R
Rose C.
Scout
ScoutThousand 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.
Camping near Cedar Glen, CA
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The San Bernardino Mountains surrounding Cedar Glen, California, provide a range of camping options at elevations between 5,000-7,000 feet. Established campgrounds like Dogwood, Serrano, and North Shore offer designated tent and RV sites with varying levels of amenities. Many campgrounds in this region maintain seasonal operations, with sites like Hanna Flat and Pineknot typically open from May through October, while others like Mesa Campground at Silverwood Lake operate year-round.
Road access to camping areas varies significantly based on location and season. Many campgrounds require advance reservations through recreation.gov, especially during summer weekends and holidays when sites fill quickly. The region experiences cool mountain temperatures even in summer months, with occasional afternoon thunderstorms. According to one visitor, "Expect a bit of noise, but manageable. Quiet hours are the usual 10-7 but we unfortunately were situated next to a group that violated both times." Primitive camping options like the Keller Peak and Thomas Hunting Grounds Yellow Post Sites offer more secluded experiences but lack amenities like drinking water and toilets. Cell service can be spotty throughout the area, particularly at more remote sites.
The proximity to mountain lakes represents a significant draw for campers throughout the region. Serrano Campground provides access to Big Bear Lake, while the Mesa Campground connects to Silverwood Lake State Recreation Area. A camper noted, "Super nice staff! They remembered us after only staying here twice which means they take pride in the care for their customers. We love that we can tent camp by the water!" Many campgrounds feature picnic tables, fire pits, and vault toilets, though availability of showers varies considerably. Family-friendly amenities can be found at Skypark Camp RV Resort, which receives high ratings for its cleanliness and maintenance. Proximity to towns like Lake Arrowhead and Big Bear provides convenient access to supplies, while still offering the mountain forest camping experience that draws visitors to the San Bernardino National Forest.
Best Campgrounds near Cedar Glen (347)
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. 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 Availability3. 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 Availability4. 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 Availability5. 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 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. Pineknot
"Pineknot is perfectly situated in Big Bear where you're in the woods but only a short walk to Snow Summit. "
"The last few times we have gone we have stayed in 19 because of its location and layout."
from $34 - $36 / night
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Drive Time
- 1 hr 39 min from Los Angeles, CA
- 2 hrs 13 min from San Diego, CA
- 2 hrs 21 min from Oxnard, CA
- 2 hrs 49 min from Bakersfield, CA
Recent Camping Photos near Cedar Glen, CA
604 Photos of 347 Cedar Glen Campgrounds
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North Shore Campground - Lake Almanor
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San Bernardino National Forest Green Valley Campground
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Keller Peak Yellow Post Campsites
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Recent Reviews near Cedar Glen, CA
1556 Reviews of 347 Cedar Glen Campgrounds
- PPage P.Scout
Lake 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.
Brittany
GuideJoshua Tree RV & Campground
Hunkering Down next to Joshua Tree
We stopped in visiting Joshua Tree National Park. This is located very close to the Northwest side of park. The RV park is very easy to get to. There are not a lot of options for places to camp. The Dispersed lots have a lot of trash. This is a clean location, very very expensive though. You will pay premium price for no shade and to park in a sand lot. There is a nice little park adjacent to this but that’s the only plus.
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 Cedar Glen
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Cedar Glen, CA?
What camping is available near Cedar Glen, CA?
According to TheDyrt.com, Cedar Glen, CA offers a wide range of camping options, with 347 campgrounds and RV parks near Cedar Glen, CA and 29 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Cedar Glen, CA?
Which is the most popular campground near Cedar Glen, CA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Cedar Glen, CA is Dogwood with a 4.7-star rating from 33 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Cedar Glen, CA?
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Cedar Glen, CA?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 29 free dispersed camping spots near Cedar Glen, CA.
What parks are near Cedar Glen, CA?
What parks are near Cedar Glen, CA?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 9 parks near Cedar Glen, CA that allow camping, notably Mojave River Dam and San Bernardino National Forest.
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