Burnt Rancheria Campground
USFS · Campground · Fee
Fast facts
- Cost
- Fee charged
- Managed by
- USFS
- Type
- Campground
- Reservations
- recreation.gov
- Coordinates
- 32.8605, -116.4172
- Last verified
- September 18, 2026
About this place
Burnt Rancheria Campground is located 50 miles east of San Diego at the Laguna Mountain Recreation Area in Southern California, right off the Sunrise Scenic Byway.Campers can enjoy hiking, viewing unique birds and wildlife and enjoying cooler temperatures at this mountain facility in Cleveland National Forest, open from mid-April through October.Burnt Rancheria is a large campground with several loops of campsites. Each site has a table and campfire ring. There are no hookups or dump station for RVs. The campground is equipped with restrooms and coin-operated showers (showers open only during reservation season). Firewood is available for purchase from the campground host.Pines and oaks abound throughout the campground, which sits at an elevation of 6,000 feet. The site is heavily wooded and surrounded by an open oak grove with spectacular desert views.Day hiking and picnicking are most popular at Burnt Rancheria. The facility provides easy access to a segment of the Pacific Crest Trail, a 2,650-mile national scenic trail that runs from Mexico to Canada. Hiking and horseback riding are allowed on the trail. Biking is not allowed on any portion of the Pacific Crest Trail.A short hike to the nearby Desert View Picnic Site provides visitors with a bird 's-eye view of the desert 6,000 feet below. On most days, the Salton Sea is clearly visible to the southeast. Restrooms and potable water are available.Families with children will enjoy activities, campfire programs and guided hikes available during summer. In addition to the guided hikes, a visitor might take the self-guided interpretive trail hike brochures are available from the camp host.Campers can also get a glimpse of the amazing night sky at "star parties" organized by the San Diego State University Observatory. These gatherings are conducted on most Saturday evenings during the summer months (schedule can be obtained at the Visitor Information Center on Laguna Mountain or by calling 619-473-8547).
From the USFS.Official page
Is Burnt Rancheria Campground free?
No. Burnt Rancheria Campground charges a fee. It is managed by the USFS. Sites are reservable through recreation.gov.
How do I get to Burnt Rancheria Campground?
Located 40 miles east of San Diego, take Interstate 8 to the Sunrise Highway (S1) and travel 9.4 miles North.
What are the rules at Burnt Rancheria Campground?
Vehicles 40 feet. max.
Nearby
- BURNT RANCHERIA0.1 mi
- Wooded Hill Group Camp0.9 mi
- WOODED HILL GROUP1.1 mi
- Horse Heaven Group Campground2.2 mi
- HORSE HEAVEN GROUP2.3 mi
- LAGUNA2.5 mi
- Laguna Campground2.6 mi
- EL PRADO GROUP2.9 mi
No other services within 50 mi on the record.
SourceData from the USFS. Last synced September 18, 2026. Community reports and photos are submitted by travelers and are not verified by the agency.
