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Established Camping

Green Valley Campground — Cuyamaca Rancho State Park

Warning 4 Alerts are In Effect

There are 4 alerts for this campground. Camp safely!

(For campsites, cabins, and horse sites--not group sites):  Your campsite has a max vehicle capacity of 2 vehicles, which means these vehicles would have been issued license plates.  Any vehicle with an affixed license plate (motor home, trailer, ATV, etc.) counts towards your max vehicle site limitation. 

 

Dogs are NOT allowed on trails or fire roads except for the paved Cuyamaca Peak fire road.  Dogs must be on a leash and controlled by their owner.

California State Parks wants to thank our park visitors for helping us keep our parks and environment clean. In 2018, State Parks installed new RV dump station collection systems at ten state park units as part of a pilot program to help us protect the environment and are added amenities for our visitors. 

Following the success of the initial pilot program in 2018, an additional eleven park units have been added to the program.  The service is available for campers, day-use or transient visitors for $10-$20 per use, depending on the location. Please note that visitors with current reservations arriving on or after April 13, 2021, who are interested in using the RV dump stations may be required to pay the use fee. The price per campsite for these state parks does not include the use of a dump station.  View the following link:  Camping Information

A horse or horses are required to reserve and check into campsites at Green Valley Horse Camp and Los Vaqueros Group Horse Camp at Cuyamaca Rancho Desert SP AND Vern Whitaker Horse Camp at Anza-Borrego Desert SP.

Green Valley Campground, near Julian, California, is a fantastic destination for families and nature lovers alike. With its spacious sites and beautiful surroundings, it’s a great place to unwind and enjoy the great outdoors.

The campground is known for its clean facilities, including well-maintained restrooms, which visitors appreciate, especially during busy weekends. Many campers enjoy the nearby trails, including the kid-friendly Green Valley Falls trail, perfect for a family hike. As one visitor noted, “The terrain of the campground is ideal for kids,” with plenty of trees and rocks for them to explore.

For those who love stargazing, the clear night skies here are a real treat, with minimal light pollution. Campers have also mentioned the refreshing Sweet Water River nearby, which is great for cooling off on warm days. Plus, the campground is just a short drive from Julian, where you can indulge in some famous pie.

While some sites can get a bit warm in the morning, the overall vibe is relaxed and inviting. Whether you’re roasting marshmallows around the fire or hiking to the falls, Green Valley Campground offers a memorable outdoor experience for everyone.

Description

State Park

Green Valley sits at an elevation of 4,000 feet and has a creek which runs through the middle of the campground. The day use area offers sets of cascades and shallow pools, great for water play on hot days. Cuyamaca camping has 81 campsites. Each campsite has a picnic table and a fire ring. Restrooms with flush toilets and pay showers are in the campground. Water faucets a located every few campsites. There are no hookups. Each campground has a dump station. Firewood and ice may be purchased at the camps. Interpretive programs are offered during the summer season.

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Location

Green Valley Campground — Cuyamaca Rancho State Park is located in California

Detail location of campground

Coordinates

32.9048011171 N
116.584608958999 W

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Access

  • Walk-In
    Park in a lot, walk to your site.

Stay Connected

  • WiFi
    Available
  • Verizon
    Good
  • AT&T
    Poor
  • T-Mobile
    Good

Site Types

  • Tent Sites
  • RV Sites
  • Standard (Tent/RV)
  • Group
  • Equestrian

Features

For Campers

  • ADA Access
  • Trash
  • Picnic Table
  • Firewood Available
  • Phone Service
  • Reservable
  • Drinking Water
  • Alcohol
  • Fires

For Vehicles

  • Sanitary Dump
  • Pull-Through Sites

Reviews

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4.5

out of 5

16 Reviews

Reviewed Jul. 7, 2023

Chill camping spot

G-29 was a nice spot, and there is a lot to do and see in the surrounding area. Restrooms and facilities are clean, but there is no soap.

We visited post July 4th, so it was pretty quiet for the most part. Largest downside is the campsite is already warm by 8:30am, and hot by about 10.

Firewood is $8 from the camp host but we had trouble finding them our first night and had to drive an hour back and forth to Julian for wood.

SiteG-29
Month of VisitJuly
  • Review photo of Green Valley Campground — Cuyamaca Rancho State Park by Peter K., July 7, 2023
  • Review photo of Green Valley Campground — Cuyamaca Rancho State Park by Peter K., July 7, 2023
Reviewed Nov. 14, 2022

Great family campground

Close to Julian, CA about 10-15 minutes. We camped during Veteran’s day weekend. The terrain of the campground is ideal for kids. Trees, hills, and large rocks for the kids to climb on. The sites we had #59 and #61 were located on a slight hill. The tent pad sites were slightly slanted. The bathrooms were super clean especially during a holiday weekend. The Green Valley falls trail is located in the campground and it’s super kid friendly.

