A surprise in our own backyard!!! A recommendation from a dear friend and an opportunity came to try the Burnt Rancheria Campground in the Cleveland National Park on Mt Laguna. Weather was perfect and the campground was ideal!!! Clean and well maintained helped to make our time this weekend worthwhile to truly appreciate and experience the Creations around us provided for our enjoyment but our Heavenly Father. Use GPS directions or you may pass the entrance. The entrance is right after the Pine Valley Cafe. Cellular reception is good in the mountains. I couldn't sleep the first night from all of the excitement so I sat alone in the middle of the field to gaze at the beautiful expanse of the heavens. Unbeknownst to me, that night a geomagnetic storm was creating amazing aurora borealis around the earth. Although my eye could not detect any hues or colors in the sky, my camera did and took some amazing photos!!! The next night I tried to take the same pictures and there were no hues, so I deduced that the night before must have been the Northern lights that the camera detected and recorded. At 6000' elevation I guess you can see incredible views of the sky!!! If you are 62 years old or older, apply for the "America The Beautiful" Senior Pass to receive a 50% discount on the Camping Fees. The Campground Hosts were very friendly if you show some respect and love to them. Shouldn't we all? read more

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The campground was clean and well maintained. Bathroom was clean. Camp hosts were nice. Will return. read more

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I've camped at Burnt Rancheria for about 15 years. The hosts that were there in 2024 were ATROCIOUS, unfriendly, intrusive and homophobic. I'm thrilled to say that a new company was hired to run the campground for 2025 called WesTrek - and what a difference! Our camping trip was WONDERFUL last weekend. We had hosts that were helpful, friendly, the restrooms were stocked/clean, they brought firewood around, and were just good people. Big shout-out to the hosts Dax, Lane, Nick, & Sara -- we will happily start camping here regularly again! So relieved that we can actually *relax* in nature and not have camp hosts driving by every five minutes glaring at us! One other thing to note - the campground is divided into two parts. The south half (more chapparal) can be reserved online. It has the showers and flush toilets. The north side (more pines!) is first-come / first-serve only and close by the overflow parking, vault toilets only. Potable water available throughout whole campground. 10/10 one of my fave spots in southern california! read more

A very nice alternative to the Cuyamaca campsites of Green Valley and Paso Picacho. Burnt Rancheria is definitely less crowded and has more secluded campsites than others in the area. However, like with ALL California campsites, weekend nights will be loud and full of drunk partygoers. I can say it's not as bad here compared to other campsites. Always bring earplugs when camping on the weekends. - Best time to visit is October. Still warm but fall is in full effect and so may yellow and orange leaves on the trees. - Mosquitoes and annoying flies. Bug spray required - Campsites on the outer rim seem to be on slopes. - 27 might be a good site because it's more private than others. - Camp hosts are friendly. They will also deliver firewood to your site when you buy it.. - Desert View trail (attached to property) and the Big Laguna trail (down the road) are both worthwhile. - Raccoons will invade campsites. Don't leave food out. NOTE: Bathrooms aren't as abundant here. It's either Pit toilet or flush, but not enough stalls to support weekend capacity. Also, if you have kids try to get as close to the bathrooms as possible. Sites 25, 26 and 27 were quite a walk to the bathrooms. read more

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First camping trip of the year at Burnt Rancheria! Another wonderful camping experience! Our campsite was spotless when we arrived and the bathrooms were clean and well maintained. We met the camp hosts, Anita and Peter, they were very nice and took the time to talk with us. Can't wait to come back next month! read more

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Few level sites. Spotty cell service. Hosts are very helpful. Close to PCT and Desert View trail.

