Walk from camp
Bear Canyon Trail
The wilderness gateway steps west of the Candy Store — climb through oak and chaparral to Pigeon Springs on a roughly 6.5-mile loop.
RV Park, Camping & More in Lake Elsinore, CA
Your mountain getaway awaits.
Nestled between San Juan Capistrano and Lake Elsinore, Ortega Oaks is a 35-acre retreat in the ancient oaks of the Cleveland National Forest. Unplug, breathe the mountain air, and reconnect with nature — and each other.
4.1 · 79 Google reviews
34040 Ortega HwyLake Elsinore, CA
35 Acresof ancient oaks
Hiking & Equestriantrailheads at the door
Stay your way
Accommodations for every adventure
From full-hookup RV sites to dry tent camping and cozy park models — for a weekend, a season, or as long as the mountain keeps you.
RV Hookups
Spacious water-only and full-hookup sites in the shade of the oaks — daily, weekly and monthly stays.
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Tent Camping
Dry tent sites with fire rings and picnic tables, from single sites to our big wooded group area.
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Park Models
One-bedroom park models with sundecks, full baths and a wall of windows on the forest.
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Horse Boarding
Stables and boarding with direct access to 200+ miles of equestrian trails in the San Mateo Wilderness.
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Perfect for groups
Group Camping
Our quiet, wooded group area hosts up to 75 campers with picnic tables and fire rings — and exclusive-access booking for Boy Scouts, church retreats, weddings and family reunions.
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Amenities that make it easy
The famous stop on the 74
The Candy Store is our front door.
Hikers across Southern California navigate by it — the historic roadside Candy Store marks our entrance, and it’s a short stroll from every campsite. Handmade fudge and pies, root beer floats, nostalgic candies like Chuckles and Mary Jane’s, plus coffee, sandwiches and the last-minute things you forgot to pack.
- Handmade fudge, pies & sandwiches
- Gluten-free, sugar-free & vegan treats
- Forest Adventure Passes & trail info, right at the office
A candy store on this highway since 1965
Adventure just outside your door
Explore. Relax. Repeat.
Step from your site into the San Mateo Canyon Wilderness — nearly 40,000 acres with over 200 miles of hiking, biking and equestrian trails. The coast is a scenic 40 minutes west; Lake Elsinore about 20 minutes east.
The big one
Sitton Peak
A rewarding 9.5-mile round trip to a 360° summit view — ocean, mountains and desert in a single sweep on a clear day.
Bring the horses
200+ Miles of Trails
Board your horses with us and ride straight into the San Mateo Canyon Wilderness — no trailering to the trailhead required.
Trail access changes with the seasons — check current forest conditions with the Trabuco Ranger District at (951) 736-1811, or just ask at the Candy Store. We sell Adventure Passes and know what’s open.
Campers say it best
The best-kept secret of the Santa Ana Mountains
4.1
79 Google reviews
“What a GEM! From the journey up the mountain with miles of twists and turns, beautiful hundred-year-old oak trees at the campground… it's like you're no longer in Southern California. Just the escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life that I needed! Everyone that I spoke to was so pleasant and welcoming. 10/10 recommend!”
“Ortega Oaks is one of the best kept secrets of the Santa Ana Mountains. Terrific staff and residents, not to mention great views and trails forever. The drive up and down the highway is pure eye candy. Speaking of candy — the Candy Store here is loaded with treats and sweets.”
“This place is like paradise. Everyone is friendly and kind. It feels so peaceful and serene. Also it is absolutely gorgeous being in the forest on a mountain. The stars. The rainbows. The sunrise and sunsets. I love Ortega Oaks!”
Ready for the mountain air?
Reservations & group bookings · 34040 Ortega Hwy, Lake Elsinore, CA 92530