A portion of Southwest California, including the following counties, Riverside and San Diego. * WHEN...Until 420 PM PDT. * IMPACTS...Minor flooding in low-lying and poor drainage areas. Dangerous flows over low-water crossings. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS... - At 121 PM PDT, Doppler radar indicated heavy rain due to thunderstorms. Minor flooding is ongoing or expected to begin shortly in the advisory area. Between 0.5 and 1.25 inches of rain have fallen. - Additional rainfall amounts of 0.25 to 1.25 inches are expected over the area. This additional rain will result in minor flooding. - Some locations that will experience flooding include... Anza, Hwy 79 Between Warner Springs And Oak Grove, Aguanga and Cahuilla Indian Reservation. - https://www.weather.gov/safety/flood
National Forest System Roads
Follow California Vehicle Code on National Forest System Roads
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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