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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 (352)
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."
Check AvailabilityCampground full this weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $40 - $81 / night
2. 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!""
1 Site AvailableAvailable this weekend
from $45 - $350 / night
3. 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."
Check AvailabilityCampground full this weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $33 - $67 / night
4. 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."
Check AvailabilityCampground full this weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $44 - $91 / night
5. North Shore Campground - Lake Arrowhead
"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."
Check Availabilityfrom $29 - $58 / night
6. 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!"
Check Availabilityfrom $39 - $299 / night
7. 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. Holcomb Valley Campground
"Lots of great trails and off trail hiking for all levels of experience plus climbing locations for the rockers out there."
"Though this campground doesn’t have spectacular views, it is located in the historic Holcomb Valley and surrounded by tons of hiking and offroad trails to explore. Tall trees with plenty of shade!"
Check Availabilityfrom $27 / night
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
608 Photos of 352 Cedar Glen Campgrounds • uploaded by The Dyrt campers
Skypark Camp RV Resort
Lake Arrowhead - Green Valley Lake Recreation Area
North Shore Campground - Lake ArrowheadJ
Dogwood
San Bernardino National Forest Crab Flats Campground
San Bernardino National Forest Green Valley Campground
Keller Peak Yellow Post Campsites
Keller Peak Yellow Post Campground
Deep Creek Hot Springs Camp Retreat
Deep Creek Hot Springs Campground
Oak Springs Ranch Campground
Horse Springs Camground
Recent Reviews near Cedar Glen, CA
1612 Reviews of 352 Cedar Glen Campgrounds
- T
Tanya T.ScoutMountain Lakes Resort - Membership Campground
OCTOBER 2026
Site is clean, many activities on weekends They also add 1000lb or catfish and trout weekly depending on season. Members were friendly. Downside is wifi when the campsite is 75+ full and only about a dozen paved spots. Major are gravel and dirt.
Aaron S.
RangerRound Valley Campsite — Mount San Jacinto State Park
Gooseberry Site, Alpine Wilderness & A Critical Backcountry Safety Wake-Up
Reviewed by: The Crew at Hitched4fun.com
If you are looking for a true alpine backcountry adventure right in Southern California, backpacking into Round Valley Primitive Campsites inside the Mount San Jacinto State Park and Wilderness is an incredible experience. By pairing the world-famous Palm Springs Aerial Tramway with a weekend wilderness trek, you can leave the scorching low desert and step into sub-alpine granite peaks within minutes. Our crew recently packed our gear, caught the tram, and set up basecamp at the Gooseberry site for a Friday-to-Saturday summit push of Mount San Jacinto.
The scenery and wilderness delivered on every level—but the trip also served as a stark reminder that high-altitude nature commands respect.
The Route & Camp Setup (Gooseberry Site)
Taking the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway bypasses thousands of vertical feet of grueling desert switchbacks, depositing you at Mountain Station:
- The Trek into Round Valley: From the tram station, it is a scenic~2.5-mile backpack into Round Valley, which sits at an elevation of roughly 9,100 feet.
- The Gooseberry Campsite: Gooseberry is a fantastic primitive backcountry site. Tucked among the lodgepole pines and granite boulders, it offers great shelter, peace, and that genuine wilderness seclusion you crave.
- The Summit Push: We spent Friday night acclimating and resting at basecamp. Early Saturday morning, we pushed for the summit of Mount San Jacinto Peak(10,834 feet). After taking in the panoramic views stretching from the Pacific to the Salton Sea, we descended back to Round Valley, packed up camp, and made the return trek to the tram for the ride down.
The October Shoulder Season: Nature Changes in Minutes
We chose to hike late in the season during October, and anyone heading up during shoulder months needs to understand high-elevation weather:
- T****he Forecast Mirage: On the morning of our summit push, the official forecast predicted clear, sunny skies by noon.
- The High-Alpine Reality: Noon rolled around, and the weather did the exact opposite—we were hit with biting snow flurries and temperatures plunging straight into the 20s.
- Within just two hours, a crisp autumn morning morphed into full-blown freezing winter conditions.
A Serious Backcountry Advisory: 50 Years on the Trail Speaks
As someone with over 50 years of hiking and backpacking experience spanning every corner of the American West, what we witnessed on the trail between Round Valley and the peak was alarming.
We encountered dozens of hikers completely unprepared for foul weather:
- The Outfit: People trekking toward a 10,834-foot alpine peak in short shorts, cotton t-shirts, light sneakers, and carrying little more than a tiny hydration bladder with a couple of snack bars. No insulation, no wind protection, no emergency gear.
- Missing Essentials: Not a single one of the Ten Essentials in sight.
- The Dangerous Mindset: Yes, 99% of the time, casual hikers get lucky and escape without incident. But cell service, 911, and volunteer Search& Rescue teams are not your personal safety net—preparedness and basic common sense are.
- The Golden Rule: Any hiker stepping foot into this wilderness must carry the gear to survive an unexpected night out in freezing conditions. An ankle sprain, altitude sickness, or a sudden squall can turn a fun day hike into hypothermia, acute suffering, or worse. Don't be that guy or gal.
The Hitched4fun Verdict
Mount San Jacinto Wilderness and Round Valley’s Gooseberry site delivered everything an outdoor enthusiast could want: pristine trails, incredible pine-scented air, and raw wilderness beauty. Just never forget that nature can bite hard if you let your guard down. Pack your layers, bring your essentials, respect the mountain, and you will have an unforgettable journey.
Rating: 5 out of 5 Stars— Highly Recommended by the Hitched4fun.com crew!
Kimberly E.ScoutBear Lake
Exceptional camping experience. Beautiful, secluded, but not far from town. Would recommend a vehicle you feel comfortable with off roading terrain.
Hans V.RangerSouth Ridge Yellow Post Sites
The first two spots are close together. First one a bit small but better cover from Santa Anna winds. Nicely in the forest and close to the village.
- SSonali U.
TravelerCaravan Mobile Home Park
If it’s there, I missed it.
I went there to see, before making a reservation. I found the trailer park—maybe 100 old mobile homes—but I never found an RV park. I didn’t see anything to see. The “pool” was empty. The office was locked, and it wasn’t lunch. Just kinda not happening. I left a message to call me with the answering service, but I never got a call back.
- jjulie G.Scout
Stoddard Valley OHV Area - North
OHV area in desert
Nice and FREE area , easy to access
Robyn C.TravelerStone Creek Campground — Mount San Jacinto State Park
Nice stay
Had a nice stay here twice so far this year. Nice place. Quiet and clean.
FiftysevenNine T.
GuideDesert Rose Collective RV Parking
functional
Nice place, rustic, unpublicized, congenial host. It can accommodate a number of vans and RVs, but I was the only guest. There is water and nothing else that is stated in the blurb. A self-contained rig is recommended.
As I explored the premises, I imagined that a small traveling couple or group could enjoy the camp as a peaceful alternative to Joshua Tree or Desert Hot Springs. There is evidence that guests stayed there before, with ample communal space for a campfire experience possibly with libations.
The camp might not be a priority business for the host, thus a work-in-progress or attempted endeavor. It has potential to be a stellar and successful camp if kempt.
Security was my concern, being solo, so I locked down more than usual when I left during the day for a music festival. No issues. I stayed three nights. The location is four miles from Morongo Valley Covington Park and the Big Morongo Canyon Preserve, a hiking attraction.
A bumpy dirt road to get to camp. Unsure if a large RV can traverse it. Call or text is the only way to book. The cellphone number is on Google Maps.
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 352 campgrounds and RV parks near Cedar Glen, CA and 30 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 30 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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