Cleveland National Forest—California
Interactive Map
Planning Tips
There are numerous campgrounds in and near the forest.
The nearest military campgrounds are in San Diego and Camp Pendleton. See the Military Campgrounds map.
Nearby destinations include Northern Baja, Joshua Tree National Park and the Mojave Desert.
Service and entertainment centers will include Escondido and Temecula. Slightly further out, San Diego will offer a full range of options.
Highlights
The Cleveland National Forest occupies the highlands between California’s southern coast and southern desert. It represents an area of preserved forest lands very near San Diego and Los Angeles.
The forest’s Mediterranean climate supports a diverse mixture of canyons, meadows and high desert intermixed with stands of oak and conifer. Winter frost and snow at higher elevations is common.
The Cleveland National Forest is ideal for a variety of activities that include hiking, mountain biking, rock climbing and horseback riding. The best seasons to explore this region are fall through spring.
Video
Santa Ysabel Average Temperatures and Rainfall
