El Cariso Campground
3.9529 reviewsAdjacent to Ortega Highway (Highway 74), located 25 miles east of San Juan Capistrano and 5 miles west of Lake Elsinore.
El Cariso Campground
$5.00 - $15.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$15.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
Camping costs $15 per night. Day passes are available for $5, and passes like Adventure Pass, America the Beautiful, Golden Age, or Golden Access are required and must be displayed.
About this campground
Nestled beneath a canopy of ancient Live Oaks along the scenic Ortega Highway, El Cariso Campground offers an intimate retreat in the heart of Cleveland National Forest. This cozy 24-site campground provides a perfect basecamp for adventurers seeking easy access to mountain trails and forest exploration. While the proximity to Ortega Highway means you'll hear the occasional hum of passing vehicles, the dense shade from towering oaks creates a naturally cool sanctuary where campers gather in close-knit community beneath the protective embrace of old-growth trees.
El Cariso Campground accommodates tent camping and combined tent/RV sites. However, RV spaces are limited due to low-hanging tree branches and narrow roads.
Historical SignificanceBeyond its natural beauty, El Cariso holds a sacred space in its heart—a touching memorial dedicated to fallen Wildland Firefighters who gave their lives protecting these forests. This solemn monument serves as a powerful reminder of the brave souls who guard our wild places, offering visitors a quiet corner for reflection and gratitude amid the wilderness they helped preserve.
Weather and SeasonsYear-round camping paradise awaits at El Cariso, where temperatures dance between a crisp 41°F on winter mornings to balmy 90°F summer afternoons. Summer transforms the campground into a shaded oasis when valley temperatures soar, with highs kissing the upper 80s and low 90s while the oak canopy provides natural air conditioning. Winter brings refreshing mountain air with comfortable 57°F days perfect for hiking and exploring without breaking a sweat.
ElevationPerched at 2,600 feet in the majestic Santa Ana Mountain Range, El Cariso occupies a sweet spot where mountain air meets forest tranquility. This elevation gifts the campground with naturally cooler temperatures than the valleys below and creates the perfect conditions for the lush forest ecosystem that thrives here, making summer camping surprisingly comfortable even during heat waves.
Natural Features and SceneryStep into a living cathedral where mighty Live Oaks stretch their gnarled branches overhead, joined by the smooth red bark of Madrones and the impressive cones of Coulter Pines. California Scrub Oaks fill in the understory, creating layers of green that filter sunlight into a soft, dappled glow across the forest floor. This diverse botanical tapestry provides constant shade and transforms the campground into a natural amphitheater of rustling leaves and woodland whispers.
Geological RegionEl Cariso sits proudly within the rugged Santa Ana Mountain Range, a geological wonderland within Cleveland National Forest where ancient forces carved dramatic ridges and valleys. The campground's natural dirt floor speaks to its authentic forest setting, while the diverse tree community—from stately Live Oaks to distinctive Madrones and towering Coulter Pines mixed with hardy California Scrub Oak—tells the story of a unique ecosystem where coastal and mountain influences merge in perfect harmony.
Campsite details
AccessibilityThe campground does not have wheelchair-friendly toilets or other specific accessibility features.
Sites SizeSites are generally small, tightly packed, and offer limited privacy.
Sites PrivacyThe campsites are close together with very little privacy.
Total Campsites24 campsites
Recommended CampsitesSites closer to the interior may offer slightly more privacy and reduced highway noise.
Best CampsitesSpecific site numbers for the best campsites are not provided.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
Check-in times not explicitly provided.
Check-out
Check-out times not explicitly provided.
Stay Limit
Maximum stay is 14 consecutive days.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Maximum of 1 vehicle per site, specific guest limit not provided.
Groups
There are no designated group sites.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Site layoutThe campground includes 24 closely spaced sites arranged around a central loop.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen year-round.
Reservation PlatformsReservations are not accepted. Sites are walk-up only.
Walk-in AvailabilitySites are walk-up only. The campground tends to be less busy during weekdays but can fill up on weekends.
Cancellation PolicyCancellation policy details not provided.
Amenities available
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Recreational activities are limited to hiking and picnicking. The campground is close to the San Juan Trail, which is frequently used for day hikes. There are no water sports, fishing, or other activities available.
