El Cariso Campground
Description
Located on a picturesque pass in the Santa Ana Mountains, El Cariso campground has small, sunny and shady sites primarily suitable for tent camping. The campground is held together by quality CCC architecture, and is a prime spot for picnicking. An on-site visitor center and direct access to a self-guided nature trail, offer cool info on plant life and the area’s mining history, mixing low-key education with the pleasure of being outdoors.
Activities
Offered near the campground.
Biking
Your leg muscles are straining as you pedal hard, fighting against gravity. You’re winding through oak trees and chaparral at i...Read more
Fishing
The Loveland Reservoir is THE fisher(wo)man’s spot in Cleveland National Forest. You can chill with catfish, bluegill, and red-...Read more
Hiking
With 460,000 acres, of course there are plenty of hiking trails here. Seriously, we’re talkin’ 356 miles of trails in total. Wi...Read more
Horseback riding
Horse-lovers rejoice! We have trails upon trails for you and your four-legged homeboy/girl. Check out all your horseback riding...Read more
Off-roading (OHV)
Do you find yourself getting agitated by those pesky white and yellow lines? By red and green lights, stop signs, and the like?...Read more
Climbing
Consider yourself a climber or just lookin’ to try it out? Either way, some pretty awesome rock climbing is to be had here, esp...Read more
Snow sports
Longing for a winter getaway in SoCal? We’ve got you covered. Grab your sleds, your tubes, your snowman-building materials, and...Read more
Swimming
With flowing waterfalls throughout the forest, there are a bunch o’ different swimming holes for you to splash around in. Ceda...Read more
Wildlife watching
With 460,000 acres, many different critters call this place home. From mountain lions, to mule deer, bats, and grey foxes, this...Read more
Terrain
Natural features you'll find at El Cariso Campground.
3 Reviews
Came up here around Memorial Day weekend after unsuccessfully trying to get a spot up at Blue Jay. Arrived around 3pm and the place was pretty open but that soon changed. I took Site 19 which I thought was the best spot with a nice little stairway leading up to the site and a tent clearing behind some bushes for extra privacy. It's a small campground but cozy. The only real downside is it's close to the Ortega Highway so you don't get a lot of quiet, but it's good cause it's a short drive to get supplies if you need them.
- Park
- Cleveland National Forest
- State
- California
- Country
- United States
- Phone Number
- 858-673-6180
- Directions
- View on Google Maps
- Official Website
- View Website
- Coordinates
- 33.651° N, 117.413° W
- $15/night
- Tent / RV / Trailer: 24 Sites (Up to people per site)