Oak Grove Campground

Star4.35
637 reviews
Highway 79
Stargazing

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

Opens U.S. Forest Service - Cleveland National Forest site

Official Website
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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
Oak Grove Campground
$15.00 - $30.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Displayed facility rates vary between $15 to $30 depending on site type and season. Additional fees may apply for reservations made online ($8),...
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Standard Site Fee$30.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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Provider
(760) 788-0250
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What Campers Say

4.35

Recommended

Based on 637 reviews

158 Google reviews

Most mentioned

cleanfriendly

Some mention

noise

"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."

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Campground Map

Highway 79

Oak Grove Campground

Highway 79

Driving directionsFrom Interstate 15 take the 79 East. The campground is on the north side of the highway, across from the fire station. From Temecula, take State Rt. 79 south 24.1 miles and turn left at campground sign.
Accessible via paved roads. Some user reviews mention ease of driving from Interstate 15 and Temecula, with clear signage.
Nearby places
Temecula, CA (24.1 miles, approximately 30 minutes)
Warner Springs, CA (approximately 20-30 minutes)
Julian, CA (approximately 45 minutes).
Nearby supplies
Closest supply locations include a gas station market approximately 5 miles away with essentials like firewood and ice, and major shopping centers about 20 minutes away in Temecula.

Best Time to Camp at Oak Grove Campground

Oak Grove's climate dances through dramatic seasonal changes that shape each visitor's experience. Summer arrives with golden sunshine and warm, dry days that invite early morning hikes before the afternoon heat settles into the valley. As autumn paints the landscape in subtle earth tones, temperatures become wonderfully mild, creating perfect camping weather. Winter brings crisp, star-filled nights that may require an extra layer in your sleeping bag, while spring awakens the chaparral with fresh growth and comfortable days ideal for exploration.

Summer(Jun-Aug)
2.0 / 5

Summers described as excessively hot with limited shade; less comfortable seasonally.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.0 / 5

Fall favored for cooler temps and excellent stargazing per seasonal reviews.

Spring(Mar-May)
4.0 / 5

Spring likely pleasant with mild weather and wildland blooms implied by chaparral setting.

Best
Winter(Dec-Feb)
4.0 / 5
Top 12% in CA

Winter praised for stargazing and cooler temps; some reviewers report snow visits.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: January 01, 2025 - December 31, 2025.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Open year-round; peak season dates are January 1 to December 31, 2025.
  • Current Alerts: Fire restrictions are frequently mentioned; users are advised to check updates before visitation.

About Oak Grove Campground

Nestled in a tranquil valley where ancient oak groves whisper stories of the wild, Oak Grove Campground beckons adventurers to discover the hidden heart of Cleveland National Forest. This peaceful retreat features two distinct camping loops—Oak and Ribbonwood—each offering its own character and charm. As darkness falls, the campground transforms into a stargazer's paradise, where the Milky Way stretches across unpolluted skies while the nocturnal symphony of the forest comes alive with the calls of owls and the rustle of wildlife moving through the manzanita.
Oak Grove Campground provides options for tent camping, RV camping, and group sites.
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Best Campsites

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Reserving a campsite

Check-in
  • Check-in is not required for walk-in sites
  • reservations do not specify exact check-in time.
Check-out
Check-out time is not explicitly mentioned.
Stay Limit
Maximum consecutive stay is 14 nights.

Amenities available

Potable water
Flush toilets
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
Group Sites

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.
HikingOak Grove Trail spans 1.5 miles and is noted for its steep elevation gain and views of San Jacinto and San Gorgonio Mountains. It connects to the Oak Grove Truck Trail, extending an additional 5 miles to High Point Lookout. Users recommend bringing ample water.
Wildlife viewingVisitors frequently report sightings of coyotes, scrub jays, magpies, rabbits, and other wildlife. Stargazing is also highly popular due to low light pollution.
Winter Activities
Water Sports
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsPotential hazards include red ants, poison oak, coyotes, and rattlesnakes. Users mention red ants as a common issue.
Active AlertsFire restrictions are frequently mentioned; users are advised to check updates before visitation.

Weather at Oak Grove Campground

Reviews

4.4
637 reviews
Recommended
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

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...
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Based on 637 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

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

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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