Upper San Juan Campground
Open — The campground is open year-round, first-come first-served. Fire use restrictions are in effect through December 31, 2025. No potable water available; campers must bring their own water.
Forest Truck Trail and Road Closures
North Main Divide, Indian Truck Trail, and Maple Springs road have all 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.
Wind Advisory issued December 29 at 7:47PM PST until December 30 at 1:00PM PST by NWS San Diego CA
* WHAT...Northeast winds 15 to 30 mph with gusts up to 50 mph expected. Isolated gusts to 65 mph possible below the passes. * WHERE...San Bernardino County Mountains, San Bernardino and Riverside County Valleys-The Inland Empire, San Gorgonio Pass near Banning, and Santa Ana Mountains and Foothills. * WHEN...Until 1 PM PST Tuesday. * IMPACTS...Gusty winds will blow around unsecured objects. Tree limbs could be blown down and a few power outages may result. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Strongest winds will occur through and below the Cajon Pass and adjacent foothills, below the San Gorgonio Pass, and through the canyons of the Santa Ana Mountains.
About
Upper San Juan Campground sits adjacent to the Ortega Highway (Highway 74) in Cleveland National Forest, 21 miles east of San Juan Capistrano and 9 miles west of Lake Elsinore. This small campground offers 18 sites in a forested setting at approximately 2,600 feet elevation, with seasonal San Juan Creek running through the area. The campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis with no advance reservations. Single sites cost $18 per night, double sites $30 per night, and additional vehicles are $5 per night. Vault toilets are provided, but campers must bring their own water as no potable water is available on-site. Each site includes a picnic table and fire ring, though fire restrictions may be in place during high fire danger periods. Upper San Juan Campground provides convenient access to the San Juan Trail system for hiking and day use. The campground is suitable for tents and smaller RVs, though low-hanging branches may limit accessibility for larger rigs. An Adventure Pass is required for day use activities. CalTrans periodically performs highway work on SR-74 with occasional nightly road closures.
Directions
Located adjacent to Highway 74 (Ortega Highway), 21 miles east of San Juan Capistrano and 9 miles west of Lake Elsinore. The campground is directly on the highway.
Nearby Campgrounds
Amenities
| Water | No |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | — |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | Yes |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | — |
| Water Hookups | — |
| Sewer Hookups | — |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $18 - $30 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | 32ft |
| Max Trailer Length | — |
| Big Rig Friendly | No |
| Pull Through Sites | — |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (858) 673-6180 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | None |
| Verizon | Yes |
| T-Mobile | None |
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