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.