What a great camping spot! Dogs are welcome! The entire camp is well maintained. There are several bathrooms around, some have sinks to wash your hands, bring your own soap. They have showers so make sure to bring your quarters if you want to shower. Make sure to bring sunscreen during summer months and OFF as well. Each camp site has a fire pit and picnic tables. There are no light posts so make sure you bring a headlamp or flashlight. The sky is beautiful on clear summer nights! You can see lots of birds and other wildlife here. Watch out for rattlesnakes! There is a small fire station behind the camping area. We will definitely return! read more

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We had so much fun riding our bikes , hiking watching the starts at night , kids had an amazing time . Showers are a + make sure to bring quarters. read more

Burnt Rancheria Campground - . - Parks Near Me - Mount Laguna, California

We loved our two-day stay at Burnt Rancheria Campground! The camp hosts were lovely and friendly. We missed them at the front where you can buy firewood and not 15 minutes later, they dropped off two bundles right at our campsite. As our visit was on a Monday-Wednesday, we didn't experience crowds at all. There were so many campsites to choose from, each loop has its own vibe and scenery. We chose the Cherry Loop, site 74. Plenty of hammock hanging trees, a few flat ground spots for tents, and only about 2 other spots had campers in a loop with a dozen + sites. The nearby coin-operated showers were a total relief and a store about a half a mile away had extra drinks and snacks. The only complaint would be about the flies and ants. They weren't frighteningly excessive, and they really seemed to be well-mannered for flies and ants, but their exuberant interest in our faces and legs was a bit bothersome, especially for one of our dogs. Overall, I would DEFINITELY go here again! Very cool site with tons of hiking, birds, beautiful trees and amenities. Cell service with Verizon was very spotty, but wifi (with a Jetpack) works well if you need to work on the road! read more

Burnt Rancheria Campground - View from our tent - Cherry Loop, site 74. - Parks Near Me - Mount Laguna, California

This campground is amazing. I was there for a couple days this last week. It is so clean. The hosts and manager are so friendly and helpful. They are all very conscious about the coved crisis. They all where masks, and keep all of the facilities extremely clean. They clean the bathrooms and showers multiple times a day. They also make multiple rounds through the campgrounds to ensure everything is ok and bring wood to the campers. The camp sites themselves are also very clean. You'd be hard pressed to find a gum wrapper on the ground. My wife and I are definitely planning on going back this year. Be aware: if you want to be guaranteed a campsite reserve one in advance. There are still some first come first serve sites, but many are reservable. read more

So I have no idea how I've missed this campsite before! SITE 35, I LOVE YOU! As always, I can never find the site even based on the map they provide, but the helpful older gentleman directed me! Our site was HUGE, so much space and privacy. We really weren't next to anyone, the only downside (which barely was one) was that there was a path behind us that lead people to the larger bathrooms and showers. We had a full view of that larger facility, but we still had plenty of privacy. Overall, my friends and I will return. It was fantastic, I saw larger off site parking too? REALLY? For my one friend who will drive out for the day? This is the best news! Everyone who we saw that worked there smiled and waved, the bathrooms were INCREDIBLE. All flushable toilets, running water sinks, and plenty of TP stocked up. I was so shocked to see how well maintained they were. Every time I went in, the trash had been emptied. read more

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This campground was clean and well managed. There are flush toilets and showers. Great hiking trails. We went during the week so it was nice and quiet. If you buy firewood on site it is $9. The firewood is slightly cheaper at the general store down the road but not by much. There are dumpster near each site and water faucet near each site. Some sites offer more shade than others so pay attention to that if you mind not having shade. Overall had a very nice time. I have read other reviews complaining about the camp host but they were nice when we spoke to them briefly. We will definitely come back some day. read more

Great place for family camping. They have clean flushing restrooms and showers. The ground's keepers are very friendly.

I enjoyed this camp ground quite a lot. Came here in early march to do some high school altitude, cold weather camping. Came on a Tuesday. Most of the loops were closed. Which was fine since there was only two other groups in the entire place. Each site was extremely clean. The fire pits were well maintained. The hosts were super friendly. They do sell firewood if you dont bring your own. Lots of trees and nature to take in. Close to the PCT to do some hiking. Please note that during cold season, the running water is shut off and they dont have flush toilets or showers available. They only have vault toilets till it warms up. I'll go again. read more

Burnt Rancheria Campground - Big Agnus Copper Spur HV UL2 - Parks Near Me - Mount Laguna, California

