Horse Heaven Group

Star4.36
26 reviews
DESCANSO RANGER DISTRICT, 3348 ALPINE BLVD., ALPINE, CA 91901, USA

Quick Facts

5,600 ft

Price

$60 - $150/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

3 campsites

Season

The campground is op...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

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Opens DESCANSO RANGER DISTRICT site

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Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026
Horse Heaven Group
$60.00 - $150.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Group tent-only area fees range between $60 and $150 per night depending on the loop size and season. Additional reservation service fees may apply.
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$105.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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Provider
619-445-6235
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What Campers Say

4.36

Recommended

Based on 26 reviews

20 Google reviews

Most mentioned

cleanspacioussites

"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."

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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

Driving directionsThe campground is located 50 miles east of San Diego, California. Take I-8 to Sunrise Highway exit. Go approximately 14 miles until you see the Horse Heaven Group Campground sign and turn down the campground entrance road.
The campground is accessible via paved roads, specifically Interstate 8 and Sunrise Highway. The entrance road is clearly marked. Road access is generally reliable year-round.
Nearby places
San Diego, CA (50 miles, approximately 1-hour drive)
Nearby supplies
A general store for camping supplies is located 2.3 miles away at Mt. Laguna and Pine Valley.

Best Time to Camp at Horse Heaven Group

From May through September, Horse Heaven transforms into a mountain paradise where nature sets the thermostat just right. With daytime highs hovering around a crisp 53°F and nighttime lows dipping to a cozy 35°F, you'll want to pack layers for stargazing around the campfire. The dry mountain air and moderate breezes create perfect conditions for hiking and outdoor activities, while the absence of summer's oppressive heat makes every adventure more enjoyable.

Best
Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.0 / 5

Open May 24–Sep 7; cool daytime temps (~53°F) make summer a popular, comfortable season.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
Not recommended

Campground closes Sept 7–May 22; fall is largely closed.

Spring(Mar-May)
Not recommended

Campground largely closed in spring; reopens late May (May 24).

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Closed through winter (closed ~Sep 7–May 22).

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: May 24, 2025 - September 1, 2025; May 22, 2026 - September 7, 2026.. 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.
  • Current Alerts: No active alerts were noted in the materials.

About Horse Heaven Group

Escape to Horse Heaven Group Campground, where towering pines whisper secrets of the mountains and the Pacific Crest Trail beckons just beyond your tent flap. This exclusive tent-only retreat in Cleveland National Forest's Laguna Mountains creates the perfect backdrop for unforgettable group adventures. At 5,600 feet, you'll discover a natural sanctuary where summer temperatures stay refreshingly cool, making it ideal for family reunions, scout troops, or outdoor clubs seeking respite from the heat below. Modern vault toilets and fresh drinking water ensure comfort without sacrificing the authentic camping experience.
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.
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Reserving a campsite

Check-in
Check-in is typically at 2:00 PM.
Check-out
Check-out is typically at 12:00 PM.
Stay Limit
Maximum stay is 14 nights during a visit.

Amenities available

Potable water
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
Camp Store
Group Sites

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.
HikingThe campground provides proximity to the Pacific Crest National Scenic Trail and the Big Laguna Trail System, offering hiking opportunities for various skill levels.
BikingMountain biking is a highlighted activity in the Laguna Mountain region, with trails accessible within a short drive.
Wildlife viewingThe campground's natural setting at 5,600 feet elevation in the Laguna Mountains makes it a good spot for wildlife viewing, as the region is home to many bird species and other animals.
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsPotential hazards include wildlife encounters and fire risks due to the forested environment.
Active AlertsNo active alerts were noted in the materials.

Weather at Horse Heaven Group

Reviews

4.4
26 reviews
Recommended
Recommended
Horse Heaven Group is recommended, placing it in the top 40% 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....
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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Based on 26 reviews

Accessibility Features

No reviews explicitly address accessibility features.
Based on 26 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

No pet-specific feedback is available.
Based on 26 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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