El Cariso Campground
Quick Facts
2,600 ftPrice
$5 - $15/night
Booking
Walk-in Only
Sites
24 campsites
Season
Year-round
Cell
No Service
Pets
Very Pet Friendly
Quick Facts
2,600 ftPrice
$5 - $15/night
Booking
Walk-in Only
Sites
24 campsites
Season
Year-round
Cell
No Service
Pets
Very Pet Friendly
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What Campers Say
Mixed Reviews
Based on 84 reviews
81 Google reviews
Most mentioned
Some mention
"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."
Campground Map
El Cariso Campground
Adjacent to Ortega Highway (Highway 74), located 25 miles east of San Juan Capistrano and 5 miles west of 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.
Described as a shaded summer oasis despite highs near 90°F; open year-round.
Quieter off-season and pleasant temperatures; fewer crowds on weekdays.
Spring likely pleasant and less crowded; good forest setting (implicit, not detailed).
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
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