Our head quarters are in Mount Laguna - Cleveland National Forest in the Laguna and Burnt Rancheria campgrounds. This region is one of the most popular recreation areas in Southern California, due to its remoteness, altitude and concentration of pine, conifer and oak trees. It's a true mountain forest destination and one of Southern California's most bio-diverse habitats.
As your dedicated glamping outfitter, we're here to ensure that you have a safe and memorable time while staying in our National Forest. We work in collaboration with US Forest Service, supporting their overall mission and outdoor recreation development goals.
Please be aware that Burnt Rancheria and Launa campground are a communal recreation areas. Your site is private for your group only and includes; a fire pit, picnic table, a glamping kitchen and parking for your vehicles. Only bathroom / shower facilities are communal. The showers are quarter operated and cost $2 for 15 minutes.
Your exact site location will be provided to you upon booking confirmation. One of our team members will be in touch with you and give you an in-depth briefing about our site, location, accommodations, local attractions and safety.
At Alter Experiences, we believe that every booking is new and unique. We look forward to exceeding your expectations and tailoring an outdoor hospitality experience specific to your group needs. We strive to create nature immersive, meaningful and hassle free experiences in the outdoors.
Each one of our sites has been handpicked with various factors taken into consideration. We strive to create the most nature immersive experiences possible, in areas that are rich in wildlife and bio-diversity.
Your site comes outfitted with everything you need for sleep, lounging, cooking and eating. All you have to bring is a cooler, ice and food. You can also purchase ice at the nearby market before 5pm.
Your glamping kitchen includes:
- 5 gallon drinking water dispenser (refilled on site)
- camp shower, dish soap / sponge and bucket (for washing dishes)
- propane stove with two burners
- 17” Blackstone Griddle (grill tools)
- extra propane tanks to last through your stay
- pots, pans, cups, utensils, cutting board, water kettle, kitchen towel and french press
- essential spices, olive oil, coffee, tea, sugar, creamer and hot chocolate
- food storage storage bin
Accommodations - Tree Tent and Bell Tent
Each one of our sites offers a different combination of tree tents and/or bell tents. Please read the individual listing to know exactly what combination of tents are provided in your site.
Our suspended tree tent called a “Tentsile" is our most popular accommodation. We create a living space suspended between the trees at about 5-6 feet of the ground. For families with children, we'll usually position our tree tents closer to the ground for safety. A ladder or foot stool are provided to climb in & out. These tree tents are safe & comfortable, built with 190D and 240D polyester & secured to the trees by 2.5 tonne webbing straps.
Your site for 6-8 people may come with any combination of 3-4 tree tents:
- The Stingray accommodates 3 adults (max 880lbs)
- The Connect accommodates 2 adults (max 880lbs)
- The Flite accommodates 1 adult or two small children (max 485lbs)
A sleeping pad will also be provided per person along with sleeping bags, pillow and liner. We provide 2 person sleeping bag for couples in the Connect. Each tree tent also comes with portable light & clips for hanging your belongings.
Our tree tents are firm and cozy and allow us to create comfortable "suspended" spaces in the most remote of areas. Your tree tent comes with a rain proof cover, which can be removed to sleep under the stars. The tree tent is enclosed with mesh netting to keep out bugs and critters We also provide a Tentsile hammock to lounge on. We can stack the tree tents to create a multi-level accommodation space. This is especially fun for children and families that want to share a tree tent together.
This set-up is especially suited for families with young kids. The tree tents keep children entertained for hours while the adults can also enjoy a private and intimate time together in the bell tent.
Bell Tent
Our plush and cozy bell tents were designed with the ultimate comfort in mind! They comes with therapeutic mattress, pillows, linens, comforter, bedside tables, plush floor rugs & pillows & ambient lighting.
Our bell tents are outfitted with either a queen bed and sofa bed, 2 sofa beds, or two full beds depending on where you're staying. Each of our sites has a different configuration and staging. Please refer to the individual listing for details on each sites set-up.
