Camping & Cabins
Cabins
The Cleveland National Forest does not manage any cabin rentals. If you are looking to rent a cabin on or near the forest, please contact the nearest Chamber of Commerce or rental agency.
Remote Camping
You may camp a maximum of 14 consecutive days in a calendar year.
All 3 Ranger districts offer remote camping, also known as “dispersed camping”, where camping outside of developed campgrounds is an option. Please note: wood or charcoal fires are never allowed outside of developed campgrounds or picnic sites on the Cleveland National Forest, but portable stoves or lanterns that use gas, kerosene, jellied petroleum or pressurized liquid fuel are permitted unless elevated fire conditions prohibit their use in identified locations.
- Descanso - permit required for areas outside of the Laguna Recreation Area.(619-445-6235)
- Palomar - permits required for all backcountry locations, contact District Office for desirable locations.(760-788-0250)
- Trabuco - allowable only in the San Mateo Canyon Wilderness, permit required. (951-736-1811)
Download the Dispersed Camping Wilderness Permit for the Palomar and Descanso Permit. San Mateo Wilderness Permit. You Must download filled out permit form and email to the desired district. Please allow 2 day for processing. Permits needed for the weekend should be submitted by COB on Thursday. Email completed permit forms for the Palomar Ranger District to SM.FS.PalomarRD@usda.gov Descanso Ranger District SM.FS.DescansoRD@usda.gov Trabuco Ranger District SM.FS.TrabucoRD@usda.gov
You may camp a maximum of 14 consecutive days in a calendar year.
Most campgrounds are on a first-come, first-serve basis and can fill up quickly. For reservations, visit www.recreation.gov or call 1-877-444-6777. Campsites vary in price and capacity and most overnight sites require a user fee. Select any of the links below for more information.
You may camp a maximum of 14 consecutive days in a calendar year.
Group campsites are a great way to assemble groups of up to 70 people under the stars. With amenities such as flush toilets, grills, campfire rings, trash cans, showers, tent space and RV/trailer hookups, the group campgrounds have everything you need for a comfortable evening.
Campsite capacities are listed separately for each campground. The number of vehicles is limited by the parking space available for each campsite and the vehicle fee is included with the campsite fee.
You may camp a maximum of 14 consecutive days in a calendar year.
Many campgrounds on the Cleveland provide sites for trailers or RVs, although hookups may not be provided. Some campgrounds provide tent-only sites and may be difficult to enter or exit with an RV. Please check with the local ranger station with questions regarding accessibility.
Atáxam Mámta’ash Campground
Blue Jay Campground
Bobcat Meadow Campground
Boulder Oaks Campground
Burnt Rancheria Campground
Cibbets Flat Campground
Corral Canyon Campground
Dripping Springs Campground
El Cariso Campground
El Prado Group Campground