How much does camping cost at El Prado Group?

Camping fees at El Prado Group range from $60-$90/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is El Prado Group first-come first-served or reservation?

El Prado Group accepts online reservations. We recommend booking in advance, especially during peak season (typically summer weekends). Use campsite alerts to get notified when spots become available.

Can I see photos of campsites at El Prado Group before I book?

Yes! El Prado Group has 8 campsite photos on Outdoorithm, contributed by campers who've stayed there. Browse real photos of individual sites to see what to expect before you reserve. You can also add your own photos after your trip to help the next family plan theirs.

What is the best time to visit El Prado Group?

El Prado Group is open May 22 to October 12. The best time to visit depends on your preferences—summer offers the warmest weather and most activities, while spring and fall provide fewer crowds and milder temperatures. Check current conditions before your trip.

Are there showers at El Prado Group?

El Prado Group does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

Can I have a campfire at El Prado Group?

Fire policies at El Prado Group: Don't Move Firewood: Protect California's forests from tree-killing pests by buying your firewood locally and burning it on-site. For more information visit firewood.ca.gov.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

How many campsites does El Prado Group have?

El Prado Group has 5 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at El Prado Group?

Yes, pets are allowed at El Prado Group. 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 El Prado Group?

El Prado Group 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 El Prado Group?

Popular activities at El Prado Group include Hiking, Biking, Wildlife Viewing. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

El Prado Group

3.93

20 reviews

DESCANSO RANGER DISTRICT, 3348 ALPINE BLVD, Alpine, CA, 91901, USA

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

5,600 ft

Price

$60 - $90/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

5 campsites

Season

Open season: May 24t...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Book on Descanso Ranger District Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

5,600 ft

Price

$60 - $90/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

5 campsites

Season

Open season: May 24t...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Book on Descanso Ranger District Official Website

Get Directions

El Prado Group

$60.00 - $90.00 / night

Campsite Fees

GROUP STANDARD NONELECTRIC: $60.00; GROUP TENT ONLY AREA NONELECTRIC-8259: $60.00; GROUP TENT ONLY AREA NONELECTRIC-8260: $90.00; GROUP TENT ONLY...

Group Site Fee$60.00

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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

619-445-6235joy@westrecllc.com

I manage this campground

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Campground Map

DESCANSO RANGER DISTRICT, 3348 ALPINE BLVD, Alpine, CA, 91901, USA

El Prado Group

DESCANSO RANGER DISTRICT, 3348 ALPINE BLVD, Alpine, CA, 91901, USA

Nearby places

San Diego (50 miles, approximately 1 hour travel time), Alpine (15 miles, approximately 25 minutes travel time).

Weather at El Prado Group

Current alerts(3)

Click here for more information on the Cleveland National Forest
El Prado Group Camp and Laguna Campground share an entrance; no walk-ins are honored in El Prado Group Camp.
To protect the Laguna Skipper butterfly, campers cannot enter the area behind the fence; cooperation is essential in order to keep these campsites open

Best Time to Camp at El Prado Group

Best season: summer. Summer offers the most reliable access and the most comfortable mountain-weather camping — expect cool daytime highs around 50–60°F (about 54°F typical) and crisp nights near the mid-30s (≈36°F), perfect for evening campfires. Trails and roads are open, group facilities and potable water are available, and hiking, biking, wildlife viewing, and group gatherings at the historic El Prado Cabin are at their peak. Expect moderate weekend crowds in July–August and possible afternoon monsoon showers,so Peak months: July, August, June Avoid: November, December, January, February

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Summer is most reliable season; cool daytime temps (~54°F) and peak access for groups.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: May 22 to October 12. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open season: May 24th to October 12th, closed season from October 13th to May 22nd.

About El Prado Group

El Prado Group sits in mid-elevation Cleveland National Forest near Alpine, managed by the Descanso Ranger District. This very small group campground offers both tent and RV sites plus cabins, with flush and vault toilets, potable water, and fire rings. Reviewers praise the spacious layout, natural tree cover, and trailhead access for hiking and biking, though some note staff friendliness and bathroom maintenance could improve.

El Prado Group Campground is designed for group camping, offering a mix of tent sites and options for RVs. Primitive and luxury camping options are not detailed in the source materials.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: summer. Summer offers the most reliable access and the most comfortable mountain-weather camping — expect cool daytime highs around 50–60°F (about 54°F typical) and crisp nights near the mid-30s (≈36°F), perfect for evening campfires. Trails and roads are open, group facilities and potable water are available, and hiking, biking, wildlife viewing, and group gatherings at the historic El Prado Cabin are at their peak. Expect moderate weekend crowds in July–August and possible afternoon monsoon showers,so Peak months: July, August, June Avoid: November, December, January, February

Elevation5600 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryPine and oak forests shade the campground, with trees filtering sunlight across well-spaced sites. The area sits within protected habitat for the endangered Laguna Skipper butterfly, a small orange and brown species that depends on these specific mountain conditions. Bird activity is consistent throughout the day. At this elevation, temperatures stay cool even in summer, and the forest floor supports a mix of understory plants and herbs. The setting is quiet, though reviews note that bathroom maintenance can detract from the otherwise natural atmosphere.

