Multiple loops spread across this wooded campground at 5,500 feet elevation, with sites ranging from open meadow-facing spots to more secluded tree-covered areas. El Prado Campground sits within Cleveland National Forest, about 60 minutes east of San Diego, where cooler mountain temperatures provide relief from coastal heat.
The eastern loop draws particular praise from campers, with sites 5, 6, 8, 10, and 12 offering larger spaces and heavier tree coverage. These spots face the corner of an adjacent meadow where endangered butterflies occasionally appear during warmer months. Ryan W. recommends these sites as "a little smaller and quieter than the other loops" with easy access to meadow trailheads. The Hillside loop provides another option for tent campers seeking privacy among the pines.
Water spigots appear every few sites throughout the campground, and vault toilets receive regular maintenance during busy periods. Sites include fire rings, picnic tables, and parking areas, with firewood available for purchase on-site. The Pacific Crest Trail passes less than a mile away, connecting to numerous day hiking options including the trail to Garnet Peak. A small lake sits adjacent to the meadow, though water levels fluctuate significantly based on seasonal rainfall and drought conditions.
Weekend reservations fill quickly, particularly during peak season, though walk-up sites sometimes become available on weekdays. Temperatures drop 10-15 degrees below forecasted lows due to elevation, with freezing possible even in late May. "Really pretty spot to sit and watch the sunset," notes Alexa S. about the meadow views. The town of Mount Laguna provides a convenience store and outdoor gear shop within walking distance.
Campers seeking additional options can explore campgrounds near Mount Laguna, including nearby Laguna Campground just 0.3 miles west.
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 3/17/26
- VerizonLTESome CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 3/17/26
- AT&T5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 66 usersLast on 3/17/26
Connectivity
- T-Mobile5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 7 usersLast on 3/17/26
- VerizonLTESome CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 3/17/26
- AT&T5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 66 usersLast on 3/17/26
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












































