Boulder Oaks Campground
Boulder Oaks Campground is in Cottonwood Valley in the Cleveland National Forest, 3.8 miles northeast of Lake Morena (as the crow flies). The campground serves as a convenient stopping place for those hiking or horseback riding on the Pacific Crest Trail, except that the campground is closed from March through May to protect the breeding time of an endangered species, the arroyo toad. During those times water may not be available at the campground. (Use the PCT button to find information about the Pacific Crest Trail at Boulder Oaks Campground.)
Boulder Oaks Campground offers 32 campsites for RVs, trailers, and tents. Six of the sites are doubles. Seventeen of the sites in a separate loop have corrals and are designated for those with horses. The equestrian sites require reservations while all the other sites are first-come, first-served. Campsites are shaded by oak and manzanita.
| Boulder Oaks Campground Basics |
| Boulder Oaks Campground Location: |
Off Highway Interstate 80at the Buckman Springs Rd. exit. Then west on Old Highway 80 2 miles |
| Elevation: |
3,180 feet |
| Mileage/Driving Time: |
55 miles east of San Diego - 1:04 minutes |
| Number of Campsites: |
32 |
| Open - Closed: |
Open year-round, but may be closed March through May |
| Max. People per Site: |
8 (including children) |
| Vehicles per Site: |
1 vehicles, fee for additional vehicles |
| Pets: |
On leash, always attended |
| Operated by |
Cleveland National Forest |
| Descanso Ranger District: |
(619) 445-6235 |
| Reservations for Boulder Oak Campground |
| Reservations: |
Boulder Oak Campground reservations for equestrian campsites only; other campsites are first come, first served |
| Booking Window: |
from 4 days up to 6 months in advance of arrival |
| Maximum RV/Trailer Length: |
27 feet |
| Accessible Sites: |
None designated |
| Fees: |
$25 for single site per night |
| Reservations: |
Boulder Oaks Equestrian Campsite Reservations
|
| Check-in, check-out: |
2:00 PM, 1:00 PM |
| Boulder Oaks Campground Amenities |
| Campsites: |
Picnic table, fire ring, no hook-ups |
| Campground: |
Vault toilets, tap water |
| Showers: |
No |
| Dump station: |
in Buckman Rest Area on I-8 |
| Attractions near Boulder Oaks Campground: |
Enjoy hiking or horseback riding on the Pacific Crest Trail. Visit the Golden Acorn Casino and Travel Center (8 miles SE on I-8) for dining and gaming. Head north to Cuyamaca Rancho State Park. |
| Updates |
Last Updated August 2025 |
Pacific Crest Trail Information
Trail Miles Northbound from Boulder Oak Campground
Trail Miles Southbound from Boulder Oak Campground
Nearest Town
Pine Valley, 7.6 miles northwest on Interstate 8
Grocery store, restaurants, Frosty Burger, lodging
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.
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 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 the park 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