Hiking
The San Juan Trail, located 3.6 miles south on State Rt. 74, is a popular nearby hiking option.Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Campfires are allowed but must be fully extinguished. Signs indicate fires must not burn out but must be put out.
- Quiet hours are enforced after 10 PM, but reviews mention inconsistent enforcement.
Hazards
General hazardsMajor hazards include frequent poison oak in the area, traffic noise from Ortega Highway, low-hanging branches impeding RVs, and the presence of mosquitoes and flying insects.
Active alertsNo active alerts provided.
Weather forecast
90
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 42%
Comfortable humidity levels
Wind: 7.4 mph
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Clear sky
7-Day Forecast
Access to 7-day forecasts tailored to each campground—covering temperature, precipitation, wind, and sky conditions.
Daily & Hourly Insights
View hourly forecasts with expected weather patterns throughout the day.
Temperature Trends
Visualize how temperatures shift over the month to help pick the most comfortable days for your trip.
Precipitation Trends
Plan around rain or snow with monthly visualizations of expected precipitation patterns.
Weather Summaries
Assess conditions with visuals for easier decision-making on when and where to camp.
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Emergency Services
The fire station across the street provides emergency services. The nearest hospital is in Lake Elsinore, approximately 5 miles away.
Good to know
Peak season datesSpecific dates for peak season pricing or shoulder seasons not provided.
Trash and recyclingLarge trash bins are available on-site. Campers are encouraged to use these facilities to keep the campground clean.
Proximity to water featuresNo nearby lakes, rivers, or streams are mentioned.
Common complaintsCommon complaints include constant noise from Ortega Highway, sites lacking privacy, poor restroom cleanliness, broken glass, and occasional loud and disrespectful campers.
HostNo host information provided.
Campground Map
Adjacent to Ortega Highway (Highway 74), located 25 miles east of San Juan Capistrano and 5 miles west of Lake Elsinore.
Driving directionsFrom Lake Elsinore, CA, take State Rt. 74 south 5.9 miles to the campground on the right.
The campground is accessible directly from Ortega Highway (Highway 74). Roads are paved but narrow, making it suitable for vehicles under 22 ft. High RVs may face challenges due to low-hanging Live Oak branches.Nearby places
1. Lake Elsinore, CA - 5 miles, approximately 10 minutes of travel. 2. San Juan Capistrano, CA - 25 miles, approximately 45 minutes of travel.
Nearby supplies
Ortega Oaks RV Park, located 3.6 miles south of the campground, offers a waste station and camping essentials. Additional supplies are available in nearby Lake Elsinore.
Camper Reviews
4.0
29 reviews
El Cariso Campground has mixed reviews, placing it in the bottom 85% of campgrounds based on reviews
User opinions about El Cariso Campground vary widely. While some appreciate its affordability and proximity to Lake Elsinore, many criticize the noise from adjacent Highway 74 and the lack of maintenance.
Review Summaries
Based on 29 reviews
What Campers Love
Reviewers noted the beautiful oak tree coverage and ample shade at campsites. Others appreciated the affordable cost ($15 per night), clean grounds, and convenient location.
Based on 29 reviewsCommon Concerns
Common issues include constant noise from the nearby highway, poorly maintained restrooms, and a general lack of privacy due to close campsite proximity. Some reviewers reported disruptive behavior...
Based on 29 reviewsShow more
Pro Tips & Recommendations
Campers recommend bringing earplugs to cope with highway noise and bug spray for mosquitos. It's also suggested to call ahead to check for open spots, particularly on weekends.
Based on 29 reviewsSeasonal Insights
The campground is quieter during weekdays and in the off-season but tends to be crowded on weekends. Noise levels from the highway and other campers are consistent regardless of the season.
Based on 29 reviewsCamper Quotes
"Perfect!, we thought, who doesn't love falling asleep to the sound of revving Harleys?" - Beis Thoresen. "There was trash all over this campground, tons of broken glass, and empty beer cans." -...
Based on 29 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Site-specific feedback mentions that some sites offer better shade and slightly more privacy. Sites close to the highway experience higher noise levels.
Based on 29 reviewsAccessibility Features
No specific accessibility reviews were provided.
Based on 29 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Pets are allowed, but reviewers caution keeping them safe due to the proximity to the highway.
Based on 29 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025