San Bernardino National Forest surrounds Forest Falls, California, with elevations ranging from 2,000 to 8,000 feet creating distinct climate zones throughout the camping areas. Temperatures typically drop 3-5 degrees with every 1,000 feet of elevation gain, making higher campgrounds noticeably cooler in summer. The nearby San Gorgonio Wilderness contains over 59,000 acres of protected land with numerous camping options ranging from developed sites to primitive backcountry locations.
What to do
Hiking access from camp: Many campsites near Forest Falls provide direct trail access, eliminating driving between activities. At San Gorgonio Campground, "There is a great trail off the backside of the campground as well. It can be a bit loud and the trees are tall and skinny so there's not a ton of privacy, but it's woodsy and beautiful," reports Kate W.
Mountain biking trails: The area features interconnected trail systems suitable for riders of all abilities. "Pineknot is perfectly situated in Big Bear where you're in the woods but only a short walk to Snow Summit. This allows you a staging area to ride mountain bikes all day at Snow Summit and around the mountain but allows you the convenience to be camped nearby," writes Berton M.
Wildlife observation: Dawn and dusk offer prime viewing opportunities throughout the area. "We stayed at site 40 this time and it was a little close to our neighbors on one side but we had plenty of room to the next campsite... It's great for the family with lots of trails all around," notes Samantha N. about San Gorgonio Campground.
Fishing at nearby lakes: Heart Bar Campground provides easy access to fishing spots within short driving distance. "There are spigots throughout the area with trash and recycling bins. Bathrooms are clean, they provide toilet paper, and also has air fresheners inside... Hiking spots is about 30 mins away towards Big Bear. If you want a nice site seeing walk, you can ask the host for directions to the meadows," shares Chrystal M.
What campers like
Spacious sites: Many campgrounds feature well-separated sites with room for multiple tents and vehicles. At Barton Flats Family Campground, "We stayed here for the 4th, and the weather was great. Our site was large enough to fit a 24 foot trailer, truck, and a car. The bathrooms and showers were clean, and the hosts were friendly," says Jonathan G.
Free dispersed options: East Flats offers cost-free camping with minimal rules. "Great spot right off of Jenks Lake Road East that allows dispersed camping. There are a lot of spaces and larger rigs will do just fine within the first 1/4 mile, roads are a bit rough with rock and drainage ditches but our 40' trailer had zero issues," reports Mike M.
Meadow access: Several sites border natural clearings providing wildlife viewing. At Heart Bar Campground, "By far this has got to be the best and largest campground on the 38. First reason is the pricing. At only $21 per night for a single site, this is the best priced campground in the area excluding free yellow post sites," according to Nick L.
Cell service availability: Unlike many mountain areas, certain camping spots maintain connectivity. East Flats campers note good reception, with Alexis O. reporting, "loved this spot. easy to find & very lowkey, with ample spaces to choose from. no amenities & great cell service."
What you should know
Fire restrictions: Rules vary by location and season, with complete bans common during dry months. At Thomas Hunting Grounds Yellow Post Sites, Chelsea R. notes, "I almost want to give this a 1 star review, just to keep it to myself a little longer. We loved this yellow post site, by far one of my favorites. Private but with cell service, tables and fire pits! Listen to great horned owls while taking in the views!"
Road conditions: Many dispersed sites require high-clearance vehicles. "The drive was extremely easy with a couple of rocky areas that made me slow down to 5mph and under to not damage the bottom of my H Fit. (Didn't mind thanks to its amazing views.!) We stayed a couple of days and enjoyed our hikes, and camping spot to the max," shares Sandra L. about Thomas Hunting Grounds.
Bear activity: Food storage requirements apply throughout the area. At San Gorgonio Campground, Jennifer D. warns, "Don't leave Ice chest out & Please be sure to cover your ice chest, even in your vehicle, as the bears, are all too familiar with them. My sister did not heed my warning, and we woke in the middle of the night to the local resident (a bear) tipping and subsequently going through her cooler."
Winter closures: Most campgrounds above 6,500 feet close seasonally. At Barton Flats, one visitor noted the campground typically operates from "early may-late oct" according to the website, requiring off-season campers to seek lower-elevation alternatives.
Tips for camping with families
Group sites: Reserve connected spaces for multi-family trips for shared meals and activities. At Dogwood Campground, "Overall we were very impressed with this campground. It is a very large campground, however there are a couple different loops so it is spread over a large area. Our site was a single so it only fit one car," explains Troy L.
Child-friendly amenities: Some locations offer dedicated play areas and ranger programs. "This is a great campsite for a weekend getaway with the family. The camp amenities are nice; clean bathrooms and showers on site. This is also a closer drive from the IE valley, but the downside is it is a bit of a drive if planning to head up to Big Bear," reports Jeff T. about Dogwood.
Bike-friendly campgrounds: Kids can safely ride on paved loops within certain campgrounds. "Kiddos had a great time riding their bikes around the sites. Also, great trails nearby!" shares Krystal G. about Hanna Flat Campground.
Temperature preparation: Pack layers regardless of season as evening temperatures drop significantly. "We were here in August and the weather was perfect. Verizon service is only 2 bars but I can still work. Full hookup. Some sites have better shade than others. I'm here in the heat but my AC is keeping up," mentions Anneliese S. about Yucaipa Regional Park.
Tips from RVers
Water availability: Many sites lack hookups, requiring self-contained water supplies. At Yucaipa Regional Park, "Excellent campground. Well maintained. Large concrete pads that can handle any rig. So much to do all around a park. Does get very cold, was in the teens overnight when I was there in Feb. Fires allowed which is nice," shares Paul C.
Dump station locations: Plan ahead for waste disposal needs as facilities are limited. Serrano Campground offers this amenity with Colette K. noting, "Great camp site. Nice 'big' spots so you don't feel like you're on top of one another. 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."
Generator restrictions: Policies vary between campgrounds regarding use hours. "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. There is a biking trail that goes through the campground that was well used," reports Nicole W. about Serrano.
Winter freezing concerns: Protect water systems in colder months as pipes can freeze even in fall. "Our sewer outlet was frozen in the morning, so we had to dump when we got out of the mountains," warns a winter camper at Serrano Campground.
