How much does camping cost at Oak Grove Campground?

Camping fees at Oak Grove Campground range from $15-$30/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Oak Grove Campground first-come first-served or reservation?

Oak Grove Campground 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 Oak Grove Campground before I book?

Yes! Oak Grove Campground 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 Oak Grove Campground?

Oak Grove Campground is open January 01 to December 31. 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 Oak Grove Campground?

Oak Grove Campground does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

Is there cell service at Oak Grove Campground?

Cell phone service at Oak Grove Campground is generally available. Cell service is available. Coverage may vary by carrier and exact location within the campground.

How many campsites does Oak Grove Campground have?

Oak Grove Campground has 81 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Oak Grove Campground?

Yes, pets are allowed at Oak Grove Campground. 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 Oak Grove Campground?

Oak Grove Campground offers: Restrooms, Potable Water, Pets Allowed. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

Oak Grove Campground

Q: Can I have a campfire at Oak Grove Campground?

Fire policies at Oak Grove Campground: Be sure to check current area fire restrictions prior to visiting this, or any campground. Conditions frequently exist which prohibit the use of wood and charcoal fires. Please contact the Palomar Ranger District at (760) 788-0250 or visit here for updated information.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

4.34

637 reviews

Highway 79

Top 18% in CAWinter

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

2,772 ft

Price

$15 - $30/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

81 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Book on U.S. Forest Service - Cleveland National Forest Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

2,772 ft

Price

$15 - $30/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

81 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Book on U.S. Forest Service - Cleveland National Forest Official Website

Get Directions

Oak Grove Campground

$15.00 - $30.00 / night

Campsite Fees

STANDARD NONELECTRIC-DOUBLE: $30.00; STANDARD NONELECTRIC: $15.00. Plus Recreation.gov reservation transaction fee ($8 online / $9 phone / $3 in...

No paid fee categories listed.

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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

(760) 788-0250

I manage this campground

Plan a trip to Oak Grove Campground

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Campground Map

Highway 79

Oak Grove Campground

Highway 79

Nearby places

Temecula, CA (24.1 miles, approximately 30 minutes)

Warner Springs, CA (approximately 20-30 minutes)

Julian, CA (approximately 45 minutes).

Weather at Oak Grove Campground

Current alerts(3)

Area is hot during summer months
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.
No handicap accessible toilets and no showers at this facility

Best Time to Camp at Oak Grove Campground

Best season: fall. Fall offers the best balance of mild daytime temperatures (typically 60–75°F), cool nights (40–50°F), and low wildfire smoke compared with late summer, making hiking and stargazing especially pleasant. Oak and manzanita tones take on richer earth hues and wildlife activity is high as animals forage before the cooler months, so hiking and wildlife viewing are at their peak. Crowd levels are generally moderate to low on weekdays and pleasantly busy on fall weekends — plan midweek visits for the tr Peak months: October, November, March, April Avoid: July, August

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.0 / 5

Fall best: highs 60–75°F and cool nights; wildlife activity increases.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: January 01 to December 31. Book 2-3 months ahead.

About Oak Grove Campground

Oak Grove Campground sits in the foothills of Cleveland National Forest near Warner Springs, operated by the U.S. Forest Service. The large campground offers tent, RV, primitive, and group sites with flush and vault toilets, potable water, and fire rings. Reviewers highlight clean facilities, abundant wildlife, and excellent stargazing, though road noise and occasional quiet-hour enforcement issues are noted.

Oak Grove Campground provides options for tent camping, RV camping, and group sites.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: fall. Fall offers the best balance of mild daytime temperatures (typically 60–75°F), cool nights (40–50°F), and low wildfire smoke compared with late summer, making hiking and stargazing especially pleasant. Oak and manzanita tones take on richer earth hues and wildlife activity is high as animals forage before the cooler months, so hiking and wildlife viewing are at their peak. Crowd levels are generally moderate to low on weekdays and pleasantly busy on fall weekends — plan midweek visits for the tr Peak months: October, November, March, April Avoid: July, August

Elevation2772 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryThe campground occupies a valley shaped by chaparral and oak woodland. Canyon live oaks provide natural shade across much of the property. Ribbonwood, manzanita with rust-colored bark, and aromatic chamise cover the hillsides. Wildlife sightings include mule deer, bobcats, coyotes, gray foxes, and a variety of birds. Mountain lions pass through occasionally. Stargazing is excellent on clear nights with minimal light pollution.

Lodging & AccommodationsNo hotel-style accommodations or cabins are available within the campground.

Programs & ActivitiesNo cultural or educational programs have been explicitly mentioned.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

Maximum consecutive stay is 14 nights.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Maximum of 8 guests per site.

