El Cariso Campground

Are you a Californian seeking a convenient and serene escape into nature, perhaps a quick overnight stay or a tranquil spot for a picnic and reflection? El Cariso Campground, nestled within the picturesque Cleveland National Forest near Lake Elsinore, offers a unique and accessible outdoor experience. Located directly on the scenic Ortega Highway (CA-74), this charming campground serves as a welcoming gateway to the Santa Ana Mountains. It provides a peaceful setting for tent campers and those with smaller RVs, inviting visitors to enjoy the natural beauty of Southern California with relative ease.

El Cariso Campground holds a special significance beyond its recreational appeal. It stands as a poignant memorial to fallen wildland firefighters, with plaques commemorating their sacrifices. This makes it not just a place for camping, but also a site for quiet contemplation, remembrance, and appreciating the dedication of those who protect California's precious wildlands. Visitors often feel a sense of pride and responsibility to help maintain its cleanliness, ensuring it remains a respectful and enjoyable space for all. While it is a smaller campground with 24 sites that can be quite close to each other, especially on busy weekends, it offers significant shading from mature trees, providing a comfortable respite from the Southern California sun. Its first-come, first-served policy makes it an ideal spontaneous getaway for locals.

El Cariso Campground is strategically located at 32405 CA-74, Lake Elsinore, CA 92530, situated directly on the Ortega Highway (State Route 74) within the Cleveland National Forest. This puts it approximately 5 miles west of Lake Elsinore and about 25 miles east of San Juan Capistrano, making it highly accessible from both Orange County and the Inland Empire. The campground's position on a scenic mountain pass in the Santa Ana Mountains ensures a picturesque drive to and from the site. Its direct proximity to Ortega Highway, while meaning some road noise, also offers unparalleled ease of access for all types of vehicles. The paved road directly into the campground simplifies arrival and departure. For those commuting from nearby cities, El Cariso Campground serves as a convenient and quick escape into a natural setting without requiring extensive travel into remote wilderness. Handicap accessible parking is available near the restrooms, further enhancing its accessibility for all visitors.

• Campsites: El Cariso Campground features 24 single-family campsites. These sites are primarily suitable for tent camping and can accommodate smaller trailers and RVs, with a maximum vehicle length of 22 feet.
• First-Come, First-Served: The campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis, meaning no reservations are required, which is ideal for spontaneous trips.
• Picnic Tables: Each campsite is equipped with a picnic table, providing a convenient surface for meals and gatherings.
• Fire Rings and Grills: Sites include fire rings and charcoal grills, allowing campers to enjoy traditional campfires and outdoor cooking (subject to current fire restrictions, and fires must be completely extinguished).
• Potable Water: Fresh water spigots are available on either side of the campground, providing access to drinking water.
• Vault Toilets: The campground provides vault toilets for convenience. While they are wilderness facilities, efforts are made to keep them available to the public.
• Trash Collection: Large trash bins are available to encourage campers to leave no trace and keep the public lands clean.
• Day Use Option: A day pass is available for those who wish to visit for picnics or quiet reflection without staying overnight.
• Forest Service Management: The campground is operated by the Forest Service, ensuring standard national forest regulations and maintenance.

• Memorial to Wildland Firefighters: A significant and unique feature of El Cariso Campground is its dedication as a memorial to fallen wildland firefighters. Visitors can find plaques on the wall, offering a solemn and proud opportunity for reflection and remembrance.
• Strategic Location on Ortega Highway: Its direct proximity to CA-74 (Ortega Highway) provides easy access and a convenient stopover point, especially for those traveling between Orange County and Lake Elsinore.
• Shaded Campsites: The campground boasts significant shading from numerous trees, offering a pleasant and cooler environment, even during warmer Southern California days.
• Proximity to Fire Station and Visitor Center: A fire station is located directly across the street, offering a sense of security, and the El Cariso Visitor Center is nearby, which can provide information on the local area and trails.
• Access to Nature Trail: The campground provides direct access to the El Cariso Nature Trail, a self-guided trail offering information on local plant life and the area's mining history, perfect for low-key education and outdoor enjoyment.
• Hiking and Biking Opportunities: Situated in the Cleveland National Forest, the campground is a gateway to numerous hiking, mountain biking, and even horseback riding trails in the Santa Ana Mountains. Popular trails like Santiago Trail and Three Sisters Waterfall Trail are accessible within the wider forest.
• Peaceful Reflection: The memorial aspect, combined with shaded spots, makes it an ideal place for quiet reading, picnicking, or simply enjoying peace and quiet amidst nature.
• Affordable Camping: At $15 per campsite per night (as of available information), it offers an affordable option for camping in a national forest.

Address: 32405 CA-74, Lake Elsinore, CA 92530, USA

Phone: (951) 736-1811

Mobile Phone: +1 951-736-1811

For Californians, El Cariso Campground offers a uniquely accessible and meaningful outdoor experience, making it particularly suitable for local residents. Its prime location on Ortega Highway between Lake Elsinore and Orange County means it’s an incredibly convenient spot for a quick escape into nature without requiring extensive travel. This accessibility makes it ideal for impromptu weekend trips, day picnics, or even just a serene roadside stop for those looking to stretch their legs and breathe fresh air. The campground's first-come, first-served policy is a huge benefit for spontaneous adventurers, allowing locals to decide on a whim to enjoy a night under the stars. The abundant tree shading provides a welcome respite from Southern California's often warm climate, ensuring a more comfortable outdoor experience. Beyond the practicalities, El Cariso Campground offers a profound connection to the state's natural heritage and the brave individuals who protect it, serving as a solemn and inspiring memorial to wildland firefighters. This adds a layer of depth to a visit, inviting quiet reflection and appreciation for public lands. While it may not offer the vast seclusion of more remote wilderness areas, its charm lies in its simplicity, affordability, and the immediate access to hiking trails and the El Cariso Visitor Center. For locals seeking a convenient, comfortable, and contemplative retreat that's deeply rooted in California's natural and heroic landscape, El Cariso Campground stands out as an excellent and highly recommended choice.

El Cariso Campground

32405 CA-74, Lake Elsinore, CA 92530, USA