Best Campgrounds near Fontana, CA
The San Bernardino Mountains and surrounding valleys near Fontana, California provide a diverse range of camping experiences within an hour's drive of the city. Established campgrounds like Dogwood in the higher elevations offer forested sites with amenities such as picnic tables, fire rings, and drinking water, while Bonita Ranch Campground in Lytle Creek provides a mix of tent, RV, and cabin accommodations. Closer to town, Prado Regional Park and Rancho Jurupa RV Park offer year-round camping with full hookups for RVs. Silverwood Lake State Recreation Area, approximately 30 miles northeast of Fontana, features lakeside camping with opportunities for water recreation. The region spans from urban-adjacent sites to more remote mountain locations, with elevations ranging from 1,000 to over 7,000 feet.
Seasonal considerations significantly impact camping conditions in the Fontana area. Mountain campgrounds like Manker Campground near Mount Baldy operate seasonally from May to October due to winter snow at higher elevations. Summer temperatures in lower elevation sites can exceed 100°F, while mountain locations remain considerably cooler. Fire restrictions are common during dry summer and fall months, particularly in San Bernardino National Forest campgrounds like Applewhite. As one camper noted about Dogwood Campground, "The trees are massive and plenty and make you feel like you are a million miles away from the hustle and bustle of California." Advance reservations are strongly recommended for weekend camping, especially during summer months when sites fill quickly. Many campgrounds require Adventure Passes for parking in addition to camping fees.
Proximity to recreational activities is a common highlight in camper reviews of the area. Lake-adjacent sites at Silverwood Lake and Bonelli Bluffs provide access to swimming, fishing, and boating. Campers at mountain sites frequently mention hiking and off-road trail access as key amenities. "We were super close to all the awesome hiking spots and off-roading exploring. If you're into rock climbing there are a bunch of cool places there in Holcomb valley," reported one visitor to Serrano Campground. Highway noise affects some lower elevation campgrounds, particularly those near Interstate 15 and other major thoroughfares. Site privacy varies significantly between campgrounds, with mountain locations generally offering more secluded experiences than valley campgrounds. Most established sites provide basic amenities like picnic tables and fire rings, with varying levels of hookups for RVs.
