The rough roads leading into East Flats require careful navigation, but campers with everything from sedans to 40-foot RVs manage the journey successfully. This dispersed camping area sits along Jenks Lake Road East in San Bernardino National Forest, where multiple loops provide numerous site options across the first quarter-mile of accessible terrain.
Dust becomes a constant companion here, as Ciara W. discovered during her two-day work retreat. The fine particles coat everything, though the trade-off includes reliable cell service and Starlink connectivity for remote work. Wildlife moves freely through the area—deer wander past campsites regularly, while birds, squirrels, and chipmunks provide constant activity. Turkey calls echo through the forest, and rattlesnakes inhabit the area, making pet supervision essential.
The Santa Ana River runs nearby, offering mountain biking opportunities along the River Trail. San Gorgonio Mountain dominates the horizon, and Jenks Lake provides additional recreation just a short distance away. Level sites accommodate larger rigs within the initial accessible zone, while smaller vehicles can venture further for more secluded spots. Generators run at various sites, though the dispersed nature means Samay C. "could barely hear their generator running" from neighboring campers 30 yards away.
No facilities exist here—campers must arrive completely self-sufficient. The Forest Service occasionally reserves the entire area for special events like archery competitions, potentially displacing campers with little notice. Road conditions vary with weather, and the rocky, rutted surface challenges low-clearance vehicles. Sites fill on weekends, but weekday arrivals typically find ample options for camping near Big Bear Lake.
East Flats works best for campers comfortable with primitive conditions who value free camping and forest access over amenities.
RV Road Trip Guides
Location
Dispersed CampingEast Flats is located in California
Coordinates
34.16518877 N
116.84693718 W
Connectivity
T-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoors
T-Mobile5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 11 usersLast on 5/2/26
VerizonNo CoverageVerified by 9 usersLast on 5/2/26- AT&TNo CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 5/2/26
Connectivity
T-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoors- T-Mobile5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 11 usersLast on 5/2/26
- VerizonNo CoverageVerified by 9 usersLast on 5/2/26
- AT&TNo CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 5/2/26
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
Site Types
- Dispersed
Features
For Campers
- Phone Service
- WiFi
- Alcohol
- Pets
DISPERSED CAMPING
Enjoy dispersed camping on government land and leave no trace. Pack in and pack out. No (or limited) services at this camping area. Permit may be required.
PERMIT might be REQUIRED
We curate permit requirements across the US for our PRO members. Try PRO to see if East Flats needs a permit.
Drive Time
- 1 hr 48 min from Los Angeles, CA
- 2 hrs 19 min from San Diego, CA
- 2 hrs 35 min from Oxnard, CA
- 2 hrs 47 min from El Centro, CA
