Wattreach

Boulevard, CA (I-8 at ~3,300 ft, east of San Diego)

Boulevard KOA / Cleveland National Forest

Reviewed by Wattreach, our own stay on the Rivian + Airstream road.

$112.50 paid · 2 nights Good for groups SD → Chicago road trip
7/10
Boulevard KOA / Cleveland National Forest campground in Boulevard, CA
Boulevard KOA / Cleveland National Forest campground in Boulevard, CA
Pool Hot tub Good for dogs Clean bathrooms Good location

Can you charge an EV here? Yes · 50-amp

The 50-amp full-hookup sites can charge an electric truck at the pedestal, about 9.6 kW at 40 amps, with room to dial the current down and run the camper air conditioning at the same time. We plugged in here. A rare KOA that welcomed EV charging and was gracious about it, the exception to the chain's usual policy.

Which parks allow EV charging, and why KOA doesn’t →

Our take

Staging and shakedown base 63 mi up I-8 from home. Cool mountain air at 3,300 ft, clean 50-amp sites, and enough room that a caravan could stage together. A solid, unfussy launch pad, the kind of place you leave the rig charging and sleep easy before the real driving starts.

Hookups
50A full hookups
Amenities
50A FHU pull-throughsPoolHot tubCabinsCamp storePet friendlyHigh-desert quiet at 3,300 ft
Nearby
Cleveland National ForestJacumba Hot SpringsMountain Empire backcountryIn-Ko-Pah / Desert View Tower
How far
  • Jacumba Hot Springs12 mi
  • Desert View Tower (In-Ko-Pah)10 mi
  • Cleveland National Forest1 mi
Groceries
Albertsons in Alpine, about 30 mi . Boulevard is remote high desert; the nearest full supermarket is in Alpine, so stock up on the drive in.
Elevation
about 3,300 ft
Connectivity
Remote high desert at 3,300 ft, so cell is spotty on most carriers. We ran Starlink at the trailer for a dependable connection.
Visit website Open in Maps

Part of San Diego → Chicago → San Diego.

Photos from this stay → EV charging at campgrounds →

Campground FAQ

Boulevard KOA / Cleveland National Forest, answered

Hookups, price, groups, and what's nearby, from our own stay.

Can you charge an electric truck at Boulevard KOA / Cleveland National Forest?

Yes. The 50-amp full-hookup sites can charge an electric truck at the pedestal, about 9.6 kW at 40 amps, with room to dial the current down and run the camper air conditioning at the same time. We plugged in here. A rare KOA that welcomed EV charging and was gracious about it, the exception to the chain's usual policy.

Does Boulevard KOA / Cleveland National Forest have full hookups?

Yes. We had 50A full hookups at Boulevard KOA / Cleveland National Forest in Boulevard, CA for our Airstream.

How much does it cost to stay at Boulevard KOA / Cleveland National Forest?

We paid $113 for 2 nights (about $56 a night). Rates vary by season, site type, and length of stay, so check the campground for current pricing.

Is Boulevard KOA / Cleveland National Forest good for RV groups or Airstream caravans?

Yes. There was room for a group to camp together, with sites big enough and enough of them for a caravan to book side by side.

Can a big rig fit at Boulevard KOA / Cleveland National Forest?

We stayed here with our roughly 47-foot Rivian R1T and 23-foot Airstream, so a large rig can fit. There was room for a group to book side by side.

Does Boulevard KOA / Cleveland National Forest have a pool or hot tub?

Yes. There is a pool and a hot tub.

Is Boulevard KOA / Cleveland National Forest pet friendly?

Yes. We found it an easy place to camp with dogs, with room to walk them. Confirm the current pet policy and any limits with the campground before you book.

Is there cell service or wifi at Boulevard KOA / Cleveland National Forest?

Remote high desert at 3,300 ft, so cell is spotty on most carriers. We ran Starlink at the trailer for a dependable connection.

What is there to do near Boulevard KOA / Cleveland National Forest?

Close by: Cleveland National Forest, Jacumba Hot Springs, Mountain Empire backcountry, In-Ko-Pah / Desert View Tower.

Is there a grocery store near Boulevard KOA / Cleveland National Forest?

The nearest full grocery is Albertsons in Alpine, about 30 miles away. Boulevard is remote high desert; the nearest full supermarket is in Alpine, so stock up on the drive in.

How far is Boulevard KOA / Cleveland National Forest from the beach, the zoo, and other attractions?

Approximate driving distances from Boulevard KOA / Cleveland National Forest: Jacumba Hot Springs about 12 miles; Desert View Tower (In-Ko-Pah) about 10 miles; Cleveland National Forest about 1 mile.

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