Blue Jay Campground

Category: Campground in Lake Elsinore, California

Address: Long Canyon Rd, Lake Elsinore, CA 92530, USA

Phone: +19517361811

Reviews

Matthew Hengst

Feb 14, 2022

Nice little campground tucked away back from the traffic noise that seems to define Ortega these days. There are pit toilets, running water, and even trash dumpsters for $20 a night. The road in is a little steep and winding but it’s a little easier if you take the eastern route from the main divide junction.

Ubaldo Castillo

Jan 4, 2022

We went on New Years but just for the day and left once it got dark. I've been here once before and enjoyed it. There is trash in the surrounding bushes. Mostly of toilet paper. My guess is people not wanting to walk to the not very far restrooms. The drive from the 5 fwy is nice and not too long. I'm planning an overnight stay very soon.

Lillian McQuaid

Aug 19, 2021

Beautiful area to hike but the general camping area is littered with scattered garbage and soiled toilet paper/wipes. Unfortunately, this campground has become a destination for reckless people to congregate in the evening, get intoxicated, and blast loud music until 2am. You won’t find a camp host here to ensure that quiet hours are acknowledged and respected.

Jack Rondini

May 12, 2021

This has to be one of my favorite campgrounds. Unfortunately it’s a pay campground ($20). It’s becoming the norm, so clean up after yourself so the forest service doesn’t have more reasons to increase the fees. You do get generous campsites, some of which have some space between sites and bushes for privacy. There is also dispersed potable water spigots, vaulted toilets, and trash. Weirdly the trash is not animal resistant. Some sites are pretty big. My 40’ truck/trailer fit in several. Beware though, the final 1 mile road is steep, with tight curves, very narrow with only room for 1 vehicle, and only 2 turn outs. It’s paved, not easy, but doable. The area is pretty and green with trees and bushes. The trailhead for the San Juan trail is just outside the campgrounds with another trailhead in the way to sites 40-50. Great for a hike or for mountain biking. The trailhead within the campground actually has lots of parking. Section 40-50 is for tent camping and currently closed for not obvious reasons. There is also a group site nearby which you call to reserve. It was relatively quiet even on the weekend when all the sites filled up (nearly empty during the week). There were lots of flies but not the kind that bite. Also, the cell service was spotty for Verizon. There was a decent connection at the trailhead just outside the campground.

Thanks! Your review is awaiting moderation.

Questions & Answers

is there a spot open now?

kim medina | Aug 24, 2018
Jim Palmieri | Aug 24, 2018

There are so many great camping spots but I don't know 100% if they are available. That said, with the cooler temps, you should not have an issue this time of year.

Are trailers allowed

Gabe Gordon | Aug 23, 2021
Steven Tennant | Aug 23, 2021

Yes

Is there any stream or water features near the campground?

Jared Gummig | Aug 23, 2020
Liz M | Aug 23, 2020

Currently, I believe Ortega Falls is running. It's a short drive from the campground (heading West on 74 towards OC). Trailhead parking is on the right before the big switchback. Have a Adventure Pass to place in your windshield. Further away through Murrieta (no more than half hour from the campground) Tenja Falls is a short hike from the trailhead. Adventure Pass is required as well. AllTrails.com can help with directions to both trailheads.

Read More

Are there any spots available on Friday.

Coolone Ohyeah | Aug 24, 2018
Matthew Thomas | Aug 24, 2018

First come first serve

Read More

Is there spots open

Shane Stoddard | Jun 24, 2022
Christopher Shonafelt | Jun 24, 2022

There are almost always spots open, even on weekends. 9-13 especially are usually free, likely because the parking spaces are a short walk from the sites and people don't want the inconvenience. If you don't mind that though, these spots are on a ridge and have some of the best views in the campground, especially 9 and 13

Can I do bon fire or they have a restricted on fire? Thx

Izzy Lara | Jun 24, 2022
Izzy Lara | Jun 24, 2022

Lol ok thx for answering

Read More

Are dogs allowed at this campground?

Jess Mooney | May 25, 2022
Kristen Davis | May 25, 2022

Yes! They're allowed. Keep him/her on a leash while your walking on trails.

Read More

What time does it open or recommended to reserve?

Rosa Portillo | Aug 23, 2021
ali saheb | Jun 24, 2022

You just go and make sure there is a spot and then reserve it

is there open?

Pooyan B | Aug 23, 2021
Kevin Eagleton | Aug 23, 2021

I was there last weekend and it was open.

Is this campground completely closed or Just the lower loop?

Matt Gastonguay | Aug 23, 2020
Dylan Schaiterer | Aug 23, 2020

Call the ranger station to be sure. I was up there on July 3rd and the gate is open, but not sure if they allow camping.

Are dogs allowed.

Fred Girard | Aug 24, 2019
Schmucatelli Schmucatelli | Aug 24, 2019

Yes if leashed

Read More

Same day reservations OK?

sadie nichols | Aug 24, 2019
Frank Ponce | Aug 24, 2019

The camp ground is closed.

Read More

Will they answer if i call?

sadie nichols | Aug 24, 2019
ali saheb | Jun 24, 2022

If you build it.... they will come.... (idk I heard that in a movie somewhere)

Will there be a campsite available tomorrow. Lemme know k.

Ivan Mesko | Aug 24, 2019
John Dale | Aug 24, 2019

Probably. I've never seen it full!

Is it currently open?

oyuky perez | Aug 24, 2019
Marisol Latorre DeWeese | Aug 24, 2019

They are open.

Read More

Does anyone know if this Holy fire has affected Blue Jay CG?

Jimmy McGee | Aug 24, 2018
Liz M | Aug 24, 2019

I called Trabucco Ranger District and they confirmed that both Bluejay and Falcon were not burned by the Holy Fire, but they also do not have a re-open date at this time. If you're trying to camp there, always call before you drive up there. It has been closed randomly before.

Read More

What time should I show up to get a spot on Saturday June 16th?

Haley Stroud | Aug 24, 2018
William Morse | Aug 24, 2018

Plenty of room ,,say 10 am

how many spots are open?

Nicole Young | Aug 24, 2018
JArmando Von Borstel | Aug 24, 2018

They have alot, some are taken some arent. But id say atleast 20

Where is a good place to shoot around here? Like a opening that's legal to shoot at off trail if need be? Also where can I get trail maps

Miketaco squad | Aug 24, 2018
Hoorad Farjamfar | Aug 24, 2018

That area is perfect to shoot, you will see the trail map at the entrance of camp ground

Can you shoot? Saw a sign saying where I couldn't shoot but not one saying where I could. Just asking to make sure

Miketaco squad | Aug 24, 2018
Julie Willey | Aug 24, 2018

All Trails app.

Read More

How many tents per site?

Miketaco squad | Aug 24, 2018
William Morse | Aug 24, 2018

Up to 8 people,,1-4 tents per space if space available..

Read More

k presses have and k tienpo is good to be able to

jose cazares | Aug 24, 2018
Jim Palmieri | Aug 24, 2018

I was here 1 year ago. Prices then were about $ 20 (I think). Now is a good time to camp (if you want to freeze). I think March / April would normally be the ideal time. There are a lot of sites here to choose from but so many sites are good. I was here 1 year ago. The prices were around $ 20 (I think). Now is a good time to camp (if you want to freeze). I think March / April would normally be an ideal time. There are many sites here to choose from, but many sites are good.

Thanks! Your answer is awaiting moderation.

Thanks! Your question is awaiting moderation.

Related Places