Camping

Caspers Wilderness Park

Caspers Wilderness Park is on Ortega Highway about 7 miles east of San Juan Capistrano and the 5 Freeway. It offers family, group and equestrian camping, picnic areas, hiking and riding trails, and ranger-led programs. Hours, fees and reservations: OC Parks: Caspers Wilderness Park.

Cleveland National Forest campgrounds

• El Cariso Campground: just east of the El Cariso fire station, near the top of the grade.
• Blue Jay Campground: up North Main Divide Road from the highway near El Cariso, higher and cooler. The Forest Service currently lists it as temporarily closed, noting Caltrans' highway-widening work and periodic nightly closures (Forest Service camping page).
• Upper San Juan Campground: along the highway near the San Juan Loop trailhead.

Seasons, fees and closures change, and some forest roads and campgrounds are affected by fire closures. Check the Cleveland National Forest recreation pages and alerts before you go. Many sites require a National Forest Adventure Pass; see the pass rules. Campfires are allowed only in listed developed sites under the current fire-use restrictions.