federalfederal

BURNT RANCHERIA

federal · Mt. Laguna, CA

DirectionsCall
  • dump station9.1 mi
  • fuel station7.2 mi

USFS · Data Source: Recreation.gov

About

Overview 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. Recreation 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). Facilities 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 nearest is located at the Buckman Springs Rest Area, 4 miles east of Pine Valley on I-8. 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. Natural Features Pines and oaks abound throughout the campground, which sits at an elevation of 6,000 ft. The site is heavily wooded and surrounded by an open oak grove with spectacular desert views. Contact Info For facility specific information, please call (619) 354-8776.

Around this stay

Nearest surrounding services and recreation within ~25 mi — not on-site amenities.

  • dump station

    Dump station

    9.1 mi
  • fuel station

    Pine Valley Store

    7.2 mi
  • grocery

    Mountain Market

    7.1 mi
  • potable water

    Potable water

    0.3 mi
  • trailhead

    Red Tailed Roost Trailhead

    0.5 mi
  • attraction

    Viewpoint

    0.8 mi
  • recreation site

    Desert View Picnic Site

    0.6 mi

Contact & access

Reservations & demand

October weekends are typically reserved about 60 days ahead.

Based on 110 Recreation.gov reservations (Oct 2023–Sep 2024). Historical demand — not live availability.

Outbound provider links only. Roam Atlas does not book sites or show live availability.

Source and verification

Last verified: 10/11/2026

See the Sources tab for provenance detail.