Cleveland National Forest
Forest Truck Trail and Road Closures
Cedar Spur Road has 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. We use prescribed fires to help reduce overgrown vegetation to help protect local communities, infrastructure and natural resources from…
Harmful Algal Bloom Caution - Cedar Creek Falls
Caution – Harmful Algae may be present at Cedar Creek Falls Pool. A harmful algal bloom (HAB) is an overgrowth of algae in a water body that could affect water quality and aquatic life. Some HABs produced by bacteria can create toxins that may also harm people, animals, and the local…
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. 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…
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.
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.
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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