Jalin C.
Traveler
TravelerCrystal Lake Rec Area Campground
noisy but beautiful
very pretty sight the mountain air is incredible. the staff is very helpful and friendly. at night the drunks go crazy and the bears steal their food.
Camping near Lake Arrowhead, CA
348 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Search destinations
Add dates
The San Bernardino Mountains around Lake Arrowhead have several good camping options for people who want to be near the water. Dogwood Campground sits just two miles from Rimforest, where tall trees help block out neighboring campsites. If you're willing to drive a bit further, Serrano Campground is about 16 miles away at Big Bear Lake and works well for short trips to the mountains. Hikers will find plenty of trails with good views throughout the area, and many are well-kept. The lake itself has trout for fishing, which brings in many anglers during the season. You might spot lizards and jackrabbits while walking around your campsite. The bathrooms at Dogwood are typically clean according to most campers, but Serrano and some other sites may not have all the comforts you're used to, so pack accordingly. Many of these campgrounds don't take reservations, so you'll want to show up early to get a spot, especially on weekends and holidays. Spring and fall have the best weather for camping here. Summers can get hot, and winter often brings snow at these elevations. Some campsites have more trees and space between them than others, giving you different levels of privacy depending on where you end up. Lake Arrowhead camping works for families and solo campers alike, with enough variety to match what you're looking for.
Best Campgrounds near Lake Arrowhead (348)
1. Dogwood
"Great hosts Super clean Quiet Full of friendly people 10-15 minutes from Lake Arrowhead and Lake Gregory."
"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 Availability2. Mesa Campground — Silverwood Lake State Recreation Area
"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 Availability3. Hanna Flat Campground
"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 Availability4. Serrano
"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 Availability5. North Shore Campground - Lake Arrowhead
"Lake Arrowhead Village is 4 miles away"
"There is a lovely hiking trail at the far end of the site. There is water, flush toilets, fire pits, and picnic tables. It is a short walk to Lake Arrowhead. This is a dog friendly site."
from $29 - $58 / night
Check Availability6. Skypark Camp RV Resort
"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 Availability7. Yucaipa Regional Park
"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!"
8. Keller Peak Yellow Post Campsites
"Tons of land to hike, on or off trail. Geocaching sites nearby. The Keller Peak Lookout was amazing."
"Each site is decent size and tucked away into the rocks. Many will fit multiple people easily. They fill up fast may-sept."
9. Thomas Hunting Grounds Yellow Post Campites
"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."
10. Lake Arrowhead - Green Valley Lake Recreation Area
"After years of venturing into and around Lake Arrowhead (often a mere stop on my way to Big Bear/Fawnskin) I finally started exploring off the beaten path by accident last year and holy cow!"
"Green valley lake campground is an awesome place for a fun getaway. We wanted to get away for the Fourth of July but waited too long to book in Big Bear."
Drive Time
- 1 hr 35 min from Los Angeles, CA
- 2 hrs 9 min from San Diego, CA
- 2 hrs 17 min from Oxnard, CA
- 2 hrs 45 min from Bakersfield, CA
Recent Camping Photos near Lake Arrowhead, CA
578 Photos of 348 Lake Arrowhead Campgrounds • uploaded by The Dyrt campers
North Shore Campground - Lake ArrowheadJ
Lake Arrowhead - Green Valley Lake Recreation Area
DogwoodO
Skypark Camp RV Resort
San Bernardino National Forest Crab Flats Campground
San Bernardino National Forest Green Valley Campground
Keller Peak Yellow Post Campsites
Deep Creek Hot Springs Camp Retreat
Deep Creek Hot Springs Campground
Keller Peak Yellow Post Campground
Mesa Campground — Silverwood Lake State Recreation AreaR
Oak Springs Ranch Campground
Recent Reviews near Lake Arrowhead, CA
1549 Reviews of 348 Lake Arrowhead Campgrounds
D F.
ScoutLake Perris State Recreational Area Campground
Nice lake, challenging crowd
The scenery is unique and enjoyable, with nice views of either sunrise or sunset, depending on site. I found the lake itself very pretty. However when we arrived 4 vehicles are in our spot, people were nice enough moving but we had to go door to door knocking on camper to ask who's cars they were due to no signal and no rangers nearby. Our site was pretty dirty with lots of trash, copious ants near the drainage attachments, and two of the nearby groups had excessive tents extending into the back of our site making our view look more like a homeless encampment and less like a serene mountain sunset. They also were littering, urinating outside, and excessively drinking and partying like crazy until the wee hours. As a family group we felt really uncomfortable. It seemed like not all spots are like this, however, on my walk around deer loop in the morning. If you do go, the water activities and rentals look fun, the walking trail/biking trail was nicely done, and you could optimize your spot by booking a whole group of spots (instead of booking one, book one on the right and left side to avoid feeling like you have entered homeless refuge). It maybe was a bit worse as we were here over a holiday weekend. But we most likely won't be back, there are other places that are less expensive and with better enforcement and a family atmosphere. If you want to party it is probably a fine spot, and if you love water sports also likely ok. I thin it's a beautiful place with unique scenery and a lot of potential, but needs more enforcement regarding guest code of conduct.
