Horse Heaven Group
4.518 reviewsDESCANSO RANGER DISTRICT, 3348 ALPINE BLVD., ALPINE, CA 91901, USA
Horse Heaven Group
$60.00 - $150.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Group tent-only area fees range between $60 and $150 per night depending on the loop size and season. Additional reservation service fees may apply.
Standard Site Fee$0.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$105.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
Total Campsite Fees$105.00
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Recreation Dot Gov
Provider619-445-6235
About this campground
Escape to Horse Heaven Group Campground, where towering pines whisper secrets of the mountains and the Pacific Crest Trail beckons just beyond your tent flap. This exclusive tent-only retreat in Cleveland National Forest's Laguna Mountains creates the perfect backdrop for unforgettable group adventures. At 5,600 feet, you'll discover a natural sanctuary where summer temperatures stay refreshingly cool, making it ideal for family reunions, scout troops, or outdoor clubs seeking respite from the heat below. Modern vault toilets and fresh drinking water ensure comfort without sacrificing the authentic camping experience.
Horse Heaven Group Campground is a tent-only group camping facility with three distinct loops. It is suitable for large gatherings and does not accommodate RVs or individual camping.
Historical SignificanceWhile the recorded history of this specific site remains unwritten, the surrounding Laguna Mountains have long served as a refuge for those seeking solitude and connection with nature. Today's campers follow in the footsteps of countless adventurers who have found peace among these ancient pines.
Weather and SeasonsFrom May through September, Horse Heaven transforms into a mountain paradise where nature sets the thermostat just right. With daytime highs hovering around a crisp 53°F and nighttime lows dipping to a cozy 35°F, you'll want to pack layers for stargazing around the campfire. The dry mountain air and moderate breezes create perfect conditions for hiking and outdoor activities, while the absence of summer's oppressive heat makes every adventure more enjoyable.
ElevationPerched at 5,600 feet above sea level, Horse Heaven offers a true mountain escape where the air feels lighter and the stars shine brighter. This elevated sanctuary provides a natural air conditioning system, with temperatures running 20-30 degrees cooler than the valleys below. The altitude creates an alpine atmosphere where pine-scented breezes and crystal-clear skies become your constant companions.
Natural Features and SceneryStep into a living postcard where majestic pines create a natural cathedral overhead, their branches filtering sunlight into dancing patterns on the forest floor. This secluded mountain haven at 5,600 feet serves as a bustling neighborhood for diverse bird species and native wildlife, offering endless opportunities for nature watching. The surrounding forest provides both intimate spaces for quiet reflection and expansive views that remind you why they call it Horse Heaven.
Geological RegionThe Laguna Mountains cradle Horse Heaven in their southern reaches, where Cleveland National Forest showcases nature's architectural mastery. These ancient peaks, crowned with fragrant pine forests at 5,600 feet elevation, tell the story of millions of years of geological artistry. The rugged terrain creates a dramatic landscape of ridges and valleys, offering campers a front-row seat to Southern California's stunning mountain wilderness.
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Campsite details
AccessibilityNo specific details on accessibility features are provided in the authoritative or user review sources.
Sites SizeThe group campsites are large, accommodating up to 100 people and multiple vehicles, with detailed capacities per loop provided.
Sites PrivacySites offer a degree of isolation as one user noted, 'Plenty of isolation.' However, another indicated a lack of adequate parking for large groups as a concern.
Total Campsites3 campsites
Recommended CampsitesLupine Loop is recommended for smaller groups seeking privacy. Buttercup Loop is ideal for larger gatherings but may require early arrival to inspect for litter or damages.
Best CampsitesLupine Loop (1LUPI) offers isolation and clean facilities; Buttercup Loop (1BUTR) can accommodate the largest group but may have occasional litter issues.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
Check-in is typically at 2:00 PM.
Check-out
Check-out is typically at 12:00 PM.
Stay Limit
Maximum stay is 14 nights during a visit.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Sites accommodate between 40 and 100 guests depending on the loop.
Groups
Group sites are divided into three loops: Lupine Loop accommodates 40 people and 10 vehicles, Buttercup Loop accommodates 100 people and 16 vehicles, and Hollyhock Loop accommodates 70 people and 12 vehicles.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutThe campground includes three group areas: Lupine Loop (40 people, 10 vehicles), Buttercup Loop (100 people, 16 vehicles), and Hollyhock Loop (70 people, 12 vehicles).
Open and Closed SeasonThe campground is open for reservations from May 24 through September 7 annually. It closes between September 7 and May 22.
Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made through Recreation.gov.
Walk-in AvailabilityNo first-come, first-served sites are available; all sites require advanced reservations.
