Falcon Group

4.39

83 reviews

Quick Facts

3,300 ft

Price

$60 - $120/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

3 campsites

Season

Open January 1, 2025...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Check Policy

Opens Recreation.gov site

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Quick Facts

3,300 ft

Price

$60 - $120/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

3 campsites

Season

Open January 1, 2025...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Check Policy

Opens Recreation.gov site

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Falcon Group

$60.00 - $120.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Group Tent Only Area Nonelectric sites range from $60 to $120 per night depending on seasonal rates and campsite.

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$120.00

Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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Provider

951-736-1811

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What Campers Say

4.39

Recommended

Based on 83 reviews

50 Google reviews

Most mentioned

spaciouslocationhikingwater

"The campground is praised for its scenic location, spacious group sites, and proximity to hiking trails. However, some reviewers raised concerns about maintenance and privacy."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

Falcon Group

33.6558, -117.4603

Driving directionsFrom Southern California, take U.S. Highway 15 to State Highway 74 (Ortega Highway) in Lake Elsinore. Travel 6 miles west of Lake Elsinore on 74 and turn north on North Main Divide Road. Proceed 5 miles to Falcon Campground. From I-5, exit for Ortega Highway (State Highway 74). Take 74 east approximately 27 miles to North Main Divide Road. Turn north and proceed 5 miles to Falcon Campground.

The road leading up to Falcon Group Campground is narrow with only one lane for the last mile. Some reviews state it can be challenging for vehicles with trailers, especially at night due to fast-moving traffic and limited visibility.

Nearby places

Lake Elsinore is approximately 20 minutes away from the campground.

Nearby supplies

Lake Elsinore provides various shops, restaurants, and recreation opportunities.

Best Time to Camp at Falcon Group

Falcon Group Campground offers a delightful escape from Southern California's coastal heat, with its mountain climate providing refreshing variety throughout the year. Winter campers in February should pack warm layers, as crisp mountain air and occasional snow dustings create a magical alpine atmosphere. As autumn approaches, September brings fascinating wildlife encounters during tarantula migration season, while October and November deliver what many consider the perfect camping weather—cool, comfortable days ideal for hiking and cozy evenings around the campfire.

Summer(Jun-Aug)

3.5 / 5

Mountain climate offers relief from coastal heat; watch for bugs in peak summer.

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.0 / 5

Reviews recommend Oct–Nov to avoid bugs and extreme weather; fall is a top window.

Spring(Mar-May)

3.5 / 5

Mountain climate provides seasonal variety; spring likely pleasant though not explicitly detailed.

Winter(Dec-Feb)

3.0 / 5

Open year-round; Feb can be cold with some snow on roads/trails but campground remains accessible.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: January 1 to December 31, 2025.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open January 1, 2025, through December 31, 2025.

About Falcon Group

Nestled along the winding curves of the scenic Ortega Highway, Falcon Group Campground offers three generous group sites perfect for memorable gatherings under Southern California's starlit skies. Each well-appointed site comes equipped with picnic tables for feast-worthy meals, BBQ grills for evening cookouts, and convenient access to vault toilets and fresh potable water. Adventure beckons just steps away, with popular hiking trails threading through the surrounding wilderness. For those seeking additional camping options, the neighboring Blue Jay Campground provides even more opportunities to explore this mountain paradise.

Falcon Group Campground caters specifically to group camping, with three separate areas tailored for groups of varying sizes. There is no RV camping or glamping available.

Weather and SeasonsFalcon Group Campground offers a delightful escape from Southern California's coastal heat, with its mountain climate providing refreshing variety throughout the year. Winter campers in February should pack warm layers, as crisp mountain air and occasional snow dustings create a magical alpine atmosphere. As autumn approaches, September brings fascinating wildlife encounters during tarantula migration season, while October and November deliver what many consider the perfect camping weather—cool, comfortable days ideal for hiking and cozy evenings around the campfire.

ElevationPerched at 3,300 feet above sea level, Falcon Group Campground offers a refreshing mountain retreat where cool breezes whisper through towering trees. This elevated sanctuary provides natural air conditioning during warm summer months and transforms the landscape into a forested wonderland that feels worlds away from the bustle below.

Natural Features and SceneryAt 3,300 feet in the majestic Santa Ana Mountains, Falcon Group Campground immerses visitors in a captivating tapestry of mixed forest and chaparral landscapes. This dynamic ecosystem pulses with life, from the stealthy mountain lions that rule these peaks to the fascinating smaller residents like tarantulas making their seasonal journeys. While scorpions and rattlesnakes remind visitors they're in authentic wilderness, the real stars are the sweeping mountain vistas and the ancient oaks and pines that provide natural shade and shelter throughout the campground.

