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The San Bernardino National Forest hosts multiple campgrounds near Highland, California, with options ranging from developed sites to primitive camping areas. Yucaipa Regional Park provides full-hookup RV sites and tent camping, while Dogwood Campground offers a more forested experience at higher elevation. The area features both accessible front-country camping and more remote options throughout the mountain terrain, with many sites accommodating both tent and RV camping within a 30-minute drive of Highland.
Campground facilities vary significantly across the region, with several parks offering electric hookups, water access, and shower facilities. Dogwood Campground and San Gorgonio Campground maintain seasonal operations due to winter conditions, typically closing from late fall through early spring. Serrano Campground near Big Bear Lake operates from March to November, while lower-elevation sites like Yucaipa Regional Park remain open year-round. Many campgrounds require advance reservations, particularly during summer weekends and holidays. A camper noted, "The spaces are spread out very nice. The only downside are the showers and bathrooms, but if you have a trailer with your own toilet and shower you are good to go."
Campers report that sites at higher elevations provide relief from summer heat and access to mountain recreation. Yucaipa Regional Park receives consistent praise for its spaciousness and amenities. "This park is beautifully maintained. Full hookup. Some sites have better shade than others," mentioned one visitor. The Thomas Hunting Grounds Yellow Post Sites offer more primitive, free camping options for those seeking greater solitude. Lake access is available at several locations, including Silverwood Lake State Recreation Area and Lake Perris State Recreational Area, both within driving distance of Highland. These water-adjacent campgrounds typically feature more amenities but also experience higher demand during peak season. Sites vary in shade coverage, with many offering a mix of sun and partial tree cover.
"The trees are massive and plenty and make you feel like you are a million miles away from the hustle and bustle of California."
"The campground overall is really pretty and in a great location in Lake Arrowhead. However, we made the mistake of booking site 005, which is right on a ridge... it was SO windy."
from $40 - $81 / night
Check Availability"Tons of hiking trails and within 30 min drive of major shopping/grocery stores. Big Bear is about an hour away with and awesome drive up the mountain."
"Close to the city but far enough away from the lights. There is a ton of stuff to do here. Fishing, kayaking, hiking, water slides, disc golf, bike trails. The RV spots are beyond huge!"
"Already been here twice once in 01/25 and 11/25 great campsite some have access to running water facet if not there are some that are close by, have also close by trash bins, has a little shop near by"
"It is right next to the lake which has a swimming area, bike path, climbing area, Hiking trails, along with a camp store which has boat rentals and much more! "
from $25 - $300 / night
Check Availability"We camped just a few steps away from the lake, there were other campers there but the campgrounds are far enough away from each other."
"This camp site is located walking distance to the lake. There are bike paths and walking trails located near the camp ground."
from $44 - $91 / night
Check Availability"Silverwood Lake Campground offers a range of site experiences depending on where you stay."
"Silverwood Lake was just that. Lush green mountains in the back drop that surrounded every view you turned to take in. "You need to recharge your batteries!""
from $45 - $350 / night
Check Availability"Most of the sites have incredible views looking out over Lake Hemet and of the San Jacinto mountains."
"Fun off-road adventure to get to the site. Minimal sites so not much crowding."
"We were tucked up into the hill side with neighbors far enough sway to make it very private. There were no showers so we brought our travel one and hung it from a branch."
"We arrived at Hanna Flat campground around 11 am on Friday, August 21. First thing about the campground is that the road to get to it is pretty rough."
from $33 - $67 / night
Check Availability"Spaces are pretty close together and small, but we got lucky and didn’t have anyone around us (likely due to bad air quality). If you kayak this is a great place to camp, it’s right next to the lake."
"Lake arrowhead isn't a public lake so it's a bit of a drive to do any water activities, but there was a close offroad trail."
from $29 - $58 / night
Check Availability"Lake Arrowhead is close for supplies or food. "
"Views are worth it and this is so conveniently located next to Santa's Village. Will definitely be coming back again sooner than later!"
from $39 - $299 / night
Check Availability"San Gorgonio, aptly named for the famed crown peak near by, is a nice mix of family friendly and weekend escape."
