El Prado Group

Show on map 619-445-6235 joy@westrecllc.com

DESCANSO RANGER DISTRICT, 3348 ALPINE BLVD
Alpine, CA 91901

Overview

El Prado Group Campground is a great mountain getaway just one hour east of San Diego, California in the Laguna Mountain Recreation Area. Campers can enjoy cooler temperatures, unique natural areas and an extensive trail system at this mountain facility from summer through early fall.

Recreation

The Laguna Mountain Recreation Area is known for great horseback riding, mountain biking, and hiking trails. Visitors can get their boots dusty on the Laguna Meadow Trail system or access a segment of the 2,650-mile Pacific Crest Trail, which runs from Mexico, through California and north to Canada. Within the campground is the El Prado Cabin which was built in 1911 and was the first Ranger's cabin in the Cleveland National Forest. Step back in time and enjoy this historical feature in the campground. Families can learn about the area's flora and fauna by attending educational programs at nearby Laguna Campground. A visitor center is a few miles down the road.

Facilities

The campground is made up of five well-spaced individual group sites in a peaceful setting adjacent to Laguna Campground. One of the group sites, Yerba Santa, is accessible and includes four tent sites. Each site can accommodate a varying number of guests ranging between 30 to 50 people, and allows a 40-ft. maximum RV length. The facility provides drinking water, flush and vault toilets and a large parking area. Part of the campground is fenced off to protect the habitat of the endangered Laguna Skipper butterfly. Visitors are asked to respect the fence boundary and comply with the maximum site occupancy.

Natural Features

The campground sits at an elevation of 5,600 ft. in the Laguna Mountains. It is forested with pines and oaks that provide plenty of shade. The area is home to many species of birds, as well as the endangered Laguna Skipper butterfly.

Contact Info

This location is staffed. Please call (619) 354-8776 to speak with local staff.

Nearby Attractions

The Pacfic Crest National Scenic Trail, Noble Canyon National Recreation Trail, Mount Laguna Information Center

Camp site features

Across 5 camp sites:

Fire pit: 4 of 5 sites
Pets allowed: all 5 sites
ADA accessible: 1 of 5 sites
Group sites: all 5 sites
Longest RV: 45 ft
Largest party: 50 people

Services within 25 miles · OpenStreetMap

Nearest dump station: 7.4 mi

Directions

The campground is located 50 miles east of San Diego, California. Take I-8 to the Sunrise Highway (State Route S1) exit. Go approximately 15 miles north to Laguna/El Prado Campground, just beyond the 26 mile marker. Stop at the entrance station for information and site location.

Stay Limit

Check in from 2 PM, check out by 11 AM.

Reviews

10 reviews

5 stars

4 stars

3 stars

Matt B

Loop:El P

Site:

Reviewed a month ago

Clean and quiet with friendly camp hosts.

Virginia S

Loop:El P

Site:

Reviewed 3 months ago

Loved it. Beautiful. Camp Hosts were wonderful

Scott K

Loop:El P

Site:

Reviewed 3 months ago

The Buckwheat site is the best of these group sites. Plenty of space, great views of the forrest and the meadow. Great place to watch meteor showers also

Vanecia B

Loop:El P

Site:

Reviewed 4 months ago

We had a wonderful stay at El Prado - Yerba Santa. The scenery was beautiful, and the campground was a great place to relax and enjoy nature. Robert and Jason, the campground hosts, were exceptional. They were welcoming, accommodating, and went above and beyond to ensure everyone had a positive experience. Even when a few campers weren't following the campground rules, they handled the situation professionally while making sure the rest of us could enjoy our stay. Their dedication and hospitality truly made a difference. We highly recommend this campground and look forward to staying here again.

Travis N

Loop:El P

Site:

Reviewed a year ago

Best group site in my opinion. I get it just for myself Sometimes.

Carol K

Loop:El P

Site:

Reviewed a year ago

We love coming back to this group camp site every other year. It is shady, beautiful, peaceful, and just the right size for the group. The only downside are the pit toilets (flies and the smell) that our teens always complain about.

Availability

See the Camp Sites section below to find detailed booking availability.

Reserve

Popularity: Very quiet

Busiest in November, when about 17% of guest capacity is reserved. Based on 1 years of reservations.