The place is beautiful but be prepared to have these camping hosts be part of your camping experience. When you drive in they eye ball you. When you park they come talk to you. God forbid your tires are not completely on the pavement. The pavement sat higher that the dirt below but the car had to be moved. Propane fire is ok. But be sure as shit that they are going to come talk to you. Children too loud, visit. Music, LOL I dare you! Laughing, cheering or noise once it's dark isn't going to happen. If you didn't plan on sitting at your campsite and listening to the crickets then you're going to be visited by the camping hosts. There excuse will be that someone called about (insert issue)...but not a single person in our group had cell service. Is it mandatory to be retired to be a camp host? Can we get a little diversity? I've had more fun at a KOA. read more

Beautiful campground only one hour out of San Diego ,tall pine trees friendly hosts. If you are in need of anything , the laguna general store is less than a mile away. read more

We loved this campground. Only an hour from San Diego but it feels like worlds away. Easy to get to with plenty of campsites available. We didn't have a reservation but had no problem finding a really great spot. We claimed site 70 for the weekend. It was close to the bathrooms but secluded from other sites. Our site could have fit 3 tents and had a tandem parking spot. When we go again we will try to claim this site. There are rattle snakes in the area so make sure to keep an eye out. We didn't see any but the ranger told us they like to hang out around site 65. The ranger comes around and sells bundles of wood for $6. If you don't use it they'll buy it back from you. There is a coffee shop/restaurant right outside of the grounds and a shop down the street. Plenty of hiking in the area and beautiful views. We will definitely be back. read more

Burnt Rancheria Campground - Desert view trail - Parks Near Me - Mount Laguna, California

One of the best campgrounds around Southern California I have visited. What I liked the most about Burnt Rancheria was that it was high in altitude, and surrounded with so many trees. Moreover, I could tell the vast majority of campers there were very serious about camping and being outdoors. So they were friendly, respectful of their neighbors, and basically there to enjoy nature (as opposed to partying on their campsite). Just as important, the camp hosts Tammy and Stuart could not have been more gracious and welcoming, and they kept the campgrounds and bathrooms very clean. Also, the camp spots were nicely spaced to give most people some privacy. All in all, an awesome experience, and I will surely be back! read more

Great campground. Bit chilly at night in may but beautiful area along pacific crest. Some nice showers and baths.

NEWSFLASH: NOT EVERYONE wants to hear your music or any music at all. We want to escape the city to hear the sound of nature. Please be respectful. Sound carries. Shockingly even more when all is silent at 2AM. We got here at 5 on a Friday and got spot 86. Spots were definitely limited for walk ups at that point but we got lucky. We didn't stay long enough to use the showers so I can't comment on those. But the campground seemed well kept and the camp host/rangers were very friendly and I liked that they stayed present until pretty late. I knock a star because there were some DBags down the way that had music playing and partying off and on till 2:30am. I wish the rangers were present at that time but truthfully I was too cold to get out and go find someone to tattle on them. read more

Very nice campground! Site #28 had an awesome picnic table which was not wood so the splinters won't get into your butt/legs, and the fire pit had an adjustable grill! The site was close to the restrooms which were very clean and equipped with flushing toilets. Our site had lots of shade and the ground was fairly level. This campground is close to Mt Laguna Observatory and while we were there it was open at night for the public to search for aliens. Lots of hiking trails close by too. If you want to camp in San Diego this is the campground to visit. read more

