How much does camping cost at Burnt Rancheria?

Camping fees at Burnt Rancheria are $35/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Burnt Rancheria first-come first-served or reservation?

Burnt Rancheria accepts online reservations. We recommend booking in advance, especially during peak season (typically summer weekends). Use campsite alerts to get notified when spots become available.

Can I see photos of campsites at Burnt Rancheria before I book?

Yes! Burnt Rancheria has 7 campsite photos on Outdoorithm, contributed by campers who've stayed there. Browse real photos of individual sites to see what to expect before you reserve. You can also add your own photos after your trip to help the next family plan theirs.

What is the best time to visit Burnt Rancheria?

Burnt Rancheria is open April 25 to October 18. The best time to visit depends on your preferences—summer offers the warmest weather and most activities, while spring and fall provide fewer crowds and milder temperatures. Check current conditions before your trip.

Are there showers at Burnt Rancheria?

Yes, Burnt Rancheria has shower facilities available for campers. Check the amenities section for details on hours and any fees.

Is there cell service at Burnt Rancheria?

Cell phone service at Burnt Rancheria is generally available. Cell service is available. Coverage may vary by carrier and exact location within the campground.

How many campsites does Burnt Rancheria have?

Burnt Rancheria has 75 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Burnt Rancheria?

Yes, pets are allowed at Burnt Rancheria. Dogs must typically be kept on a leash (usually 6 feet or shorter) and under control at all times. Be sure to clean up after your pet and check for any breed or size restrictions.

What amenities are available at Burnt Rancheria?

Burnt Rancheria offers: Restrooms, Showers, Potable Water, Pets Allowed. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

Burnt Rancheria

Q: Can I have a campfire at Burnt Rancheria?

Fire policies at Burnt Rancheria: Fire Restrictions: Fire restrictions may be imposed at any time due to hot, dry weather conditions, at which time campfires and charcoal fires may not be allowed. Wooden pallets are not allowed for campfires; During hot and dry summer months, fire restrictions are common and campfires may be prohibited. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

4.65

308 reviews

Mile 23, Sunrise Hwy, Mt. Laguna, CA, 91948, USA

Top 15% in CASummer

B+Report Card

Stargazing

Featured in:Camping Near San Diego#2

Quick Facts

6,000 ft

Price

$35/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

75 campsites

Season

Open for reservation...

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV FriendlyShowers

Book on Vista Recreation (Concessionaire under USFS)Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

6,000 ft

Price

$35/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

75 campsites

Season

Open for reservation...

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV FriendlyShowers

Book on Vista Recreation (Concessionaire under USFS)Official Website

Get Directions

Burnt Rancheria

$35.00 / night

Campsite Fees

MANAGEMENT: $35.00; STANDARD NONELECTRIC: $35.00; TENT ONLY NONELECTRIC: $35.00. Plus Recreation.gov reservation transaction fee ($8 online / $9...

No campsite fee categories listed.

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Provider

619-473-0120joy@westrecllc.com

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Campground Map

Mile 23, Sunrise Hwy, Mt. Laguna, CA, 91948, USA

Burnt Rancheria

Mile 23, Sunrise Hwy, Mt. Laguna, CA, 91948, USA

Nearby places

San Diego, CA (50 miles, approximately 1 hour drive)

Pine Valley, CA (approximately 4 miles)

Weather at Burnt Rancheria

Current alerts(7)

2 Pets per site only
Camping or otherwise occupying a single location (including leaving camping equipment and/or related supplies) for a period longer than 14 consecutive calendar days is prohibited.
Click here to learn more about Cleveland National Forest, or call 619-354-8776
Don't Move Firewood: Protect California's forests from tree-killing pests by buying your firewood locally and burning it on-site. For more information visit firewood.ca.gov.

Best Time to Camp at Burnt Rancheria

Best season: summer. Summer offers the most reliable, comfortable mountain weather for hiking, biking and wildlife viewing — expect daytime highs around 70–85°F and cool nights in the mid-40s to mid-50s. All campground services (including coin‑operated hot showers) are available and trails are fully accessible, making it ideal for multi-day backcountry outings and family camping. Weekends and holiday periods are busiest, so midweek visits in summer give the best balance of warm days and lower crowds. Peak months: July, August, June, September Avoid: November, December, January, February

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.5 / 5

Top 15% in CA

Best season per overview: reliable mountain weather, programs, hiking and biking.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: April 25 to October 18. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open for reservations from mid-April (April 18) to mid-October (October 18).

