Facility Details - BURNT RANCHERIA, CA

Overview

Burnt Rancheria Campground is located 50 miles east of San Diego at the Laguna Mountain Recreation Area in Southern California, right off the Sunrise Scenic Byway.

Campers can enjoy hiking, viewing unique birds and wildlife and enjoying cooler temperatures at this mountain facility in Cleveland National Forest, open from mid-April through October.

Natural Features:

Pines and oaks abound throughout the campground, which sits at an elevation of 6,000 ft. The site is heavily wooded and surrounded by an open oak grove with spectacular desert views.

Recreation:

Day hiking and picnicking are most popular at Burnt Rancheria. The facility provides easy access to a segment of the Pacific Crest Trail, a 2,650-mile national scenic trail that runs from Mexico to Canada. Hiking, biking and horseback riding are allowed on the trail.

A short hike to the nearby Desert View Picnic Site provides visitors with a bird¿s-eye view of the desert 6,000 feet below. On most days, the Salton Sea is clearly visible to the southeast. Restrooms and potable water are available.

Families with children will enjoy activities, campfire programs and guided hikes available during summer. In addition to the guided hikes, a visitor might take the self-guided interpretive trail hike; brochures are available from the camp host.

Campers can also get a glimpse of the amazing night sky at "star parties" organized by the San Diego State University Observatory. These gatherings are conducted on most Saturday evenings during the summer months (schedule can be obtained at the Visitor Information Center on Laguna Mountain or by calling 619-473-8547).

Facilities:

Burnt Rancheria is a large campground with several loops of campsites. Each site has a table and campfire ring. There are no hookups or dump station for RVs; the nearest is located at the Buckman Springs Rest Area, 4 miles east of Pine Valley on I-8.

The campground is equipped with restrooms and coin-operated showers (showers open only during reservation season). Firewood is available for purchase from the campground host.

Activities and Amenities

Within Facility
Amphitheater Campfire Rings Educational Programs Flush Toilets Parking Area	Ranger Station Showers Star Gazing Vault Toilets

Know Before You Go

This is Burnt Rancheria in the Cleveland National Forest east of San Diego; it is not Rancheria near Clovis in the Sierra National Forest
This campground has first-come, first-served sites
If you will be arriving more than 24 hours after the start of your reservation, contact the campground or your reservation will be cancelled
Maximum 2 vehicles per site; an $8.00 extra vehicle fee is collected on-site beginning with the third vehicle.
Pets are allowed
Wooden pallets are not allowed for campfires; During hot and dry summer months, fire restrictions are common and campfires may be prohibited; call Cleveland National Forest at 619-445-6235 for current fire restrictions
Click here to learn more about Cleveland National Forest, or call 619-473-0120 (reservation season) or 619-445-6235 (winter)

Getting There:

GPS Info. (Latitude, Longitude):
32.86139, -116.41611
32°51'41"N, 116°24'58"W

Located 50 miles east of San Diego, California. From I-8 take the Sunrise exit. Go approximately 11 miles to Milepost 23. Stop at entrance for campground information and site location.