Edited and gave 3 stars instead of 2. Views are really nice now that our poorly behaved neighbors left. Worth considering a visit during less busy times.
- J
Jerina V.TravelerMesa Campground — Silverwood Lake State Recreation Area
Fun camp trip
Nice campground, clean and well maintained - would pick a different spot a bit further from street. If you want to go to lake, its a bit away so need car.
- DDennis D.Scout
Mill Creek Dispersed Camping
Mill Creek
Easy to get to. I have an AWD sprinter no problem. Son has an Acura TLX made it up no issue had a few spin outs on steeper parts. Higher sites are nice and spaced.
Hans V.
GuideMesa Campground — Silverwood Lake State Recreation Area
Fine, nicely wooded
No lake view, which was a bit disappointing. Nice wooded area though with tree climbing. A bit loud music from the neighbors, not until very late so was OK. Limited amount of toilets for the amount of spots
- NNorbert S.Traveler
Idyllwild Campground — Mount San Jacinto State Park
Great Location for visiting Idyllwild
Camp site is in walking distance of Idyllwild. Has has a couple of sites with electric hookups. Bathrooms are clean, showers need a token for $1. Being close to the road makes it noisy during the daytime .
- WWilliam Y.Scout
Huttopia Paradise Springs
Nice place, bring your own water
It was a nice place and the people were nice. I checked with the staff on day one if their water was potable. They confirmed everything is potable. My dog had explosive diarrhea day 1 and by the time I got home I had fever and diarrhea. It’s been a rough ride ever since. My dog and I did not share food. We only used the tap as a water source. My husband ate all of our food any only drank store bought drinks. No water. He’s fine. Just me and the dog riding it out. Don’t learn my lesson the hard way. Bring your own water and enjoy it.
- AAustin A.Traveler
Yellow Post #1
Beautiful area, half of the sights require minimal vehicle mods
Stockton flats yellow post sights 1-8 can be driven easily in any 2wd vehicle with moderate clearance. I took my f250 service body truck to site#6 or im assuming its #6. Sites are not label. Trail Roads got washed and i wasnt able to continue further to verify. If you’re afraid of clearance issues stick to sites 1 & 2. At the time of going, 3,4 & 5 looked like perfect sights to stay, other sites were rough and a rake would be needed minimum to make it comfortable. #9 currently requires minor upgrades to reach the campground. A stock jeep with oversized tires could easily get to that location as of 8-29-2026
- DDoug B.Traveler
Mesa Campground — Silverwood Lake State Recreation Area
Good campground during week
Good campground, quiet, not crowded during the week. Too much trash around some sites, though, on a Monday (doesn’t look like new trash). Bathrooms were clean, but basic. Evening bike ride was fantastic, but the trail is not well kept up (rough or crumbling in many spots) and is steep enough to require an electric bike in several parts unless you are good with an 8-9% grade. Park is quiet during the day, with a lot of amenities.
Tons of ants. Active gnats and mosquitoes at dusk and dawn.
Temperatures were quite warm in mid August. Glad we had an RV with AC.
Guide to Lake Arrowhead
Camping spots near Lake Arrowhead, California are mostly found at elevations between 5,000 and 7,000 feet, creating distinct seasonal camping conditions. Winter temperatures can drop below freezing with occasional snow, while summer days typically range from 75-85°F. The surrounding San Bernardino National Forest contains over 800 miles of hiking trails that connect many camping areas.
What to do
Hiking on Cougar Crest Trail: Access this trail easily from Serrano Campground where "Access to Cougar Crest Trail is super easy and safely cross under the road via tunnel," according to TheWolfman Z. The trail offers mountain and lake views.
Mountain biking: Bring bikes to Skypark Camp RV Resort which sits directly across from Santa's Village bike park. As Steven F. notes, it's "Clean and directly across from Santa's village and the bike park." The campground also offers community fire pits since individual fires aren't permitted.
Fishing at Green Valley Lake: Just a short drive from Green Valley Lake Recreation Area, this smaller lake offers fishing with fewer crowds than Big Bear. "The lake is very clean and has a lot of fish. It is privately owned so you do have to pay to fish or swim, and you pay per person," explains Aleena S.
What campers like
Privacy between sites: At Dogwood Campground, the layout provides more seclusion than other area campgrounds. Heidi H. describes, "campsites are all private and unique... no two are the same. The trees are massive and plenty and make you feel like you are a million miles away from the hustle and bustle of California."
Fire lookout views: From Keller Peak Yellow Post Campsites, visit the fire lookout tower for panoramic views. Steve H. reports, "The Keller Peak Lookout was amazing. I thought it was just a tourist attraction but it's really a staffed (with volunteers) active fire lookout. Worth the trip for sure."
