El Cariso Campground

Star3.94
84 reviews
Adjacent to Ortega Highway (Highway 74), located 25 miles east of San Juan Capistrano and 5 miles west of Lake Elsinore.

Quick Facts

2,600 ft

Price

$5 - $15/night

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

24 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

No Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Opens Cleveland National Forest site

Official Website
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El Cariso Campground
$5.00 - $15.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Camping costs $15 per night. Day passes are available for $5, and passes like Adventure Pass, America the Beautiful, Golden Age, or Golden Access are...
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Standard Site Fee$15.00
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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What Campers Say

3.94

Mixed Reviews

Based on 84 reviews

81 Google reviews

Most mentioned

cleanshadelocationsites

Some mention

noise

"User opinions about El Cariso Campground vary widely. While some appreciate its affordability and proximity to Lake Elsinore, many criticize the noise from adjacent Highway 74 and the lack of maintenance."

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Campground Map

Adjacent to Ortega Highway (Highway 74), located 25 miles east of San Juan Capistrano and 5 miles west of Lake Elsinore.

El Cariso Campground

Adjacent to Ortega Highway (Highway 74), located 25 miles east of San Juan Capistrano and 5 miles west of Lake Elsinore.

Driving directionsFrom Lake Elsinore, CA, take State Rt. 74 south 5.9 miles to the campground on the right.
The campground is accessible directly from Ortega Highway (Highway 74). Roads are paved but narrow, making it suitable for vehicles under 22 ft. High RVs may face challenges due to low-hanging Live Oak branches.
Nearby places
1. Lake Elsinore, CA - 5 miles, approximately 10 minutes of travel. 2. San Juan Capistrano, CA - 25 miles, approximately 45 minutes of travel.
Nearby supplies
Ortega Oaks RV Park, located 3.6 miles south of the campground, offers a waste station and camping essentials. Additional supplies are available in nearby Lake Elsinore.

Best Time to Camp at El Cariso Campground

Year-round camping paradise awaits at El Cariso, where temperatures dance between a crisp 41°F on winter mornings to balmy 90°F summer afternoons. Summer transforms the campground into a shaded oasis when valley temperatures soar, with highs kissing the upper 80s and low 90s while the oak canopy provides natural air conditioning. Winter brings refreshing mountain air with comfortable 57°F days perfect for hiking and exploring without breaking a sweat.

Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.0 / 5

Described as a shaded summer oasis despite highs near 90°F; open year-round.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.0 / 5

Quieter off-season and pleasant temperatures; fewer crowds on weekdays.

Best
Spring(Mar-May)
4.0 / 5

Spring likely pleasant and less crowded; good forest setting (implicit, not detailed).

Winter(Dec-Feb)
3.0 / 5

Open year-round with cool ~41°F mornings and quieter conditions in winter.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: Specific dates for peak season pricing or shoulder seasons not provided.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Open year-round.
  • Current Alerts: No active alerts provided.

About El Cariso Campground

Nestled beneath a canopy of ancient Live Oaks along the scenic Ortega Highway, El Cariso Campground offers an intimate retreat in the heart of Cleveland National Forest. This cozy 24-site campground provides a perfect basecamp for adventurers seeking easy access to mountain trails and forest exploration. While the proximity to Ortega Highway means you'll hear the occasional hum of passing vehicles, the dense shade from towering oaks creates a naturally cool sanctuary where campers gather in close-knit community beneath the protective embrace of old-growth trees.
El Cariso Campground accommodates tent camping and combined tent/RV sites. However, RV spaces are limited due to low-hanging tree branches and narrow roads.
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Best Campsites

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Reserving a campsite

Check-in
Check-in times not explicitly provided.
Check-out
Check-out times not explicitly provided.
Stay Limit
Maximum stay is 14 consecutive days.

Amenities available

Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

Recreational activities are limited to hiking and picnicking. The campground is close to the San Juan Trail, which is frequently used for day hikes. There are no water sports, fishing, or other activities available.
HikingThe San Juan Trail, located 3.6 miles south on State Rt. 74, is a popular nearby hiking option.
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsMajor hazards include frequent poison oak in the area, traffic noise from Ortega Highway, low-hanging branches impeding RVs, and the presence of mosquitoes and flying insects.
Active AlertsNo active alerts provided.
No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.
No Cell ServiceCell phone service is not available at this campground. Plan accordingly for emergencies and download offline maps before arriving.

Weather at El Cariso Campground

Reviews

3.9
84 reviews
Mixed Reviews
Mixed Reviews
El Cariso Campground has mixed reviews, placing it in the bottom 85% of campgrounds based on reviews
User opinions about El Cariso Campground vary widely. While some appreciate its affordability and proximity to Lake Elsinore, many criticize the noise from adjacent Highway 74 and the lack of maintenance.
Review Summaries
Based on 84 reviews

What Campers Love

Reviewers noted the beautiful oak tree coverage and ample shade at campsites. Others appreciated the affordable cost ($15 per night), clean grounds, and convenient location.
Based on 84 reviews

Common Concerns

Common issues include constant noise from the nearby highway, poorly maintained restrooms, and a general lack of privacy due to close campsite proximity. Some reviewers reported disruptive behavior...
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Based on 84 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Campers recommend bringing earplugs to cope with highway noise and bug spray for mosquitos. It's also suggested to call ahead to check for open spots, particularly on weekends.
Based on 84 reviews

Seasonal Insights

The campground is quieter during weekdays and in the off-season but tends to be crowded on weekends. Noise levels from the highway and other campers are consistent regardless of the season.
Based on 84 reviews

Camper Quotes

"Perfect!, we thought, who doesn't love falling asleep to the sound of revving Harleys?" - Beis Thoresen. "There was trash all over this campground, tons of broken glass, and empty beer cans." -...
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Based on 84 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site-specific feedback mentions that some sites offer better shade and slightly more privacy. Sites close to the highway experience higher noise levels.
Based on 84 reviews

Accessibility Features

No specific accessibility reviews were provided.
Based on 84 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are allowed, but reviewers caution keeping them safe due to the proximity to the highway.
Based on 84 reviews

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Last updated January 5, 2026
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