Best Campgrounds near Lake Arrowhead, CA

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 Camping Sites Near Lake Arrowhead, California (331)

    1. Dogwood

    33 Reviews
    Rimforest, CA
    2 miles
    Website
    +1 (909) 336-6717

    $40 - $81 / night

    "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."

    2. Mesa Campground — Silverwood Lake State Recreation Area

    25 Reviews
    Cedarpines Park, CA
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (760) 389-2281

    $350 / night

    "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!""

    "ATV with ice cream and firewood comes around right before dark. Campsites are a bit crowded for my liking. Access to the Silverwood Lake recreation area is a great benefit."

    3. Hanna Flat Campground

    25 Reviews
    Fawnskin, CA
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (909) 382-2790

    $33 - $67 / night

    "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."

    4. Serrano

    35 Reviews
    Big Bear Lake, CA
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (909) 866-8021

    $44 - $91 / night

    "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."

    5. North Shore Campground - Lake Almanor

    13 Reviews
    Cedar Glen, CA
    1 mile
    Website
    +1 (909) 866-8550

    $29 - $58 / night

    "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."

    6. Skypark Camp RV Resort

    11 Reviews
    Skyforest, CA
    2 miles
    Website
    +1 (909) 744-9927

    $50 - $100 / night

    "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!"

    7. Yucaipa Regional Park

    20 Reviews
    Yucaipa, CA
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (909) 790-3127

    "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

    8 Reviews
    Green Valley Lake, CA
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (909) 382-2600

    "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

    13 Reviews
    Angelus Oaks, CA
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (909) 382-2882

    "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

    6 Reviews
    Cedar Glen, CA
    1 mile
    Website
    +1 (909) 867-2009

    "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."

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Showing results 1-10 of 331 campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Lake Arrowhead, CA

1374 Reviews of 331 Lake Arrowhead Campgrounds



Guide to Lake Arrowhead

Camping near Lake Arrowhead, California, offers a fantastic escape into nature with beautiful views and plenty of outdoor activities. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventure-filled getaway, this area has something for everyone.

What to do:

  • Hiking: Explore the numerous trails around the lake. Many campers rave about the scenic views and well-maintained paths. One visitor noted, "The campground is close to all the awesome hiking spots and off-roading exploring."
  • Fishing: Lake Arrowhead is known for its fishing opportunities. Campers have reported catching trout and enjoying the peaceful lakeside atmosphere. A review mentioned, "The fishing is good, most of the time. They stock the lake regularly."
  • Wildlife Watching: Keep an eye out for local wildlife. Campers have spotted various animals, adding to the charm of the area. One camper shared, "There’s plenty of wildlife to see (lizards, jackrabbits, etc.)."

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Many campers appreciate the cleanliness of the campgrounds. A reviewer stated, "The bathrooms are very clean and maintained," which is a big plus for families and solo travelers alike.
  • Spacious Sites: Campers enjoy having enough space between sites. One visitor mentioned, "Most of the sites are spaced out fairly decently," making it a comfortable experience.
  • Friendly Staff: The campground hosts are often highlighted for their helpfulness. A camper noted, "The staff were friendly and helpful," which can make a big difference in your stay.

What you should know:

  • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds may not have all the amenities you expect. For instance, one camper pointed out, "The campground offers the most basic accommodations as toilets; no water or showers."
  • First-Come, First-Serve: Many sites operate on a first-come, first-serve basis. A visitor advised, "Hidden Valley is one of three campgrounds that is first come, first served. Filled up by 4 PM in mid-May."
  • Weather Variability: Be prepared for changing weather conditions. One camper shared, "It does get extremely hot as it’s in the desert and there’s little to no shade," so pack accordingly.

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for sites that cater to families. A reviewer mentioned, "The campground was very family-friendly and I felt safe even though I was alone."
  • Plan Activities: Bring games or outdoor activities to keep kids entertained. One camper suggested, "We had to get creative in finding ways to occupy their time during downtime."
  • Pack Snacks: Having snacks on hand can make a big difference. A visitor noted, "Bring your own shade for this campsite, your own water too," which is a good reminder for families.

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site. One RVer mentioned, "If you have a RV/Trailer/Van you may want some block to help get you level."
  • Be Mindful of Noise: Some campgrounds can get noisy, especially on weekends. A camper shared, "There’s not a lot of campground etiquette either," so be prepared for some lively neighbors.
  • Plan for Limited Connectivity: Many areas have poor cell service. One visitor noted, "T-Mobile has no service up there," so download maps and information before you arrive.

Camping near Lake Arrowhead, California, is a great way to enjoy the outdoors, whether you're hiking, fishing, or just relaxing by the lake. With a little planning and the right mindset, you can have a memorable experience in this beautiful area.

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Lake Arrowhead, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, Lake Arrowhead, CA offers a wide range of camping options, with 331 campgrounds and RV parks near Lake Arrowhead, CA and 24 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Lake Arrowhead, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Lake Arrowhead, CA is Dogwood with a 4.7-star rating from 33 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Lake Arrowhead, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 24 free dispersed camping spots near Lake Arrowhead, CA.

What parks are near Lake Arrowhead, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 9 parks near Lake Arrowhead, CA that allow camping, notably Bankhead National Forest and Chugach National Forest.