Situated at 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. There are 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.
Park brochure
The campground has coin-operated showers. The city of Julian is just 15 minutes away by car. In Julian, you can explore the many stores on main street, but don't forget to get some delicious apple pie for which Julien is known.
We have reserved 15 sites with electric and water, but no sewer. A dump station is available at the park.
Maximum RV length is 40 feet. One site can accommodate one RV and one tent or two tents. Depending on popularity, we will try to accommodate tent campers on separate sites.
The sites are on blacktop and are narrow, but behind each site is a picnic/camping area able to accommodate 1-2 tents and shared picnic/camping site amenities. Very doable with some imagination, patience, and kindness. Tent campers should bring blow-up mattresses or cots to sleep on as the ground is hard dirt. Tent campers should also bring long extension cords for electricity as the pedestal is located a 10-20 ft. from the camping area. For a video of the campground, click here
Leashed dogs are welcome at $1/night/dog. Campers will pay for their own dogs upon check-in at the campground. The cost for extra-vehicles is included in the unit price.
We will have access on a first come/first serve basis to one of the two outdoor picnic areas across from the sites in the middle of the circle. There is a massive firepit between the two picnic areas which most likely we will be able to use for evening fires as we have reserved 15 of the 20 sites available in the loop. Please bring 1-2 bundles of fire wood for the group fire on Friday and Saturday nights. There is also a large outdoor fireplace for cooking available in the group area for the potluck Saturday. Home made cobbler with ice cream is planned for all at the Saturday night potluck.
Typical weather in this area in June is a high of 80, and a low of 53.
For those driving larger RVs, be sure to follow the brown County Park signs in rather than the GPS. It's a little longer, but a better road in. For those driving RVs, if you want to avoid some of the winding roads through the mountains, go to Borrego Springs by way of the Salton Sea, then right at Borrego Springs Road before you get to the traffic circle in Borrego Springs, and take the 79 to Julian. It gets a little curvy just before your get to the town of Julian, but, doable. Go through the town of Julian and follow the signs to Wm Heise park.
Cancellation policy: cancel for full refund minus applicable fees on or before June 12, 2023. Contact trip leader if you need to cancel.
William Heise County Park
4945 Heise Park Road
Julian, CA 92050
(760) 765-0650
Schedule of Events
Disclaimer: the following schedule is tentative and could change without notice. Check-in and Check-out are set in stone, no changing those.
Friday, June 23
- 2:00 pm - Check-in (please don't arrive early)
- 5:00 pm – Meet and Greet, at the picnic area across from site #3; bring finger food to share
- 7:00 pm – Dinner on your own, but you’ll probably be satiated from grazing the finger food, so join the group fire early!
- 8:00 pm - group fire, please bring firewood (recommended amount 1-2 bundles per person)
Saturday, June 24
- 10:00 am – local hike somewhere close by—see white board for details
- 1:00 pm – activity on your own or impromptu group activity
- 6:00 pm – PotLuck dinner at the picnic area across from site #3; please bring a dish to share. GO will be providing a delectable cobbler and homemade ice cream for all to share.
- 8:00 pm - group fire, please bring firewood
Sunday, June 25
- 9:00 am - pack up and clean up, say our tearful goodbyes
- 12:00 pm - Check out
Contact Trip Leader: Beth Schneider - email click here / Doug Wylie - email click here
Prices: Prices listed are per person. Each person going must complete a separate registration. We do this so each registrant acknowledges our liability waiver condition.
Payments: This event is limited to GO members. When you register, you'll need to have your credit card (MC, VISA, Discover or Amex.) ready and pay your registration fee within 15 mins. If you are not a member yet, you can first join as a member online (click here) and then return here to register.
What to Bring: Camp chair, camping/cooking gear, food, warm/cool/wet weather clothing, potluck item, one bundle of firewood per person and the Ten Essentials.
Health Problems/allergies: Discuss any medical concerns with the event leader that may affect your ability to participate in this event.
Special COVID Requirements
This event requires all attendees to be fully vaccinated for COVID.
