Burnt Rancheria

Just 50 miles east of San Diego, California sits the Burnt Rancheria Campground in the Cleveland National Forest. There are 109 campsites in total, including 40 designed for tent camping, seven accessible sites, and 54 sites for RVs. This spectacular campground sits at 6,000 feet of elevation, and it offers visitors incredible views of the surrounding desert. The location is heavily wooded, so there's lots of tree cover around the campsites, but you can also find open spaces to stargaze.

This pet-friendly campground is also family-friendly, and young children will get a kick out of the guided hikes and campfire programs that take place in the summer. Each campsite is equipped with a campfire ring and a table. The campground has vault toilets and coin-operated showers, but the showers are only available during reservation season. If you're camping in an RV, be advised that the sites don't have hookups or dump sites, but there's a sanitary dump station just a few miles away at the Buckman Springs Rest Stop. Due to its high elevation, temperatures are often on the cooler side at the Burnt Rancheria Campground, so pack lots of warm clothes!

Fun activities near your campsite abound, and visitors can choose from several hikes throughout the park. You can access a portion of the 2,650-mile Pacific Crest Trail from the Cleveland National Forest, and your dog can come along for a hike with you if they stay on their leash. For a quicker walk, head to the Desert View Picnic Site, where you'll get unparalleled views of the desert 6,000 feet below. On clear days, you can also see the Salton Sea. The Desert View Picnic Site has potable water and restrooms, and it's only a 15-minute hike from the campground.

Be sure to keep Sparky on their leash when they're not in the tent or trailer with you, and always clean up after them during your stay at this beautiful California campground!