Green Valley Campground
4.4939 reviews13652 Highway 79, Julian, CA 92036
Green Valley Campground
$40.00 - $45.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$40.00
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 campsites are $40 per night, while horse camp sites are $45 per night. Extra vehicles cost $10 per night.
About this campground
Nestled at 4,000 feet within the enchanting Cuyamaca Rancho State Park, Green Valley Campground offers 81 pristine campsites beneath a canopy of ancient oak trees. Here, where woodland paths lead to the mesmerizing Green Valley Falls, campers discover a sanctuary where nature's tranquility reigns supreme and every sunrise brings the promise of new adventures.
Green Valley Campground accommodates various types of camping including standard family sites, equestrian sites, and group camping.
Historical SignificanceWalk in the footsteps of the Kumeyaay people who called these mountains home for thousands of years. Green Valley's rich tapestry weaves together indigenous heritage with echoes of California's gold rush era, where prospectors once sought fortune in these hills. Throughout the park, you'll discover the enduring legacy of the Civilian Conservation Corps, whose 1930s craftsmanship still serves visitors today.
Weather and SeasonsExperience the perfect rhythm of mountain seasons at Green Valley. Summer days invite you to explore shaded trails while oak leaves whisper overhead, though pack a warm layer for those crisp mountain evenings. Winter transforms the landscape into a quieter retreat, with cooler temperatures and occasional closures when nature needs its rest. Spring and fall showcase the campground at its finest, with comfortable temperatures and stunning seasonal transitions.
ElevationPerched at 4,000 feet, Green Valley offers the sweet spot of mountain camping—high enough to escape the heat of lower elevations, yet comfortably below the snow line. This perfect elevation gifts campers with refreshingly cool nights for stellar sleep under the stars and pleasantly mild days ideal for exploration.
Natural Features and SceneryImmerse yourself in a landscape where majestic oaks create natural cathedrals, their branches intertwining with scattered pines to form a living roof above your campsite. Wildflower-dotted meadows stretch between the trees, while crystal-clear creeks dance over granite stones, creating gentle cascades that provide nature's soundtrack to your camping experience.
Geological RegionGreen Valley sits proudly within the Peninsular Mountain Range, a geological wonderland where ancient forces sculpted a diverse ecosystem. This remarkable region seamlessly blends dense oak and conifer forests with sweeping meadows, all connected by a network of streams that have carved their paths through the landscape for millennia.
Campsite details
AccessibilityAccessible facilities include four campsites (#25, #44, #69, and #78) with accessible restroom and shower buildings, van-accessible parking stalls, and a horse mounting platform available in the equestrian campground.
Sites SizeCampsites vary in size and can accommodate tents and smaller RVs. Tent pad lengths are reported to range from 24 to 40 feet, and sites are generally spacious enough for an 8-person tent.
Sites PrivacyMany campsites offer privacy due to spacing and surrounding vegetation. Some are noted as more secluded than others, such as site #54 which requires carrying gear down to the site.
Total Campsites81 campsites
Recommended CampsitesSites with proximity to Green Valley Falls are recommended for access to water features. Sites #27, #35, #52, and #69 are particularly praised in user reviews.
Best CampsitesCampsite #35 and accessible site #69 are highlighted as spacious and well-located. Campsite #52 is noted for its unique rock formations.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
2:00 PM
Check-out
12:00 PM
Stay Limit
Maximum 8 people per campsite and a stay limit of up to 14 consecutive days.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Maximum of 8 guests per campsite.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutCampsites are spread across loops, offering partial shade and privacy. Some sites are sloped, and others have unique features like rocks or proximity to water.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen April 1 through November 30. Closed December through March due to weather.
Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made via ReserveCalifornia TM at 1-800-444-PARK or at www.ReserveCalifornia.com.
Walk-in AvailabilitySites are available for walk-up/first-come-first-served basis December through March when the reservation system is closed.
Cancellation PolicyCancellation policies are not explicitly described; reservations can be made via ReserveCalifornia.
Amenities available
Showers
Potable water
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Dump station
Cell phone service
Firewood available
Flush toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Green Valley Campground provides access to multiple recreational activities, including hiking, waterfall viewing, and wildlife observation. The nearby Green Valley Falls offers cascades and shallow pools ideal for water play and cooling off during hot days. Several trails, such as the Monument Trail and Arroyo Seco Fire Road, are accessible directly from the campground.
