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Cleveland National Forest

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.…

SD River Gorge & Cedar Creek Falls Closure Area

The public is restricted from going into or being upon the San Diego River Gorge/Cedar Creek Falls Closure Area beginning August 4th, 2026 through August 31st, 2026

Three Sisters Closure Area

The public is prohibited from going into or being upon the Three Sisters Closure Area within the Palomar Ranger District of the Cleveland National Forest. This Order is effective from August 4th, 2026 through August 31st, 2026.

Dispersed Camping and Stay Limits Prohibition

Camping outside of a Forest Service developed campground is now limited to no more than 14 days in a calendar year. As well as camping inside of a Forest Service developed campground for no more than 14 days in a calendar year.

Elevated Fire Use Restrictions

Campfire, charcoal fire restrictions. Smoking area restrictions. Welding, or operating an acetylene or other torch with open flame as well as discharging a firearm, air rifle, or gas gun restrictions.

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 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 page is…

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…

Wooded Hill Group

From Recreation.gov

Wooded Hill Group Campground Water system is being repaired and there will not be water. If you have a reservation, please plan accordingly. Thank you.

Overview

Cleveland National Forest is currently open and spans 460,000 acres across San Diego, Orange, and Riverside counties in Southern California. The forest operates under moderate fire restrictions (Forest Order 02-25-07, effective July 1-December 31, 2025). A significant portion of the Trabuco Ranger District remains closed due to the 2024 Airport Fire—the burned area perimeter closure (Forest Order 02-25-04) is in effect until May 23, 2026. However, several roads and trails in the Trabuco District reopened in late May 2025. The Descanso and Palomar Ranger Districts remain fully accessible. Key advisories: No water available at Penny Pines Trailhead (pump broken, no repair ETA); harmful algae may be present at Cedar Creek Falls Pool; Fry Creek Campground experiencing hazardous fuels reduction work September-November 2025. Standard camping limits apply (14 consecutive days max). Dispersed camping available with permit across all three districts. Check current conditions before visiting as closures change frequently based on fire danger and weather.

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Campgrounds

Blue Jay Campground Bobcat Meadow Campground Boulder Oaks Eqst Burnt Rancheria Cibbets Flat Campground Corral Canyon Campground Crestline Picnic Ground Dripping Springs Campground El Cariso Campground El Prado Group Falcon Group Fry Creek Campground Horse Heaven Group Indian Flats Campground Laguna Oak Grove Campground Observatory Campground Tenaja Campground Upper San Juan Campground Wildomar Campground Wooded Hill Group

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