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Established Camping

Barton Flats Family Campground

Barton Flats Family Campground, near San Bernardino, California, is a solid choice for families and outdoor lovers looking to enjoy the beauty of the San Bernardino National Forest. With spacious sites that come equipped with picnic tables and fire pits, it’s perfect for roasting marshmallows and sharing stories around the fire.

The campground is known for its clean facilities, including well-maintained bathrooms that visitors rave about. Many campers have mentioned the friendly camp hosts who keep everything in order, ensuring a pleasant stay. One visitor noted, “The campground is kept up nicely with very clean bathrooms,” which is always a plus when you’re out in the wild.

For those eager to explore, there’s a trail that leads to Jenks Lake, just a short hike away. This spot is great for fishing and picnicking, making it a popular destination for day trips. Plus, the surrounding forest offers a peaceful atmosphere, with plenty of trees providing shade and a sense of seclusion.

While some campers have pointed out that the location isn’t the most breathtaking compared to nearby spots, the overall experience is enjoyable, especially for those looking to unwind in nature. Whether you’re a seasoned camper or just starting out, Barton Flats has the essentials for a memorable outdoor adventure.

Description

State Park

San Bernardino National Forest

Overview

The Barton Flats Campground provides a taste of just about everything the San Bernardino National Forest has to offer. In addition to a nearby lake and river access, a variety hiking, biking and horseback riding trails can be accessed from the campground. Its location also provides a great place for visitors to relax, take in the fresh, mountain air, and enjoy the beautiful scenery.

Recreation

The campground provides access to the famed Santa Ana River Trail, which will someday run from the mountains to the seaside, providing spectacular views along the way. It is currently popular for hiking, biking and horseback riding. The 2.5-mile Rio Monte Trail is also accessed from the campground and ends at the Rio Monte Panorama, which overlooks the deep gorge of the Santa Ana River Valley. The Jenks Lake Trail begins at the Barton Flats Visitor Center on the Rio Monte Trail. It then follows Barton Road to an old logging road to Jenks Lake. At nearby Jenks Lake visitors can enjoy fishing and non-motorized boating, including canoeing and kayaking. The lake is stocked with rainbow trout and there are also some largemouth bass, bluegill, sunfish and catfish available. Fishing is also available in the nearby Santa Ana River.

Natural Features

Located 36 miles northeast of San Bernardino, this campground is nestled in the San Bernardino Mountains, just off the Rim of the World Scenic Byway. The level campsites are tucked among a variety of pine and oak trees, at an elevation of 6,360 feet.

Contact Info

For facility specific information, please call (909) 866-8550.

Nearby Attractions

The Grayback Amphitheater on State Route 38 provides evening educational programs throughout the summer months.

Charges & Cancellations

Individual Campsites: A customer who cancels a reservation the day before or on the day of arrival will pay a $10.00 service fee AND forfeit the first night's use fee (not to exceed the total paid for the original reservation). Cancellations for a one-night reservation will forfeit the entire amount paid and will not be subject to an additional service fee. No-shows are assessed $20.00 service fee and forfeit the first nights recreation fee for a campsite or forfeit the entire day-use fee for a day-use facility.

Reservation Info

This campground requires a 2 day minimum stay on the weekends and a 3 day minimum stay on holiday weekends. A single site is allowed 1 vehicle, and any extra vehicles are $8 per night. A double site is allowed 2 vehicles, and the extra vehicles will be charged $8, These fees will be collected by the host. All pets must be leashed.

Reservations can be placed as late as 24 hours in advance based upon availability. For example, reservations could be made on a Thursday before 2pm, for a Friday 2pm check in, if there is availability.

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Location

Barton Flats Family Campground is located in California

Detail location of campground

Directions

Take I-10 East to Redlands. Take the University Street exit, EXIT 80. Turn left (northbound) on University Street. Turn right onto E. Lugonia Avenue/SR-38. Continue on State Highway 38 for approximately 18 miles to the campground entrance.

Address

SAN BERNARDINO
CA

Coordinates

34.17055 N
116.874553 W

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Access

  • Drive-In
    Park next to your site

Stay Connected

  • WiFi
    Unknown
  • Verizon
    Unknown
  • AT&T
    Available
  • T-Mobile
    Unknown

Site Types

  • Tent Sites
  • RV Sites
  • Standard (Tent/RV)

Features

For Campers

  • Trash
  • Picnic Table
  • Firewood Available
  • Phone Service
  • Reservable
  • WiFi
  • Drinking Water
  • Toilets
  • Alcohol
  • Pets
  • Fires

For Vehicles

  • Sanitary Dump

Drive Time


Reviews

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4.5

out of 5

19 Reviews

Reviewed May. 2, 2024

Nice campground, clean and well maintained.

