Cleveland National Forest California

Cleveland National Forest Overview

Cleveland National Forest is one of Southern California’s premier outdoor recreation destinations, stretching across portions of San Diego, Orange, and Riverside counties. Covering nearly 460,000 acres of rugged mountains, deep canyons, oak woodlands, chaparral-covered hillsides, and pine forests, the forest offers a diverse landscape that contrasts sharply with the surrounding urban areas.

Visitors enjoy a wide variety of outdoor activities including hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, scenic drives, wildlife viewing, off-highway vehicle recreation, and stargazing. Popular destinations include the Laguna Mountains, Mount Palomar, Big Laguna Meadow, and portions of the Pacific Crest Trail, which passes through the forest. Scenic viewpoints offer sweeping views of both the Pacific Coast and the desert landscapes to the east.

Camping opportunities range from developed campgrounds with amenities to remote backcountry camping areas. The forest contains numerous campgrounds spread throughout its three ranger districts, providing options for tent campers, RV travelers, equestrians, and groups.

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Amenities

• BBQ Grills
• Campground Host
• Campsite Tables
• Cell Service - None
• Cell Service Fair
• Cell Service Poor
• Drinking Water
• Dumpsters
• Equestrian trail
• Fire Pit
• Fire Rings
• Firewood Available
• Golden Age & Access Passports accepted
• Grills
• Pets OK
• Picnic Tables
• Showers
• Trash Collection

Activities

• ATVing
• Backpacking
• Biking
• Bird Watching
• Fishing
• Hiking
• Historic Sites
• Horseback riding
• Mountain Biking
• OHVing
• OTV Trails/Riding
• Photography
• Picnicking
• Stargazing
• Wildlife Viewing