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Situated 4,200 feet above sea level in a forest of pines and oaks along the northern extremity of the Laguna Mountain Range, this 929-acre park is one of the few San Diego county parks to get snowfall each year.
Forests of oak, pine, and cedar surround peaceful mountain meadows and provide an undisturbed setting for nearly 11 miles of scenic hiking and equestrian trails. Mule deer and wild turkey are frequently seen throughout the park, and rare residents include bobcats and mountain lions.
Though its forest may seem timeless, each season brings dramatic changes: from winter snowfall to spring wildflowers, there is always something new to experience at Heise.
In addition to trails, you can take advantage of cabins, trailer sites, individual tent sites, and a group-tent camping area, along with several playgrounds, restrooms with coin-operated showers and ample picnic spaces. Rangers-lead activities every weekend, and the park office with a small museum is open during the day or by appointment. This park makes a gorgeous setting for weddings and special events!
From town: Go 1 mi W on Hwy 78, then 2 mi S on Pine Hills Rd, then 2 mi E on Frisius Rd.
Great little San Diego get away park for day use or camping. Campsites and park is super clean and well maintained. Lots of pine trees and local wild flowers, native plants and grass. Hiking trails were also private and peaceful with a few sitting benches placed along trails. Wildlife everywhere. Dudley's Famous Bakery and Cafe west of park and the town of Julian east of park.
We spent a lovely 3 days tent camping here. The bathrooms were super clean, the rangers were friendly, and the park was clean. Love camping here!
Such a great park! Not seemingly well-known which is a shame. $3 entry. All the rangers are awesome and the guy at the entrance gave us some great trail tips!
Bring water and sunscreen. It gets hot out here. Canyon Oak Loop was well maintained and cleared and the scenery is amazing! A nice campground too.
I don't even want to review this campground because I want to keep it all to myself, it's so peaceful and beautiful. It truly fills my soul to be here. The staff are fantastic and very strict with quiet hours and the amenities are clean and well maintained. There are gorgeous trails right in the camp ground.... It's my favorite in San Diego County.