Nice time here in April. The weather is perfect for riding and trail running. 

There is a trail from the camp over to SART. It's kinda hard to find since it starts behind someone's campsite. Luckily for me, no one was using the site that day. 

This and San Gregorio are about the same. There is a trail that connects both of them. 

I booked a couple more dates in July and August to ride upper SART again.

Site45
Month of VisitApril
  • Review photo of Barton Flats Family Campground by Mike G., May 2, 2024
  • Review photo of Barton Flats Family Campground by Mike G., May 2, 2024
  • Review photo of Barton Flats Family Campground by Mike G., May 2, 2024
  • (4) View All
Reviewed Jul. 4, 2022

Nice campground

Had a great one night stay there. Nice hosts solid place. 4 stars just because location isn’t overly amazing especially when nearby jenks lake is so low

Site50
Month of VisitJuly
Reviewed Oct. 18, 2021

Nicely maintained campground

Campground is open and has a few spaces available. The grounds are nicely maintained and the bathrooms were really clean. The camp hosts were very nice, knowledgeable.

Site025
Month of VisitOctober
  • Review photo of Barton Flats Family Campground by Little L., October 18, 2021
  • Review photo of Barton Flats Family Campground by Little L., October 18, 2021
  • Review photo of Barton Flats Family Campground by Little L., October 18, 2021
  • (7) View All
Reviewed Aug. 9, 2021

Relaxing in the forest

Clean forest air, beautiful trees, what else do you need? Barton Flats campground is kept up nicely with very clean bathrooms. The hosts do a great job making sure everything is in order. Quiet hours are at 10 and it was pretty peaceful. Jenks lake is a short 40 min hike from the campground, the trail is adjacent to the sites! We had a blast and will definitely visit again!

Site48
Month of VisitJuly
  • Review photo of Barton Flats Family Campground by Aaron M., August 9, 2021
  • Review photo of Barton Flats Family Campground by Aaron M., August 9, 2021
  • Review photo of Barton Flats Family Campground by Aaron M., August 9, 2021
  • (11) View All
Reviewed Jul. 17, 2021

My first time camping in a forest.

I barely got into camping this year. So I've anticipated going to a forest location as my first time was near a beach.

It's about an hour and a half away from Pomona so it is very accessible and close for those who live in San Bernandino which is wonderful.

Be careful of the roads when you drive up there! There are a lot of turns and curves and locals tend to hound you if you aren't driving fast enough. Regardless take caution as you are going into the mountains and there are rocky cliffs.

On the way getting there, there is a pit stop of a cabin themed liquor store and a restaurant there. I really suggest going to the liquor store as their firewood/ ice is decently priced and their inventory is wonderful.

Once you arrive there you can go ahead and go to your designated plot. The ranger will stop by later to verify your reservation confirmation and give you your parking passes.

The bathrooms are well kept and within reasonable distance. However, the rocky terrain is a bit irritating but that's nature for you. Just be careful where you walk.

In terms of wildlife, I've only seen bluejays, squirrels, and small lizards. Bears and snakes are known to frequent the area though, so still be careful and consider getting bear mace in case of an emergency.

The campsite came with a fire pit, a anti-bear storage box to store leftovers/food, and a table. Ample space to set up a tent.

Overall camping here is extremely feasible and it's a nice relaxing forest atmosphere. Just be prepared but overall it's great for beginner campers.

Site005
Month of VisitJuly
  • Review photo of Barton Flats Family Campground by Yume G., July 17, 2021
  • Review photo of Barton Flats Family Campground by Yume G., July 17, 2021
  • Review photo of Barton Flats Family Campground by Yume G., July 17, 2021
  • (9) View All
Reviewed Jul. 4, 2021

Great Location, great timing!

