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.
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.…
Proposed changes to recreation fees on the Cleveland National Forest
(San Diego, CA, May 25, 2026) — The Cleveland National Forest is proposing changes to recreation fees at various recreation sites on the forest.The forest offers a wide variety of recreational opportunities including hiking, mountain biking, off-highway vehicle riding, and camping. The proposed…
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…
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…
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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