Free camping options: Yellow post sites offer no-cost camping with more primitive conditions. At Thomas Hunting Grounds, Chelsea R. found "Private but with cell service, tables and fire pits! Listen to great horned owls while taking in the views!" These sites require no reservations but fill quickly during peak seasons.
What you should know
Fire restrictions change: Always check current fire regulations before your trip. David V. notes about Keller Peak: "Rangers do come by and take down information of the leader of the group. They are very strict on parties are not allowed. NO FIRES. They have had issues with drug use and parties so that's why they are strict."
Bathroom availability varies: While some campgrounds offer modern facilities, yellow post sites have none. At Hanna Flat Campground, Karl A. reported: "I went during a severe California drought so I understand that there are no 'flushing' bathrooms working. Porta-potties were available which I didn't mind much."
Weather changes rapidly: Mountain weather can change quickly even in summer. Bryan S. notes at Hanna Flat: "Site is north of Fawnskin off of 3n14 which is an unpaved road. Nice campground but can be a bit crowded on weekends." Lower elevation sites generally have milder conditions.
Tips for camping with families
Look for activity variety: Yucaipa Regional Park offers multiple recreation options. Mary F. reports: "There's a lot to do here, including fishing, playgrounds, and even a waterpark in the summer. The bathrooms are decent, no showers."
Consider site privacy: At Silverwood Lake State Recreation Area, Ken K. advises: "Nice campground with flush toilets. ATV with ice cream and firewood comes around right before dark. Campsites are a bit crowded for my liking."
Bear boxes for storage: Some area campgrounds provide bear boxes for food. Shuree F. at Dogwood Campground confirms: "Each campsite has a bear box to store food. The restrooms are clean with flush toilets, along with soap and water sinks."
Tips from RVers
Site selection matters: At Mesa Campground — Silverwood Lake State Recreation Area, Bower advises: "We stayed in campsite 108 (which had full hookups) and did not feel that the campsites were too close to one another. Each campsite has a nice picnic table and fire pit with a grill."
Road conditions can be challenging: Access to some campgrounds requires careful driving. At Skypark Camp RV Resort, Bryan S. warns: "Spots are a little tight if you have a bigger unit. Skypark is right across the street for mountain bikes."
Winter camping precautions: Nicole W. at Serrano Campground shares: "We camped here the last weekend before they closed for the winter, after Thanksgiving. Our sewer outlet was frozen in the morning, so we had to dump when we got out of the mountains."
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you go tent camping at Lake Arrowhead?
Can you go tent camping at Lake Arrowhead?
Yes, Lake Arrowhead offers excellent tent camping options. North Shore Campground - Lake Almanor is particularly tent-friendly with shaded sites and accommodates multiple tents per site. It's within walking distance to Lake Arrowhead and features flush toilets, water, fire pits, and picnic tables. Many campers appreciate the hiking trails nearby. Dogwood is another popular tent camping destination with clean facilities and quiet surroundings, located just 10-15 minutes from Lake Arrowhead. Weather can be variable, with some sites experiencing wind, so choose your specific site location carefully when making reservations.
How do I make Lake Arrowhead camping reservations?
How do I make Lake Arrowhead camping reservations?
Most Lake Arrowhead area campgrounds require reservations through Recreation.gov or their official websites. For Serrano campground, which offers lakeside sites, reservations can be made up to 6 months in advance and are highly recommended during peak season (summer and fall). Skypark Camp RV Resort requires direct booking through their website or by phone. Reservation windows typically open 6 months before your arrival date, and holiday weekends fill up quickly. For the best selection, book as early as possible, especially for summer weekends. Most campgrounds require payment at the time of reservation, and cancellation policies vary by location.
Are there campgrounds with pools at Lake Arrowhead?
Are there campgrounds with pools at Lake Arrowhead?
While most campgrounds around Lake Arrowhead don't feature swimming pools, they offer alternative water recreation opportunities. Yucaipa Regional Park does have swimming facilities and is within reasonable driving distance of Lake Arrowhead. Bonelli Bluffs offers water recreation options, though not specifically in Lake Arrowhead. Most campers enjoy swimming in Lake Arrowhead itself or nearby Lake Gregory instead of pools. For those specifically wanting pool access, consider staying at one of the resorts or hotels in Lake Arrowhead Village rather than traditional campgrounds, as these often have pools available to guests.
What types of campgrounds are available at Lake Arrowhead?
What types of campgrounds are available at Lake Arrowhead?
Lake Arrowhead offers diverse camping options to suit various preferences. Public campgrounds include Lake Arrowhead - Green Valley Lake Recreation Area, which provides a more natural experience off the beaten path with beautiful surroundings. For backpackers, Little Jimmy Trail Campground offers a backcountry hike-in experience with first-come, first-served sites featuring fire rings and vault toilets. There are also RV-focused options like private RV resorts with more amenities. Some campgrounds are more developed with flush toilets and running water, while others offer a more rustic experience. Both family-friendly sites and more secluded options are available throughout the area.
Keep Exploring