Groups

Group sites in Ribbonwood Loop are large and can accommodate multiple tents and vehicles as noted by user reviews.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made on Recreation.gov, through the mobile app, or by contacting the center.

AccessibilityThe campground provides accessible potable water spigots and toilets, although no specific ADA-compliant amenities are mentioned.

Site SizeSites vary in size, with some large enough to accommodate multiple tents and vehicles, while others are smaller and more suited for individual groups.

PrivacyCampsites offer varying levels of privacy, with some secluded by vegetation and others more open and exposed.

Total Campsites81 campsites

Recommended SitesSites 59 and 61 in Ribbonwood Loop are recommended for group camping due to shade and size. Site 12 in Oak Loop is noted for its shaded area and privacy.

Best CampsitesSites 59 and 61 on the Ribbonwood Loop get praise for shade and wood stoves. Site 12 on the Oak Loop offers privacy and shade. Site 20 backs up to private property where cows sometimes appear.

Need help booking Oak Grove Campground?

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

Oak Grove Campground offers a variety of amenities spread across two loops—Oak Loop and Ribbonwood Loop. Facilities include picnic tables and grills at each campsite, flush toilets in Ribbonwood Loop, and vault toilets in Oak Loop. Accessible potable water is provided via spigots located near campsites. While there are no showers available, there is adequate trash disposal.

Potable water

Flush toilets

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

Group Sites

I manage this campground

RV details

Activities you can enjoy

Oak Grove Campground offers a range of activities, including hiking trails, wildlife viewing, and stargazing. The nearby Oak Grove Trail provides scenic views and opportunities for moderate to difficult hikes.

Hiking

Fishing

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

Fire PolicyBe sure to check current area fire restrictions prior to visiting this, or any campground. Conditions frequently exist which prohibit the use of wood and charcoal fires. Please contact the Palomar Ranger District at (760) 788-0250 or visit here for updated information.

Trash & RecyclingTrash bins are available, but user reviews indicate inconsistent proximity and occasional overfilling during busy weekends.

Cell CoverageCell phone service is limited, with some users stating Verizon coverage only supports calls and texts. Proximity to the entrance may improve signal quality.

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

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From Booking Sources

4.3

637 reviews

Recommended

Oak Grove Campground is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews

Overall sentiment is moderately positive, with highlights on quiet weekdays, opportunities for stargazing, and spacious campsites. Complaints revolve around noise during weekends, ants, and occasional bathroom cleanliness issues.

Review Summaries

Based on 637 reviews

Best sites at a glance

Pulled from per-site mentions in 637 reviews.

Site #20Loved
Site #20 in Oak Loop is highly praised for its shade and seclusion.
Site #39Mentioned
Site #39 in Ribbonwood Loop is spacious but lacks privacy.

What Campers Love

Reviewers praise the clean facilities, variety of wildlife, stargazing opportunities, and friendly camp host, 'Rick,' who is frequently mentioned as helpful and accommodating.

Based on 637 reviews

Common Concerns

Negative feedback includes noise from nearby campers, lack of enforcement of quiet hours, the prevalence of red ants, and occasionally dirty bathrooms.

Based on 637 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Bring your own shade, toilet paper, and firewood. Choose sites with natural shade for summer camping and avoid weekends for quieter experiences.

Based on 637 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Winter and fall are favored for stargazing and cooler temperatures, while summer is described as excessively hot with limited shade.

Based on 637 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'Coyotes sang us to sleep.' 2. 'Rick, the host, is someone we've seen for many years. He's the best.' 3. 'The stars are gorgeous on a clear night, even with a nearly full moon.' 4. 'Bathrooms were...

Based on 637 reviews

Accessibility Features

Accessible bathrooms and water spigots are noted, though no explicit ADA-compliant features are reviewed.

Based on 637 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are allowed, and most reviewers note ample room for them to roam. However, red ants are mentioned as a hazard for pets.

Based on 637 reviews

Outdoorithm Community

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Go if

You want affordable access to Cleveland National Forest trails with good facilities and don't mind some road noise.

Skip if

You need guaranteed silence or want to avoid red ant activity in warmer months.

Nearby Campgrounds

S6, Palomar Mountain, CA, USA

Fry Creek Campground sits in mid-elevation forest within Cleveland National Forest near Palomar Mountain. Managed by the Palomar Ranger District, this small campground offers tent and primitive camping with vault toilets, potable water, fire rings, and picnic tables. Visitors appreciate the spread-out sites and quiet weekday atmosphere, spending time on maintained trails for hiking and wildlife viewing.