"If you live in Southern California and haven't climbed the highest peak, you need to get out there and experience nature."
from $34 - $69 / night
Check Availability
ScoutSite is clean, many activities on weekends They also add 1000lb or catfish and trout weekly depending on season. Members were friendly. Downside is wifi when the campsite is 75+ full and only about a dozen paved spots. Major are gravel and dirt.
RangerReviewed by: The Crew at Hitched4fun.com
If you are looking for a true alpine backcountry adventure right in Southern California, backpacking into Round Valley Primitive Campsites inside the Mount San Jacinto State Park and Wilderness is an incredible experience. By pairing the world-famous Palm Springs Aerial Tramway with a weekend wilderness trek, you can leave the scorching low desert and step into sub-alpine granite peaks within minutes. Our crew recently packed our gear, caught the tram, and set up basecamp at the Gooseberry site for a Friday-to-Saturday summit push of Mount San Jacinto.
The scenery and wilderness delivered on every level—but the trip also served as a stark reminder that high-altitude nature commands respect.
The Route & Camp Setup (Gooseberry Site)
Taking the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway bypasses thousands of vertical feet of grueling desert switchbacks, depositing you at Mountain Station:
The October Shoulder Season: Nature Changes in Minutes
We chose to hike late in the season during October, and anyone heading up during shoulder months needs to understand high-elevation weather:
A Serious Backcountry Advisory: 50 Years on the Trail Speaks
As someone with over 50 years of hiking and backpacking experience spanning every corner of the American West, what we witnessed on the trail between Round Valley and the peak was alarming.
We encountered dozens of hikers completely unprepared for foul weather:
The Hitched4fun Verdict
Mount San Jacinto Wilderness and Round Valley’s Gooseberry site delivered everything an outdoor enthusiast could want: pristine trails, incredible pine-scented air, and raw wilderness beauty. Just never forget that nature can bite hard if you let your guard down. Pack your layers, bring your essentials, respect the mountain, and you will have an unforgettable journey.
Rating: 5 out of 5 Stars— Highly Recommended by the Hitched4fun.com crew!
ScoutExceptional camping experience. Beautiful, secluded, but not far from town. Would recommend a vehicle you feel comfortable with off roading terrain.
RangerThe first two spots are close together. First one a bit small but better cover from Santa Anna winds. Nicely in the forest and close to the village.
TravelerI went there to see, before making a reservation. I found the trailer park—maybe 100 old mobile homes—but I never found an RV park. I didn’t see anything to see. The “pool” was empty. The office was locked, and it wasn’t lunch. Just kinda not happening. I left a message to call me with the answering service, but I never got a call back.
TravelerWell maintained, nice folks, pleasant to talk with. I stayed there 2 months, and enjoyed it.
ScoutNice and FREE area , easy to access
TravelerHad a nice stay here twice so far this year. Nice place. Quiet and clean.
GuideNice place, rustic, unpublicized, congenial host. It can accommodate a number of vans and RVs, but I was the only guest. There is water and nothing else that is stated in the blurb. A self-contained rig is recommended.
As I explored the premises, I imagined that a small traveling couple or group could enjoy the camp as a peaceful alternative to Joshua Tree or Desert Hot Springs. There is evidence that guests stayed there before, with ample communal space for a campfire experience possibly with libations.
The camp might not be a priority business for the host, thus a work-in-progress or attempted endeavor. It has potential to be a stellar and successful camp if kempt.
Security was my concern, being solo, so I locked down more than usual when I left during the day for a music festival. No issues. I stayed three nights. The location is four miles from Morongo Valley Covington Park and the Big Morongo Canyon Preserve, a hiking attraction.
A bumpy dirt road to get to camp. Unsure if a large RV can traverse it. Call or text is the only way to book. The cellphone number is on Google Maps.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Highland, CA?
According to TheDyrt.com, Highland, CA offers a wide range of camping options, with 423 campgrounds and RV parks near Highland, CA and 91 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Highland, CA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Highland, CA is Dogwood with a 4.7-star rating from 33 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Highland, CA?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 91 free dispersed camping spots near Highland, CA.
What parks are near Highland, CA?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 9 parks near Highland, CA that allow camping, notably San Bernardino National Forest and Mojave River Dam.
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