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.
$40 - $81 / night
"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."
$33 - $67 / night
"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."
$44 - $91 / night
"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."
$45 - $350 / night
"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!""
"ATV with ice cream and firewood comes around right before dark. Campsites are a bit crowded for my liking. Access to the Silverwood Lake recreation area is a great benefit."
$29 - $58 / night
"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."
$50 - $100 / night
"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!"
"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!"
"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."
"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."
$34 - $36 / night
"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."
TravelerPlenty of space you don’t need to be near people. The mountain. The night sky. Everything was superb. The only sad thing was to see some trash here and there. So if you come here please make sure you pick up after yourself; try to leave places better than you found them.
ScoutThisThis RV Park is downright dangerous to camp at and is an absolute trash dump. The electrical supplies are not safe to plug into they have reverse polarity and if you plug into them it's going to blow all your appliances your air conditioner and all your Outlets. We sustained thousands of dollars worth of damage to our RV before an electrician told us what the problem was reverse polarity is when the wiring is incorrect and it can cause dangerous surges that can destroy your unit. There are stray animals running around the park everywhere there are old broken down RVs old broken down cars it's full of drug addicts the shower facilities are disgusting this place is nothing like the website you cannot afford to stay here for even one night.
TravelerThis campground has a separate entrance through Yucca Valley. You have to leave the park to get to it. Quiet. A little confusing coming in, not knowing where to go. Large site with a good turn around. Lots of large rocks and sand. Not a great tent site. Was easy to level. Bathrooms a bit spread out. Lots of sweat bees. Good phone service.
TravelerQuiet campground. It has its own entrance from Yucca so separate from the rest of the park. Bathrooms are a bit spread out. Our site was a mix of sand and largish rocks. Maybe not the best for tents camping.
ScoutSome nights very windy, but it’s extremely beautiful out here. It’s a great time.
TravelerThe host was very responsive and helpful. We felt safe inside the large fenced area, with beautiful views of the surrounding mountains. The shower was great and our site was level and easy to access. Very affordable and super friendly. Definitely recommend!
GuideBeautiful, quiet site with plenty of space but it is VERY windy with trash flying everywhere. It also seems to function as an illegal dumping site for couches, appliances …
Practice shooters at night and early am nearby are also not the most reassuring and the main reason for our decision to skip staying over the weekend.
ScoutIt was rather windy, but very easy to find the campsites the right off the road, and even if all the campsites are full, there’s some nice clearing where you can Boondock or tent camp
GuideCheckin was easy and friendly. Sites were huge. As all parks are in AZ and Palm Springs, it’s all sand and gravel. Not a sprig of grass which makes it difficult to get dogs to pee and it tracks in SO BAD! ALSO not the parks fault but 2 small trailers pulled in next to us around 10 pm and had lots of people and lots of kids. It was noisy and they were using what sounded like power tools for some reason. They were clearly together as doors faced one another. If they had been longer it wouldn’t have been an issue but when you stepped out of our MH there they were up close and personal. We had absolutely no privacy as everyone one faced our camper. It was just I’ve big happy family. NOT!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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."
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?
According to TheDyrt.com, Cedar Glen, CA offers a wide range of camping options, with 343 campgrounds and RV parks near Cedar Glen, CA and 28 free dispersed camping spots.
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?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 28 free dispersed camping spots 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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