Open car camping is allowed in several places inside Cleveland National Forest, although NO campfires are permitted due to the high fire danger. Your best for dispersed camping (with a campfire) is Anza Borrego Desert State Park – but summertime temperature can get very hot, so plan for higher elevations. The Tom Harrison San Diego Backcountry Map can get you out there.
Laguna Mountain (off Sunrise Hwy. S-1)
East of San Diego; 40 miles E on Interstate 8
- Pine Creek Road – with plenty of mountain biking trails
- Noble Canyon – popular mountain biking trail
- Kitchen Creek Road
Palomar Mountain (off Hwy. 76)
N of San Diego; 40 miles N on Interstate 15
- No back roads camping is allowed in this forest
- 4×4 trails & camping @ Los Coyotes Indian Reservation
Anza Borrego Desert Camping [near National Forest boundary]
East of San Diego CA
- Oriflamme Canyon (off S-2)
- Culp Valley (off S-22)
- Dispersed camping nearly anywhere in Anza desert (w/ a metal fire bucket)
A winter day out exploring Culp Valley back roads.
Maps Mountains / San Diego Maps