Site58
Month of VisitNovember
Reviewed Aug. 5, 2021

Quiet and beautiful

This was a great campsite for the night. Small sites, but plenty for us, and spread out from other campers. Not many bathrooms so we walked a bit to those, but it was OK. They were very clean, but had no soap. Beautiful stargazing. The drive was very windy and unique. Would come back for sure.

Site62
Month of VisitJuly
  • Review photo of Green Valley Campground — Cuyamaca Rancho State Park by Crystal H., August 5, 2021
Reviewed Jul. 8, 2021

Amazing Night Sky

Pretty warm during the time we went (7/1-7/4), but had the opportunity to relax by the river (BONUS). Amazing view of the stars, very little light pollution! Only down side, quite a few ants. Would visit again!

Site44
Month of VisitJuly
Reviewed Jun. 4, 2021

Horse camp blessing

Was able to score a site that fit our 28’ trailer- joke was on us... there was NO way it could’ve worked, not to mention there was not a single other trailer, only tents. Headed back to the ranger and they gave us an open disabled spot (we have a placard) in the horse camp. It was AMAZING. Large flat pad that had the sweet water river right behind. Lots of area for the kids to play and ride bikes on the paved loop around the sites. The walk to the waterfall “hike” was manageable and another day we hiked to the airplane monument (don’t get your hopes up lol) and that was a solid moderate hike. Also drove out to hike to stonewall mine Beautiful weather and the falls were super fun to see, and splash in the top most parts (take a left at the split in the trail just at the bottom of the dirt little hill from the entrance)

Sitehorse camp site 15? (last site before exiting loop- disabled)
Month of VisitApril
  • Review photo of Green Valley Campground — Cuyamaca Rancho State Park by nicole , June 4, 2021
  • top back side of falls
  • Review photo of Green Valley Campground — Cuyamaca Rancho State Park by nicole , June 4, 2021
  • (7) View All
Reviewed Apr. 12, 2021

Great Car/Tent campground

Beautiful location. Quiet and picturesque. Easy to find. Great place for base camp with several trail heads. Campsites are spacious with plenty of shade. Secluded from you neighbors. Clean bathrooms and showers.

Reviewed Sep. 24, 2020

Site filled with fire ants and...

The only flat piece of dirt was infested with fire ants. Every time I went to eat, we were surrounded by bees. I’d still go back to give it a second shot. The water is ice cold so it’s perfect to wash your sins from the night before.

Reviewed Jul. 19, 2020

Great camping close to San Diego.

Great weekend camping close to San Diego. Clean, plenty of bathrooms and showers, water, and drive in parcels. Even though there are a lot of camp sites it feels private. It can get really loud with groups of campers but it is worth it. Every camp site has a fire ring. There is a big store 5 miles away if you forget anything. Falls are close by and family friendly. Loved the experience!

  • Review photo of Green Valley Campground — Cuyamaca Rancho State Park by Cristina  M., July 19, 2020
  • Review photo of Green Valley Campground — Cuyamaca Rancho State Park by Cristina  M., July 19, 2020
  • Review photo of Green Valley Campground — Cuyamaca Rancho State Park by Cristina  M., July 19, 2020
  • (5) View All
Reviewed Jul. 16, 2019

Beautiful area with lots to do.

The campground is in a very pretty area with lots of decent sites and wildlife. Wild turkeys roam around the campground. There are trailheads in the campground along with plenty of nearby trails. The campground is just a few miles from the lake where you can boat, fish or eat at the restaurant. Julian is also not far away, a quaint little town known for their pies.

  • Review photo of Green Valley Campground — Cuyamaca Rancho State Park by Andre V., July 16, 2019
  • Review photo of Green Valley Campground — Cuyamaca Rancho State Park by Andre V., July 16, 2019
  • Review photo of Green Valley Campground — Cuyamaca Rancho State Park by Andre V., July 16, 2019
  • (6) View All
Reviewed May. 21, 2018

Close and Perfect for Weekends

This is my favorite out of the two campgrounds in the Cuyamaca Rancho State Park. While both have their positives, I personally love this one for its close proximity to the waterfalls that are a short trail from the campsites. Depending on what campsite you are in, you can walk to the trail and down to the falls which are perfect for swimming around when it is hot outside. I love this campground for a quick weekend getaway from San Diego that has minimal preparation. Every site is a drive up site, most have shade and there are plenty of bathrooms. Most sites also have a fire ring and picnic table to use as well. A perfect, lower cost campsite that is great for families and people who want an easy camping experience with some water involved!

Month of VisitJune
Reviewed Sep. 16, 2017

Express camping

Lovely campground, great signage and close to San Diego. We got here at 11pm and left at 8am to continue on our Questival journey. We were at site 50, if you want more shade then site 49 is the one!

Site50
Month of VisitSeptember
  • Review photo of Green Valley Campground — Cuyamaca Rancho State Park by Wilmie V., September 16, 2017
Reviewed Sep. 16, 2017

Good Campground close to SD and Julian

Lots of spaces and there are usually spots open for first come first serve. Arrived late but the ranger and host were nice and welcoming. Not the most amazing stargazing, but quite solid

Site28
Month of VisitSeptember
Reviewed Jul. 7, 2017

Good Campsites

We've stayed at both family campgrounds in Cuyamaca. I prefer Paso Picacho over Green Valley but there are some advantages at Green Valley over Paso.

