Johnson Valley offers diverse camping opportunities in the San Bernardino Mountains, with elevations ranging from 2,500 to 4,500 feet creating distinct camping microclimates. The region experiences temperature swings of up to 40°F between day and night, requiring campers to prepare for both hot days and cold evenings. The area's volcanic history has created unique rock formations that provide natural windbreaks at many camping spots near Johnson Valley, California.
What to do
Hiking from campgrounds: Black Rock Campground provides direct access to multiple trails without driving. "There are actually tons of trails that lead directly out of the main camping area, so if you're not in the mood to even leave the campground, you can still experience a lot of nature," notes one camper at Black Rock Campground.
Mountain biking: Pine Knot Campground sits adjacent to Snow Summit bike park. "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," explains a visitor at Pineknot.
Historical exploration: The Holcomb Valley area has a rich mining history. "If you're into panning for gold you just might find some along Holcomb Creek. There are active claims in the area so be respectful," advises one camper about the region where gold was discovered in the 1800s.
What campers like
Natural shade: Many campsites in the area offer protection from the desert sun. At Heart Bar Campground, "the campground is littered with tall standing pines and even some massive junipers, providing ample shade. You can't help but feel like your are elsewhere like the Eastern Sierra with the dry desert winds the blow in and chill on the mountains and the smell of the sage brush."
Wildlife viewing: The transition zone between desert and mountains attracts diverse wildlife. At San Gorgonio Campground, campers report regular wildlife sightings: "Quails running around everywhere, cool little spot at JTree, a little different than Jumbo and the other climber sites."
Dark skies: The high desert location provides exceptional stargazing. At Joshua Tree Lake RV & Campground, "we booked and traveled here to show the kids the stars from a desert view, and it did not disappoint! My camera couldn't capture the magnificent view from just our site."
What you should know
Road conditions: Many camping areas require appropriate vehicles. For Holcomb Valley Climbers Camp, "the road up to the camp area is a bit rough. We were in a Sprinter and definitely nervous for parts. But, it was worth it once we got there!"
Seasonal timing: Campground availability varies significantly by season. "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."
Fire restrictions: Rules change frequently based on conditions. One camper at Holcomb Valley noted, "It seems like fires aren't allowed during certain periods. Just be aware, we brought our own off the ground stove. And it was perfectly fine."
Tips for camping with families
Look for educational opportunities: Many campgrounds offer ranger programs. "There is actually a small visitor/nature center located in the campground. Again without even leaving the campground you can get a lot of information about the park," reports a visitor about Black Rock Campground.
Choose sites with play space: Some campgrounds offer more room between sites. At San Gorgonio Campground, "I visited San Gorgonio Campground on Sunday 4/29/18, just 2 days after opening. There were 3 total sites being used. The campground hosts were amazing and very helpful. The sites are evenly spaced, good privacy, clean bathrooms."
Plan for temperature management: Prepare for both heat and cold. "We visited in January, and should have been better prepared! I know better, but we didn't check the conditions well enough, and froze our butts the first night!" warns a Black Rock Campground visitor.
Tips from RVers
Know your site limitations: Research specific site dimensions before booking. At Hanna Flat Campground, "Hanna Flat campgrounds are filled with lots of shade due to the big beautiful trees. The parking spots are a bit small in some campsites. Each site included a table, fire ring and bear safe locker."
Plan for dump station access: Not all campgrounds have onsite facilities. One camper at Serrano mentioned, "The 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."
Consider water availability: Water access varies by season and location. "The campground is very close to the town of Yucca Valley, which some might consider a good thing, but there are neighborhoods literally built right up against the campground, so it doesn't really feel secluded at all here."
