Cleveland National Forest
- Biking
- Camping
- Hiking
- Horse Camping
- Horseback riding
- Off-highway vehicles
- Picnicking
- Ranger programs
Outdoors
Biking and mountain biking near San Diego
Trails and recreation areas near San Diego open to biking and mountain biking.
Good to know: Wilderness areas are closed to bikes; check each area’s trail rules and yield to hikers and horses.
Within 30 miles (1)
30 to 75 miles (6)
Crestline Group Campground
Crestline Group Campground is located in a wooded area on Palomar Mountain, at approximately 5,390 feet in elevation. Many trees including Black Oak, Cedar, White Fir and Live Oak surround the site.
- Biking
- Camping
- Hiking
- Ranger programs
El Prado Group
El Prado Group Campground is a great mountain getaway just one hour east of San Diego, California in the Laguna Mountain Recreation Area.
- Biking
- Birding
- Camping
- Cultural Activities
- Hiking
- History
- Horseback riding
- Information Site
Laguna
Laguna Campground is a great mountain getaway just one hour east of San Diego, California in the Laguna Mountain Recreation Area.
- Biking
- Camping
- Hiking
Horse Heaven Group
Contrary to its name, Horse Heaven Group Campground has no equestrian sites. Instead, this tent-only facility can accommodate gatherings of up to 100 people.
- Biking
- Birding
- Camping
- Hiking
- Horseback riding
- Mountain Biking
- Scenic Drive
- Wildlife viewing
Wooded Hill Group
Wooded Hill Group Campground is a great mountain getaway for groups of up to 110 people to take a retreat from the city.
- Biking
- Camping
- Hiking
- Picnicking
Cottonwood Campground
Among the live oaks in southeastern San Diego County is Cottonwood Campground. The campground offers a tranquil and refreshing experience.
- Biking
- Camping
- Hiking
- Horseback riding
- Hunting
- Photography
- Wildlife viewing
75 miles and farther (1)
Brea Dam
The recreation facilities at this project are managed by the City of Fullerton (CA) Community Services. Golf and tennis are main attractions at this project, located among the picturesque rolling hills in the City of Fullerton.
- Biking
- Hiking
- Horseback riding
- Hotel/Lodge/Resort Privately Owned
- Picnicking
Distances are straight-line miles from downtown San Diego. Listings come from Recreation.gov’s federal recreation database; check each official page for hours, fees, fire restrictions and closures before you go.
More outdoors near San Diego
Questions
Where is the closest place for biking near San Diego?
Cleveland National Forest (USDA Forest Service), about 28 miles east of San Diego as the crow flies. Next are Crestline Group Campground (36 mi) and El Prado Group (39 mi).
When is the best time for biking near San Diego?
Based on San Diego’s average highs, all year. Conditions at higher elevations can be much cooler.
Who manages these places?
Federal agencies including USDA Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management, US Army Corps of Engineers. Each listing links to its official page for hours, fees, closures and current conditions.