El Prado Ranger Cabin
EL PRADO GROUP
El Prado Group Campground
EL PRADO GROUP
EL PRADO GROUP

Featured amenities

Pet Friendly Pet Friendly
Picnic Table Picnic Table
Restrooms Restrooms
Fire Pit Fire Pit

Available sites

4 total sites

About El Prado Group

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.

Seasonal information

2026 (Current year)

2026 Season availability

Current season
Upcoming seasons
Past seasons
Closed periods
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Currently closed

Campground Amenities

Most popular amenities

Pet friendly Pet friendly
Picnic Table Picnic Table
Restrooms Restrooms
Fire Pit Fire Pit
Site Setup and Access

Site Setup and Access

  • ADA Accessible
Water and Hygiene

Water and Hygiene

  • Potable Water
  • Restrooms
Cooking and Fire

Cooking and Fire

  • Picnic Table
  • BBQ
  • Fire Pit
Pets and Policies

Pets and Policies

  • Pet friendly
Missing information?

Rates, Sites & Availability

Select check-in and check-out dates to see real-time availability for each site.

4 Sites Available

Site
Price
⛺ Big Sage, Loop: EL P Tent
Paved · Pet Friendly · Campfire
⛺ Buckwheat, Loop: EL P Tent
Paved · Pet Friendly · Campfire
⛺ Whitethorn, Loop: EL P Tent
Paved · Pet Friendly · Campfire
⛺ Yerba Santa, Loop: EL P Tent
Paved · Pet Friendly · Campfire

Reviews (15)

What Guests Are Saying

El Prado Group is praised as an excellent campsite, known for its beautiful, peaceful, and shady environment, making it ideal for group gatherings. Many visitors enjoy returning every other year. The main downside noted is the condition of the pit toilets, which some find unpleasant.

Review Summary

4.1
15 reviews
5
40.0%
6
4
33.3%
5
3
26.7%
4
2
0.0%
0
1
0.0%
0

Matt B

Verified

September 26, 2022 • Stayed at: Whitethorn, Loop: EL P

4

The site was very large and had a good combination of shade and sun. A few flat spots for tents. One of the water spigots had a leak below ground. There was pooled up water leading away from this area which the yellow jackets congregated around. This has obviously been an issue for some time as there was some nice patches of green grass growing next to the little "pond." Bathrooms were pit toilets, but so much better than a porta-john. Firepit was large. Overall a good spot for a few families.

Scott K

Verified

July 22, 2022 • Stayed at: Buckwheat, Loop: EL P

5

Huge site with plenty of room. The in-ground fire pit was nice along with 3 cooking fire pits. Very peaceful. Easy access to meadow hiking trail.

Scott K

Verified

July 22, 2022 • Stayed at: Buckwheat, Loop: EL P

5

Huge site with plenty of room. The in-ground fire pit was nice along with 3 cooking fire pits. Very peaceful. Easy access to meadow hiking trail.

Erin B

Verified

August 3, 2021 • Stayed at: Yerba Santa, Loop: EL P

3

The bathrooms were filthy. I cleaned them myself. Otherwise, the site was great. Bring gloves, bleach, cleaner, soap, and sponges with you!

Erin B

Verified

August 3, 2021 • Stayed at: Yerba Santa, Loop: EL P

3

The bathrooms were filthy. I cleaned them myself. Otherwise, the site was great. Bring gloves, bleach, cleaner, soap, and sponges with you!

Location & Directions for El Prado Group

Descanso Ranger District, Alpine, CA 91901 United States

Elevation: 1,671 ft

Getting There

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

Nearest town

Alpine, CA - 29 mi

About 35 min to downtown

Highway access

The campground is accessible via I-8, with the Sunrise Highway (State Route S1) exit providing direct access approximately 15 miles north of I-8.

Policies & Rules

General

  • To protect the Laguna Skipper butterfly, campers cannot enter the area behind the fence; cooperation is essential in order to keep these campsites open
  • Click here for more information on the Cleveland National Forest
  • Don't Move Firewood: Protect California's forests from tree-killing pests by buying your firewood locally and burning it on-site. For more information visit firewood.ca.gov.
  • El Prado Group Camp and Laguna Campground share an entrance; no walk-ins are honored in El Prado Group Camp.

Nearby Campgrounds

Nearby destinations


Last updated: October 20, 2026

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Elevation: 1,841 ft

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