Glamping options in the San Bernardino mountains near Colton range from 900 to 6,000 feet elevation, providing temperature variations of 10-20°F between valley and mountain locations. During summer months, temperatures often exceed 90°F in lower elevations while mountain sites maintain cooler conditions in the 70s. The terrain transitions from chaparral to pine forests as elevation increases.
What to do
Mountain biking at China Camp State Park: The trail network offers moderate technical challenges on well-maintained paths. "The trail running and hiking is great too. The campground is off the main road that parallels the bay. It's located just past a meadow, and in the (increasingly rare) wet months, there's a creek that runs through the park," notes Nathaniel S.
Fishing at Cherry Valley Lakes: The resort maintains two catch-and-release ponds that require no fishing license, though only barbless hooks are permitted. "We didn't catch any fish but the kids still had fun with it," reports Michelle Z., who visited with family.
Hiking to lookout points: Keller Peak offers panoramic views from its fire lookout tower, accessible via moderate trails from the campsites. "The Keller Peak Lookout was amazing. I thought it was just a tourist attraction but it's really a staffed (with volunteers) active fire lookout. Worth the trip for sure," explains Steve H. who camped at the yellow post sites.
Water activities at Bonelli Bluffs: The park provides designated areas for jet skiing, swimming, kayaking and fishing. "There is camping, horseback riding, fishing, trails, biking, hiking, picnics, you can use your jet skies in designated areas, swimming on the pool areas, kayaking, Park for kids and plenty more," Jessica P. writes about the amenities.
What campers like
Seclusion within reach of conveniences: Most glamping accommodations balance isolation with access to necessities. "It's far enough up in the canyon so you feel tucked away, far from city life but not too far that you can't run down the canyon to Walmart if you forgot something," notes a camper about Fisherman's Retreat.
Walk-in camping experience: Some sites require short walks from parking areas, adding to the sense of separation from urban settings. "This is more of your traditional campground where you must carry all your food and gear to the campsite. It is a short hike from the parking lot to the camping area and the camp hosts can provide containers to carry your items," explains Tim J. about China Camp State Park.
Proximity to natural attractions: Many campsites serve as gateways to notable natural features. "Decent get away from LA. Had alot of bees and weekends are heavily trafficked. But always a nice time," Rebecca W. shares about Bonita Ranch Campground.
Temperature variations: Elevation differences provide options for weather preferences across seasons. "Weather is around 75 during the day and about 50 to 36 degrees cold throughout the night. Has everything you'll need," Martin O. explains about camping conditions at Mojave River Forks Regional Park.
What you should know
Reservation requirements: Weekend bookings at most glamping sites require advance planning, especially during peak months. "Busy weekends are heavily trafficked," Rebecca W. notes about Bonita Ranch, while another visitor to Mojave River Forks Regional Park advises, "It was entirely sold out for both weekend nights, so plan ahead."
Noise considerations: Some campgrounds experience ambient noise from roads or other campers. "It was incredibly windy when we went in April 2021. In addition to the wind, it was very chilly in the evenings and through the night," reports a camper about Mojave River Forks, while another notes Cherry Valley Lakes is "right next to the freeway so it was loud... which doesn't bother me during the day but was distracting at night."
Cell service limitations: Reception varies considerably by location and carrier. "T-Mobile signal was poor and Verizon and AT&T cell signals were slightly better," reports a visitor to Mojave River Forks, while at Keller Peak Yellow Post sites, a camper noted, "Had very bad but there at&t cell reception."
Space between sites: Privacy levels differ significantly between glamping locations. "The sites are well spaced, good tree cover. Very nice patch of land. Quiet," Andrew B. comments about North Shore Campground, contrasting with Cherry Valley Lakes where sites are described as "on top of each other."
Tips for camping with families
Look for dedicated amenities: Several glamping options feature specific facilities for children. "The campground also has a great store there. It has all the camping necessities. If you are into hiking and biking, this campground has the accommodations for that activity. It also has a kid's park," Ed E. writes about North Shore Campground.
Consider bathroom proximity: Facility locations matter for family comfort. "Only thing I wish is that the bathrooms were closer to the hookup spots. I know most RVs have bathrooms but most pop ups don't and from space 58 to the nearest bathroom is a 1/4 mile walk," Martha S. notes about Serrano Campground.
Check water safety: Swimming areas vary in suitability for children. "BEWARE-- WEAR WATER SHOES and be careful if you swim here," warns Sara W. about one beach area, explaining, "there are tons of sharp rocks and oyster shells bits & pieces. Some shell pieces are attached to the rocks and some just scattered along on the bottom."
Pack for temperature swings: Mountain locations can experience significant day-to-night temperature changes. "We got a dusting of snow!" reports Heather L. about an unexpected weather change at Bonita Ranch, while Martin O. notes temperatures dropping from 75°F during the day to as low as 36°F at night at Mojave River Forks Regional Park.
Tips from RVers
Site leveling varies: Campground terrain impacts setup ease. "We pulled a 27' Travel Trailer from Livermore, CA and picked out the perfect site #94. It was the furthest RV site north of the campground and we had power, water and sewage. It was a lake front campsite," shares Ed E. about North Shore Campground.
Hookup availability: Full-service sites are limited at some locations. "Only plus each site have full hookups and sewer," notes Michael S. about campground utilities at Bonelli Bluffs, while Aostara K. appreciates their site's "level parking(!) and full hookups."
Winter access limitations: Seasonal closures affect availability at higher elevations. "We camped here the last weekend before they closed for the winter, after Thanksgiving. The campground was clean, quiet, and had a decent amount of space between sites," Nicole W. reports about Serrano, adding, "Our sewer outlet was frozen in the morning, so we had to dump when we got out of the mountains."
Pull-through site availability: RVers should check site configurations when booking. "A little pricey but very nice facility. All hookups 30/50 amp. Cable TV. There's a pool. A tent area. Some spaces monumentally better than others," Dennis B. advises about Bonelli Bluffs.
