Burnt Rancheria Campground, Mount Laguna, CA

Burnt Rancheria Campground is located in the Descanso Ranger District of the Cleveland National Forest (41 min east of El Cajon, CA) with an elevation of 5,970 feet. There are a total of 59 campsites. The campground is normally open from mid April to mid October. 47 sites can accommodate RVs between 22 and 50 feet. All sites are currently reservable. Fees range from $26.00 to $32.00.
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Campsites Available Tonight, Sep 19, 2024 53 FF*

Campsites Available This Weekend, Sep 20, 2024 or Sep 21, 2024 2 FF*

Campground Capacity (Next 30 Days)

Campsite Reviews (116)

4.6 out of 5

5 star
77%
4 star
10%
3 star
3%
2 star
3%
1 star
3%
@MarkV8262617 · Camped on Sep 1, 2024 at Campsite #3
Would highly recommend this campground! Camping spots have green areas between them and aren't too tight which is a blessing. The hike attached to the campground, Desert View trail, has a stunning view.
@DarcyC5147168 · Camped on Aug 12, 2024 at Campsite #24
I spent 2 days at site 24, and while the shade on this site was lacking compared to a few others that were close by, it was VERY private and had tons of space. The hosts were very nice and helpful, and the grounds and bathrooms were super clean. Loved being able to go on a quick hike in the morning and then come back to relax at the site. And cell phone service was surprisingly good. I have t-mobile and never had less than two bars, but I was usually around 4. Can't wait to come back and explore more.
@JudithH31D975E · Camped on Aug 11, 2024 at Campsite #49
I last camped @ Burnt Rancheria in 2009. It was dusty, hot and very dry. Last Sunday, as we arrived, I was in awe of the green everywhere. Canyon live oaks, grasses, and barberry surrounded our campground. A walk on the nearby PCT the next morning, brought more visions of green, with buckwheat, manzanita, mountain mahogany, and purple giant Four-oclocks, lining the trail. A hike for the soul.
@SPRINGC796C95D · Camped on Aug 11, 2024 at Campsite #45
Quiet and neat, Verizon signal works !
@JohnS6889697 · Camped on Aug 1, 2024 at Campsite #55
The Campground Hosts were excellent! All facilities were kept clean! Peaceful and relaxing campground!
@LawrenceAB5D59 · Camped on Jul 22, 2024 at Campsite #34
Beautiful, well-kept campground.
@HaileyW6883098 · Camped on Jul 19, 2024 at Campsite #7
campsite was smaller than expected and came with a metal table- was untouchable without a canopy because of the heat. called over 10 times, no answer-- returned my call 3 days after I had left from my reservation-- poor communication. the signs for yucca loop were misplaced- we circled the campground for ~20 minutes until we asked campers where to go because no employee was to be seen. every employee in this town was extremely rude. no manners. we were 4 young adult girls, who kept the campsite very respectful, and there was no grace given even from the first interaction. the store the camp hosts directed us to for wood made very rude comments about my outfit and the shape of my body-- since i was wearing a sporty outfit in the 90 degree heat. I will not be returning ever and will be straying anyone away. anyone would have a much more pleasant time at any other possible campsite.
@DeniseL2073409 · Camped on Jul 11, 2024 at Campsite #5
We tent camped in this spot and it was very nice. There is a definite slope in this site making for an uneven slumber. There are vaulted toilets and quarter-operated showers. Only 2 of the 4 showers worked, but they were very nice in the heat of summer.Sunrise Hwy is nearby and there is a nice store and a little cafe.
@ThomasS5574085 · Camped on Jun 26, 2024 at Campsite #56
campsite is always clean and the people that work there are very nice.
@EmreEC54C7B128 · Camped on Jun 19, 2024 at Campsite #28
All the amenities you need to be comfortable camping while also feeling like you are out in the middle of the wilderness. My go-to campsite!
@JuliaH5228825 · Camped on Jun 14, 2024 at Campsite #56
