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.
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.…
Orosco Ridge Closures
Forest Order details the implementation for temporary closures of Orosco Road, Boden Canyon Road, and Santa Ysabel Road to protect arroyo toads and their habitat during sensitive seasonal conditions. These closures will be implemented based on hydrologic and temperature triggers and will remain in…
Forest Truck Trail and Road Closures
For additional updated conditions, visit Forest Truck Trail and Road Closures.Contact Information: Cleveland National Forest Supervisor’s Office (phone: 858-673-6180)Forest and road closures change frequently depending on the fire hazard level, weather, and various other unforeseen elements. This…
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. We use prescribed fires to help reduce overgrown vegetation to help protect local communities, infrastructure and natural resources from…
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. The closure will be in effect…
Camping Stay Limits
This order prohibits extended camping in developed campgrounds, undeveloped areas, and maximum annual camping durations. The purpose of this order is to provide for the protection of natural resources by prohibiting long-term or semi-permanent occupancy of National Forest System lands within the…
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 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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