Cleveland National Forest encompasses Burnt Rancheria Campground, a US Forest Service facility that sits at 6,000 feet elevation in the Laguna Mountains. The campground divides into two distinct sections: a southern area with reservable sites featuring flush toilets and showers, and a northern first-come, first-served section with vault toilets among denser pine coverage.
Campers find themselves surrounded by a mix of pine and oak trees that provide varying degrees of shade across the 99 sites. Some locations occupy open meadow areas where neighboring campsites remain visible, while others nestle into more secluded forest pockets. "Bathrooms are clean and water is available everywhere," reports Dave G., noting the generous spacing between sites. The elevation creates noticeably cooler temperatures than lower desert areas, though reviewers mention significant inclines at certain sites that can challenge tent placement.
The Pacific Crest Trail runs directly through the campground, offering immediate hiking access. Additional trails branch from camp toward desert overlooks and connect to the broader Mount Laguna trail network. The Mount Laguna store operates just half a mile up the road for basic supplies. Cell service reaches most areas of the campground, though coverage varies by carrier and specific site location.
Access requires navigating rough roads that several reviewers flag as potentially challenging for larger rigs despite the 99-foot RV length limit. Campground hosts provide firewood delivery service, though purchasing wood locally beforehand costs less than the $8 bundles available on-site. The facility operates from May through October, with weekend periods drawing families and groups that increase noise levels compared to quieter weekday visits. For additional camping options in the region, campers can explore campgrounds around Cleveland National Forest. The $35 nightly fee includes access to potable water spigots throughout both campground sections.
Description
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.
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 and horseback riding are allowed on the trail. Biking is not allowed on any portion of the Pacific Crest 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.
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.
Contact Info
For facility specific information, please call (619) 354-8776.
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsBurnt Rancheria Campground is located in California near Mount Laguna
Directions
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.
Address
Mile 23, Sunrise Hwy
Mt. laguna, CA 91948
Coordinates
32.8613889 N
116.4161111 W
Connectivity
T-Mobile5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 10 usersLast on 6/9/26
VerizonLTESome CoverageVerified by 1 userLast on 6/9/26- AT&T5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 4 usersLast on 6/9/26
Connectivity
- T-Mobile5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 10 usersLast on 6/9/26
- VerizonLTESome CoverageVerified by 1 userLast on 6/9/26
- AT&T5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 4 usersLast on 6/9/26
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
- Hike-InBackcountry sites.
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Group
- Tent Cabin
Features
For Campers
- Market
- Trash
- Picnic Table
- Firewood Available
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- Drinking Water
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Big Rig Friendly
Drive Time
- 34 min from San Diego, CA
- 1 hr 9 min from El Centro, CA
- 2 hrs 10 min from Yuma, AZ
- 2 hrs 33 min from Los Angeles, CA
