El Prado Group Campground

Notice: "El Prado group: A water leak has been detected, and all water has been shut off at this time. Please bring sufficient water for your needs. Water can be obtained from spigots within the Laguna campground. All groups are affected with this outage- Yerba Santa, Big Sage, Buckwheat, and Whitehorn." Check for updates: El Prado Group Campground

El Prado Group Campground is in the Mount Laguna area of Cleveland National Forest. Campers enjoy hiking to nearby lakes and attending Star Parties.

El Prado Group Campground is set amidst a forest of pines and oaks. El Prado Group Campground is divided into five group sites: Big Sage, Buckwheat, Manzanita, Whitehorn, and Yerba Santa. Four of the campsites are tent-only, but Yerba Santa accepts RVs and trailers.

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El Prado Group Campground Basics
El Prado Group Campground Location:	Off Highway S1, north of I-8 near Pine Valley
Elevation:	5,500 feet
Mileage/Driving Time:	55 miles east of San Diego - 1:04 minutes
Number of Campsites:	5
Open - Closed:	Opens Memorial Day weekend, closes mid-October
Booking Window:	from 3 days up to 12 months in advance of arrival
Vehicles per Site:	2 vehicles, 3rd extra vehicle fee $8
Maximum RV/Trailer Length:	40 - 45 feet
Check-in, check-out:	2:00 PM, Noon
Pets:	On leash, always attended
Campground Information:	(619) 473-2082

El Prado Group Campground Campsite Details
Campsite	Max. # People	Max. # Vehicles	Fee per Night
Sage:	36	15	$90
Buckwheat:	50	25	$90
Manzanita:	30	10	$60
Whitehorn:	30	10	$60
Yerba Santa:	32	8	$60
Reservations: El Prado Group Campground Reservations

El Prado Group Campground Amenities
Campsites:	Picnic table, fire ring, no hook-ups
Campground:	Flush and vault toilets, tap water, campfire circle
Showers:	Yes, coin or token operated
Dump station:	in Buckman Rest Area on I-8
Attractions near El Prado Group Campground:	Hike on the famous Pacific Crest Trail. Hike to Little Laguna Lake and Big Laguna Lake. Attend Star Parties organized by the San Diego State University Observatory or the Riverside Atronomical Society.
Updates	Last Updated August 2025

General Camping Information

Not all campsites can accommodate trailers or RVs of all lengths. Check carefully on the reservation site when you make your reservation to be sure your vehicle will fit your campsite.

Accessible Sites

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

Cleveland National Forest
Attractions and Activities

Visitors to the Cleveland National Forest find many interesting places to visit. Campers at El Prado Group Campground are close to many attractions around Laguna Mountain.

Attend Star Parties at Laguna Mountain and Palomar Mountain.

Hike to Cedar Creek Falls. Plan on a moderate 6.6-mile round trip best during cooler months. A $6 permit is required.

Try your luck fishing at Loveland Reservoir.

Head over to the Corral Canyon OHV Area with over 51 miles of trails and roads.

Explore the Kwaaymii Cultural Interpretive Trail.

Key El Prado Group Campground Regulations

Fires must be in fire rings and are only permitted between 7 AM to 11 PM.
Wooden pallets may not be burned in campfires.
Dogs must be on leash and attended at all times.
To protect the Laguna Skipper butterfly, campers cannot enter the area behind the fence.

Check for any campground updates:
Cleveland National Forest - El Prado Group Campground

El Prado Group Campground

Cleveland National Forest

El Prado Group Campground

Cleveland National Forest