About Burnt Rancheria

Burnt Rancheria sits in the mid-elevation forest of Cleveland National Forest near Mt. Laguna, operated by Vista Recreation under the U.S. Forest Service. The campground serves as a base for summer hikers and mountain bikers exploring scenic backcountry trails, with coin-operated hot showers and well-maintained facilities that earn consistent praise from visitors. Spacious sites accommodate both tent and RV campers looking to escape the desert heat with cool mountain nights and comfortable daytime temperatures.

Burnt Rancheria Campground primarily supports tent and RV camping, with no electric or water hookups available.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: summer. Summer offers the most reliable, comfortable mountain weather for hiking, biking and wildlife viewing — expect daytime highs around 70–85°F and cool nights in the mid-40s to mid-50s. All campground services (including coin‑operated hot showers) are available and trails are fully accessible, making it ideal for multi-day backcountry outings and family camping. Weekends and holiday periods are busiest, so midweek visits in summer give the best balance of warm days and lower crowds. Peak months: July, August, June, September Avoid: November, December, January, February

Elevation6000 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryAt 6,000 feet, the campground sits in a forested zone where pines and oaks create heavy shade over most sites. The Desert View Picnic Site offers views east to the Salton Sea shimmering on the desert floor below. This elevation puts the campground in a different climate zone than the arid country visible in the distance. Trails wind through the surrounding forest, and the Pacific Crest Trail passes nearby on its route from Mexico to Canada.

Lodging & AccommodationsNo hotel-style lodging is available. However, there is a restaurant and general store nearby within an eighth of a mile.

Programs & ActivitiesEducational programs such as campfire talks and guided hikes are available during the summer. Brochures for self-guided interpretive trails are also provided by camp hosts.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

Maximum stay limit is 14 consecutive nights per visit and 14 nights total per calendar year.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Each Standard campsite accommodates up to 8 guests.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made via Recreation.gov online, phone, or mobile app. Contact center incurs a higher booking fee of $9.

AccessibilityAccessible campsites and modern restrooms with features suitable for people with disabilities are available. One reviewer mentioned a concrete setup that made it easier for a 93-year-old camper to navigate without tripping hazards.

Site SizeVaried. Some sites are spacious and can accommodate multiple tents, while others, particularly in the 60s, are described as small and better suited for minimal setups.

PrivacyVaries significantly. Some sites are described as spacious and well-separated, offering a high degree of privacy. Others are closer together, making them less private.

Total Campsites75 campsites

Recommended SitesVisitors suggest avoiding sites near Sunrise Highway due to construction noise (e.g., #19). Sites #30 and #31 offer large, spacious areas suitable for families.

Best CampsitesSites in the Pinyon Loop (particularly #30, #43, and #54) are frequently recommended in reviews for being more spacious and better separated from neighbors. Sites in the 60s are described as small and tightly packed.

Need help booking Burnt Rancheria?

Reservation tips, booking windows, and free cancellation alerts.

Recreation.gov Guide

Booking tips & windows

When to Book

Find your booking window

Cancellation Alerts

Free alerts for this campground

Amenities available

Burnt Rancheria Campground offers a range of amenities, including tables and fire rings at each campsite, potable water, and coin-operated showers. Restrooms, both flush and vault, are available. Firewood can be purchased from the campground host. RVs have no hookups, and the nearest dump station is at Buckman Springs Rest Area, 4 miles east of Pine Valley. There is no Wi-Fi, but cell coverage is generally available. Accessibility features include some accessible campsites and modern restrooms. Many user reviews praise the cleanliness of bathrooms and showers, with comments like 'the cleanest bathrooms I have ever seen at any campground in my entire life' and 'showers were very clean, but don’t forget your quarters.'

Showers

Potable water

Flush toilets

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Firewood available

I manage this campground

RV details

Things to do at Burnt Rancheria

Burnt Rancheria Campground offers a diverse set of activities such as hiking, wildlife viewing, stargazing, and guided educational programs. Reviewers highly appreciate the Desert View Trail and the easy access to the Pacific Crest Trail. Summer activities include 'star parties' hosted by the San Diego State University Observatory.

Wildlife viewing4.0/5

Wildlife viewing called popular; mentions of unique bird species and abundant fauna.

Cultural and Educational Programs

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Signature experiences

Photography4.0/5Forested scenes, Desert View vistas and dark skies provide varied photo opportunities.

Not sure what to pack?Our complete camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

No Electric HookupsElectric hookups are not available at this campground. RV campers should arrive with a full battery and plan for off-grid power (generator hours/quiet rules permitting).

No Water HookupsSite-level water hookups are not available. RV campers should fill freshwater tanks before arrival; check the No Potable Water note above if applicable for drinking water.

No Dump StationThere is no dump station at this campground. Plan to use a dump station along your route or at a nearby facility before or after your stay.

