Within Cleveland National Forest, El Prado Campground sits at 5,500 feet elevation in the Mount Laguna recreation area, managed by the US Forest Service. The campground occupies forested terrain adjacent to a large meadow and seasonal lake, with multiple loops that break up the site's considerable size into more manageable sections.
Campers consistently mention the campground's wooded character, with pine trees providing varying degrees of shade across different loops. The eastern loop draws particular praise from reviewers, with sites 005, 006, 008, 010, and 012 offering larger spaces and tree coverage while facing the meadow where endangered butterflies sometimes appear. "Really pretty spot to sit and watch the sunset," notes Alexa S., describing the view across the open field. The campground accommodates RVs up to 50 feet with water and sewer hookups, though several reviewers mention rough access roads requiring careful navigation.
Trail access ranks among the campground's strongest draws. The Pacific Crest Trail runs within a mile of the sites, while the Big Laguna Trail and Garnet Peak trailhead provide additional hiking options directly from camp. Mountain biking and horseback riding trails extend throughout the recreation area. The seasonal lake's water levels fluctuate significantly based on recent precipitation, ranging from completely dry during drought periods to a small pond during wetter seasons.
Facilities include vault toilets that reviewers describe as hit-or-miss depending on maintenance, plus flush toilets and showers in some areas. "Restroom facilities were cleaned frequently and there were running water outlets every few spots," reports Shawn S.. Firewood sells on-site, though campers often find free kindling in the meadow area. Weekend reservations fill quickly, particularly during summer months, while weekday visits offer more availability for walk-in campers.
For additional options in the area, campers can explore camping near Mount Laguna. The $35 nightly fee and year-round season make El Prado suitable for RV campers seeking hookups and tent campers wanting established amenities with trail access.
Description
Overview
Laguna Campground is a great mountain getaway just one hour east of San Diego, California in the Laguna Mountain Recreation Area. Campers can enjoy cooler temperatures, unique natural areas and an extensive trail system at this mountain facility from summer through early fall.
Recreation
The Laguna Mountain Recreation Area is known for great horseback riding, mountain biking and hiking trails. Visitors can get their boots dusty on the Laguna Meadow Trail system or access a segment of the 2,650-mile Pacific Crest Trail, which runs from California to the State of Washington. Wildflowers are usually abundant in April and May on the Big Laguna Trail, which takes visitors past Big Laguna Lake. In wet years there is water in Big Laguna Lake by December or January and ducks and other birds can be found. The trail presents a number of options to the user. A return to the trailhead parking can be made by cutting through the Laguna Campground or by taking the Pacific Crest Trail north. Families can learn about the area's flora and fauna by attending educational programs at the facility's amphitheater. Or for history buffs, the El Prado Cabin located at nearby El Prado Campground, is the first ranger cabin built in the Cleveland National Forest in 1911. The San Diego State University Observatory also sponsors "Star Parties" for campers most Saturday evenings during the summer (schedule can be obtained at the nearby visitor center or by calling 619-473-8547).
Facilities
This large facility has five loops of campsites, with sites fairly close to one another. One campsite meets accessibility standards. The facility is equipped with campfire rings, flush toilet restrooms and coin-operated showers. Part of the campground is fenced off to protect the habitat of the endangered Laguna Skipper butterfly. Visitors are asked to respect the fence boundary and comply with the maximum site occupancy.
Natural Features
The campground sits at an elevation of 6,000 ft. in the Laguna Mountains. It is forested with pines and oaks that provide plenty of shade, in addition to a meadow. The area is home to many species of birds, as well as the endangered Laguna Skipper butterfly. Little Laguna lake is located just a short distance from the campground and is an excellent hiking destination for photographers and visitors looking to explore the area.
Contact Info
This location is staffed. Please call (619) 354-8776 to speak with local staff.
RV Road Trip Guides
Location
Public CampgroundEl Prado Campground is located in California
Directions
Located 50 miles east of San Diego, California. Take I-8 to Sunrise Highway exit. Go approximately 15 miles to Laguna/El Prado Campground, just beyond the 26 mile marker. Stop at the entrance station for campground information and site location.
Address
CLEVELAND
CA
Coordinates
32.8872222 N
116.4463889 W
Connectivity
- T-Mobile5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 7 usersLast on 3/24/26
- VerizonLTESome CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 3/24/26
- AT&T5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 65 usersLast on 3/24/26
Connectivity
- T-Mobile5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 7 usersLast on 3/24/26
- VerizonLTESome CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 3/24/26
- AT&T5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 65 usersLast on 3/24/26
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
- Hike-InBackcountry sites.
- Boat-InSites accessible by watercraft.
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Group
- Cabins
- Tent Cabin
- Equestrian
Features
For Campers
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- Drinking Water
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Sewer Hookups
- Water Hookups
- Big Rig Friendly
Contact
General Info
Reservations
Drive Time
- 38 min from San Diego, CA
- 1 hr 12 min from El Centro, CA
- 2 hrs 14 min from Yuma, AZ
- 2 hrs 37 min from Los Angeles, CA












































