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

Travis N

Verified

December 4, 2025 • Stayed at: Buckwheat, Loop: EL P

5

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

Travis N

Verified

December 4, 2025 • Stayed at: Buckwheat, Loop: EL P

5

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

Vanecia B

Verified

July 12, 2026 • Stayed at: Yerba Santa, Loop: EL P

4

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.

Scott K

Verified

August 18, 2026 • Stayed at: Buckwheat, Loop: EL P

5

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

Virginia S

Verified

August 21, 2026 • Stayed at: Whitethorn, Loop: EL P

5

Loved it. Beautiful. Camp Hosts were wonderful

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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Explore Alpine, CA

Population: 15,180

Nearby larger city

El Cajon, CA

Approx. 30 mi away (straight-line distance)

Elevation: 1,841 ft

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Managed by the USDA Forest Service