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This is definitely not as good as it gets for camping... but it's really good for the area. We drove through several other campsites nearby and this was definitely one of the better ones. None of the campsites are private or secluded by any means but some are more distant from other sites, which is awesome. I was nervous about this place due to several reviewers complaining and warning about the hosts and camp manager. They are senior citizens but none of them were "grouchy old people" by any means. We were not pressured in any way. We were not told to toss our wood and we were not bothered at all. We did choose a spot that wasn't near the hosts (and as far away as other campers as possible). At one point I was cautioned (politely) about the sparks that were emitted from our firepit while I was turning the logs. (I don't know of a way to turn logs without some embers popping and etc but it was far from dangerous) The gentleman just kindly told me to take care because forest fires can start that way. I think this was totally appropriate because he, of course, has no clue what my experience is with camping. If I was a novice, the warning would definitely have been helpful. The camp manager came by once just to check on us and introduce himself. I can't recall his name but he was really nice. We brought in our own wood but I always check the area I am in first to ensure that I will not bring 'bad' wood that is forbidden. (Like oak is in this area.) We bought eucalyptus in and it burned MUCH longer and with much LESS sparks than the $6/tiny bundle wood we purchased on the last day. (Next time I'm getting twice as much eucalyptus since it is a far better deal than the camp bundles being sold) The only con about this location is that lots of the sites didn't have many shady spots with level ground under them for a larger tent. They were there... but hard to find. I would suggest NOT reserving in advance until you've visited once before and can write down sites that look like they will work for your personal camping preferences. We arrived late on Friday night and there were plenty of spots open in the reservation and no-reservations areas. On Saturday there were some additional crowds and on Sunday the place was rather vacant. There are lots of trails, viewing points and interesting places to see in the area so it's worth the trip. We'll definitely be back again to explore more and do more camping. This is NOT the only campsite in the area though and we may stay somewhere else next time simply for the sake of comparison. read more

Stayed at site #53 and had a great time! Had about 6 people stay at the site and there was room for all. tents were a little close together, but it worked fine. Site #53 and the ones next to it are great because it backs up into open woods. We had a nice little field behind ours. We came here for my boyfriends birthday! I didn't think we were toooo loud for 10:30pm, didn't have car music going or screaming. Just some loud laughs and probably a story or two that went above your "indoor voice", our neighbor did yell out some profanities and say to be quiet. So I would say this is a great spot to come back to when it's just me & my boyfriend and we want a quiet night. Not really, a lets get rowdy & have birthday in the woods spot. Either way, great time! read more

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Burnt rancheria campground was awesome!! If you stay at this campground and enjoy hiking the desert view trail has some really cool views and also runs along the famous Pacific Crest trail which is right along the campground. The campground host Ed saved our trip. We forgot to pack our tent and he gave us one to use he even hooked us up with some wood for our fire. The camp sites are pretty close together so when a small family with kids and a dog showed up Ed was kind enough to move the family to a less crowded site so that we could all be more comfortable. There are electric outlets in the bathrooms and they were always clean. I will definitely be coming back to this campground and hoping Ed will still be there..thanks a bunch from Kristin and Dave read more

This place is beautiful and the campsites over on the cherry Loop side are amazing- BUT - if you have any dogs or more than 2 people - BEWARE!! We camp all the time and have NEVER been hassled so much for just simply camping and enjoying our weekend. The camp host drove by every 15 minutes to be sure we were NOT talking too loud or have any music on at all. Dogs MUST be on leash at all times even if they are sitting quietly next to you sound asleep. This host literally ruined our weekend because we felt we couldn't even have music on low or talk amongst one each other. Mind you- this was during the day!! I understand after 10 pm at night to keep it down- but we were hassled at noon!!! So, if you have a group that wants to camp and have fun- DON'T COME HERE!!! read more

My parents stayed here for a couple of days, I only went up for an afternoon picnic. Great campground, lots of semi-private spots, some nice hiking trails nearby including the Pacific Crest Trail. Dog-friendly, though they have to stay on the leash. We got there on Sunday and most of the spaces were available. The rangers were friendly, though a little quirky. I guess they work for a private contractor - which is nice because it keeps the parks open. We would have been glad to pay for two spaces, but they insisted that we crowd together into one. My sister is a school teacher, and was told that they didn't like groups of people coming up and staying in adjacent spots - especially if they'd be getting together for meals and campfires. But they gave us the fire talk and chit chatted. Wish I could have stayed a couple of days, will be back. read more

The campground is nice but had I known there would be a large group of young, very noisy kids and their parents taking up about 8 sites all around us, we would have passed. It was so noisy the 2 days we were there, it felt like we were camping in the middle of a playground. We had kids walking into our camp site, babies screaming, adults yell-talking to their kids.This went on from morning until late into the evening. If it wasn't screaming children, it was their parents partying into the wee hours. I'm surprised the camp hosts don't monitor this more closely. Quiet hours NEED to be enforced. Many of us camp to escape the noise and enjoy the solitude. PLEASE for the love of all things, reserve a GROUP Campsite is you have more than a few sites to occupy. Or at least have some common courtesy for others who do not enjoy screaming children 24/7! read more