On Tuesday, July 21, 2020, my boyfriend & I came here on our first moto-camping trip together where we serendipitously found a geocache from the year we started dating and got to see the comet Neowise from the top of the nearby mountain just a short hike away from our site, #23. From L.A., it was 80 highway miles out to CA-38, which was beautifully lined with orange trees until it began gently and majestically wrapping around mountainsides. We stopped first in Angeles Oaks for food and supplies and then again at Jenks Lake, just half-a-mile before the entrance to the campsite -- but be forewarned, they close the gates here early and they will lock you in!! We backed our bikes into the#23 spot of the Barton Flats Campgrounds around 4pm and swiftly began setting up the tent as the sun passed just below the tops of the trees. Luckily our host came by with some firewood which we happily purchased just before heading up the hill across from our site overlooking a gorgeous sunset. Overall, I wouldn't choose our particular site again, as it was close to the roads, mostly in the sand and in between the bathroom and the check in building, but we definitely had enough room, and were grateful for the running water, flush toilets and animal-proof metal boxes for our food, etc. If we come back, we'd likely choose a spot between #8-#14, which was deeper in the 'woods' and right at the base of the hill we took the short hike up to view the sunset over the valley and later, see Neowise.

SiteSite 23
Month of VisitJuly
  • Review photo of Barton Flats Family Campground by Kim , July 4, 2021
  • Review photo of Barton Flats Family Campground by Kim , July 4, 2021
  • Review photo of Barton Flats Family Campground by Kim , July 4, 2021
  • (13) View All
Reviewed Mar. 2, 2021

Great campgroud, close to the valley

This is a great campsite for a weekend getaway with the family. The camp amenities are nice; clean bathrooms and showers on site. This is also a closer drive from the IE valley, but the downside is it is a bit of a drive if planning to head up to Big Bear. However, there are some great trails in the area for hiking. This campground is an annual tradition for us.

Reviewed Nov. 10, 2020

Great spot

Really cool spot for the family. Clean bathrooms. Fresh spring water. Each site has a good amount of space but if you have neighbors you’ll be able to see them. We got lucky and went on a Sunday. It was almost empty. Camp hosts are very kind and helpful. They come around to talk about a couple rules and if you are respectful and follow those rules you won’t see them again. Really cool hiking trail to Jenks lake. Trail is 1.5 miles to the lake with a nice creek along the way

  • Review photo of Barton Flats Family Campground by Shannon L., November 10, 2020
  • Review photo of Barton Flats Family Campground by Shannon L., November 10, 2020
  • Review photo of Barton Flats Family Campground by Shannon L., November 10, 2020
  • (4) View All
Reviewed Oct. 25, 2020

Great mountain camping

We stayed here for the 4th, and the weather was great. Our site was large enough to fit a 24 foot trailer, truck, abd a car. The bathrooms and showers were clean, and the hosts were friendly. There is a hiking trail that goes out of camp and plenty of other options in the area. Also check out Jenks Lake

  • Review photo of Barton Flats Family Campground by Jonathan G., October 25, 2020
  • Review photo of Barton Flats Family Campground by Jonathan G., October 25, 2020
Reviewed Aug. 12, 2020

Best Bathrooms Ever

We got lucky and booked this on the same week! The campsites are a good distance from each other. Most are separated by big tree trunks. Every site has a bench, fire pit, and bear lockers. There are water pumps located throughout the area. The bathrooms I must say are the best I've seen. Its clean with running toilet that flushes with a sink! So it's not your typical toilet seat on top of a hole. Lol. It's less than 10 mins away from Lake Jenks, which a nice spot to check out for hiking, fishing and picnicing. Would recommend this place.

  • Review photo of Barton Flats Family Campground by Chrystal M., August 12, 2020
  • Review photo of Barton Flats Family Campground by Chrystal M., August 12, 2020
Reviewed Oct. 1, 2019

Barton flats

Cool spot to drive in and pitch a tent last minute. Jenks lake is just up the road. You can catch trout, bass and small little blue Gil and crappie. Lots of places to hike and is very convenient

  • Review photo of Barton Flats Family Campground by Jersey F., October 1, 2019
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  • Review photo of Barton Flats Family Campground by Jersey F., October 1, 2019
  • (5) View All
Reviewed Aug. 2, 2019

Cool Spot!

Came here for a weekend, good spot for tent camping, I went on an off trail hike, cool, fun area. Some views. Drove over to the lake but couldn’t find parking. Very quiet and clean as well.

Reviewed Apr. 19, 2019

Beautiful

The camp is very clean.. Trees everywhere and lots of exploring ,which is my favorite part . There were 12 of us with adjoined campsites plus my dog. We've been going here since I was little and the reason is because it's so close but feels so far away and there's streams and just a lot to see. Only down fall is there's no fishing it's a 45 minute drive to the next lake.