Fire PolicyFire Restrictions: Fire restrictions may be imposed at any time due to hot, dry weather conditions, at which time campfires and charcoal fires may not be allowed. Wooden pallets are not allowed for campfires; During hot and dry summer months, fire restrictions are common and campfires may be prohibited

Trash & RecyclingTrash and recycling facilities are available throughout the campground. Reviewers noted their convenience and frequency.

Cell CoverageCell phone coverage is generally available, with some reviewers explicitly noting strong signals ('great cell signal on Google Fi').

Trip Planning Tools

Set an AlertGet notified when sites open up Check WeatherHistorical weather data Gear for This TripMatched gear recommendations Packing ListCustomizable checklist

Questions & answers

Researching this campground? Ask anything — other campers and our team will weigh in. No visit required.

Tips from campers

Short heads-ups about the road in, gear quirks, timing, and more. You don't have to have been here to share what you know.

Reviews

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From Booking Sources

4.7

308 reviews

Top-Rated

Burnt Rancheria is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews for Burnt Rancheria Campground are generally positive, praising its cleanliness, well-maintained facilities, and friendly staff. However, some common complaints include noise from other campers, close proximity of certain sites, and occasional issues with bathroom availability.

Review Summaries

Based on 308 reviews

Best sites at a glance

Pulled from per-site mentions in 308 reviews.

Site #43Loved
Site #43 is spacious and well-suited for families.
Site #003Mentioned
Site #003 is valued for its size and partial seclusion.
Site #51Issues noted
Site #51 lacks shade and is prone to high temperatures.

What Campers Love

"Well-maintained facilities," "friendly and helpful camp hosts," and "clean restrooms" are recurring themes. Many reviewers also appreciated the spaciousness of certain campsites and the scenic...

Based on 308 reviews

Common Concerns

Some reviewers noted issues such as 'sites being too close together,' 'locked flush toilets without prior notification,' and 'occasional problems with noise from other campers.'

Based on 308 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Bring quarters for the coin-operated showers; purchase firewood outside the campground to save money. Avoid weekends if seeking a quieter experience, as weekdays are significantly less crowded.

Based on 308 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Weekends and holidays are busier, with occasional noise complaints. Summers feature star parties and family-friendly programs, while weekdays offer a quieter, more secluded experience.

Based on 308 reviews

Camper Quotes

"The bathrooms were the cleanest bathrooms I have ever seen at any campground." - Ann H. "Loved the shower." - Sung H. L. "Great star gazing and wonderful views of the desert." - Katherine S.

Based on 308 reviews

Accessibility Features

Positive mentions include the concrete layout of certain sites, which enhances accessibility for elderly guests. Hosts are attentive and accommodating to specific needs.

Based on 308 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are allowed, with a limit of two per site. However, some complaints were noted about owners not keeping dogs on leashes, despite host efforts to enforce this rule.

Based on 308 reviews

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Burnt Rancheria

$35.00 / night

Campsite Fees

MANAGEMENT: $35.00; STANDARD NONELECTRIC: $35.00; TENT ONLY NONELECTRIC: $35.00. Plus Recreation.gov reservation transaction fee ($8 online / $9...

No campsite fee categories listed.

Get Notified When Available

We'll monitor this campground and alert you the moment sites become available.

Free to start · paid plans add 2-min scans

263,000+ sites monitored · Email alerts to start; SMS and in-app with an account

Learn more about alerts →

Share this campground

Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

619-473-0120joy@westrecllc.com

Go if

You want maintained facilities including hot showers as a base for hiking and biking Cleveland National Forest trails.

Skip if

You need privacy between sites or plan to visit outside the seasonal operating window when facilities are limited.

Nearby Campgrounds

DESCANSO RANGER DISTRICT, 3348 ALPINE BLVD., ALPINE, CA, 91901, USA

Wooded Hill Group is a reservation-only group campground in Cleveland National Forest, operated by the Descanso Ranger District near Alpine. Set in mid-elevation forest with pines and oaks, it offers large group sites with vault toilets, potable water, and fire rings. The campground provides access to hiking and biking trails, including the Pacific Crest Trail, making it a cool mountain retreat for organized gatherings during the warmer months.

Burnt Rancheria

Quick Facts

Quick Facts

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Weather at Burnt Rancheria

Current alerts(7)

Best Time to Camp at Burnt Rancheria

Planning Tips

About Burnt Rancheria

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Amenities available

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Featured in these camping guides

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Current alerts(7)

Best Time to Camp at Burnt Rancheria

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Need help booking Burnt Rancheria?

Amenities available

Things to do at Burnt Rancheria

Policies & Safety

Trip Planning Tools

Reviews

What Campers Love

Common Concerns