Just tent camped one night (Thursday 5-21-2020) at this campground and found it to be wonderful. There is ample space between sites, clean pit toilets and a bonus flush toilet/shower building. Plenty of mature trees for shade, nice fire pits and clean level picnic tables. We found a variety of trails nearby to hike and a very helpful camp hostess. Looking very forward to going back. read more

A bunch of friends rented 4 sites here for my boyfriend's birthday weekend. Place was really nice besides the psychotic camp hosts that complained about the silliest things. Very strict about not having an inch of your car tires in the dirt. The male host approached our camp super aggressively twice. The first time was when we had a gas fire going and from a distance he thought it was wood, so he came down to our camp like a bat out of hell to scream at use, but noticed at the last minute that it was gas. Second time he approached our camp, it was right around "quiet time" and he stormed up and screamed "shut the f*ck up!!!!" We we're all so stunned, because we weren't being very loud or inappropriate in any way. We are all 30+ years old, and some had kids there. We are also seasoned campers and travelers, and I have never experienced such unprofessionalism and aggression from an employee, let alone a camp host! Kinda ruined our vibe for the evening. The guy needs to start meditating or something. read more

We've been coming here for a long time and every time we have a great experience with the service and maintenance and hospitality. The last time we came across a couple that was hosting one of the camp post Sheldon and Diana. They were extremely friendly and helpful and they gave us so much useful information about the campground. read more

Great place for camping. Super friendly and attentive hosts. Bathrooms super clean all over the campground ( most of them have flushing toilets). Fire pits in every site. Great easy hikes with beautiful views all around. There is a small restaurant and a convenience store within walking distance from the campground. read more

Burnt Rancheria Campground - Big spacious site with fire put and big picnic table - Parks Near Me - Mount Laguna, California

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Spent 5 beautiful days here! Came in, without reservation on a Wednesday, watched as it filled up on Friday, and emptied back out on Sunday. Camp hosts are not unfriendly, grounds are clean, sites are decent size and there are some trees! (Not northern California tree status, but for So. Cal, not so bad!) With the PCT and other surrounding trails for hiking and trail running, and a little town with small store, it made for a really nice get away, without having to travel too far. I highly recommend! Wood bundles $6 Vault toilets throughout Better toilets at main site with *pay showers *also, electrical outlets here) Lots of Walk up sites Water spickets throughout Reserved sites have pergola type coverings Shade throughout Small store close and a couple restaurants and other things, but only open on the weekends. (Store open all week.) read more