Reviewed Sep. 14, 2018

For the stay not the day

If you know the area then you know that most of these campgrounds are fairly shaded, but can still get very hot with the high desert not to far away. Barton Flats is not by anymeans the best place to be for tent camping due to this, but would make an excellent trade off for those looking to bring up the family and the trailer. There is a dump station a the entrance of the camp, and the sites are not too close together to be inconvenienced by your neighbors.

Close to the valley as well as Big Bear I can see this as a good middle ground to get out. There are some spots that are much more shaded than others. my favorites I’ll list here were site #’s 4 which sits on the center loop, 47 outer loop, and double sites 7 and 43. Yes a double site costs double the price. All sites are within a quick walk to a bathroom and new water pipes were located throughout the camp.

The grounds themselves are lackluster with not much to see, but I did notice there are several undocumented sequoia trees that must be near at-least 70 years old in the middle of camp. You can distinguish them from the local cedars by their lighter green coloring, sponge like bark (cedar is a hard bark/wood), and their branches not fanning out like cedars do but more spread in long skinny fingers. Make a note to your kids! We are one of the very few areas that have the ability for these wonderful trees to flourish.

Reviewed Aug. 17, 2018

Beautiful and peaceful

A very quiet campground nesteled among the trees. Water is available. Flush toilets and showers available. Short hike to Jenks Lake

Reviewed Jul. 27, 2018

Nice campground, very strict hosts.

The campground is beautiful and can get crowded. The campsites are pretty big and have some privacy. There's a hiking trail in the campground with a great view. BUT camp hosts were very strict (which is usually fine) and approached us about 4 or 5 times to tell us to do things (we couldn't pull into our campsite, too loud, fire was too big). All of these can be reasonable things to fix but my husband and I are avid campers and have never had issues with camp hosts.

  • Review photo of Barton Flats Family Campground by Morgan F., July 27, 2018
Reviewed Jul. 2, 2018

Good clean place

This spot is a good distance from the restrooms and has a water station right by the spot market. Restroom was clean with plenty toilet paper. There were also electrical plugs and a mirror. Trail from camp leads to Jenks Lake, east 3 mile hike out and back.

Site39
Month of VisitJune
  • Review photo of Barton Flats Family Campground by TheWolfman  Z., July 2, 2018
  • Firewood is $8 a bundle
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  • Review photo of Barton Flats Family Campground by TheWolfman  Z., July 2, 2018
  • (4) View All
Reviewed Jun. 6, 2016

a world away from so cal

Had a great visit here about a month ago. We visited in April 2016 and it was such a change in climate from San Diego. It was mountainous, cool and peaceful. The campground was clean and the management personnel were helpful. We enjoyed a long weekend here and liked its easy access to trails. The campground is also only about 40 minutes from Big Bear, so a quick day trip to the town was easy to do. The site itself was great, not too close to neighbors and rather spacious. Easy walk to the restroom, too.

  • Review photo of Barton Flats Family Campground by Nate H., June 6, 2016
  • Review photo of Barton Flats Family Campground by Nate H., June 6, 2016

Frequently Asked Questions

  • How much does it cost to camp at Barton Flats Family Campground?

    Camping at Barton Flats Family Campground can cost between $36.00 and $38.00 depending on the site.

  • What is the max vehicle length at Barton Flats Family Campground?

    Barton Flats Family Campground allows vehicles up to 35 feet.

  • Are fires allowed at Barton Flats Family Campground?

    Yes, according to campers on TheDyrt.com, fires are allowed at Barton Flats Family Campground, although make sure to check current fire restrictions in the area.

  • Does Barton Flats Family Campground have wifi?

    Yes, according to campers on TheDyrt.com, Barton Flats Family Campground does have wifi.

  • Is there cell phone reception at Barton Flats Family Campground?

    According to campers on TheDyrt.com, Verizon signal is unknown, AT&T is available, and T-Mobile is unknown.

  • How hard is it to get a campsite at Barton Flats Family Campground?

    Some campers book as far as 6 months in advance, so on high-demand weekends it can be very difficult to get a campsite at Barton Flats Family Campground. If you want to get a last-minute campsite at Barton Flats Family Campground, try setting up a text message Alert atTheDyrt.com/alerts

  • Why is it so hard to get a campsite at Barton Flats Family Campground?

    There are 53 campsites at Barton Flats Family Campground and over 80 million Americans who camp! Try snagging a cancellation by setting up a text message Alert atTheDyrt.com/alerts