My family loves this campground, so we stay here at least once per year. I'm unfortunately very concerned with the new weekend booking requirements. The requirements state that if you book Friday OR Saturday that you must reserve 2 nights. That's fine, but the website will not let you book Thursday + Friday or Saturday + Sunday. You nut book Friday AND Saturday. That's just unrealistic given many people work late on Fridays. It's extra disappointing because CA is trying to make campsite more available with less no shows, but this new policy will definitely do the exact opposite. Hopefully if more people speak out about this we can get it fixed to an Friday OR Saturday reservation requirement not a Friday AND Saturday.
@JeanC4824798 · Camped on May 3, 2024 at Campsite #57
Very nice campground. Well maintained. Our campsites were very hilly, however. There wasn't a flat place for any tents on Pion 57. We put all the tents on 58 and used that site to hang out and eat. We paid for 57 but couldn't use that site. They need to do some leveling.
@RandyW4534489 · Camped on May 3, 2024 at Campsite #43
Nice little camp ground not to far from Julian,
@SteveC5760416 · Camped on Apr 26, 2024 at Campsite #46
I received a confirmed reservation for April 25th, way back in October. On about April 10th, Recreation.gov sent me an email saying the campground would not open then, with no idea when it would! Frantic calls resulted in information showing the NFS had not tested campground water and had several "dangerous" trees that needed addressed. You'd THINK these things could have been taken care of LONG ago! It turned out to be only a one day delay in my specific case, but a LOT of moving parts in plans had to be changed to make that one day work. Do better, NFS!
@JohnD1553494 · Camped on Apr 26, 2024 at Campsite #32
Beautiful, large campsites with new fire pits. Facilities well maintained and friendly Camp Hosts.
@NicholasN83299 · Camped on Oct 13, 2023 at Campsite #55
Well-maintained camp site. We stayed at 55. The site has a lot of space behind it for kids to play and explore, didn't feel crowded at all. Next to the bathrooms but that wasn't an issue - no smell and not noisy, you wouldn't know they were there. It got REAL cold at night, definitely bring warm gear for night time. Weather report said lows would be high 40s but it was definitely in the 20s at night.Good hiking trails from the camp as well to do during the day.
@HeatherW288312 · Camped on Sep 22, 2023 at Campsite #55
This spot no longer has the best shade. The best shade/hammock tree has been chopped down :( Direct sun during midday now, the only place for a hammock is right next to the road so thats another bummer. Will have to scout a new spot. Cleanest I've ever seen the bathrooms though, I wish we still had the big bottles of hand sanitizer chained out front, that was really nice during 2020.
@EricaP86BA091B · Camped on Sep 21, 2023 at Campsite #54
The campsite, including restrooms, is incredibly well maintained. The sites are also secluded and spacious.
@JordanG5807035 · Camped on Aug 25, 2023 at Campsite #55
Great spot, with great amenities, and great people.
@LucyC7BF101C87 · Camped on Aug 18, 2023 at Campsite #5
Great campsite
@AmandaG3609573 · Camped on Aug 10, 2023 at Campsite #54
This place is always a wonderful local retreat. Clean and relatively quiet.
@JohnG7676070 · Camped on Aug 8, 2023 at Campsite #32
We like Burnt Rancheria Campground due to its proximity to the village restaurants and store which are within walking distance. Although it is a USFS campground, the current concessionaire (Vista) keeps it well maintained and clean. The only negative comment is that there are a lot of added handmade signs posted by the hosts to remind campers of special rules that apply to the campground. (The hosts are friendly and do a great job of taking care of everything. The nearby Outpost restaurant is good for lunch and dinner and Pine House restaurant has delicious breakfasts. There is also a USFS Visitors Center in the village worth a stop.
@CarlosM4853367 · Camped on Jul 25, 2023 at Campsite #30
Beatiful location with huge campsites and super clean bathrooms/showers. Very friendly rangers, wonderful stargazing at night around the campfire.
@AlbertO1181339 · Camped on Jul 21, 2023 at Campsite #55
Beautiful campsite!
@LisaR8773346 · Camped on Jul 14, 2023 at Campsite #13
Absolutely awful bugs and flies galore. Horrible camp leaders. Pipe burst and spewed water all through out camp and not one camp leader checked on us. People were up until 4 Singing and playing loud music. I love camping but this place was the worst!

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