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Worst. Camping. Experience. EVER. This was a busy weekend, I expected that. We were lucky enough to find a lovely "first come, first served spot" Saturday. We rolled in with plenty of food, our new big tent, my honey, my 15 year old son, and our two small pups. Our spot was nice and spacious with a fire pit (& grill) and a picnic table. The spot we placed our tent was in the midst of several nice pines--we were looking forward to a fun time. It started off well, we set up our tent and all of our paraphernalia, had a nice lunch at our shady table, let our pups explore the campsite, and just relaxed after our drive from Poway. After awhile, we decided to explore the Desert View trail. We took the mile plus loop trail, saw some amazing scenery, took some great photos, and arrived back at camp nearly two hours later. The wind had picked up--but it had picked up high in the pines, a lovely sound as we relaxed with a beer before supper (root beer for the 15 year old). We had dinner, roasted some marshmallows, and were waiting for the evening sky star show. That's when the fun began. Now, mind you--the campground rules are clearly stated: No loud music and no sounds that can be heard outside of your own site after 10 PM. They're simple rules, not too many and not too complicated, but for this lot, completely dispensable. At about 8:45, some 20 somethings in a car came speeding through the camp screaming, "Party in Space 62 at 9:30! Bring your own booze!" My honey and I looked at each other and said simultaneously, "This doesn't bode well." Well, they started partying right at 9:30, a theme that was repeated in various levels of loudness throughout many individual sites throughout the entire campsite. There was music, loud music, extremely bass heavy music, thumping and bumping all through the camp. This went on until about 4:00 this morning. There was screaming, laughter, loud talking, etc. ALL NIGHT LONG. I finally got up at 2:00 AM and went in search of the music makers. After I'd headed far away from my campsite and was nearly on top of the culprits, the music stopped. I stopped in the middle of the street and waited for five minutes, but no music was forthcoming. So I headed back to camp and on the way back, had a "word" with the idiots across the way and asked them to tone it down. I received a few blank stares, but mostly, I was ignored completely. I went back to my site, got back into my bag and five minutes later, voila! There it was the loud music and the talking, laughing, partying bunch, going at it again--lasting for at least another two hours or more. Where were the camp hosts during all of this? After all, there are two separate sets of camp hosts at this campground--yet not a one of them made an appearance. I suppose they were asleep in their cozy little trailers, with their generator run air conditioners pleasantly masking the mayhem that was going on around them. I think I finally fell asleep around dawn and slept for a full 30 minutes before the loud mouth group across the way started talking, laughing, and yelling as if they were the only people in the place. Never in all my years of camping have I ever run into such a bunch of inconsiderate a**holes and I'm really surprised that the people around them allowed them to continue. We spent a lot of cash for this little adventure, gas, cost of the site, food, firewood, etc. I will NEVER go back to Burnt Rancheria again--and I'll make sure that my camping friends know just what to expect as well. As a matter of fact, I plan to call the Forest Service tomorrow to complain. I'd actually give the campsite zero stars if I could, but even then, the night sky deserves five. However, that still doesn't make up for the lack of sleep and my wasted day today--because we had to break camp early (too tired to hike) drive home, and go to bed. I'm probably still cranky--but truthfully, the experience deserves even worse than what I wrote--I'm just too tired to devote that much energy to this review. read more

I try to go camping every 6-8 weeks and since San Diego county has such diverse landscape, there are a lot of places to go. From April until October, Burnt Rancheria on top of Mt. Laguna is the place to be. Only an hour from downtown, you feel like you're 1000 miles away from everything. The campsites are tucked away in wooded lots, providing privacy and doing a good job of cutting down the noise of other campsites. Spaces are big (we once put four tents in a single site) and come with a fire pit, picnic table and hookups for RV's are also available. The best thing about this site is the easy access to the Pacific Crest trail. Miles of beautiful hikes offering views to the beach or down to the desert floor, depending on which way you decide to hike. There is also an old abandoned mining town to the north of the campground, just off the PCT worth exploring. Note to the cold blooded: Burnt Rancheria is at over 6,000 feet which means it's COLD at night in April and October. So dress accordingly. read more

Great campsite. It has been recently renovated, so the sites are clean, well maintained, and well dispersed. The bathroom facilities are plentiful, with a few running water bathrooms and even showers. The area did not burn in any of the recent fires, so there are many trees and shade. The campground is 50% reserved and 50% first come first serve, and there are over 100 spots. Even with this size, you feel reasonably solo, at least where we were. Big plus on the location. It is adjacent to the Pacific Crest Trail, which at this point runs north-south along the edge of Mt Laguna. It has stunning vistas of the Anza Borrego Dessert 4000' below. It is also in the vicinity of Big Laguna Meadow, a haven for Mt. Biking, Hiking, and trail running. There is a store that is about a 1 mile walk from the sites, but be aware that they close at 5pm. It is HOT here in the summer, so if you are not excited about scorching temps, stay at more coastal places. read more

