How much does camping cost at Horse Heaven Group?

Camping fees at Horse Heaven Group range from $60-$150/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Horse Heaven Group first-come first-served or reservation?

Horse Heaven 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 Horse Heaven Group before I book?

Yes! Horse Heaven Group has 2 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 Horse Heaven Group?

Horse Heaven Group is open May 22 to September 04. 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 Horse Heaven Group?

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

Can I have a campfire at Horse Heaven Group?

Fire policies at Horse Heaven 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 Horse Heaven Group have?

Horse Heaven Group has 3 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Horse Heaven Group?

Pets are not allowed at Horse Heaven Group. This policy helps protect local wildlife and other campers. Consider nearby pet-friendly campgrounds if traveling with animals.

What amenities are available at Horse Heaven Group?

Horse Heaven Group offers: Restrooms, Potable Water, Camp Store. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Horse Heaven Group?

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

Horse Heaven Group

3.98

26 reviews

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

Featured in:Primitive Camping California

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

5,600 ft

Price

$60 - $150/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

3 campsites

Season

The campground is op...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

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 - $150/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

3 campsites

Season

The campground is op...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Book on DESCANSO RANGER DISTRICT Official Website

Get Directions

Horse Heaven Group

$60.00 - $150.00 / night

Campsite Fees

GROUP TENT ONLY AREA NONELECTRIC-BUTR: $150.00; GROUP TENT ONLY AREA NONELECTRIC-HOLL: $105.00; GROUP TENT ONLY AREA NONELECTRIC-LUPI: $60.00. Plus...

Group Site Fee$105.00

Get Notified When Available

We'll monitor this campground and alert you the moment sites become available.

Free to start · paid plans add 2-min scans

256,000+ sites monitored · Email alerts to start; SMS and in-app with an account

Learn more about alerts →

Share this campground

Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

619-445-6235joy@westrecllc.com

I manage this campground

Plan a trip to Horse Heaven Group

Compare with similar sites, watch availability, and build a packing list — Camp Sage handles all of it.

Campground Map

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

Horse Heaven Group

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

Nearby places

San Diego, CA (50 miles, approximately 1-hour drive)

Weather at Horse Heaven Group

Current alerts(4)

Click here to learn more about Cleveland National Forest
No equestrian camping at this facility
No first-come, first-served sites; reservations required
Overnight camping facilities only, no day use allowed Group sites are managed by Westrek Services (Concessionaire). Host available at Laguna campground.

Best Time to Camp at Horse Heaven Group

Best season: summer. Summer offers the only open window for Horse Heaven Group and delivers the campground’s key benefits: cool mountain days and crisp, starry nights at 5,600 ft that are a welcome escape from lowland heat. Daytime highs typically sit in the low 50s°F to low 60s°F with nights dropping into the mid-30s°F, perfect for hiking sections of the Pacific Crest Trail, group backpacking warm-ups, mountain biking on nearby trails, and reliable wildlife viewing. Group sites are fully usable (tent-only) and the Peak months: July, August, June, May Avoid: October, November, December, January

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Open May–Sept; reviews note summer popularity for cool mountain temperatures.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: May 22 to September 04. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: The campground is open for reservations from May 24 through September 7 annually. It closes between September 7 and May 22.

About Horse Heaven Group

Horse Heaven Group sits at 5,600 feet in Cleveland National Forest's Descanso Ranger District, 30 minutes east of Alpine. This small, premium-priced group campground operates seasonally during summer months when cool mountain air and access to Pacific Crest Trail sections make it a draw for organized groups escaping lowland heat. Managed by the Forest Service, the site offers spacious group areas with vault toilets, potable water, and fire rings for multi-day group trips into the Laguna Mountain backcountry.

Horse Heaven Group Campground is a tent-only group camping facility with three distinct loops. It is suitable for large gatherings and does not accommodate RVs or individual camping.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: summer. Summer offers the only open window for Horse Heaven Group and delivers the campground’s key benefits: cool mountain days and crisp, starry nights at 5,600 ft that are a welcome escape from lowland heat. Daytime highs typically sit in the low 50s°F to low 60s°F with nights dropping into the mid-30s°F, perfect for hiking sections of the Pacific Crest Trail, group backpacking warm-ups, mountain biking on nearby trails, and reliable wildlife viewing. Group sites are fully usable (tent-only) and the Peak months: July, August, June, May Avoid: October, November, December, January

Elevation5600 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryPine forests dominate the landscape at this elevation, creating shaded camping areas within the southern Laguna Mountains. The terrain rolls through ridges and valleys typical of this ancient range. Wildlife moves through camp regularly, and multiple hiking trails branch from the area. Reviewers mention secluded spots tucked around bends in the loops, though you'll need to arrive before dark to find them.