Cancellation PolicyReservations can be canceled any time before scheduled arrival, but fees apply. Cancellations made more than 14 days in advance incur a $10 fee, while cancellations within 14 days forfeit the first night's recreation fee. Late cancellations and no-shows may incur additional penalties.
Accomodation available
GroupGroup campsites are offered for larger parties such as families, schools, or organizations. These sites provide space and facilities to accommodate multiple people camping together.
Amenities available
Potable water
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
Camp Store
Activities you can enjoy
The campground offers a variety of outdoor recreational activities, including hiking and biking on nearby trails. The Laguna Mountain region is renowned for horseback riding, although the campground itself has no equestrian sites. The Pacific Crest Trail and Big Laguna Trail System are nearby attractions. Group activities are well-supported, making this a good destination for outdoor enthusiasts.
Hiking
The campground provides proximity to the Pacific Crest National Scenic Trail and the Big Laguna Trail System, offering hiking opportunities for various skill levels.Biking
Mountain biking is a highlighted activity in the Laguna Mountain region, with trails accessible within a short drive.Wildlife viewing
The campground's natural setting at 5,600 feet elevation in the Laguna Mountains makes it a good spot for wildlife viewing, as the region is home to many bird species and other animals.Advertisement
Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- Campfires are permitted but must adhere to local firewood regulations and safety guidelines.
- Quiet hours are No specific quiet hours were stated.
Hazards
General hazardsPotential hazards include wildlife encounters and fire risks due to the forested environment.
Active alertsNo active alerts were noted in the materials.
Weather forecast
54
°F
Nov 25
Tuesday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 41%
Comfortable humidity levels
Wind: 6.9 mph
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Clear sky
7 day forecast
Weather History
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Emergency Services
Emergency services, including hospitals and police stations, are located in the nearest city of Alpine, CA.
Good to know
Peak season datesMay 24, 2025 - September 1, 2025; May 22, 2026 - September 7, 2026.
Trash and recyclingNo specific information about trash and recycling facilities is provided.
Proximity to water featuresThe area is not directly adjacent to water bodies but provides access to scenic trails and overlooks.
Common complaintsSome reviewers noted issues like litter and damaged benches at Buttercup Loop, as well as outdated vault toilets.
HostNo specific details about campground hosts were provided.
Campground Map
DESCANSO RANGER DISTRICT, 3348 ALPINE BLVD., ALPINE, CA 91901, USA
Driving directionsThe campground is located 50 miles east of San Diego, California. Take I-8 to Sunrise Highway exit. Go approximately 14 miles until you see the Horse Heaven Group Campground sign and turn down the campground entrance road.
The campground is accessible via paved roads, specifically Interstate 8 and Sunrise Highway. The entrance road is clearly marked. Road access is generally reliable year-round.Nearby places
San Diego, CA (50 miles, approximately 1-hour drive)
Nearby supplies
A general store for camping supplies is located 2.3 miles away at Mt. Laguna and Pine Valley.
Camper Reviews
4.5
8 reviews
Horse Heaven Group is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews generally praise the campground for its spacious sites, proximity to hiking trails, and natural beauty. However, concerns were raised about the condition of some facilities, including vault toilets and picnic tables.
Review Summaries
Based on 8 reviews
What Campers Love
Positive feedback highlights the campground's spacious group sites ('Great amount of space for a large group'), clean vault toilets ('Bathrooms were pretty clean'), and suitability for group camping....
Based on 8 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
Common complaints include the need for updated vault toilets ('The outhouse could use some updating') and insufficient parking for large groups ('There should be an overflow parking area'). Some...
Based on 8 reviewsShow more
Pro Tips & Recommendations
Users recommend arriving before dark to fully appreciate the secluded camping areas ('Get there before dark or you'll miss out on the secluded camping areas tucked around the bend'). They also advise...
Based on 8 reviewsShow more
Seasonal Insights
Reviews suggest that summer is a popular season due to cool mountain temperatures. However, larger groups may face parking challenges during peak times.
Based on 8 reviewsCamper Quotes
1. 'No mosquitoes wow, bathrooms were great for camping.' 2. 'Great amount of space for a large group. I would say the amount allowed is the max that would fit.' 3. 'Get there before dark or you'll...
Based on 8 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Loop-specific feedback includes: Lupine Loop ('Plenty of isolation') and Buttercup Loop ('Somewhat littered and a damaged table bench'). Overall, Buttercup Loop received mixed reviews, with some...
Based on 8 reviewsShow more
Accessibility Features
No reviews explicitly address accessibility features.
Based on 8 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
No pet-specific feedback is available.
Based on 8 reviewsLast updated November 24, 2025
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