Lodging & AccommodationsThe campground includes the historical El Prado Cabin, built in 1911 as the first ranger's cabin in the Cleveland National Forest.

Programs & ActivitiesEducational programs about the area's flora and fauna are conducted at the nearby Laguna Campground.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

Maximum Consecutive Stay: 14 nights during a visit at this campground.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Maximum site occupancy ranges from 30 to 50 people.

Groups

Group sites can accommodate 30 to 50 people, with one accessible site (Yerba Santa) offering four tent pads.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made through Recreation.gov, via website or app.

AccessibilityThe Yerba Santa group site is accessible and includes four tent sites. Accessible features include drinking water, flush and vault toilets, parking, grills, pathways, and paved roads.

Site SizeGroup sites are large and can accommodate 30 to 50 guests per site, with a maximum RV length of 40 feet.

PrivacySites are described as peaceful and well-spaced, providing a combination of shade and sun.

Total Campsites5 campsites

Recommended SitesFor large groups, Buckwheat offers an expansive area with multiple cooking fire pits and easy trail access. Whitethorn provides a mix of shade and sun with flat tent areas.

Best CampsitesBuckwheat gets praise for its size, flat ground, and proximity to meadow trails. Whitethorn offers good shade and level tent spots. Both sites provide a mix of sun and shelter depending on time of day.

Need help booking El Prado Group?

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Recreation.gov Guide

Booking tips & windows

When to Book

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Cancellation Alerts

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Amenities available

El Prado Group Campground offers a range of amenities tailored for group camping experiences within the Laguna Mountain Recreation Area. The campground features flush and vault toilets, potable drinking water, and a large parking area. Amenities such as picnic tables, fire rings, and accessible facilities are available. However, there are detailed user complaints about bathroom conditions, with one reviewer noting that 'the bathrooms were filthy' and required self-cleaning.

Potable water

Flush toilets

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Lodging and accommodations

Vault toilets

I manage this campground

RV details

Activities you can enjoy

The campground offers various recreational activities, including hiking, biking, and horseback riding. The extensive trail systems, such as the Laguna Meadow Trail and the Pacific Crest Trail, are highlights. Educational and cultural programs are available at nearby Laguna Campground.

Hiking

Biking

Wildlife viewing

Cultural and Educational Programs

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

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

3.9

20 reviews

Mixed Reviews

El Prado Group has mixed reviews, placing it in the bottom 85% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews for El Prado Group Campground are mixed, with an average sentiment of 3.83 for campground-specific experiences. Positive aspects include spacious sites, natural beauty, and proximity to trails, while complaints focus on bathroom cleanliness and interactions with campground staff.

Review Summaries

Based on 20 reviews

What Campers Love

Users praised the campground's spaciousness, natural setting, and excellent access to hiking trails. One user called it a 'fantastic campground for group camping,' highlighting the trees and trails...

Based on 20 reviews

Common Concerns

Negative feedback includes issues with bathroom cleanliness and hostile interactions with the camp host. A reviewer stated that 'the bathrooms were filthy,' while another criticized the camp host's...

Based on 20 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Specific site reviews mention Yerba Santa as accessible but with unclean bathrooms. Whitethorn is described as having a water spigot issue attracting yellow jackets. Buckwheat is highlighted as...

Based on 20 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Campers are advised to bring their own cleaning supplies for bathrooms and to be prepared for potential issues with campground staff. Users recommend exploring the nearby trails and enjoying the...

Based on 20 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Reviews tend to focus on the warm-season operation of the campground, with positive comments about the cooler mountain temperatures during summer and early fall.

Based on 20 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'This is a nice campground. Bathrooms here. Showers at other nearby campground.' (Jeff Rucker) 2. 'The bathrooms were filthy. I cleaned them myself.' (Erin B.) 3. 'Fantastic campground for group...

Based on 20 reviews

Accessibility Features

The Yerba Santa site is accessible, with features such as paved pathways and accessible toilets, but one user noted that cleanliness was an issue.

Based on 20 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are permitted at the campground, but no specific reviews address pet-related experiences.

Based on 20 reviews

Outdoorithm Community

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Go if

You need a group reservation site with cabin options and direct trail access in a forested setting.

Skip if

You want consistently friendly service or spotless facilities during your stay.

Nearby Campgrounds

Laguna sits in mid-elevation forest within Cleveland National Forest, east of San Diego. This very small campground serves as a base for hikers and mountain bikers exploring the surrounding trail network. Operated by Cleveland National Forest, it offers flush and vault toilets, showers, and a camp store during its seasonal operation.