Geological RegionSet within the rugged beauty of the Santa Ana Mountains, Falcon Group Campground showcases Southern California's remarkable geological diversity. Here, ancient granite peaks meet resilient chaparral slopes, while pockets of mixed forest create cool, shaded retreats that have drawn outdoor enthusiasts for generations.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

You may stay up to 14 nights during a visit at this campground.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Lupine holds 40 people, Sage holds 30 people, and Yarrow holds 70 people.

Groups

Lupine accommodates up to 40 people and 8 vehicles, Sage accommodates up to 30 people and 6 vehicles, and Yarrow accommodates up to 70 people and 10 vehicles.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Site layoutThree group sites: Lupine accommodates 40 people, Sage accommodates 30 people, and Yarrow accommodates 70 people. Each site includes vault toilets, picnic tables, BBQ grills, and potable water.

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made through Recreation.gov.

Walk-in AvailabilityFalcon Group Campground does not specify walk-up availability. Adjacent Blue Jay Campground offers first-come, first-served sites.

Cancellation PolicyCancellations made before the scheduled arrival date incur a $10 fee plus any reservation fees. Late cancellations within 14 days of arrival result in forfeiting the first night's fee. No-shows incur a $20 fee and forfeit the first night's fee.

AccessibilityNo specific accessibility details are provided.

Site SizeGroup sites vary in size, with Lupine accommodating 40 people and 8 vehicles, Sage accommodating 30 people and 6 vehicles, and Yarrow accommodating 70 people and 10 vehicles.

PrivacyThere is some criticism of privacy, as one reviewer remarked about unwelcome visitors using their parking lot and restrooms at Sage. Others noted that the sites are far apart enough to give a sense of seclusion.

Total Campsites3 campsites

Recommended SitesBring rope or lights to indicate reserved locations," advises one reviewer to avoid confusion with other visitors. Some campsites are uneven or rocky; choose tent locations carefully.

Amenities available

Potable water

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Firewood available

Vault toilets

Group Sites

Activities you can enjoy

The campground is known for its hiking and biking opportunities. Trails vary in difficulty, offering options for beginners and seasoned adventurers. Star-gazing and wildlife viewing are also highlighted by campers.

HikingThe Falcon Trail (1.4 miles, easy) connects directly to the campground. Trabuco Canyon Trail is a scenic and more demanding 6.8-mile hike. The San Juan Trail, popular with mountain bikers, begins at the neighboring Blue Jay Campground and is known for its challenging ascent.

BikingThe San Juan Trail is popular among mountain bikers and offers a challenging ride with steep climbs and ridge traverses.

Wildlife viewingThe mixed forest and chaparral ecosystem provides habitats for various birds and wildlife, including tarantulas, scorpions, and rattlesnakes.

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsTarantulas, scorpions, rattlesnakes, and mountain lions are present in the area. The narrow access road poses challenges for trailers, particularly at night.

No Cell ServiceCell phone service is not available at this campground. Plan accordingly for emergencies and download offline maps before arriving.

Weather at Falcon Group

Reviews

4.4

83 reviews

Recommended

Falcon Group is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews

The campground is praised for its scenic location, spacious group sites, and proximity to hiking trails. However, some reviewers raised concerns about maintenance and privacy.

Review Summaries

Based on 83 reviews

What Campers Love

Users appreciate the scenic beauty, spacious group sites, and excellent hiking options. Reviewer quotes include, "The surrounding landscape was breathtaking," and "Great campfire, table, grille, and...

Based on 83 reviews

Common Concerns

Privacy concerns were noted, as one reviewer wrote about unwelcome visitors at Sage. Other complaints include stuffy restrooms and rusted grills. One camper suggested bringing Lysol for the vault...

Based on 83 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Campers recommend bringing cones or markers to indicate reserved areas and Lysol for the vault toilets. A reviewer noted to prepare for tarantulas in September and cold nights in February.

Based on 83 reviews

Seasonal Insights

September is noted for tarantula activity; February is cold and may have snow on trails. Recommendations include visiting in October-November to avoid bugs and extreme weather.

Based on 83 reviews

Camper Quotes

"Nice group campground with three sights you have to call to reserve." "Be careful if you're pulling a trailer up the hill at night." "Bathrooms are clean for a pit. Just bring Lysol spray for each...

Based on 83 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Reviews for Sage (1S) mention privacy concerns but ample space for tents. Lupine (1L) is noted for its slope but sturdy tables. Yarrow (1Y) is praised for its size and flat, shady areas.

Based on 83 reviews