About this campground
Dripping Springs Trailhead Distance 10 - 30 miles depending on trail connections Pets Allowed Yes Fees Adventure Pass Fee Required Hike/Ride Time Full day Difficulty Moderate - Difficult Best Seasons Fall, Spring Location Located 11 miles off Hwy 79 in Temecula Ranger District Palomar Ranger District - (760)788-6130 With 4 connecting trail options, including Dripping Springs, Wildhorse, Palomar Magee, and Cutca, great views of the "Big Four" peaks to the north (Santiago Peak, Mt. Baldy, San Gorgonio, and San Jacinto) as well as wide ranging views of Vail lake, Temecula Valley and open countryside, Dripping Springs provides many great options for the recreational day user. Those looking for overnight camping accomodations after a long day on the trails can cozy up under the stars at the Dripping Springs Campground. Since these trails typically offer little shade, it is not recommended for the summer months, as temperatures typically hit triple digits. Fall and Spring bring colorful foliage and lovely wildflowers (after the rain) and are considered the best times of the year. Much of the area receives light use, which provides a pleasant and tranquil outdoor experience.
Getting there
From the LA Basin take I-15 south to Highway 79 near Temecula. Take Hwy 79 south 11 miles to Dripping Springs. Turn right and park in Trailhead parking lot. From San Diego take I-15 north to Highway 79. Follow previous instructions. The trail is reached by walking south from the parking lot .5 mile through Dripping Springs Campground.
Activities
- HIKING
Nearby federal campgrounds
- DRIPPING SPRINGS CAMPGROUND (CA)Cleveland National Forest0 mi
- Mt. Palomar North Side AreaCleveland National Forest3 mi
- FRY CREEK CAMPGROUNDCleveland National Forest9 mi
- OBSERVATORY CAMPGROUNDCleveland National Forest10 mi
- OAK GROVE CAMPGROUNDCleveland National Forest11 mi
- Crestline Group CampgroundCleveland National Forest12 mi
Explore more California camping
Dripping Springs Trailhead doesn't take campsite reservations — but plenty of nearby California campgrounds do, and we'll alert you the moment a sold-out site opens up.
Browse California camping →Details from Recreation.gov's official RIDB catalog. Conditions change — confirm with the managing office before you go. Not affiliated with Recreation.gov or any federal agency.