RV camping near Cedarpines Park, California provides access to campgrounds at elevations ranging from 1,000 to 7,000 feet. The surrounding San Bernardino Mountains feature a mixture of desert chaparral and alpine forest environments, creating distinct camping experiences throughout the year. Winter temperatures often drop below freezing at higher elevations, while summer daytime temperatures can exceed 90°F in lower-lying campgrounds.
What to do
Hiking to waterfalls: Access Bonita Falls from Lytle Creek with a moderate 1.5-mile round-trip hike. Bonita Ranch Campground serves as an excellent starting point, with one camper noting "The creek running behind the camp is great to explore, and a waterfall is a short hike away. We also lucked out finding berries in August."
Mountain biking: Ride dedicated trails across from Skypark Camp RV Resort in Running Springs. "Perfect gateway for your adventures in the area," wrote one reviewer, while another mentioned it's "directly across from Santa's Village and the bike park."
Fishing options: Cast for catfish at Rancho Jurupa Park's small lake. One visitor described "fishing for catfish in the little lake which is shaded with trees and plenty of tables to picnic by the lake." Multiple stocked fishing areas provide year-round opportunities for anglers throughout the region.
What campers like
Mountain solitude: Yellow post sites at Keller Peak offer secluded camping with distance between sites. A regular visitor explained, "I really dig these spots because they are well spaced out. It's right around the corner from my cabin so it's a great spot to get outside for the weekend without an epic drive." Sites are distributed along a 5-mile road.
Clean facilities: Rancho Jurupa RV Park maintains well-kept grounds and amenities. "Great park. It may not seem nice when you are passing through town to get in, but once you enter the gates it's beautiful. Large concrete pads, easy backing in and hooking up. Lots of grass, great place to camp in groups," shared one satisfied camper.
Family-friendly amenities: Many campgrounds feature dedicated recreation areas. A visitor to Rancho Jurupa noted, "Lots of families with children, fishing for catfish in the little lake which is shaded with trees and plenty of tables to picnic by the lake. Playground plus lots of grassy areas."
What you should know
Elevation changes affect access: Mountain roads to many campgrounds require careful planning. Higher elevation sites at Keller Peak Yellow Post Campsites may close seasonally due to snow. As one camper noted, "It's a bit of a drive but very scenic and should be doable in any car."
Reservation requirements vary: Some campgrounds operate on first-come-first-served basis, while others need advance booking. Yellow post sites cannot be reserved, with one visitor warning they "fill up fast May-Sept."
Fire restrictions: Fire policies differ significantly between campgrounds. At Skypark Camp RV Resort, "No wood fires but they do offer gas fire pits in the community area," while at Keller Peak, restrictions change seasonally with one camper noting, "There are fire rings but fires are not always permitted so be sure to check with the station just at the bottom of Keller Peak road."
Tips for camping with families
Water activities: Campgrounds with splash pads provide relief during hot summer days. At Bonelli Bluffs, one family mentioned they "enjoyed the lake the view the weather," while another visitor to Rancho Jurupa highlighted the "splash pad, park, mini golf great amenities."
Security considerations: Some campgrounds offer enhanced security features. A camper at Rancho Jurupa appreciated the "great sense of community and great placement of the gates for safety purposes. Lots of food spots within 10 minutes. Spaces are one of the cleanest I seen. Ranger is on constant patrol."
Group camping options: Dedicated group areas accommodate larger family gatherings. One visitor explained their experience: "Took Girl Scouts here for group camping. Rocky and sand. The family camping was fine! Girls used Porta Potties."
Tips from RVers
Hookup configurations: Electrical service varies between campgrounds. While most offer 30/50 amp service, placement can be challenging. At Holloway's Marina & RV Park, an RVer cautioned, "It was difficult to use the dump hookups as they're elevated about a foot off the ground so I had to lift the hose off my support snake many times."
Site leveling: Many mountain campgrounds feature uneven terrain. One RVer at Holloway's Marina noted, "Pad was a little off level. Had to block one side," while others recommend bringing extra leveling blocks for mountain locations.
Length restrictions: Some RV parks enforce minimum length requirements. At Big Bear Shores RV Resort, a visitor warned, "The complaint was that our trailer was not long enough. The rules state all trailers must be at least 26 feet... If your rig is anywhere near 30 feet or less, you should expect the same treatment."
