Is Cibbets Flat Campground first-come first-served or reservation?

Cibbets Flat Campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis. Arrive early, especially on weekends and holidays, to secure a spot.

Are there showers at Cibbets Flat Campground?

Cibbets Flat Campground does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

How many campsites does Cibbets Flat Campground have?

Cibbets Flat Campground has 25 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Arrive early for the best site selection.

Are dogs allowed at Cibbets Flat Campground?

Yes, pets are allowed at Cibbets Flat Campground. 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 Cibbets Flat Campground?

Cibbets Flat Campground offers: Restrooms, Potable Water, Pets Allowed. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Cibbets Flat Campground?

Popular activities at Cibbets Flat Campground include Hiking. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Cibbets Flat Campground

4.35

95 reviews

Top 11% in CAFall

Great Hiking

Featured in:Fall Camping California Spring Camping California Hiking Camping California

First-come, first-served

This campground doesn't take reservations — sites are claimed in person on arrival, so there's no availability to check online. Plan to arrive early, especially on weekends and holidays.

Quick Facts

4,150 ft

Price

Varies

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

25 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Book on Cleveland National Forest Official Website

Get Directions

First-come, first-served

This campground doesn't take reservations — sites are claimed in person on arrival, so there's no availability to check online. Plan to arrive early, especially on weekends and holidays.

Quick Facts

4,150 ft

Price

Varies

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

25 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Book on Cleveland National Forest Official Website

Get Directions

Cibbets Flat Campground

No fees available

Campsite Fees

No paid fee categories listed.

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Provider

619-445-6235null

I manage this campground

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Campground Map

Cibbets Flat Campground

32.7772, -116.4467

Nearby places

San Diego, CA: ~55 miles

Weather at Cibbets Flat Campground

Best Time to Camp at Cibbets Flat Campground

Best season: fall. Fall offers the best combination of stable weather, crisp daytime hiking temperatures (typically 55–75°F) and dramatic golden color in the oaks and chaparral; days are comfortable for long PCT outings and wildlife is active at lower elevations. Trails are generally dry and dust-free after summer, and crowds are moderate — busier on weekends but quieter than coastal recreation areas. Fall also avoids the hottest and driest peak-fire weeks of late summer while still providing reliably good access. Peak months: October, April, May, November

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.5 / 5

Top 11% in CA

Fall noted as most reliable with 55–75°F and golden oak color; reviewers favor fall.

Planning Tips

About Cibbets Flat Campground

Cibbets Flat Campground sits in the mid-elevation forest of Cleveland National Forest, operated by the U.S. Forest Service. The small campground serves as a trailhead gateway for Pacific Crest Trail hikers and offers well-spaced tent, RV, and primitive sites with vault toilets, potable water, fire rings, and picnic tables. Fall brings golden oak and chaparral color, comfortable hiking temperatures, and fewer crowds than coastal alternatives.

Cibbets Flat Campground offers a simple, primitive camping experience. It caters to tent and small RV campers, emphasizing a connection with nature rather than luxury.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: fall. Fall offers the best combination of stable weather, crisp daytime hiking temperatures (typically 55–75°F) and dramatic golden color in the oaks and chaparral; days are comfortable for long PCT outings and wildlife is active at lower elevations. Trails are generally dry and dust-free after summer, and crowds are moderate — busier on weekends but quieter than coastal recreation areas. Fall also avoids the hottest and driest peak-fire weeks of late summer while still providing reliably good access. Peak months: October, April, May, November

Elevation4150 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryOak trees provide shade across the campground, with chaparral-covered slopes rising beyond the sites. The surrounding terrain features granite peaks and seasonal drainages typical of this section of Cleveland National Forest. Reviewers report seeing gray foxes and note active birdlife throughout the area. The oak canopy creates filtered sunlight and cooler microclimates under the larger trees.

Lodging & AccommodationsNo additional lodging or accommodations, such as cabins or lodges, are available. This campground solely offers primitive outdoor camping facilities.

