The San Bernardino Mountains near Highland, California range from 1,500 to over 11,000 feet elevation, creating distinct camping environments from lower woodland areas to alpine settings. Summer temperatures typically reach 75-85°F at higher elevations, while winter brings snow above 6,000 feet. Most campgrounds in this region operate seasonally with limited availability from late October through April due to winter conditions.
What to do
Mountain biking at Skypark Camp RV Resort: Located directly across from Santa's Village bike park with trails for various skill levels. "Skypark is right across the street for mountain bikes. Lake Arrowhead is close for supplies or food," notes Bryan S., who appreciated the convenient access to recreation options while staying at the Skypark Camp RV Resort.
Hiking from North Shore Campground: Access trails that connect to the broader San Bernardino National Forest trail system. "There is a lovely hiking trail at the far end of the site," reports Summer A., who visited North Shore Campground. The trails range from easy 1-2 mile loops to more challenging routes.
Fishing at Lake Perris: Multiple fishing spots with bass, bluegill, and rainbow trout. "This lake has been good to me and my friends, always catch something, maybe not a lunker but fun," says John H. about the Lake Perris State Recreational Area, which offers both shoreline and boat fishing opportunities.
What campers like
Private, shaded campsites at Dogwood Campground: Most sites feature mature trees and natural buffers between neighbors. "The campsites are within a forest, so they provide a lot of shade. The campgrounds are spacious and restrooms and water are nearby each site," explains Joe G. about Dogwood Campground, which sits at approximately 5,600 feet elevation.
Free dispersed camping options: Thomas Hunting Grounds Yellow Post Sites offer no-cost camping for those willing to forgo amenities. "Excellent place to camp. And free, no less. Need high clearance or 4wd vehicle for a rough road but once you get to the top, the sites are great!" states Steve, who found the Thomas Hunting Grounds Yellow Post Sites to be worth the journey despite the challenging access.
Clean facilities at Serrano Campground: Well-maintained restrooms and common areas with accessible amenities. "Very Clean. We were right by the restrooms, which was nice. Clean flush toilets and showers. Fire pit and picnic tables are at each site," shares Sarah C., who values the balance of natural surroundings and essential comforts at Serrano Campground.
What you should know
Road conditions for primitive sites: Some dispersed camping areas require specific vehicle capabilities. "The roads leading up are uneven roughly graded dirt and gravel so be prepared for that, and the campsites are spaced out quite a bit between site 1 and sites 2-8," advises Mark C. about the Thomas Hunting Grounds Yellow Post Sites, where high-clearance vehicles are recommended.
Wildlife awareness: Bears are present in certain areas, particularly at higher elevations. "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," warns Jennifer D. from her experiences at San Gorgonio Campground.
Water limitations: Many primitive sites lack running water. "These sites are basic and no campfires are allowed. You will obviously have no amenities and need to pack in food and water and pack out all trash," cautions Mark C. about the Thomas Hunting Grounds area.
Tips for camping with families
Accessibility to activities: Choose campgrounds with on-site or nearby recreation. "Great campsite. Flush toilets, clean with drinking water, showers, flush toilets. And 1-2 trailheads leading out of the site," recommends Viktoria B. about Dogwood Campground, highlighting the family-friendly amenities.
Bike-friendly options: Some campgrounds feature internal paths and access to bicycle routes. "We loved camping here. Beautiful, pristine campground with bike trails/walking paths around the lake. The town is bike friendly," shares Trey T. from Serrano Campground, noting the kid-friendly transportation options.
Water features for summer cooling: Consider lake-adjacent sites during hot months. "Lake Perris was a fun and clean place to camp at! We did some fishing, bike riding, the water was clear, and my kids loved it," shares Lauren R., whose family enjoyed the swimming and water activities at Lake Perris State Recreational Area.
Tips from RVers
Site selection for trailers: Request specific sites if driving larger rigs. "Great park. New clean. Spots are a little tight if you have a bigger unit," advises Bryan S. about Skypark Camp RV Resort, suggesting careful consideration for RV placement at this newer facility.
Off-season flexibility: Consider winter camping at lower elevations when higher campgrounds close. "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... Our sewer outlet was frozen in the morning, so we had to dump when we got out of the mountains," explains Nicole W. about Serrano Campground, highlighting both the advantages and challenges of cold-weather camping.
Hookup limitations: Not all campgrounds with RV sites offer full connections. "I love this campground because they have a lot of amenities that don't seem to change the scenery. They have electric and water hook up for RVs in a few sites that are reservable," notes David V. about Dogwood Campground, pointing out the limited number of sites with power connections.
