Drive through Vintage Travel the gates of Pinecrest Retreat off Highway 79—also known as the Firefighter Steven Rucker Memorial Highway—and stress begins to melt away. Just three miles south of Julian, this hidden gem in the Cuyamaca Mountains, 60 miles northeast of San Diego, offers a nostalgic escape with 160 vintage trailer sites. These trailers, dating from the 1940s to the 1970s, range from fully restored icons to those awaiting revival. Originally developed in 1961 by General Dynamics-Convair as an employee retreat, Pinecrest changed hands several times before Kathleen Rosenow and Frank Spevacek took ownership in 2005.
Old-school family time
At the Pinecrest pool on a warm summer day, kids aren’t glued to screens—they’re making friends, inventing games, and exploring together. As dusk settles, their laughter echoes through the park as they chase squirrels, toss rocks, and stir up harmless mischief—at least from what parents can tell.
Pinecrest’s community stands out for its diversity. On their first Memorial Day weekend, Frank and Kathleen noticed families from every background—conservative Christians, LGBTQ+ parents, and visitors from LA to Texas—all gathered around the pool, enjoying live music and simply getting along.
“It’s just a nice place to be,” says their daughter Jill, with her husband Wilson nodding beside her.
Some vintage trailer owners have been here since the beginning. Ron Guley, from Orange County, owns two sites—one with a restored 1950s Royal Spartanette and another with a rare “canned ham” camper by Field & Stream Trailers, built in El Monte during the ’50s and ’60s.
Read More: Wienerschnitzel Expands to Walmart Locations
How did he get into this?
Ron recalls how it all started: “My partner and I owned an antique store and traveled in a rental truck hunting for antiques. Someone mentioned Julian, saying it had great antique shops and a unique vintage trailer park. We were already thinking about getting a mountain cabin, and this sounded like a fun alternative. Later, we met a guy with a site here—a producer for Huell Howser’s California’s Gold—who was passionate about restoring vintage trailers. When we told him we were serious, he helped us find our first one.”
A community rises from ashes
Seated on a western-style sofa in the retro-themed “Paradise Lounge” clubhouse—think Austin Powers in the woods—Frank and Kathleen reflect on their early days at Pinecrest Retreat. “We didn’t have a clear plan,” Kathleen admits. “We just knew the land was beautiful and needed a lot of cleanup after the fire.”
That fire was the 2003 Cedar Fire, one of California’s most devastating wildfires. It scorched over 273,000 acres, destroyed nearly 3,000 structures, and claimed 15 lives, including Firefighter Steven Rucker—now memorialized on the nearby highway. Nearly half of Pinecrest’s 80 acres of pine, cedar, oak, and trailers were lost.
To understand Pinecrest today, you have to know Frank and Kathleen’s story. In the late ’70s, Frank worked in Culver City’s planning department, where he first met Kathleen. A colleague predicted, “You’re going to marry that girl.” She was right—Frank and Kathleen wed in 1981.
They later launched a consulting business in Santa Ana, advising cities and developers on community redevelopment. In 2003, after the Cedar Fire, a neighbor approached them for advice about selling Pinecrest, which his parents owned. Their home had burned down, and they were ready to move on. Frank and Kathleen visited the site—and ended up buying it.
“Our goal was always to restore the land and breathe life back into the property,” they say.
‘Trailer people’
New to Pinecrest, Suzie and Richard DeGuilio of Alhambra were introduced to the community through friends who already owned a site. When a 1969 Silver Streak Sabre became available, their friends suggested buying it—and taking over the site from the current owners.
Built in limited numbers in El Monte, Silver Streak trailers are often mistaken for Airstreams—but loyalists insist they’re in a class of their own, valuing craftsmanship over mass production.
Standing proudly beside their vintage trailer, Suzie recalls, “We drove up with our son to see it. There were other interested buyers, but they chose us—we felt lucky!”
Richard admits he was unsure at first. “Driving up from LA, I kept thinking, are we really trailer people? But the moment we pulled into Julian, I was sold. Then we entered Pinecrest, and that was it—we were all in.”
