Tenaja Campground
Open — Open year-round for dispersed backcountry camping. Wilderness permit required. Adventure Pass required for trailhead parking.
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
Tenaja Campground, also known as Fisherman's Camp, is a primitive backcountry camping area located in a grassy meadow surrounded by oak and sycamore trees at the confluence of Tenaja Canyon and San Mateo Canyon. Once accessible by vehicle, this former developed campground is now a wilderness campsite within the federally designated San Mateo Canyon Wilderness. The site sits along San Mateo Creek, historically known for excellent trout fishing, and serves as a trail junction for several wilderness routes. The camp can be reached via multiple trails: a 1.6-mile hike from the Fisherman's Camp Trailhead, a 3.5-mile route via Tenaja Trail from Tenaja Trailhead, or a 2-mile descent via San Mateo Canyon Trail. As a wilderness area, the campground offers no developed amenities or facilities. Backpackers will find open grassy areas suitable for tent camping beneath the shade of mature trees, but must be prepared to pack in all gear and supplies and pack out all trash.
Directions
From I-15 in Murrieta, exit Clinton Keith Road and head west. Continue past Santa Rosa Plateau Ecological Reserve and turn right on Tenaja Road. Follow Tenaja Road 6 miles, then turn right on Cleveland Forest Road (Rancho California Road/FS 7S01). Continue 0.8 miles to Tenaja Trailhead or 3 miles to Fisherman's Camp Trailhead. Parking at trailheads requires Adventure Pass. Hike in 1.6 to 3.5 miles depending on trail chosen.
Nearby Campgrounds
Amenities
| Water | No |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | No |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | Yes |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | No |
| Water Hookups | No |
| Sewer Hookups | No |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $0 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | — |
| Max Trailer Length | — |
| Big Rig Friendly | No |
| Pull Through Sites | No |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (951) 736-1811 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | None |
| Verizon | None |
| T-Mobile | None |
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