A portable propane buddy heater is also provided in the bell tents, which is safe and keeps the inside warm and cozy in the cold winter nights. It's not really needed in the summer months, but provided anyway. Bell tents feature high quality mesh screen door and windows lets you open the tent for a breeze or a view without worrying about bugs or critters. You can close it up tightly at night to keep out cold and the tents stay relatively warm in the summer months.
The conical shape deflects wind and leaves no place for rain or snow to gather. No sweat canvas and bell tent covers keep most water and condensation out.
Food & Beverage
You’re responsible for bringing your own food & beverages for the duration of your stay. We take care of pretty much everything else. Your site comes fully stocked with an outdoor kitchen to cook & serve for your group. Bring a cooler for your food and drink. You can buy ice at the local market. The Outpost is our local restaurant and bar, located a few minutes from the campground. They are a must try when visiting Mount Laguna.
The Lake Cuyamaca Restaurant is 20-30 minutes away and offers lakeview seating & delicious local plates such as their chicken pot pie & famous Julian pie. They also offer a great selection of alcohol, locals ciders & craft beer. Pine House Cafe & Tavern is another great restaurant in the Mt Laguna region featuring artisanal food & craft beer. The historic town of Julian also provides numerous restaurants, wineries & breweries as well as many other tourist attractions.
What You need to Bring
We provide just about everything you'll need during your glamping retreat, aside from food. We do provide water and some basic amenities such as; tea, coffee, sugar, hot chocolate, cooking oils & spices. All cookware and standard kitchen utensils provided. Towels, soap, and shampoo are also provided. Bring your cooler, food & personal toiletries.
- Bring your own food & drinks. We provide drinking water.
- It can get very cold at night in the winter months & we have the occasional summer storm. Bring an extra layer of clothes, heavy jacket & extra blanket.
- Bring cash for wood & other activities. Most venues accept CC but you’ll want to have cash on hand. ATM services are limited.
- Bring a hat, sunscreen & chapstick, especially if you plan on hiking or being on the lake. Bring a refillable water bottle for hiking & days out.
Weather
We allow wood fires in designated fire pits only and that's the ideal way to keep your group warm in the cold winter months. Please be aware that fire restrictions are in place sometimes, especially when we get strong Santa Ana winds. We will inform you prior to arrival if that is the case.
The central mountain are the only place in San Diego that experience Snow in the winter months, from December - Feb. It's one of the many things that make this region so unique - four seasons including a white Christmas! It's a very special occasion and one of the reasons why many people choose to live up here.
Snow season also presents many problems with inexperienced drivers and visitors that can create very dangerous situations. These roads can be very treacherous if you're not being careful and come unprepared.
Safety
We provide an emergency First Aid Kit at your site. These areas & featured activities are relatively safe, but you must be careful and take precautions. In case of serious emergencies we have team members stationed at our headquarters on North Peak 24/7. You can become easily winded at these higher elevations and it's important to drink plenty of water, which we provide. Stay on designated trails and it's best to wear pants and sturdy hiking boots.
- Keep a safe distance from wild animals and never feed them.
- Don't leave food out
- Drive carefully
Fire Safety
Firewood must be purchased on site. The cost is $8 per bundle, which should last 3-4 hours. The fire-pit also doubles as a grill. OPEN FIRES IN DESIGNATED FIRE PITS ONLY!
National Forest Rules and Regulations
You must abide by all National Forest Rules and Regulations while staying in the Mount Laguna Recreation Area.
Please be aware of the following:
- Mobile phone & internet service are limited in certain areas for most providers.
- Have a map or directions printed out. Don’t count on GPS to be working
- Make sure your vehicle is in good operating conditions. Have a full tank of gas. We have no gas stations except in Julian town & Descanso.
- Chains may be necessary in the winter.
- Check the weather forecast regularly if you’re coming in winter (Nov-Feb) Leave as early as possible & drive carefully.