Reviews

Amanda Mueller

This may be a better park than just our overnight stay indicated, but for folks who spend a lot of time in the outdoors this was not a great park. It was at least fairly clean and well kept except for a LOT of dog poop, but that is on the thoughtless users not the staff. We picked the wrong trail to do, the Cedar Trail, because we arrived late in the afternoon and only had time for a short hike. I think the other trails must be better based on other reviews. The Cedar Trail was just a mile of rough wash going up and down steep hills with no views to reward the climbs. The campground loop that we stayed in (1-20) had sites very crowded together and only 2 or 3 that were even close to level. Other areas we walked through didn’t appear much better and the tent area was a muddy mess with one bathroom for 40 sites. The bathrooms themselves were nice, basic and clean with flush toilets and pay showers. The cabin loop was a nice area with cute basic cabins, but they also were right on top of each other. Power and water is available on the RV sites as well as picnic tables and fire rings. There is a dump station on site which was why we came in out of the forest to this park in the first place. Not someplace we would visit again.

Durand Smiley

We had a great time! The park was clean and well maintained. We rented a cabin for our trip, between the roof and the close proximity to the town we had an easy time. Great for beginners or weekenders.

Susan Logan Eubanks

Beautiful campground for our travel trailer. Lots of trees for shade. Well maintained roads. Mostly level RV site. Partial hookups a plus. Only wish they had more trash dumpsters near the campsite.

LeeAnn N

We had such a wonderful experience camping here in our little RV. The park is very clean and well kept. The hiking trails were beautiful and well maintained. What a nice park nestled in a well-forested area with beautiful views, lots of wildlife, and clearings for stargazing. Just a mile away from Julian, I wish we had planned a trip into town before we headed back down the hill. We loved seeing all a variety of hawks, woodpeckers, blue jays, and the resident flock of wild turkeys! Delightful!

Daniel Marler

July 2025 was our first visit since 1986. Much has been added and improved since then. The hiking trails are outstanding, nothing long, but well maintained. The scenery is worth the effort. Desert and ocean (marine layer) views along with cedar forest (Watch out for the abundant poison oak!) Spacious, private, level camp sites and parking for the most part. Clean restrooms and simple pay showers starting at 4 minutes for two quarters (no controls on hot/cold/flow rate; my 6 minute shower during a mid-day lull offered no warm water at all ... hence the 4 not 5 star rating.

Kasey B

This was our first time tent camping in many many years, as we do own an RV. I do feel that the tent sites were actually a little nicer than the RV sites at this location. Rv sites appear to be pretty close together and we're all located in a circle in a different area of the grounds. The tent sites were tucked back a little further and much more private, we liked that! The area makes for a wonderful stargazing and beautiful hikes! I did feel that the restrooms were very far apart and could use some updating. Like I said, I have not tent camped in many, many years, so maybe this is fairly normal, but I do feel that the restrooms could have been a bit nicer. Overall, it is a nice Park and offers great outdoor activities!

Rich M

We did a last minute camping trip this past weekend and after jumping on the SD county park site, we got campsite #63. It was nice and shaded, but (sites 62/63) are in the exact middle of the two loops that have a bathroom. So if you need to go, you have a hike up the hill or down. Firewood is sold at $6/bundle and there are rules: Fires must be out by 11pm, quiet time from 10pm-7am, No more than 8 people or 2 tents per site, Nothing hanging/strung from trees. Our neighbor was warned about the stuff hanging from trees several times. The sites are great and spacious and the park seems to have great amenities including hiking trails, clean bathrooms and coin-op showers. Unfortunately, it rained the last 1.5 days we were there, so taking down camp was a bear. Also, pro-tip - the weather forecast can be sketchy, so prepare for the worst. No rain was forecast and the temps were forecasted in the high 30's, but with the wind, it was a "feels like" in the low 20's

Hector Medina Martinez

A new place to come for my family. From San Diego county parks this is one of the top, just because by the forest type. You are able to feel some privacy in each of the spots.

Sean Smith

The rangers are super nice people. Asked for a recommendation on a private site He recommended #45. We have a Van RV and the site was perfect.

Judi Nightingale

Wonderful place. Quiet and secluded. Beautiful black oaks with fall color during our stay. Friendly staff, clean restrooms and amazing, well maintained trails with gorgeous views!

Soyoung Chon

This was a decent campground and very occupied on the weekends. Pros - The bathrooms were relatively clean and well-stocked with toilet paper. - The campsite was spacious and shaded with ample parking. - The wood was easy to purchase and collect at the entrance gate. - The surrounding trails were plentiful and easy to navigate. Cons - The staff were weirdly passive aggressive, and their tone was dismissive when communicating with them. I guess I’m talking about one young man in particular. - The showers are disgusting and spider-infested. I understand it’s camping, but still. I doubt any woman showered in the three days I was there. - Quiet hours were not even remotely observed. - Driving roads were often hazardously blocked by children. - Staff were selective about which rules they chose to enforce and others they ignored. Julian is close by, about 10 minutes for groceries, ice, gas, etc.