Upper San Juan Campground
00 reviewUpper San Juan Campground
$18.00 - $30.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$18.00
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
Standard Site Fee: $18 per day; Double Unit Fee: $30 per day; Extra Vehicle fee: $5 per night.
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About this campground
Nestled among ancient Live Oaks, Upper San Juan Campground beckons with 18 thoughtfully designed sites that have welcomed outdoor enthusiasts since 1933. This historic retreat, lovingly crafted by the Civilian Conservation Corps during America's Great Depression, features a natural dirt floor beneath a canopy of spreading oaks. A seasonal creek meanders through the grounds, creating a tranquil soundtrack that enhances the camping experience.
The campground features a mix of tent and combined-use sites. It is not RV-friendly due to low-hanging branches.
Historical SignificanceStep back in time at this Depression-era treasure, where the skilled hands of the Civilian Conservation Corps transformed raw wilderness into a welcoming campground in 1933. These young men, part of President Roosevelt's ambitious New Deal program, left their mark on the landscape with enduring craftsmanship that continues to serve generations of campers nearly a century later.
Weather and SeasonsFrom April through November, Upper San Juan welcomes visitors with refreshingly cool temperatures and predominantly dry conditions that make for ideal camping weather. While gentle breezes typically rustle through the oak leaves, occasional wind gusts up to 21 mph add drama to the mountain atmosphere, reminding campers of nature's dynamic presence in this protected canyon setting.
ElevationPerched at 1,800 feet in the foothills, Upper San Juan enjoys a goldilocks elevation that delivers comfortable temperatures throughout the camping season. This perfect middle ground escapes the valley's heat while avoiding the alpine chill, creating an inviting microclimate where campers can enjoy outdoor activities from dawn to dusk.
Natural Features and SceneryThe campground's meticulously maintained grounds showcase nature's artistry, where majestic Live Oaks create natural cathedral ceilings above a clean earthen floor. San Juan Creek, flowing seasonally through the property, transforms the landscape with its presence – from a babbling companion during wet months to a peaceful sandy streambed that traces the water's patient path through the canyon.
Geological RegionTucked within the rugged embrace of the Santa Ana Mountain Range, the campground occupies a special niche where mountain ecology meets oak woodland habitat. The distinctive dirt understory, free from dense undergrowth, creates an open, park-like setting beneath the Live Oak canopy – a testament to the unique geological and ecological conditions that define this corner of Southern California's coastal mountains.
Campsite details
AccessibilityThe campground lacks wheelchair-friendly toilets and other accessibility infrastructure.
Sites SizeThe sites include a mix of single and double units, but specific dimensions are not provided.
Sites PrivacySites are located under live oak trees, and the area is noted to have a "dirt understory." Privacy levels are not explicitly mentioned.
Total Campsites18 campsites
Recommended CampsitesChoose sites further from the creek during rainy seasons to avoid water pooling.
Best CampsitesSpecific site information not provided.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
Null
Check-out
Null
Stay Limit
Maximum stay of 14 consecutive nights.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Maximum guests per site not specified.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Site layout18 sites including tent and combined-use sites.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen seasonally from April or May through November.
Reservation PlatformsReservations are not available for this campground.
Walk-in Availability"No reservations; walk-up availability may be the only option."
Cancellation PolicyNo cancellation policy is specified.
Amenities available
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Activities include day hiking and picnicking. Nearby trails offer access to longer hikes and multi-use paths for mountain biking and horseback riding.
Hiking
The San Juan Loop Trail, 2.1 miles in length and suitable for day hikes, is accessible from the campground. Longer trails such as the San Juan Trail (11.6 miles), Chiquito Trail (9.2 miles), and Chiquito Basin Trail (2 miles) can be accessed from the primary trailhead 0.75 miles away.Biking
Mountain biking is permitted on the San Juan Loop Trail and other nearby trails.Winter Activities
No winter activities such as snowshoeing or skiing are supported due to the campground's seasonal closure.Water Sports
Water sports such as kayaking or paddleboarding are not available.Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- Campfires allowed unless restrictions are in place; no specific details.
Hazards
General hazardsLack of potable water and occasional low-hanging branches. Wildlife presence possible.
Active alertsThe campground is currently closed.
Weather forecast
79
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Strong wind, exercise caution
Humidity: 55%
Moderately humid conditions
Wind: 9.9 mph
Strong wind, exercise caution
Clear sky
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Daily & Hourly Insights
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Temperature Trends
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Precipitation Trends
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Weather Summaries
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Emergency Services
Emergency services are likely available in nearby Lake Elsinore.
Good to know
Peak season datesPeak season likely aligns with open months from April or May to November.
Trash and recyclingNo specific information about trash or recycling facilities is provided in the source materials.
Proximity to water featuresSeasonal San Juan Creek runs through the campground.
Common complaints"No potable water available"; "Limited RV accessibility due to low-hanging branches."
Campground Map
Driving directionsFrom Lake Elsinore, CA, take State Rt. 74 south 10.3 miles to campground on right.
"Located Adjacent to the Ortega Highway (Highway 74), 21 miles east of San Juan Capistrano and 9 miles west of Lake Elsinore." Roads may be paved and easily accessible, but the campground's dirt understory and seasonal creek may pose challenges.Nearby places
Lake Elsinore: 9 miles, San Juan Capistrano: 21 miles
Nearby supplies
"There are limited groceries and good candy available at the Ortega Country Cottage General Store (formerly known as the 'Candy Store'). It is located 0.75 miles north of the campground on State Rt. 74."
Camper Reviews
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Upper San Juan Campground has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews
There are no user reviews provided in the source material.
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Last updated August 10, 2025