This campground is beautiful! Wide open campsites lots of shade. It was pretty full for the weekend and lots of groups were having a great time. The camp host, an older gentlemen, came to our campsite after one group cheer and told us to be quiet. It was super confusing because EVERYONE was laughing and carrying on around us. We were a group of 12 so sure west have had more voices by volume, but It was not even 9 pm when he came around the first time. I could understand if it were midnight or something but the whole campground was still bumping. Even at 10pm when he came back and threatened to make us leave in the middle of the night, it was surprising as again the whole campground was moving and shaking. Super disappointed that as adults we were treated like we were middle schoolers at summer camp. Probably won't be going back to this campground for this reason. Good thing there are many to choose from. Looking through previous reviews, if it's the same host from years past this is not a new issue. Too bad. Also some past reviews stated lots of fighting and screaming all through the night. We were tame by comparison. read more

Loved this campsite. As a kid we always camped at Cuyamaca, but they were booked up all summer and I'm too OCD to depend on "first come, first serve" site availability. My parents told me they had camped here last year, so I went online to recreation.gov and saw this place was wide open midweek for most of the summer. The significant other and I headed out last Wednesday with a car full of booze and had a great time. The campground hosts are elderly and one of them rides around the camp in a scooter, but they were very friendly and didn't pester us at all. We stayed in the Pinyon Loop, and most of the sites there were well spaced so you felt rather isolated. The Cherry Loop seemed to be the most heavily wooded, although the sites were a bit closer together. High marks for: Cooking grills over the fire pits Easy access to the Pacific Crest Rim Trail and Desert View Trail Showers (HIGHLY important when you're trying to get some) Flush toilets (well worth the walk, chemical toilets are repellant) Firewood that actually burns ($6 or 2 bundles for $10) The only downside is that some of the spots have little to no shade, which can be brutal in the summer. Trust me, we had plenty of shade at our site and I can't imagine what we would have done had we been in one of the less wooded areas. It gets hot during the day, but was really pleasant after about 6pm. 1 hour from San Diego and $19 a night? Get out there and get dirty with someone you like, I highly recommend it! read more

This was our first time camping at this campground. Overall we liked it. The camp hosts were always friendly and answered all of our questions. The bathrooms were always clean as well as the showers. We hiked the dessert view trail that is located at the back of the campground. It was a short, easy trail that offered both sun and shade. Our camp site was #25. Although it was very nice, it is VERY close to #26. This would be perfect if you had a large group and wanted to be right next to each other. But if you are a small group of 8, just be aware you will be VERY close to your neighbors. You can only park two cars in your spot. It is tandem parking. All other cars have to be parked in overflow parking and will cost you $8 a night. Just FYI, have exact change. Here are a few pictures of our stay. read more

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Burnt Rancheria is one of the best campgrounds in the San Diego vicinity. Nestled among a panopy of tall pines and oaks, this scenic campground offers a top notch experience. It's a well-developed, immaculately clean, modern site with more than 100 individual campsites, plenty of vault toilets, and functioning coin-operated hot showers. The campground is staffed by an individual host who can assist with questions, and sells firewood. This campground was voted as one of the best in California, and you'll see for yourself why. You'll also get a kick out of watching the wildlife at this location, as you'll run into plenty of Blue Jays, Woodpeckers and squirrels. read more

In desperate need of a nature adventure with little time available we set out for Mt. Laguna last Friday afternoon. Friday traffic made the seemingly short venture a bit of a pain in the ass but we still got there in just over an hour. We did not reserve a campsite and the campground host who greeted us at the front recommended one that was considered a bit secluded and not too visible from the concrete. There was a small trail behind our campsite that actually linked up with the Pacific Crest Trail which made for a spectacular early evening hike. My puppy dog was in hog heaven with loads of squirrels and lizards to chase, dirt to roll in, trails to hike and of course bacon grease poured over her morning kibble. The campsites each have a nice fire pit with adjustable grate over them to make grilling real easy, also a metal picnic table. Bring something to sleep on though! The ground seems to be unusually hard and by the second night we had thrown all of our clothes on the floor in the middle of the tent and put our sleeping bags over it in order to get some relief from that rock hard ground. The campgrounds have quarter operated showers with nice hot water and good pressure. There is also a general store about a quarter mile down the road and a burgers and fries style restaurant "The Eagle and the Bear" in case the campground is seeming a bit too rustic for your liking. Overall we had a blast and it was a nice little mini excursion. read more