Dorian P.
Scout
ScoutKeller Peak Yellow Post Campground
Kellar peak yellow post #6
Place is super cool but there's a sign that says No overnight camping :(
Camping near Blue Jay, CA
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Camping near Blue Jay, CA ranges from developed campgrounds with electric hookups and water access to primitive yellow post sites across the San Bernardino Mountains. Dogwood Campground stands as one of the most popular camping destinations in the region, featuring spacious sites beneath tall pine trees with amenities including fire rings, picnic tables, and bear boxes. Other options include Serrano Campground, North Shore Campground, and several yellow post sites throughout the surrounding national forest. Most developed campgrounds accommodate both tent and RV camping, with some offering electric hookups and water access, while more remote sites provide primitive camping experiences.
The San Bernardino National Forest camping season typically runs May through October, though some campgrounds remain open year-round with seasonal service reductions. Elevations range from 5,000 to 7,000 feet, resulting in cooler temperatures even during summer months. As one visitor noted, "The campground is gorgeously green and lush with plenty of clean restrooms throughout the campground as well as showers." Winter conditions can limit access, with snow making many forest roads impassable. Most developed campgrounds require reservations through recreation.gov, while yellow post sites operate on a first-come, first-served basis. Cell service varies throughout the region, with better coverage near Lake Arrowhead and diminishing signal in more remote areas.
Campers consistently rate the dense forest setting as the primary appeal of camping near Blue Jay. The pine and oak tree canopy provides substantial shade for most sites, creating a sense of privacy even in busier campgrounds. A review from The Dyrt described Dogwood as having "sites that are well placed making a full campground feel spacious." Trail access represents another highlight, with several hiking paths connecting directly to campgrounds. Proximity to Lake Arrowhead and Lake Gregory offers water recreation opportunities within short driving distance. Visitors should note that weekend camping draws larger crowds, particularly during summer months when temperatures at lower elevations drive visitors to these cooler mountain destinations. Fire restrictions often apply during dry periods, typically from late summer through fall.
Best Campgrounds near Blue Jay (338)
1. Dogwood
"The trees are massive and plenty and make you feel like you are a million miles away from the hustle and bustle of California."
"The campground overall is really pretty and in a great location in Lake Arrowhead. However, we made the mistake of booking site 005, which is right on a ridge... it was SO windy."
from $40 - $81 / night
Check Availability2. Mesa Campground — Silverwood Lake State Recreation Area
"Silverwood Lake Campground offers a range of site experiences depending on where you stay."
"Silverwood Lake was just that. Lush green mountains in the back drop that surrounded every view you turned to take in. "You need to recharge your batteries!""
from $45 - $350 / night
Check Availability3. Hanna Flat Campground
"We were tucked up into the hill side with neighbors far enough sway to make it very private. There were no showers so we brought our travel one and hung it from a branch."
"We arrived at Hanna Flat campground around 11 am on Friday, August 21. First thing about the campground is that the road to get to it is pretty rough."
from $33 - $67 / night
Check Availability4. North Shore Campground - Lake Almanor
"Spaces are pretty close together and small, but we got lucky and didn’t have anyone around us (likely due to bad air quality). If you kayak this is a great place to camp, it’s right next to the lake."
"Lake arrowhead isn't a public lake so it's a bit of a drive to do any water activities, but there was a close offroad trail."
from $29 - $58 / night
Check Availability5. Serrano
"We camped just a few steps away from the lake, there were other campers there but the campgrounds are far enough away from each other."
"This camp site is located walking distance to the lake. There are bike paths and walking trails located near the camp ground."
from $44 - $91 / night
Check Availability6. Skypark Camp RV Resort
"Lake Arrowhead is close for supplies or food. "
"Views are worth it and this is so conveniently located next to Santa's Village. Will definitely be coming back again sooner than later!"
from $50 - $100 / night
Check Availability7. Yucaipa Regional Park
"Tons of hiking trails and within 30 min drive of major shopping/grocery stores. Big Bear is about an hour away with and awesome drive up the mountain."
"Close to the city but far enough away from the lights. There is a ton of stuff to do here. Fishing, kayaking, hiking, water slides, disc golf, bike trails. The RV spots are beyond huge!"
8. Keller Peak Yellow Post Campsites
"Tons of land to hike, on or off trail. Geocaching sites nearby. The Keller Peak Lookout was amazing."
"Each site is decent size and tucked away into the rocks. Many will fit multiple people easily. They fill up fast may-sept."
9. Thomas Hunting Grounds Yellow Post Campites
"Most of the sites have incredible views looking out over Lake Hemet and of the San Jacinto mountains."
"Fun off-road adventure to get to the site. Minimal sites so not much crowding."
10. Lake Arrowhead - Green Valley Lake Recreation Area
"After years of venturing into and around Lake Arrowhead (often a mere stop on my way to Big Bear/Fawnskin) I finally started exploring off the beaten path by accident last year and holy cow!"
"Green valley lake campground is an awesome place for a fun getaway. We wanted to get away for the Fourth of July but waited too long to book in Big Bear."
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Recent Camping Photos near Blue Jay, CA
574 Photos of 338 Blue Jay Campgrounds
Andre V.
