Oak Grove Campground
4.33278 reviewsHighway 79
Oak Grove Campground
$15.00 - $30.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$30.00
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
Displayed facility rates vary between $15 to $30 depending on site type and season. Additional fees may apply for reservations made online ($8), through the contact center ($9), or in person ($3).
About this campground
Nestled in a tranquil valley where ancient oak groves whisper stories of the wild, Oak Grove Campground beckons adventurers to discover the hidden heart of Cleveland National Forest. This peaceful retreat features two distinct camping loops—Oak and Ribbonwood—each offering its own character and charm. As darkness falls, the campground transforms into a stargazer's paradise, where the Milky Way stretches across unpolluted skies while the nocturnal symphony of the forest comes alive with the calls of owls and the rustle of wildlife moving through the manzanita.
Oak Grove Campground provides options for tent camping, RV camping, and group sites.
Historical SignificanceStep into a landscape rich with stories of the Old West and scientific discovery. Just a short drive away, the historic Palomar Observatory has been unveiling the mysteries of the cosmos since 1948, while the nearby Stagecoach Inn stands as a testament to the days when horse-drawn carriages carried travelers through these rugged mountains. These cultural treasures add layers of meaning to your camping experience, connecting you to both the pioneering spirit of early settlers and the ongoing quest to understand our universe.
Weather and SeasonsOak Grove's climate dances through dramatic seasonal changes that shape each visitor's experience. Summer arrives with golden sunshine and warm, dry days that invite early morning hikes before the afternoon heat settles into the valley. As autumn paints the landscape in subtle earth tones, temperatures become wonderfully mild, creating perfect camping weather. Winter brings crisp, star-filled nights that may require an extra layer in your sleeping bag, while spring awakens the chaparral with fresh growth and comfortable days ideal for exploration.
ElevationElevation data not provided.
Natural Features and SceneryImmerse yourself in a living tapestry of Southern California's iconic chaparral ecosystem, where majestic canyon live oaks spread their gnarled branches to create natural cathedrals of shade. The distinctive ribbonwood trees, with their striking reddish bark, stand sentinel among fragrant chamise and twisted manzanita bushes. This diverse habitat creates a wildlife corridor where lucky visitors might glimpse the golden eyes of a mountain lion at dusk, watch bobcats padding silently through the underbrush, or observe graceful mule deer browsing in the early morning mist. Gray foxes dart between the shadows while coyotes sing their ancient songs under the stars, and a vibrant community of birds fills the air with melody from dawn to dusk.
Geological RegionOak Grove Campground rests in a naturally sculpted valley within the Cleveland National Forest, where millennia of geological forces have created the perfect cradle for a thriving chaparral ecosystem. This unique landscape showcases the resilient beauty of Southern California's native flora, from the mighty canyon live oaks that have weathered countless seasons to the hardy ribbonwood and aromatic chamise that paint the hillsides in varying shades of green and brown. The surrounding manzanita groves, with their smooth, rust-colored bark and twisted forms, create an almost sculptural landscape that speaks to the artistic hand of nature in shaping this remarkable terrain.
Campsite details
AccessibilityThe campground provides accessible potable water spigots and toilets, although no specific ADA-compliant amenities are mentioned.
Sites SizeSites vary in size, with some large enough to accommodate multiple tents and vehicles, while others are smaller and more suited for individual groups.
Sites PrivacyCampsites offer varying levels of privacy, with some secluded by vegetation and others more open and exposed.
Total Campsites81 campsites
Recommended CampsitesSites 59 and 61 in Ribbonwood Loop are recommended for group camping due to shade and size. Site 12 in Oak Loop is noted for its shaded area and privacy.
Best CampsitesHighly rated campsites include 59 and 61 (Ribbonwood Loop) for shade and wood stoves, site 12 (Oak Loop) for privacy and shade, and site 20 (Oak Loop) for its proximity to private property with cow sightings.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
- Check-in is not required for walk-in sites
- reservations do not specify exact check-in time.
Check-out
Check-out time is not explicitly mentioned.
Stay Limit
Maximum consecutive stay is 14 nights.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Maximum of 8 guests per site.
Groups
Group sites in Ribbonwood Loop are large and can accommodate multiple tents and vehicles as noted by user reviews.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutCampground is divided into two loops: Oak Loop with vault toilets and Ribbonwood Loop with flush toilets. Sites are semi-private with varying degrees of shade.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen year-round; peak season dates are January 1 to December 31, 2025.
Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made on Recreation.gov, through the mobile app, or by contacting the center.
Walk-in AvailabilityUser reviews mention walk-up availability and the ability to choose from available sites upon arrival. Limited availability may apply during peak weekends.
