Lake Morena Park Campground

Father and son fishing, CA
Father and son fishing, CA

Lake Morena County Park Campground

San Diego County


Lake Morena County Park Campground

Lake Morena County Park Campground is located in eastern San Diego County, south of the Laguna Mountains. Over the past several years Lake Morena has suffered from low water. The rains of 2017, 2019, and 2023 offered a short respite, but water levels are still a serious problem. Nevertheless, the surrounding chaparral, oak woods and grasslands of the park and the campground are still worth visiting. The 3,250-acre park includes 8 miles of multi-use trails for hikers, mountain bikers, and horseback riders. When the lake level is high enough, the park offers boat rentals. No body contact with the lake's water is permitted.

Lake Morena County Park Campground has 86 campsites as well as 10 wilderness cabins which may be rented. Seventeen campsites have water and electric hook-ups. Forty campsites have full hook-ups. Twenty sites are for tents only. And 9 sites are for RVs, trailers, and tents with no hook-ups. The amount of shade varies from site to site, but the reservation website has pictures of each site to help you choose the best for your needs.

The Pacific Crest Trail passes the campground, and for many hikers, the Lake Morena Campground makes a convenient overnight stop. Some campsites are set aside in a Backpacker Tent Site, giving PCT hikers priority. (Use the PCT button to find information about the Pacific Crest Trail at Lake Morena Campground.)

Lake Morena County Park Campground also has a Youth Group Campsite for up to 48 people.

Lake Morena County Park Campground Basics
Lake Morena County Park Campground Location: 2550 Lake Morena Drive, Campo
Elevation: 3,050 feet
Mileage/Driving Time: 56 miles from San Diego - 1:00
Number of Campsites: 86
Open - Closed: Labor Day weekend to Memorial Day
Max. People per Site: 8 (including children)
Vehicles per Site: 1, plus one towed, extra vehicles $4
Pets: On leash, always attended, $1 per night
Operated by San Diego County Parks and Recreation
Park Information: (619) 579-4101

Reservations for Lake Morena County Park Campground
Reservations available: Reservations are available for campsites up to 1 year in advance
Maximum RV/Trailer Length: 40 feet
Accessible Sites: #8, 50
Reservations: San Diego County Parks Reservations
Fees: Tent-only sites: $24 per night
Non-hook-up sites: $24 per night
Electric hook-up sites: $29 per night
Full hook-up sites: $33 per night
Plus a $5 reservation fee
Check-in, check-out: 2:00 PM, Noon

Lake Morena County Park Campground Amenities
Campsites: Picnic table, fire ring
Campground: restrooms with flush toilets, tap water
Showers: Yes
Dump station: Yes
Park Brochure and Campground map: Lake Morena County Park Brochure & Campground Map
Attractions near Lake Morena County Park Campground: When water levels are high enough, boat and fish (fee) in the lake. Play volleyball and horseshoes rentals. Kids enjoy the playground Tour the little museum with local animal display. Hike on the Pacific Crest Trail or Ward's Flat Trail. Take the short Nature Trail near the campground.
Campground Programs: County Parks and Recreation Activity and Program Guide


Pacific Crest Trail Information

Campsites set aside for PCT backpackers stopping at Lake Morena are sites #64 and #65 in the northeast corner of the campground, immediately off the the trail.

Trail Miles Northbound from Lake Morena Campground

Trail Miles Southbound from Lake Morena Campground

  • Campo - 18.6 miles
  • Mexico Border - 20 miles

Nearest Town

Lake Morena Village - 0.4 miles SE of trail
  Lake Morena Country Market, Oak Shores Malt Shop includes restaurant with pizza, burgers, shakes

Always confirm mileages and directions with a reliable PCT source such as the Pacific Crest Trail Association's The Pacific Crest Trail: Exploring America's Wilderness Trail.

Lake Morena Youth Group Camping

The Youth Group camping area at Lake Morena can accommodate up to 48-50 people in an oak-shaded area well-separated from the main campground. Five vehicles are included with the reservation. Additional vehicles are charged an overnight parking fee. The site has a water spigot, 2 BBQ pits, picnic tables and a large fire ring. Onsite is a port-a-potty, while showers and regular restrooms are found nearby.
Fee: $55 per night

General Camping Information

Opening and closing dates of campgrounds are only estimates, usually dependent on weather conditions. Not all campsites can accommodate trailers or RVs of all lengths.

Temperatures in the desert can reach 80-100 degrees in the spring. Visitors are advised to carry water and wear sun protective hats. Be aware of possible flash floods during storms. Check with localauthorities for road conditions. Always notify someone of your plans, including when you plan to return.

In order to prevent the spread of invasive insects, firewood from outside the area is not permitted.

Accessible Sites

Designated Accessible sites are reserved for people with disabilities who have a vehicle displaying an accessible parking placard or license plate



Lake Morena, San Diego County, CA

Lake Morena

Anza-Borrego Desert State Park
Attractions and Activities

Campers at Lake Morena County Park Campground are only a short drive from both Cuyamaca Rancho State Park and Anza-Borrego Desert State Park. With over 600,000 acres, Anza-Borrego Desert State Park is the largest state park in the contiguous United States.

  • Tour the wonderful Visitor Center and find books, brochures, maps, and exhibits.
  • Head over to Borrego Palm Canyon and walk the nature trail to a grove of native California fan palms.
  • Explore fascinating Coyote Canyon with a year-round stream and lush plant life. Nice hiking trails lead through the area.
  • Stop at Font's Point with its magnificent view of the Borrego Valley and Badlands.
  • Investigate Split Mountain for its geologic wonders.
  • At Mountain Palm Springs find a grove of fan palms in the Tierra Blanca Mountains.
  • Visit the Borrego Valley.
  • The park offers interpretive activities and events along with walks and talks.

Key Lake Morena County Park Campground Regulations

  1. Fires must be confined to existing fire rings or stoves. No fires are permitted between 11:00 PM and 7:00 AM.
  2. Swimming is not permitted.
  3. Generators may not be operated inside the park.
  4. Dogs are not allowed on trails. Dogs must be kept on leash and in a tent or vehicle at night.
  5. Quiet Hours are from 10:00 PM to 8:00 AM.

    Check San Diego Parks - Lake Morena County Park for any campground updates.


map of Lake Morena County Park Campground and the Pacific Crest Trao;, CA