Dogwood
Bradley W.
Lake Arrowhead - Green Valley Lake Recreation Area
Walter K.
Skypark Camp RV Resort
Janae P.
North Shore Campground - Lake Almanor
Manny D.
San Bernardino National Forest Crab Flats Campground
Andi W.
Mesa Campground — Silverwood Lake State Recreation Area
Chino F.
San Bernardino National Forest Green Valley Campground
Lynn C.
Keller Peak Yellow Post Campsites
Jessica B.
Deep Creek Hot Springs Camp Retreat
Mike M.
Keller Peak Yellow Post Campground
Dan X.
Deep Creek Hot Springs Campground
James's C.
Hesperia Lake Park and Campground City Park
Recent Reviews near Blue Jay, CA
1478 Reviews of 338 Blue Jay Campgrounds
- RRose C.Scout
Thousand Trails Wilderness Lakes RV Resort
T T. Gem
This campground has good amenities, more than most and quite close to shopping and dining. They offer full rv hookups and both 30 and 50 amp sites.
- P
Page P.ScoutLake Elsinore Marina & RV Resort (West Marina)
I am living here mo-to-mo in
Great if you are into water sports. Park has its entire marina and boat ramp with plenty of parking. Terrific restaurant on the water great sunsets and fabulous barbecue meats. Jack’s Bbq on Lakeside Drive
- TTed D.
TravelerSan Bernardino National Forest Wild Horse Equestrian Campground
Watkins Glen OK
When I booked at the reservation site I screenshot that water and 30 amp power was available at my site. There is NO water hook up. Overall it’s good 7 out of 10. Lots to do within 2 hours of this place. Staying for 6 days.
Kate S.TravelerHanna Flat Campground
Beautoful forested spots
Stayed one night on our way to Utah. Super quiet on Sunday night, we were able to drive right up and pick a spot pretty secluded. Bathrooms were spotless. Camp host was friendly!
Robyn C.ScoutLake Perris State Recreational Area Campground
It’s ok
Place is ok. Quiet so far. Nice people.
FiftysevenNine T.ScoutBlack Rock Campground — Joshua Tree National Park
h2o & sewage
On the outskirts of Joshua Tree National Park in an old growth Joshua Tree grove. The trees are tall and fat, very close to each other. Heftier than the trees inside the Park.
It has water and dump station, otherwise the campgrounds inside the Park are more majestic with huge rocks.
If you're a fulltime RVer or vanlifer with an efficient solar system, having water in/out and a place to stay safely for cheap is grand. It's four klicks from malls, thus ideal if you need stuff. As a fulltime RVer I book several consecutive days with the app. The grounds are empty on weekdays, thus can spend quality time organizing my rig, thoughts, and plans.
From June to autumn half the campsites are shuttered. The area has limited visitation in summer.
Stacey H.ScoutNoble Creek Park
Quiet & Nice City Park
Easy access but away from street noise. Nothing elegant or fancy but it's a nice spot to spend the weekend. RV sites are next to the baseball fields, which is fun! Some sites have shade trees (beware of dripping pine trees). Grass and trees off the RV sites. Sites are on gravel and concrete pads. Great view of the nearby mountains. Park security patrols throughout the day. We've stayed here twice and would definitely visit again!
Dick T.
GuideMarion Mountain
I enjoyed four peaceful days
I have some reservations about writing this review because my experience at this campground was wonderful. I enjoyed four peaceful days there, and, surprisingly, there were never more than three campers present. The other visitors were all gray-haired, which contributed to the serenity—there were no barking dogs, loud generators, music, or screaming kids. I spoke with some long-time campers who advised against visiting during holiday weekends and summer; they warned that it can turn chaotic. Marion Mountain, built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s, exudes character and has a relaxed atmosphere that is not geared for partying, although some attempt to make it so. This campground strictly allows only tent camping and very small teardrop trailers or camper vans; RVs and fifth-wheelers are not permitted. The upper loop(sites 1-5) is great for van or tent camping, but parking is limited to one car/van per site, with no extra parking available. This restriction minimizes the flow of day hikers and keeps the campground tranquil. The inside loop features flatter ground for pitching tents, but it does come with close campsites, reducing privacy since the road rings around sites six through ten, which require a short walk to access. On the lower loop, the outside sites are sloped, and you also need to walk to them. The interior sites here are flat but closely packed, creating a cramped environment. I rated this campground one star for weekends and holidays, but it earns five stars on weekdays and in the shoulder seasons. I would absolutely return, but definitely not on weekends! If I want to hear screaming kids and barking dogs, I can just visit my grandkids. If you value a peaceful camping experience, choose your timing wisely!
Guide to Blue Jay
Camping sites near Blue Jay, California range from primitive yellow post sites to fully developed campgrounds at elevations between 5,000 and 7,500 feet. The San Bernardino Mountains terrain features mixed conifer forest with pine, cedar, and oak trees creating varied camping environments across the region. Winter closures affect most sites from November through April, with snow possible at higher elevations even in early May.