Suzie adds, “The site is beautiful—private, shaded by live oaks. I grew up camping across the West, but as we got older, pitching tents lost its appeal. This gives us the same outdoor experience without the hassle. We also love that the trailer’s interior is all original—no plasma TVs or modern renovations, just authentic vintage charm.”
Richard nods. “Sure, it needs some work—but that’s part of the fun. It makes it feel like it’s really ours.”
All in the family
After buying Pinecrest, Frank and Kathleen moved to Julian full-time to tackle its restoration—a true family effort. Their youngest daughter, Jill, helped by working at the pool snack shop during college breaks.
Jill explored different paths after college, including farm work in Nevada City and teaching outdoor education in Portola, where she met Wilson Riggs—a rugged, bearded mountain guide who fit the Sierra Nevada image perfectly. They worked together in the mountains starting in 2010, fell in love, and later married.
From the clubhouse they helped design, Wilson recalls, “We spent winters at Pinecrest helping out and summers doing seasonal work up north.” Soon, they recognized Pinecrest’s potential and told Frank and Kathleen, “We could take this place over.” In 2013, Jill and Wilson assumed full management and became part owners.
“We’ve put our mark on every corner of this park,” Wilson says. Jill adds with a laugh, “Our first big job was numbering the sites. The previous owner’s system was a mystery, so we painted 160 large rocks with site numbers to keep things organized.”
Waiting to get in
With only 160 sites, Pinecrest has a long waitlist—residents rarely want to leave. Annual site leases cost about the same as storing a trailer at a Southern California facility.
Kathy says, “Our site holders are our business—they keep us going.”
When asked why they don’t raise rents despite high demand, Wilson explains, “This is our life’s work. We know every inch of this place. We’re here to make a living, not a killing.”
You’ll often find “Pinecresters” strolling the gravel paths connecting the sites, admiring their neighbors’ trailers—what Jill calls “pieces of art.”
The most famous trailer is a fully restored 1957, 27-foot anodized gold Airfloat Cruiser, bought in 2023 by Jim Dowle and Spencer Street. It once starred in Once Upon a Time in Hollywood, seen with Leonardo DiCaprio and Brad Pitt.
Jim recalls, “We loved it instantly. The connection to the film was special. Though it was pricey, we broke the budget and made the deal.”
Spencer adds, “We all share a passion for vintage camping and nature. Pinecrest is where you leave your troubles behind.”
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes Pinecrest Retreat unique?
Pinecrest offers 160 vintage travel trailer sites, many fully restored from the 1940s to 1970s, creating a nostalgic, close-knit community nestled in the scenic Cuyamaca Mountains.
Where is Pinecrest Retreat located?
Pinecrest Retreat is located just three miles south of Julian, California, off Highway 79, about 60 miles northeast of San Diego.
How do I become a site-holder at Pinecrest?
Pinecrest has a long waitlist due to high demand. Prospective residents typically purchase a vintage trailer and lease a site, with annual fees comparable to Southern California trailer storage.
What kind of trailers are at Pinecrest?
The community features a variety of vintage trailers, including rare models like the Silver Streak Sabre and fully restored classics such as the 1957 Airfloat Cruiser.
Is Pinecrest family-friendly?
Absolutely. Pinecrest fosters a welcoming environment where children play outdoors, neighbors connect, and families enjoy a simpler, tech-free lifestyle.
Who manages Pinecrest Retreat?
Since 2013, Jill and Wilson Riggs have managed and co-own the property, continuing the vision of restoring and nurturing this historic retreat.
Can visitors stay at Pinecrest Retreat?
Pinecrest primarily serves its site-holders and their guests. Visitors interested in vintage trailers or the community should contact management for possible accommodations or tours.
What activities are popular at Pinecrest?
Residents enjoy hiking, exploring Julian, socializing at the clubhouse, attending live music events by the pool, and simply relaxing in nature.
Conclusion
Pinecrest Retreat stands as a cherished haven where vintage charm meets natural beauty, offering a unique escape from today’s fast-paced world. Its close-knit community, rich history, and dedication to preserving classic trailers create a timeless experience that draws people from all walks of life. Whether you’re a vintage trailer enthusiast or simply seeking a peaceful getaway, Pinecrest invites you to step back in time and embrace the simple joys of life.