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.
Extreme Heat Warning issued October 8 at 12:19AM PDT until October 8 at 8:00PM PDT by NWS San Diego CA
* WHAT...Dangerously hot conditions with temperatures up to 95. * WHERE...Santa Ana Mountains and Foothills. * WHEN...Until 8 PM PDT this evening. * IMPACTS...Heat related illnesses increase significantly during extreme heat events.
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.…
Extreme Heat Closure October 2nd-8th 2026
To provide for public safety, going into or being upon the San Diego River Gorge/Cedar Creek Falls Closure Area is prohibited within the Palomar Ranger District of the Cleveland National Forest. This Order is effective from October 02, 2026, through October 08, 2026.
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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