El Prado Group

Star4.38
20 reviews
DESCANSO RANGER DISTRICT, 3348 ALPINE BLVD, Alpine, CA, 91901, USA

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

Opens Descanso Ranger District site

Official Website
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Real-Time Availability

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January 2026

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026
El Prado Group
$60.00 - $90.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Facility rates between $60.00 to $90.00 per night for group sites. Discounts, taxes, and incremental charges not included.
Standard Site Fee$0.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$60.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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Provider
619-445-6235
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What Campers Say

4.38

Recommended

Based on 20 reviews

9 Google reviews

Most mentioned

spacioushiking

"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."

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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

Driving directionsThe campground is located 50 miles east of San Diego, California. Take I-8 to the Sunrise Highway (State Route S1) exit. Go approximately 15 miles north to Laguna/El Prado Campground, just beyond the 26 mile marker. Stop at the entrance station for information and site location.
Accessible via State Route S1 (Sunrise Highway), paved roads are available, suitable for passenger vehicles. RVs up to 40-ft are permitted. Seasonal closures may occur during the out-of-season period, particularly October to May.
Nearby places
San Diego (50 miles, approximately 1 hour travel time), Alpine (15 miles, approximately 25 minutes travel time).
Nearby supplies
General store available locally within 15 miles (Alpine), offering cash withdrawal, food, and camping supplies. Firewood must be purchased locally to protect against pests.

Best Time to Camp at El Prado Group

El Prado's mountain climate offers a refreshing escape from lowland heat, with summer days settling into a comfortable 54°F while nights dip to a crisp 36°F—perfect for gathering around the campfire with warm blankets and hot cocoa. As seasons change, the campground transforms with gentle rains that awaken the forest floor and occasional dustings of snow that turn the landscape into a winter wonderland. These cooler temperatures create ideal conditions for hiking and outdoor activities without the scorching heat found at lower elevations.

Best
Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.5 / 5
Top 14% in CA

Open May–Oct; cool summer days (~54°F) and crisp nights (~36°F) ideal for camping.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.0 / 5

Open through Oct 12 with positive early-fall reviews and comfortable temperatures.

Spring(Mar-May)
2.5 / 5

Spring largely closed until May 22; reopens May 24, so limited spring availability.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Closed Oct 13–May 22; winter visits not supported.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: May 24th to October 13th annually.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Open season: May 24th to October 12th, closed season from October 13th to May 22nd.
  • Current Alerts: Seasonal closures occur from October to May. To protect the Laguna Skipper butterfly, fenced areas are restricted.

About El Prado Group

Nestled in the cool embrace of a shaded forest, El Prado Group Campground offers an intimate escape for groups seeking connection with nature and history. This peaceful retreat sits alongside Laguna Campground, where towering pines create a natural cathedral overhead. Modern amenities blend seamlessly with the wilderness experience, featuring drinking water stations and both flush and vault toilets for comfort. At the heart of the campground stands the historic El Prado Cabin, a weathered sentinel from 1911 that whispers tales of the forest's earliest guardians. The entire area is thoughtfully enclosed to protect one of nature's most delicate treasures—the endangered Laguna Skipper butterfly, whose presence adds a touch of magic to every stay.
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.
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Reserving a campsite

Check-in
Check-in allowed after 2:00 PM.
Check-out
Check-out required by 12:00 PM.
Stay Limit
Maximum Consecutive Stay: 14 nights during a visit at this campground.

Amenities available

Potable water
Flush toilets
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Lodging and accommodations
Vault toilets

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.
HikingThe area features excellent hiking options, including the Laguna Meadow Trail system and access to the Pacific Crest Trail, which spans from Mexico to Canada.
BikingMountain biking is a popular activity, with trails well-suited for exploring the natural landscape of the Laguna Mountain Recreation Area.
Wildlife viewingThe campground is home to various bird species and the endangered Laguna Skipper butterfly, offering good opportunities for wildlife enthusiasts.
Cultural and Educational ProgramsEducational programs about the area's flora and fauna are conducted at the nearby Laguna Campground.
Winter Activities
Water Sports
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsPotential hazards include yellow jacket infestations around leaking water spigots, wildlife encounters, and mildly steep trails. Fire safety precautions are necessary.
Active AlertsSeasonal closures occur from October to May. To protect the Laguna Skipper butterfly, fenced areas are restricted.

Weather at El Prado Group

Reviews

4.4
20 reviews
Recommended
Recommended
El Prado Group is recommended, placing it in the top 40% 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...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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