Programs & ActivitiesNo cultural or educational programs are offered at the campground.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

Campsites operate on a first-come, first-served basis, with no reservation required.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Each site accommodates up to two vehicles or one small trailer.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are not allowed

Reservation PlatformsNo reservations required.

Site SizeCampsites provide ample space for tents, small trailers, and vans. Each site accommodates approximately two vehicles or a vehicle with a small trailer.

PrivacyCampsites are spaced out to offer a decent level of privacy. The surrounding oak trees and vegetation provide shaded and partially secluded spots.

Total Campsites25 campsites

Recommended SitesArrive early to secure shaded spots near the creek or meadow.

Best CampsitesSite 10 gets frequent mentions in reviews for privacy and shade from large oaks. Sites near the creek are praised for quiet. Each site has its own water spigot.

Amenities available

The campground provides an array of basic amenities that cater to both comfort and accessibility, although services are relatively minimal. Amenities include clean vault toilets, potable water spigots at each campsite, picnic tables, fire pits, and grills. The absence of showers, electricity, or Wi-Fi ensures a more primitive camping experience, but the cleanliness and well-maintained facilities are consistently highlighted by users. "Bathrooms are clean and well-stocked," states a reviewer, while another adds, "Each campsite has its own running water spigot." Another user describes the site as having "clean vault toilets and water spigots," which aligns with the campground's dedication to upkeep.

Potable water

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

I manage this campground

RV details

Activities you can enjoy

The campground is ideal for outdoor enthusiasts, offering activities such as hiking, wildlife viewing, stargazing, and camping. The proximity to the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) is a significant draw for hikers. Other recreational pursuits include birding, photography, and exploring nearby streams and meadows. Stargazing is notably excellent due to the lack of light pollution.

Hiking

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Planning your trip?Check out our 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).

Trash & RecyclingA dumpster is provided on-site for trash and recycling. Reviewers have noted this as a helpful convenience for campers.

Cell CoverageMultiple reviews report low or non-existent cell service at the campground. One user noted, "Caution: cell service is low or non-existent. No T-Mobile." Another camper shared, "No cell service but a 5-minute drive away to get it." Visitors should plan accordingly and not rely on cellular connectivity during their stay.

Trip Planning Tools

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Questions & answers

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Tips from campers

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Reviews

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From Booking Sources

4.4

95 reviews

Recommended

Cibbets Flat Campground is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews

Reviews consistently praise the campground's cleanliness, peaceful setting, and proximity to the Pacific Crest Trail. Campers enjoy the shade provided by oak trees, the availability of potable water, and the clean vault toilets. However, some mention the lack of firewood for sale and minimal cell service as drawbacks.

Review Summaries

Based on 95 reviews

What Campers Love

Positive comments frequently mention the clean facilities, friendly hosts, well-spaced campsites, and scenic hiking opportunities. One camper stated, "Bathrooms are clean and well-maintained," while...

Based on 95 reviews

Common Concerns

Common complaints include the lack of firewood for sale, issues with insects such as horseflies and ants, and limited cell phone service. Some users also mentioned that the creek is not suitable for...

Based on 95 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site 10 is particularly popular for its large oak trees and accessibility features. Multiple reviewers noted its peaceful setting at the end of the campground.

Based on 95 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Campers recommend bringing firewood, arriving early to secure a spot since it is first-come, first-served, and using herbal bug sprays to deter insects. One user suggested purchasing an annual...

Based on 95 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Spring and fall are the most favored seasons due to moderate weather and fewer insects. Summer can be hot, and winter is colder, but the lack of crowds makes it appealing for solitude seekers.

Based on 95 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. "This is such a sweet spot. Clean and well-maintained by the camp hosts Tim and Kathy." 2. "Bathrooms are clean and well-stocked." 3. "Running water, fire pits, and clean bathrooms... what more...

Based on 95 reviews

Accessibility Features

Accessibility information is limited, though some users mention accessible features such as tables. No specific reviews from campers with disabilities were identified.

Based on 95 reviews