San Diego county real estate
City: Mount Laguna


Mount Laguna is a land of contrasts. At nearly 6000 feet above sea level, it has a distinctly mountainous and remote feel to it, but is only an hour drive from the beaches of San Diego. As the Sunrise Highway winds its way through the eastern escarpment of the Laguna Mountains toward the village of Mt. Laguna, views to the east reveal the stark beauty of the desert nearly 4000 feet below, while areas to the west are rolling hills of pine and oak. Hiking in the Laguna Recreation Area is a four season proposition.

Summer is warm with cool nights; fall brings crispness and the aroma of fallen leaves; winter kicks in with refreshing snowfalls, and spring is all about wildflowers. Description and photo courtesy Laguna Mountain Volunteer Association.

There are two relatively large campgrounds (>100 spaces) set among pines and oak(Burnt Rancheria and Laguna Campgrounds). These campgrounds are divided into first come, first serve and reservation areas.

There are two camping areas designated for large groups (El Prado and Horse Heaven), and one trailer loop (Wooded Hill).

There are two smaller delightful campgrounds off the beaten path(Cibbets Flat and Boulder Oaks).

There are no hook-ups or sanitary dumps in the Recreation Area. Laguna Campground is the only one with pay-showers. Each campground has potable water piped in, and each site has a fireplace. Laguna Campground is open year-round; check status of others after Labor Day. There is a 14 day stay limit within a 30 day period. Check-out time is 2:00pm. Each site allows a maximum of eight people and two cars. Dogs are welcome if leashed (6ft) and confined at night.

Remote camping is also a good option in the Lagunas. The rolling hills and open spaces make for good camp sites that are accessible to most vehicles.

See our Visitor Information page for more details and contact information regarding Cleveland National Forest closures.