Burnt Rancheria

Star4.65
308 reviews
Mile 23, Sunrise Hwy, Mt. Laguna, CA, 91948, USA
Great Hiking

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

Opens Vista Recreation (Concessionaire under USFS) site

Official Website
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Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026
Burnt Rancheria
$35.00 - $35.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Rates are seasonal with nightly fees set at $35 for both Standard Nonelectric and Tent Only Nonelectric campsites during the peak season (April 18 -...
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Standard Site Fee$35.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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Provider
619-473-0120
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What Campers Say

4.65

Top-Rated

Based on 308 reviews

Most mentioned

cleanrestroomsspacioushiking

Some mention

bugs

"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."

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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

Driving directionsLocated 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.
Burnt Rancheria is directly accessible via paved roads and situated along the Sunrise Scenic Byway. It is generally easy to access, but visitors should note that fire restrictions and closures may occur during hot, dry weather.
Nearby places
San Diego, CA (50 miles, approximately 1 hour drive)
Pine Valley, CA (approximately 4 miles)
Nearby supplies
Groceries, camping supplies, and fuel are available a short drive away at Laguna Mountain Lodge Mart and other nearby locations. Firewood is sold on-site for $8 per bundle.

Best Time to Camp at Burnt Rancheria

Experience nature's full palette at Burnt Rancheria, where mountain weather creates its own microclimate of comfort. While the valleys below swelter in summer heat, you'll find refreshing mountain breezes and comfortable temperatures perfect for hiking and exploration. Winter transforms the landscape with occasional dustings of snow and gentle rains that nurture the forest, creating a serene retreat far from the crowds.

Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.0 / 5

Open through summer with cooler mountain temps, star parties and family programs noted.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.0 / 5

Open into mid-October; mountain weather and vistas make fall a strong season.

Best
Spring(Mar-May)
4.0 / 5

Opens April 18; pleasant mountain temperatures and trails available, though late spring start.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Campground closed mid-Oct to mid-Apr; winter camping not available.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: April 18 through October 18.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Open for reservations from mid-April (April 18) to mid-October (October 18).
  • Current Alerts: Fire restrictions may be imposed during hot and dry weather conditions. Visitors should call ahead for updates.

About Burnt Rancheria

Escape to Burnt Rancheria Campground, where 75 thoughtfully designed campsites await among the whispering pines of Cleveland National Forest. Each site serves as your personal basecamp, complete with a sturdy table for family meals under the stars and a traditional campfire ring where stories come alive. During peak season, the convenience of coin-operated hot showers ensures you can refresh after a day of mountain adventures while still embracing the authentic camping experience.
Burnt Rancheria Campground primarily supports tent and RV camping, with no electric or water hookups available.
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Best Campsites

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Reserving a campsite

Check-in
Check-in begins at 2:00 PM.
Check-out
Check-out is strictly by 11:00 AM.
Stay Limit
Maximum stay limit is 14 consecutive nights per visit and 14 nights total per calendar year.

Amenities available

Showers
Potable water
Flush toilets
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Firewood available

Activities you can enjoy

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.
HikingThe campground provides direct access to hiking trails, including the Pacific Crest Trail and the Desert View Trail. These trails offer scenic views and vary in difficulty. The Desert View Trail is notable for its 'bird's-eye view of the desert 6,000 feet below.'
BikingBiking is allowed on specific trails within the surrounding area but is not permitted on the Pacific Crest Trail.
Wildlife viewingWildlife viewing is a popular activity, with mentions of unique bird species and abundant natural surroundings.
Cultural and Educational ProgramsEducational 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.
Winter Activities
Water Sports
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsVisitors have noted issues with biting flies, wasps, and occasional hornet infestations in specific sites (e.g., Site 051).
Active AlertsFire restrictions may be imposed during hot and dry weather conditions. Visitors should call ahead for updates.

Weather at Burnt Rancheria

Reviews

4.7
308 reviews
Top-Rated
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

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...
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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

Site-Specific Reviews

Sites in the 60s are noted as small. Site #51 lacks shade and is prone to high temperatures. Site #43 is spacious and well-suited for families. Site #003 is valued for its size and partial seclusion.
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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Last updated January 13, 2026
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