What to do
Hiking directly from camp: At Hanna Flat Campground, multiple trails connect to the campsites. "There is a small store before you start the trail with wood, ice, drinks and miscellaneous last minute camp essentials," notes Manny D., who also mentioned that "the drive up to the campsite was a bit bumpy, although the trail was a nice view."
Bike riding through campgrounds: Serrano Campground offers extensive paved roads ideal for cycling. "Beautiful, pristine campground with bike trails/walking paths around the lake. The town is bike friendly," reports Trey T., who also noted that weather "is perfect in August."
Fishing at nearby lakes: Silverwood Lake State Recreation Area provides multiple fishing spots. "Great camping spot! Close to the lake and you can rent fishing boats and jet ski's and have party's by the water," writes Christina D. The recreation area includes a small market for basic supplies.
What campers like
Well-spaced campsites: Dogwood Campground receives consistent praise for site layout. "The sites are well placed making a full campground fell spacious. I used an electric site which is integrated with tent and nonelectric sites," notes Shuree F., who appreciated that "each campsite has a bear box to store food."
Clean facilities: Many campers highlight facility maintenance. "Bathroom facilities were immaculate," reports Bower about Silverwood Lake, while at Dogwood, Shuree F. noted "the restrooms are clean with flush toilets, along with soap and water sinks."
Privacy between sites: North Shore Campground offers good site separation. "The sites are well spaced, good tree cover. Very nice patch of land. Quiet. Lake Arrowhead Village is 4 miles away," shares Andrew B. This spacing creates more intimate camping experiences even during busy seasons.
What you should know
Varied fire restrictions: Fire policies differ across sites and seasons. For Keller Peak Yellow Post Campsites, David V. notes that "rangers do come by and take down information of the leader of the group. They are very strict on parties are not allowed. NO FIRES." Always check current restrictions before your trip.
Limited cell service: Connectivity varies significantly. At Skypark Camp RV Resort, Justin C. mentions they have strong coverage, noting "Verizon had service at the camp," while more remote yellow post sites typically have limited or no reception.
Weekend crowding: Reservations are essential for summer weekends. Troy L. observed at Dogwood that "it is a very large campground, however there are a couple different loops so it is spread over a large area," which helps manage crowding.
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly activities: Several campgrounds offer dedicated recreation for children. "Skypark is right across the street for mountain bikes," notes Bryan S., while Yucaipa Regional Park features "a fun splash zone" according to Ken B.
Site selection for groups: For family camping, specific sites work better than others. "We had a double spot and it was very spacious which is what we were looking for because we had 5 kids, 4 dogs, and 7 adults," explains Brittany N. about Serrano Campground.
Safety considerations: Some campgrounds have specific hazards to watch for. "Be careful with the bears!" warns Rosalina P. about Silverwood Lake, where bears occasionally visit campsites. Bear boxes are provided at many developed campgrounds for safe food storage.
Tips from RVers
Hookup availability: Electric and water connections vary by campground. "I used an electric site which is integrated with tent and nonelectric sites," shares Shuree F. about Dogwood Campground, adding "I drive a 19 foot RV van which backed up easily into our campsite, and had plenty of room to spare."
Site access challenges: Not all campgrounds accommodate larger RVs. Bryan S. notes about Skypark Camp RV Resort that "spots are a little tight if you have a bigger unit," while another reviewer mentioned "I would skip if I were a big rig, or call and ask for sites that are easy to get into."
Winter considerations: RV camping continues year-round at some sites. Nicole W. shares about Serrano: "We camped here the last weekend before they closed for the winter, after Thanksgiving... Our sewer outlet was frozen in the morning, so we had to dump when we got out of the mountains."
Frequently Asked Questions
What amenities are available at Blue Jay campgrounds?
What amenities are available at Blue Jay campgrounds?
At Blue Jay Campground - TEMPORARILY CLOSED, amenities include fresh water spigots throughout the campground, restroom facilities, and established fire rings at each site. It operates on a pay-to-stay basis where you pay at the entrance gate and select an available site. For hikers and outdoor enthusiasts, the campground offers access to numerous trails for hiking, biking, and trail running. For a different camping experience with more backcountry amenities, Little Jimmy Trail Campground features approximately seven first-come, first-served sites with fire rings and vault toilets.
Where are the Blue Jay campgrounds in San Bernardino?
Where are the Blue Jay campgrounds in San Bernardino?
Blue Jay Campground - TEMPORARILY CLOSED is located in the San Bernardino National Forest, about two miles off the Ortega Highway (Highway 74). The campground sits in the mountains between Lake Elsinore and San Juan Capistrano, approximately an hour's drive from Newport Beach. For alternative camping in the San Bernardino area, Heart Bar Campground is located about 25 minutes from town and features beautiful mountain views.
Is camping allowed at Blue Jay Lake?
Is camping allowed at Blue Jay Lake?
There is no specific Blue Jay Lake in the San Bernardino area where camping is permitted. However, if you're looking for lakeside camping options near Blue Jay, Serrano offers campsites just steps away from the water with friendly staff and beautiful views. For another option with lake access, Bonelli Bluffs provides family-friendly camping with proximity to water, though some visitors note it could benefit from more amenities for children.
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