Cancellation PolicyReservations can be canceled anytime before arrival with a $10 cancellation fee. Late cancellations incur additional fees, including forfeiting the first night's recreation use fee. Changes to reservations carry a $10 change fee if they involve different dates.
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
Cell phone service
Flush toilets
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Oak Grove Campground offers a range of activities, including hiking trails, wildlife viewing, and stargazing. The nearby Oak Grove Trail provides scenic views and opportunities for moderate to difficult hikes.
Hiking
Oak Grove Trail spans 1.5 miles and is noted for its steep elevation gain and views of San Jacinto and San Gorgonio Mountains. It connects to the Oak Grove Truck Trail, extending an additional 5 miles to High Point Lookout. Users recommend bringing ample water.Wildlife viewing
Visitors frequently report sightings of coyotes, scrub jays, magpies, rabbits, and other wildlife. Stargazing is also highly popular due to low light pollution.Winter Activities
Limited winter recreation is discussed, though some users note stargazing during meteor showers and observing snow-covered landscapes.Water Sports
Kayaking and other water sports are not supported at this campground.Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Fire restrictions apply frequently due to high fire danger; visitors are advised to contact the ranger station for current conditions.
- Quiet hours are User reviews mention inconsistent enforcement of quiet hours. Some campers experience noise until late night.
Hazards
General hazardsPotential hazards include red ants, poison oak, coyotes, and rattlesnakes. Users mention red ants as a common issue.
Active alertsFire restrictions are frequently mentioned; users are advised to check updates before visitation.
Weather forecast
91
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 60%
Moderately humid conditions
Wind: 5.3 mph
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Overcast
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
Closest emergency services include Warner Springs Fire Station across the road and hospitals in Temecula.
Good to know
Peak season datesJanuary 01, 2025 - December 31, 2025.
Trash and recyclingTrash bins are available, but user reviews indicate inconsistent proximity and occasional overfilling during busy weekends.
Proximity to water featuresProximity to rivers or lakes is not mentioned, but potable water is available at multiple spigots across the campground.
Common complaintsLack of consistent enforcement of quiet hours, dirty bathrooms, noise from nearby roads, and infestation of red ants are common complaints.
HostRick is frequently mentioned as a helpful and friendly camp host, maintaining clean restrooms and ensuring a safe camping experience.
Campground Map
Highway 79
Driving directionsFrom Interstate 15 take the 79 East. The campground is on the north side of the highway, across from the fire station. From Temecula, take State Rt. 79 south 24.1 miles and turn left at campground sign.
Accessible via paved roads. Some user reviews mention ease of driving from Interstate 15 and Temecula, with clear signage.Nearby places
Temecula, CA (24.1 miles, approximately 30 minutes)
Warner Springs, CA (approximately 20-30 minutes)
Julian, CA (approximately 45 minutes).
Nearby supplies
Closest supply locations include a gas station market approximately 5 miles away with essentials like firewood and ice, and major shopping centers about 20 minutes away in Temecula.
Camper Reviews
4.3
278 reviews
Oak Grove Campground is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews
Overall sentiment is moderately positive, with highlights on quiet weekdays, opportunities for stargazing, and spacious campsites. Complaints revolve around noise during weekends, ants, and occasional bathroom cleanliness issues.
Review Summaries
Based on 278 reviews
What Campers Love
Reviewers praise the clean facilities, variety of wildlife, stargazing opportunities, and friendly camp host, 'Rick,' who is frequently mentioned as helpful and accommodating.
Based on 278 reviewsCommon Concerns
Negative feedback includes noise from nearby campers, lack of enforcement of quiet hours, the prevalence of red ants, and occasionally dirty bathrooms.
Based on 278 reviewsPro Tips & Recommendations
Bring your own shade, toilet paper, and firewood. Choose sites with natural shade for summer camping and avoid weekends for quieter experiences.
Based on 278 reviewsSeasonal Insights
Winter and fall are favored for stargazing and cooler temperatures, while summer is described as excessively hot with limited shade.
Based on 278 reviewsCamper Quotes
1. 'Coyotes sang us to sleep.'
2. 'Rick, the host, is someone we've seen for many years. He's the best.'
3. 'The stars are gorgeous on a clear night, even with a nearly full moon.'
4. 'Bathrooms were...
Based on 278 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Site #39 in Ribbonwood Loop is spacious but lacks privacy. Site #20 in Oak Loop is highly praised for its shade and seclusion.
Based on 278 reviewsAccessibility Features
Accessible bathrooms and water spigots are noted, though no explicit ADA-compliant features are reviewed.
Based on 278 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Pets are allowed, and most reviewers note ample room for them to roam. However, red ants are mentioned as a hazard for pets.
Based on 278 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025