Hiking
Hiking trails accessible from Green Valley Campground include Monument Trail and Arroyo Seco Fire Road. The Sweetwater River Falls hike is noted as a short and beautiful trail.Swimming
Swimming is possible in the shallow pools of Green Valley Falls, but the water is described as cold by users.Biking
Biking is permitted on approved trails and paved roads within the park. Helmets are required for riders under 18 years old.Wildlife viewing
The campground and surrounding park are home to diverse flora and fauna, including birds, squirrels, and occasional sightings of deer and coyotes.Cultural and Educational Programs
Seasonal interpretive programs are offered, including exhibits of regional plants and animals and pictorial histories of the Kumeyaay people and gold mining operations at Stonewall Mine.Winter Activities
Winter activities are not specified, but the campground is closed seasonally from November 30 to March 31 due to weather conditions.Water Sports
No non-motorized water sports are mentioned for this campground, although wading in Green Valley Falls is popular.Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Campfires are allowed only in designated fire rings. Firewood is available for purchase at the park entrance and host sites.
- Quiet hours are from 10:00 PM to 6:00 AM.
Hazards
General hazardsPotential hazards include wildlife such as coyotes and rattlesnakes. The park has had issues with meat bees during warmer months.
Active alertsFire restrictions and bans may be active during the summer months. Visitors are advised to check for updates before arrival.
Weather forecast
79
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Gentle breeze, perfect for outdoor activities
Humidity: 44%
Comfortable humidity levels
Wind: 2.1 mph
Gentle breeze, perfect for outdoor activities
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
Nearest emergency services are at Julian Medical Center (approximately 15 miles away). For immediate emergencies, contact park headquarters at (760) 765-3020.
Good to know
Peak season datesApril through October is considered peak season for weekends.
Trash and recyclingTrash facilities are located strategically within the campground, but recycling facilities are not specifically mentioned in the source materials.
Proximity to water featuresThe campground is located near Green Valley Falls, which features cascades and pools accessible via a short hike.
Common complaintsSome reviews mention sloped campsites, inconsistent park staff presence, lack of soap in restrooms, and occasional noise issues.
HostHosts are described as helpful and knowledgeable, though some reviews note occasional absences.
Campground Map
13652 Highway 79, Julian, CA 92036
Driving directionsGreen Valley Campground is located east of San Diego and can be accessed via Highway 79, approximately five miles north of Interstate 8. It is 15 miles south of Julian.
The campground is accessible via paved roads, with Highway 79 providing direct access.Nearby places
Julian (15 miles, approximately 20 minutes), Descanso (6 miles, approximately 10 minutes), San Diego (50 miles, approximately 1 hour)
Nearby supplies
Groceries, camping supplies, and fuel are available in Julian, approximately 15 miles away.
Camper Reviews
4.5
39 reviews
Green Valley Campground is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews often praise Green Valley Campground for its spacious sites, proximity to hiking trails and waterfalls, and clean facilities. Complaints include occasional noise issues, limited cell service, and abundant flies during warmer months.
Review Summaries
Based on 39 reviews
What Campers Love
The campground is described as spacious, with clean and well-maintained facilities. Proximity to Green Valley Falls and Sweetwater River hike is highly appreciated. Wildlife sightings and stargazing...
Based on 39 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
Key complaints include steep or sloped campsites, overflowing fire pits, lack of soap in bathrooms, and noise issues during unmanned station hours.
Based on 39 reviewsPro Tips & Recommendations
Campers suggest bringing soap for bathrooms, arriving early to set up camps at primitive sites, and being cautious about rules regarding pets and fires. Some reviewers recommend site #27 for its...
Based on 39 reviewsShow more
Seasonal Insights
Summer reviews mention hot days and cold nights, as well as hornet issues during cooking. Spring reviews highlight abundant water at Green Valley Falls and cooler temperatures ideal for hiking.
Based on 39 reviewsCamper Quotes
1. 'We enjoyed the campfire and saw the most beautiful stars. Unfortunately, there was no water in the river.'
2. 'Great shaded campground with plenty of space between sites. Awesome fun waterfall...
Based on 39 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Site #35 is noted for its proximity to the falls and unique rock formations. Site #54 offers seclusion but requires carrying gear down to the site. Accessible site #69 is praised for its spacious...
Based on 39 reviewsShow more
Accessibility Features
Accessible facilities and campsites (#25, #44, #69, #78) receive positive reviews from users with disabilities. The van-accessible parking stall and accessible shower/restroom buildings are...
Based on 39 reviewsShow more
Pet-Friendly Features
Dogs are allowed but must be kept on a leash at all times. Some users caution about coyotes in the area, suggesting vigilance during night hours.
Based on 39 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025