Upper San Juan Campground
Open year-round, first-come first-served. No potable water available on-site. Fire use restrictions in effect through July 31, 2026 prohibit fires outside developed recreation sites, but campfires within designated fire rings at the campground are permitted.
Heat Advisory issued August 8 at 9:11PM PDT until August 9 at 8:00PM PDT by NWS San Diego CA
* WHAT...High temperatures in the low 90s east of Interstate 5. High temperatures in the mid-90s in the Santa Ana mountains. * WHERE...Orange County Inland Areas and Santa Ana Mountains and Foothills. * WHEN...Until 8 PM PDT Sunday. * IMPACTS...Hot temperatures may cause heat illnesses.
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.…
About
Upper San Juan Campground sits in the Trabuco Ranger District of Cleveland National Forest, positioned along the scenic Ortega Highway corridor between San Juan Capistrano and Lake Elsinore. The campground's 18 sites accommodate tents and smaller RVs in a light-use setting that rarely fills up. An Adventure Pass is required for parking, available online or from local vendors. The location provides direct access to popular Santa Ana Mountains trails including the San Juan Trail and San Juan Loop Trail. The campground is suited for picnicking and day hiking. Vault toilets are provided on-site, though potable water is currently unavailable and campers must bring their own supply. The area operates under seasonal fire restrictions, with campfires permitted only within designated fire rings in the campground.
Directions
Located adjacent to the Ortega Highway (Highway 74), 21 miles east of San Juan Capistrano and 9 miles west of Lake Elsinore.
Amenities
| Water | No |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | — |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | — |
| Water Hookups | — |
| Sewer Hookups | — |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $18 - $30 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | — |
| Max Trailer Length | — |
| Big Rig Friendly | — |
| Pull Through Sites | — |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (858) 673-6180 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | None |
| Verizon | Yes |
| T-Mobile | None |
Useful Links
| USFS Upper San Juan Campground | |
| Cleveland NF Alerts |
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