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Burnt Rancheria
FSU.S. Forest Service — Mt. Laguna · California · Cleveland National Forest
| Agency | FSU.S. Forest Service |
|---|---|
| Area | Cleveland National Forest |
| Location | Mt. Laguna · California · Cleveland National Forest · 32.86139, -116.41611 · Map |
| Sites | 56 public sites counted from the federal listing — 48 standard nonelectric; 8 tent only nonelectric |
| Getting a site | Reservable — the federal listing marks this campground as taking reservations. Some sites or seasons may still be first-come; the listing’s own words are below. |
| Hookups | Electric at 0 of 56 sites Water hookups at 0 of 56 sites Sewer hookups at 0 of 56 sites Full hookups (all three at one site) at 0 of 56 sites Counted site by site from affirmative reports in the federal record. A site with no report is not counted either way. |
| Max RV length | Longest reported site fits 99 ft Sites that fit at least — 25 ft: 55 sites · 30 ft: 47 sites · 35 ft: 38 sites · 40 ft: 25 sites |
| Months open | Not in federal data — the federal listing does not publish a season for this campground. Check the official description below or Recreation.gov. |
| Fees | Not reported — the federal listing carries no fee description for this campground. |
| Check-in / out | In 2:00 PM · Out 11:00 AM (most common in the listing) |
| Pets | Allowed at 61 sites, as reported |
| Accessible sites | 2 marked accessible in the listing |
| Accessibility | N |
| Phone | 619-473-0120 |
Check availability & book on Recreation.gov →
This site takes no reservations and shows no live availability. Source: Recreation.gov (RIDB export pulled November 5, 2026); this listing was last updated in the federal record on 2026-02-25.
From the official listing
Overview Burnt Rancheria Campground is located 50 miles east of San Diego at the Laguna Mountain Recreation Area in Southern California, right off the Sunrise Scenic Byway.
Campers can enjoy hiking, viewing unique birds and wildlife and enjoying cooler temperatures at this mountain facility in Cleveland National Forest, open from mid-April through October. Recreation Day hiking and picnicking are most popular at Burnt Rancheria. The facility provides easy access to a segment of the Pacific Crest Trail, a 2,650-mile national scenic trail that runs from Mexico to Canada. Hiking and horseback riding are allowed on the trail. Biking is not allowed on any portion of the Pacific Crest Trail.
A short hike to the nearby Desert View Picnic Site provides visitors with a bird's-eye view of the desert 6,000 feet below. On most days, the Salton Sea is clearly visible to the southeast. Restrooms and potable water are available.
Families with children will enjoy activities, campfire programs and guided hikes available during summer. In addition to the guided hikes, a visitor might take the self-guided interpretive trail hike; brochures are available from the camp host.
Campers can also get a glimpse of the amazing night sky at "star parties" organized by the San Diego State University Observatory. These gatherings are conducted on most Saturday evenings during the summer months (schedule can be obtained at the Visitor Information Center on Laguna Mountain or by calling 619-473-8547). Facilities Burnt Rancheria is a large campground with several loops of campsites. Each site has a table and campfire ring. There are no hookups or dump station for RVs; the nearest is located at the Buckman Springs Rest Area, 4 miles east of Pine Valley on I-8.
The campground is equipped with restrooms and coin-operated showers (showers open only during reservation season). Firewood is available for purchase from the campground host. Natural Features Pines and oaks abound throughout the campground, which sits at an elevation of 6,000 ft. The site is heavily wooded and surrounded by an open oak grove with spectacular desert views. Contact Info For facility specific information, please call (619) 354-8776.
Directions, from the listing
Located 50 miles east of San Diego, California. From I-8 take the Sunrise exit. Go approximately 11 miles to Milepost 23. Stop at entrance for campground information and site location.
Nearest federal campgrounds
1 mi straight-line · ALPINE CaliforniaFSU.S. Forest ServiceHorse Heaven Group
2 mi straight-line · ALPINE CaliforniaFSU.S. Forest ServiceLaguna
3 mi straight-line · CaliforniaFSU.S. Forest ServiceEl Prado Group
3 mi straight-line · Alpine CaliforniaFSU.S. Forest ServiceCibbets Flat Campground
6 mi straight-line · California
Trip Card — Burnt Rancheria
Mt. Laguna · California · Cleveland National Forest
| Agency | FS · U.S. Forest Service |
|---|---|
| Location | Mt. Laguna · California · Cleveland National Forest |
| Fees | Not reported in the federal data |
| Getting a site | Reservable |
| Hookups | None reported |
| Max RV | Up to 99 ft |
| Months open | Not in federal data |
| Sites | 56 sites |
Book: recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/232278 · Source: Recreation.gov, pulled November 5, 2026. Facility details come from federal recreation data and may be out of date — this site takes no reservations and shows no live availability; confirm details and book through Recreation.gov or the managing agency.