Upper San Juan Campground

Star4.45
6 reviews

Quick Facts

1,800 ft

Price

$18 - $30/night

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

18 campsites

Season

Open seasonally from...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Opens Cleveland National Forest site

Official Website
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Upper San Juan Campground
$18.00 - $30.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee: $18 per day; Double Unit Fee: $30 per day; Extra Vehicle fee: $5 per night.
Standard Site Fee$18.00
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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What Campers Say

4.45

Recommended

Based on 6 reviews

3 Google reviews

"There are no user reviews provided in the source material."

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Campground Map

Upper San Juan Campground

33.6069, -117.4328

Driving directionsFrom Lake Elsinore, CA, take State Rt. 74 south 10.3 miles to campground on right.
"Located Adjacent to the Ortega Highway (Highway 74), 21 miles east of San Juan Capistrano and 9 miles west of Lake Elsinore." Roads may be paved and easily accessible, but the campground's dirt understory and seasonal creek may pose challenges.
Nearby places
Lake Elsinore: 9 miles, San Juan Capistrano: 21 miles
Nearby supplies
"There are limited groceries and good candy available at the Ortega Country Cottage General Store (formerly known as the 'Candy Store'). It is located 0.75 miles north of the campground on State Rt. 74."

Best Time to Camp at Upper San Juan Campground

From April through November, Upper San Juan welcomes visitors with refreshingly cool temperatures and predominantly dry conditions that make for ideal camping weather. While gentle breezes typically rustle through the oak leaves, occasional wind gusts up to 21 mph add drama to the mountain atmosphere, reminding campers of nature's dynamic presence in this protected canyon setting.

Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.0 / 5

Open Apr–Nov; described as refreshingly cool and predominantly dry in open months.

Best
Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.0 / 5

Open through November; fall conditions likely pleasant for camping and hiking.

Spring(Mar-May)
3.5 / 5

Open beginning in April/May; spring offers cool, pleasant conditions when open.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Seasonally closed in winter (open Apr/May–Nov).

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: Peak season likely aligns with open months from April or May to November.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Open seasonally from April or May through November.
  • Current Alerts: The campground is currently closed.

About Upper San Juan Campground

Nestled among ancient Live Oaks, Upper San Juan Campground beckons with 18 thoughtfully designed sites that have welcomed outdoor enthusiasts since 1933. This historic retreat, lovingly crafted by the Civilian Conservation Corps during America's Great Depression, features a natural dirt floor beneath a canopy of spreading oaks. A seasonal creek meanders through the grounds, creating a tranquil soundtrack that enhances the camping experience.
The campground features a mix of tent and combined-use sites. It is not RV-friendly due to low-hanging branches.
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Stay Limit
Maximum stay of 14 consecutive nights.

Amenities available

Picnic tables
Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

Activities include day hiking and picnicking. Nearby trails offer access to longer hikes and multi-use paths for mountain biking and horseback riding.
HikingThe San Juan Loop Trail, 2.1 miles in length and suitable for day hikes, is accessible from the campground. Longer trails such as the San Juan Trail (11.6 miles), Chiquito Trail (9.2 miles), and Chiquito Basin Trail (2 miles) can be accessed from the primary trailhead 0.75 miles away.
BikingMountain biking is permitted on the San Juan Loop Trail and other nearby trails.
Winter Activities
Water Sports
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsLack of potable water and occasional low-hanging branches. Wildlife presence possible.
Active AlertsThe campground is currently closed.
No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

Weather at Upper San Juan Campground

Reviews

4.5
6 reviews
Recommended
Recommended
Upper San Juan Campground is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews
There are no user reviews provided in the source material.
Review Summaries

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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