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Map showing campground location near Guatay, California
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Corte Madera Mountain

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SUMMARY PRESENTED BYT-Mobile

Cleveland National Forest's Corte Madera Mountain sits at 4,657 feet and requires a free permit, available by calling the ranger station ahead of your trip. Access is hike-in only via a 7.5-mile out-and-back trail near Morena Village, a continuous climb with no water sources on route. Campsites at the summit are set among large granite boulders, with open sightlines over Lake Morena and the surrounding desert. This is a good match for hikers comfortable with campgrounds around Guatay who want a free, no-frills overnight at elevation with cell service available.

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Map & DirectionsCorte Madera Mountain is located in California near Guatay

Detail location of campground
Public Campground

Coordinates

32.757265631773265 N
116.58945735997554 W

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Connectivity

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    T-Mobile5G
    Excellent Coverage
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    VerizonLTE
    Some Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    AT&T5G
    Excellent Coverage

Connectivity

Presented byT-MobileT-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoorsLearn More
  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile5G
    Excellent Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    VerizonLTE
    Some Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    AT&T5G
    Excellent Coverage

Access

  • Hike-In
    Backcountry sites.

Site Types

  • Tent Sites

Features

For Campers

  • Phone Service
  • Pets

FREE established camping

Enjoy camping on government land. Limited or no services at this camping area.

PERMIT might be REQUIRED

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Reviews2 Camper Reviews - Corte Madera Mountain

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2 Reviews

Reviewed Nov. 14, 2018

Backpackers quick, quiet, getaway with views!

 Corte Madera Mountain in Cleveland National Forest, just east of San Diego. You will need a permit, but you can get a free permit emailed to you if you call the rangers station. The Trail is a 7.5 mile out and back trail near Morena Village. There are great views over

the Lake Morena area and the desert as you climb. At 4,657 feet, it is a continuous climb, so don’t forget to take plenty of water! Overall, great hike.  Campsites, at the summit, are just off trail surrounded by large granite boulders and great views.

Month of VisitApril
  • Review photo of Corte Madera Mountain by Elsye W., November 14, 2018
  • Review photo of Corte Madera Mountain by Elsye W., November 14, 2018
  • Review photo of Corte Madera Mountain by Elsye W., November 14, 2018
Reviewed Nov. 14, 2018

Backpackers quick quiet get away with a view!

If you’re looking for a nice hike, in the wild, with few people around, this is the one. Corte Madera Mountain in Cleveland National Forest, just east of San Diego. You will need a permit to camp at the summit, but you can get a free permit emailed to you if you call the rangers station. 

The Trail is a 7.5 mile out and back trail near Morena Village. There are great views over the Lake Morena area and the desert as you climb. At 4,657 feet, it is a continuous climb, so don’t forget to take plenty of water! Overall, great hike. Camping was just off trail, at the summit, surrounded by large granite boulders,

Month of VisitApril
  • Review photo of Corte Madera Mountain by Elsye W., November 14, 2018
  • Review photo of Corte Madera Mountain by Elsye W., November 14, 2018
  • Review photo of Corte Madera Mountain by Elsye W., November 14, 2018
Showing results 1-2 of 2 reviews

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Corte Madera campground located in San Diego?

Corte Madera Mountain is located in the Cleveland National Forest, just east of San Diego. The campground sits near Morena Village, which provides access to Lake Morena and surrounding natural areas. This remote location offers visitors a wilderness experience away from crowded city areas while still being accessible as a day trip from San Diego proper.

What are the best trails near Corte Madera Mountain campground?

The main trail at Corte Madera Mountain is the 7.5-mile out-and-back trail that leads to the summit. This trail offers exceptional views over Lake Morena and surrounding areas. It's particularly appealing for hikers seeking solitude as it typically has low foot traffic. The trail provides a true wilderness experience within Cleveland National Forest. For current trail conditions and additional route options, contact the local ranger station.

Can you hike to Corte Madera Peak from the campground?

Yes, you can hike to Corte Madera Peak from the campground. The trail to the summit is part of a 7.5-mile out-and-back route. Camping at the summit requires a permit, which you can obtain for free by calling the rangers station. They can email the permit to you prior to your trip.

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