El Prado Group Campground

For local users in San Diego County and surrounding areas seeking "Camping Near Me" specifically designed for group camping, El Prado Group Campground, located on Sunrise Hwy in Mt Laguna, CA, offers a setting with potential benefits alongside significant drawbacks highlighted in recent visitor experiences. Situated in the scenic Mt Laguna area, this campground appears to cater to larger groups looking to enjoy the natural beauty of the region, with features like easy access to a lake, an abundance of trees, and spacious campsites.

The environment of El Prado Group Campground is described positively in terms of its natural attributes. One reviewer notes it as a "fantastic campground for group camping!" and highlights the presence of "lots of trees," suggesting a shaded and potentially picturesque setting. The easy hike to a nearby lake is also mentioned as a significant draw, providing opportunities for leisurely walks and enjoying the waterfront. The spaciousness of the campsites is another appealing factor, particularly for groups that require ample room for tents, gear, and communal activities. This natural environment seems conducive to a relaxed and enjoyable group camping experience, offering a sense of immersion in nature that many seek when looking for "Camping Near Me."

In terms of services and features, El Prado Group Campground offers a basic amenity that can vary depending on the specific group site. It is mentioned that "some group sites have flush toilets, others have pit toilets." This is an important distinction for groups to be aware of when making reservations, as the type of toilet facility can impact comfort and convenience, especially for longer stays or for groups with varying needs. The availability of flush toilets in some areas can be a significant advantage over more primitive pit toilets, offering a more familiar and hygienic option for some campers.

However, the positive aspects of the environment and basic facilities are severely overshadowed by extremely negative feedback regarding the behavior of the camp host, identified as Jim Kelley. Multiple reviewers recount highly inappropriate and unprofessional interactions with him. One reviewer explicitly states, "Camp Host Jim Kelley is horribly inappropriate and has an unexplainable temper that had zero prompting," leading to a feeling of discomfort and unsafety while camping in Mt Laguna. This is a serious concern for any potential visitors, especially those prioritizing a safe and welcoming camping experience.

Another detailed account from a camper who arrived late with a friend describes a deeply unsettling encounter with Jim Kelley regarding payment. Despite the campers being willing to pay immediately via electronic methods (Venmo or QR scan) as they did not have cash or checks, Jim Kelley reportedly insisted on cash payment on the spot, threatening to call the police if they didn't comply. His demeanor was described as scolding and accusatory ("why did you come here if you weren’t prepared to pay?”), even when the campers expressed their willingness to pay and inquired about the nearest ATM.

The situation escalated when Jim Kelley allegedly imposed a restrictive condition, demanding that one person stay at the campsite while the other went to the general store for cash, with a 30-minute time limit and a threat of police involvement and fines exceeding $100 if they left without paying. This interaction highlights a severe lack of customer service and an aggressive, distrustful approach towards paying guests.

Even after the camper returned with the cash and politely expressed their discomfort with his rude and threatening approach, Jim Kelley's behavior reportedly worsened. His response, "Good! I don’t want thieves in my campground! When you have your one night stands at hotel rooms do you skip out on paying there too!?" was described as "100% uncalled for" and deeply offensive, especially considering the payment had just been made. While his wife, who provided the receipt, did apologize, the damage to the campers' experience was significant, leading them to vow not to return and to recommend other nearby campgrounds instead.

The recurring theme of inappropriate behavior and poor customer service from the camp host is a major deterrent for potential visitors to El Prado Group Campground. The negative experiences recounted suggest a pattern of unacceptable conduct that could severely impact any group's camping trip. While the natural environment and group camping facilities might be appealing on the surface, the risk of encountering such hostile and unprofessional behavior from the camp host presents a significant reason for local users searching for "Camping Near Me" to consider alternative options in the Mt Laguna area.

There is no promotional information available for El Prado Group Campground in the provided reviews. The strong negative feedback regarding the camp host effectively overshadows any potential positive attributes of the campground itself. The repeated advice to avoid this location and to choose other nearby campgrounds underscores the severity of the reported issues.

In conclusion, while El Prado Group Campground in Mt Laguna offers a potentially attractive environment for group camping with its easy lake access, abundance of trees, and spacious campsites, local users searching for "Camping Near Me" must be aware of the serious and concerning reports regarding the behavior of the camp host, Jim Kelley. The accounts of inappropriate conduct, unwarranted accusations, and poor customer service paint a picture of a potentially unpleasant and stressful camping experience. Until these issues are addressed, prospective campers, especially groups, may want to heed the advice of previous visitors and explore the "lots of beautiful campgrounds nearby" instead to ensure a safe, comfortable, and enjoyable outdoor adventure.

El Prado Group Campground

Sunrise Hwy, Mt Laguna, CA 91948, USA