Lodging & AccommodationsThere are no hotel-style lodges or alternative accommodations available at this campground.

Programs & ActivitiesNo cultural or educational programs are mentioned.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

Maximum stay is 14 nights during a visit.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Sites accommodate between 40 and 100 guests depending on the loop.

Groups

Group sites are divided into three loops: Lupine Loop accommodates 40 people and 10 vehicles, Buttercup Loop accommodates 100 people and 16 vehicles, and Hollyhock Loop accommodates 70 people and 12 vehicles.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made through Recreation.gov.

Site SizeThe group campsites are large, accommodating up to 100 people and multiple vehicles, with detailed capacities per loop provided.

PrivacySites offer a degree of isolation as one user noted, 'Plenty of isolation.' However, another indicated a lack of adequate parking for large groups as a concern.

Total Campsites3 campsites

Recommended SitesLupine Loop is recommended for smaller groups seeking privacy. Buttercup Loop is ideal for larger gatherings but may require early arrival to inspect for litter or damages.

Best CampsitesLupine Loop (site 1LUPI) holds 40 people and 10 vehicles. Reviews praise its isolation and clean vault toilets. Buttercup Loop (site 1BUTR) is the largest at 100 people and 16 vehicles, though some visitors report litter and damaged benches. Hollyhock Loop splits the difference at 70 people and 12 vehicles.

Need help booking Horse Heaven Group?

Reservation tips, booking windows, and free cancellation alerts.

Recreation.gov Guide

Booking tips & windows

When to Book

Find your booking window

Cancellation Alerts

Free alerts for this campground

Amenities available

Horse Heaven Group Campground offers essential amenities suitable for large group gatherings. It features three distinct loops with varying capacities: Lupine Loop (40 people, 10 vehicles), Buttercup Loop (100 people, 16 vehicles), and Hollyhock Loop (70 people, 12 vehicles). The facility includes vault toilets and seasonal drinking water. Additionally, campers can access a general store located 2.3 miles away at Mt. Laguna and Pine Valley.

Potable water

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

Camp Store

Group Sites

I manage this campground

Activities you can enjoy

The campground offers a variety of outdoor recreational activities, including hiking and biking on nearby trails. The Laguna Mountain region is renowned for horseback riding, although the campground itself has no equestrian sites. The Pacific Crest Trail and Big Laguna Trail System are nearby attractions. Group activities are well-supported, making this a good destination for outdoor enthusiasts.

Hiking

Biking

Wildlife viewing

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

No Electric HookupsElectric hookups are not available at this campground. RV campers should arrive with a full battery and plan for off-grid power (generator hours/quiet rules permitting).

Trip Planning Tools

Set an AlertGet notified when sites open up Check WeatherHistorical weather data Gear for This TripMatched gear recommendations Packing ListCustomizable checklist

Questions & answers

Researching this campground? Ask anything — other campers and our team will weigh in. No visit required.

Tips from campers

Short heads-ups about the road in, gear quirks, timing, and more. You don't have to have been here to share what you know.

Reviews

Rate Horse Heaven Group

Been here? Tap a star to start. Takes about a minute.

Sign-in required only if you want your name on it.

From Booking Sources

4.0

26 reviews

Mixed Reviews

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

User reviews generally praise the campground for its spacious sites, proximity to hiking trails, and natural beauty. However, concerns were raised about the condition of some facilities, including vault toilets and picnic tables.

Review Summaries

Based on 26 reviews

What Campers Love

Positive feedback highlights the campground's spacious group sites ('Great amount of space for a large group'), clean vault toilets ('Bathrooms were pretty clean'), and suitability for group camping....

Based on 26 reviews

Common Concerns

Common complaints include the need for updated vault toilets ('The outhouse could use some updating') and insufficient parking for large groups ('There should be an overflow parking area'). Some...

Based on 26 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Loop-specific feedback includes: Lupine Loop ('Plenty of isolation') and Buttercup Loop ('Somewhat littered and a damaged table bench'). Overall, Buttercup Loop received mixed reviews, with some...

Based on 26 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Users recommend arriving before dark to fully appreciate the secluded camping areas ('Get there before dark or you'll miss out on the secluded camping areas tucked around the bend'). They also advise...

Based on 26 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Reviews suggest that summer is a popular season due to cool mountain temperatures. However, larger groups may face parking challenges during peak times.

Based on 26 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'No mosquitoes wow, bathrooms were great for camping.' 2. 'Great amount of space for a large group. I would say the amount allowed is the max that would fit.' 3. 'Get there before dark or you'll...

Based on 26 reviews