Pros:

  • Campsites are larger than at Paso Picacho and there aren't as many.
  • Campsites are easier to find.
  • Clean
  • More out of the way.
  • Lots of birds
  • Sites G027-9 were pretty secluded. G53-4 had lots of trees and good for a group together.

Cons:

  • You have to drive to get to trails.
  • Can still get pretty loud.
  • Not good for dogs as they are not allowed on trails, only roads and campgrounds.
SiteG047
Month of VisitApril
  • Review photo of Green Valley Campground — Cuyamaca Rancho State Park by Lea O., July 7, 2017
  • Review photo of Green Valley Campground — Cuyamaca Rancho State Park by Lea O., July 7, 2017
Reviewed May. 29, 2017

Classic So-Cal Style Campground

We stayed in the Green Valley campground over memorial Day Weekend. Although crowded being a Holiday, the spots were large and afforded plenty of privacy. We got three tents and two hammocks in our single space. The campground also has plenty of shade, clean facilities, and is dog friendly. There is a series of trails from the campground that make for fun day hikes. The lake is about ten minutes driving distance down the road.

  • Review photo of Green Valley Campground — Cuyamaca Rancho State Park by Katie R., May 29, 2017
  • Review photo of Green Valley Campground — Cuyamaca Rancho State Park by Katie R., May 29, 2017
  • Review photo of Green Valley Campground — Cuyamaca Rancho State Park by Katie R., May 29, 2017
  • (6) View All
Reviewed Sep. 21, 2016

A short drive from San Diego (plus gear review)

Campground Review

There are two sections to this campground - the area for just people and the area that is set up for campers with horses. The campground provides everything you need: fire pits, restrooms, showers, on-site firewood for purchase. $30 per night.

We went in September and it was pretty dusty and not very scenic. Might be more aesthetically pleasing during other months of the year though.

Gear Review - Mountain Khakis

I won a Mountain Khakis gift card as part of the Dyrt's 2016 campground review contest, and I bought a pair of the Women's Canyon Cord Skinny Pants. I LOVE these pants. I wear them to the office, I wear them casually, and I wear them in the outdoors. For reference, I'm wearing them in the slacklining photo in this review. Most outdoor clothing companies don't offer their cord pants in petite sizes, but now I finally own a pair that fits. These pants are extremely durable. I've worn them while doing gymnastic and when off-width climbing, and there are no rips and the fabric has barely worn down.

Month of VisitSeptember
  • Review photo of Green Valley Campground — Cuyamaca Rancho State Park by Leslie R., September 21, 2016
  • Review photo of Green Valley Campground — Cuyamaca Rancho State Park by Leslie R., September 21, 2016
  • Review photo of Green Valley Campground — Cuyamaca Rancho State Park by Leslie R., September 21, 2016
Reviewed Aug. 14, 2016

Climbing Mt Cuyamaca

Tucked away from the city lights of San Diego. Very nice camp ground with multiple trails climbing up Mt. Cuyamaca.

  • Review photo of Green Valley Campground — Cuyamaca Rancho State Park by Zachary M., August 14, 2016
  • Review photo of Green Valley Campground — Cuyamaca Rancho State Park by Zachary M., August 14, 2016

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What is the max vehicle length at Green Valley Campground — Cuyamaca Rancho State Park?

    Green Valley Campground — Cuyamaca Rancho State Park allows vehicles up to 30 feet.

  • Are fires allowed at Green Valley Campground — Cuyamaca Rancho State Park?

    Yes, according to campers on TheDyrt.com, fires are allowed at Green Valley Campground — Cuyamaca Rancho State Park, although make sure to check current fire restrictions in the area.

  • Does Green Valley Campground — Cuyamaca Rancho State Park have wifi?

    No, according to campers on TheDyrt.com, Green Valley Campground — Cuyamaca Rancho State Park does not have wifi.

  • Is there cell phone reception at Green Valley Campground — Cuyamaca Rancho State Park?

    According to campers on TheDyrt.com, Verizon signal is good, AT&T is poor, and T-Mobile is good.

  • How hard is it to get a campsite at Green Valley Campground — Cuyamaca Rancho State Park?

    Some campers book as far as 6 months in advance, so on high-demand weekends it can be very difficult to get a campsite at Green Valley Campground — Cuyamaca Rancho State Park. If you want to get a last-minute campsite at Green Valley Campground — Cuyamaca Rancho State Park, try setting up a text message Alert atTheDyrt.com/alerts

  • Why is it so hard to get a campsite at Green Valley Campground — Cuyamaca Rancho State Park?

    There are 49 campsites at Green Valley Campground — Cuyamaca Rancho State Park and over 80 million Americans who camp! Try snagging a cancellation by setting up a text message Alert atTheDyrt.com/alerts