El Cariso Campground

El Cariso Campground is a small Forest Service managed camping area near the eastern end of Ortega Highway.

The campground contains 24 sites and operates on a first come, first served basis with no reservations possible. Spread out along a single paved loop road beneath the large oak trees, El Cariso's sites each contain a paved pull-in parking spot with a table, grill and flat dirt area for tents.

Water spigots and a couple vault toilet structures are available throughout the campground.

A small seasonal stream runs down the center of the campground, providing a nice bit of ambiance during times when water is flowing. Unfortunately, the campground's location beside Ortega Highway means that the sound of traffic is a presence for all of the camp sites. 

 A good number of the sites sit in their own areas, with a good amount of space between neighboring sites. While many of the sites in the center of the loop are set nearer to one another, making privacy a little less available, but might be good for groups of campers looking to share space with each other.

Campers are asked to pay camp fees at a self-pay booth at the entrance. There is also a small picnic area, which is available to those with Forest Adventure Passes or who pay a $5 day use fee at the entrance booth.