Cibbets Flat Campground

Star4.44
95 reviews
Peace & QuietStargazingGreat Hiking

Quick Facts

4,150 ft

Price

$14 - $28/night

Booking

First-Come

Sites

25 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Opens Cleveland National Forest site

Official Website
Get Directions

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
Cibbets Flat Campground
$14.00 - $28.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Fees are $14/day for single sites and $28/day for double sites. An Adventure Pass is required for parking ($5/day or $30 annually).
Standard Site Fee$14.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$28.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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Provider
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What Campers Say

4.44

Recommended

Based on 95 reviews

104 Google reviews

Most mentioned

cleanhikingwaterfriendly

Some mention

bugs

"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."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

Cibbets Flat Campground

32.7772, -116.4467

The campground is 55 miles east of San Diego, accessible via Interstate 8 and Old Highway 80. The road is paved and easily navigable for standard vehicles.
Nearby places
San Diego, CA: ~55 miles
Nearby supplies
Basic supplies can be acquired in Pine Valley (~10 miles) at the local market.

Best Time to Camp at Cibbets Flat Campground

Experience nature's gentle rhythm throughout the year in this Mediterranean-climate paradise. Spring arrives with wildflower blooms and perfect hiking temperatures, while autumn paints the landscape in golden hues. Summer days remain pleasantly moderate under the protective oak canopy, and winter occasionally dusts the campground with a magical layer of snow, transforming familiar trails into wonderlands.

Summer(Jun-Aug)
3.0 / 5

Summer can be hot with more insects; fewer crowds are a plus for solitude.

Best
Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.5 / 5
Top 5% in CA

Autumn praised for moderate weather and scenic changes; reviewers favor fall visits.

Spring(Mar-May)
4.5 / 5
Top 7% in CA

Spring wildflower blooms and ideal hiking temperatures make it a top season per reviews.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
3.0 / 5

Open year-round but colder; solitude is attractive though no winter facilities noted.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: N/A. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Open year-round.

About Cibbets Flat Campground

Escape to Cibbets Flat Campground, where 25 thoughtfully spaced sites nestle beneath a canopy of ancient oaks, offering the perfect balance of accessibility and wilderness tranquility. This hidden gem along the legendary Pacific Crest Trail welcomes adventurers with well-maintained vault toilets, refreshing running water, and the kind of peaceful atmosphere that makes you forget the outside world exists.
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.
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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.

Amenities available

Potable water
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets

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.
HikingHiking is a major feature, with direct access to the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT). The trail offers picturesque views and opportunities for both casual walks and more strenuous hikes. One reviewer stated, "Great hiking on the PCT trail," while another remarked, "I got a little over 17 miles in hiking completed, part of which was on the PCT." Other trails in the vicinity include Fred Canyon Road.
Wildlife viewingWildlife viewing is highly praised, with campers reporting sightings of a silver fox, birds, and other local fauna. "I saw the local grey fox and many birds," one reviewer shared. Another added, "The birds sing beautifully in the morning!"
Winter Activities
Water Sports
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsPotential encounters with wildlife such as snakes and ants. Fire restrictions are common in dry seasons.

Weather at Cibbets Flat Campground

Reviews

4.4
95 reviews
Recommended
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...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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

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

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are allowed and appreciated by visitors. One review stated, "They are also dog-friendly, leashed of course."
Based on 95 reviews

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Last updated January 5, 2026
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