Cleveland National Forest includes Upper San Juan Campground, though the US Forest Service has permanently closed this site to public camping. The facility sits directly alongside a major highway, creating constant road noise that one reviewer noted makes it unsuitable for those seeking quiet outdoor experiences.
The campground previously operated from April through November and accommodated RVs up to 32 feet, with basic amenities including drinking water, restrooms, and picnic tables. Pets were permitted throughout the grounds. Despite the closure, the infrastructure remains visible to travelers passing through this section of the national forest. Alternative camping near Cleveland National Forest requires checking current availability and access conditions before making plans.
Description
18 sites.
Map & DirectionsUpper San Juan Campground is located in California near Lake Elsinore
Directions
Located Adjacent to the Ortega Highway (Highway 74), 21 miles east of San Juan Capistrano and 9 miles west of Lake Elsinore.
Coordinates
33.60745321 N
117.43327118 W
Connectivity
T-MobileNo Coverage
VerizonLTESome CoverageVerified by 1 user- AT&TLTESome CoverageVerified by 1 userLast on 6/12/26
Connectivity
- T-MobileNo Coverage
- VerizonLTESome CoverageVerified by 1 user
- AT&TLTESome CoverageVerified by 1 userLast on 6/12/26
Access
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
Features
For Campers
- Picnic Table
- Drinking Water
- Toilets
- Pets
Drive Time
- 1 hr 17 min from Los Angeles, CA
- 1 hr 26 min from San Diego, CA
- 2 hrs 13 min from Oxnard, CA
- 2 hrs 43 min from El Centro, CA
