Primitive camping options flourish in the San Bernardino Mountains near Cedar Glen, California. Most campgrounds sit between 5,000-7,000 feet elevation and have pine forest cover that creates cool, shaded sites. Winter conditions limit access to many campgrounds from November through April, with snow often closing roads and freezing water sources.
What to do
Hiking from camp: At Pineknot Campground, campers can walk directly to Snow Summit for mountain hiking. "We walked over and took the ski lift up to the top and hiked around the loop. BEAUTIFUL!" notes Rose B. The camp's proximity to trails makes it convenient for quick outdoor access without driving.
Mountain biking options: Trails near Skypark Camp RV Resort connect directly to mountain biking terrain. "Great park. Skypark is right across the street for mountain bikes," explains Bryan S. The campground provides a central base for riders wanting immediate trail access.
Wildlife viewing: Several campgrounds report regular deer sightings. "We saw rattlesnakes on our walk. Deer walking around the trails," reports Stephanie M. about camping at Thomas Hunting Grounds. Morning and evening hours provide the best wildlife viewing opportunities.
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Hanna Flat Campground earns praise for its site spacing. "Campground feels very secluded and the sites are far apart," says Spencer U. This spacing provides campers with a greater sense of solitude compared to more crowded campgrounds.
Clean facilities: The maintenance level at Dogwood Campground consistently impresses visitors. "Gorgeous. Beautiful, large, private campsites. Bathrooms were clean," reports Paige K. The campground's well-maintained facilities make primitive camping more comfortable.
Water proximity: North Shore Campground offers waterfront camping with easy access. "We love that we can tent camp by the water!" shares Sandi B. The lake provides recreation options directly from campsite areas without requiring additional driving.
What you should know
Winter restrictions: Most campgrounds close seasonally. "We camped here the last weekend before they closed for the winter, after Thanksgiving. Our sewer outlet was frozen in the morning," Nicole W. notes about Serrano Campground. Cold temperatures impact water systems even in open campgrounds.
Fire regulations vary: At Keller Peak Yellow Post Campsites, fire rules change seasonally. "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," warns David V. Check current fire restrictions before arrival.
Terrain challenges: Many campgrounds require careful driving. "About 0.25 miles on dirt road located just passed Lake Hemet on 6S13," Shannon C. explains about Thomas Hunting Grounds Yellow Post Sites. Some remote camping areas require high-clearance vehicles.
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly activities: Yucaipa Regional Park offers additional recreation for children. "There's a lot to do here, including fishing, playgrounds, and even a waterpark in the summer," says Mary F. The developed facilities provide entertainment options beyond camping.
Biking opportunities: Serrano Campground provides safe riding areas for children. "Beautiful, pristine campground with bike trails/walking paths around the lake. The town is bike friendly," Trey T. explains. These paths allow families to enjoy cycling without traffic concerns.
Weather preparation: Mountain temperatures fluctuate dramatically, even in summer. "Weather is perfect in August," notes Trey T. about Serrano. However, campers at Hanna Flat report, "It was May but got cold enough at night but was absolutely perfect during the day."
Tips from RVers
Site sizing varies: Campgrounds accommodate different RV lengths. "Very large space with plenty of shade," reports Sam H. about Keller Peak sites. Meanwhile, at Skypark, Bryan S. notes, "Spots are a little tight if you have a bigger unit."
Water and power options: Mesa Campground at Silverwood Lake offers full hookup sites. "We stayed in campsite 108 (which had full hookups) and did not feel that the campsites were too close to one another," says Bower. However, hookup availability varies widely between campgrounds.
Bathroom facilities: Many primitive campgrounds lack shower facilities. "Depending on your site you can hear traffic go by occasionally, but otherwise a fantastic campground. Facilities were well kept and clean," explains Jeremiah F. about Dogwood Campground. Some sites recommend nearby alternatives for showers.
