Tent camping near Lake Arrowhead, California takes place at elevations between 5,100 and 7,000 feet in the San Bernardino Mountains. Summer nighttime temperatures typically drop into the 40s, even when daytime temperatures reach the 80s. Most campsites in the area sit under pine and cedar forest cover that provides partial shade throughout the day.
What to do
Mountain biking near camp: Keller Peak Yellow Post Campsites provide direct access to mountain biking trails. "The bike trail is fun and a challenge. Camp site 1,3 & 6 are very quiet. I'm on site 4 in a travel trailer very large space with plenty of shade," notes Sam H. about the Keller Peak Yellow Post Campsites.
Hiking to fire lookouts: Several tent camping areas offer access to fire lookout towers with panoramic views. "Hike up to the watch tower and check out all the hummingbirds! This is yellow post camping so it's hit or miss if you can get one," shares Kate W. The Exploration Trail near Keller Peak "weaves around them up to the peak and makes a great hike," according to Kristil C.
Fishing in nearby lakes: Lake camping options include Green Valley Lake, where fishing is available for an additional fee. "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. from her stay at Lake Arrowhead - Green Valley Lake Recreation Area.
What campers like
Seclusion between sites: Many tent campsites near Lake Arrowhead offer distance between neighbors. "I really dig these spots because they are well spaced out. It's right around the corner from my cabin so it's a great spot to get outside for the weekend without an epic drive," writes Lynn C. about Keller Peak.
Star viewing: Clear mountain air and minimal light pollution create exceptional stargazing opportunities. "The scenery and isolation are superb—starry skies, quiet nights, and that deep-woods stillness that's getting harder to find," explains Bruce R. about his experiences at Keller Peak.
Higher elevation climate: Camping at higher elevations provides relief from summer heat. "We went in January with snowfall, hardly any campers and nature all around! Two nights are perfect," notes Kelly Anne M. about her winter camping trip at Deep Creek Hot Springs Campground, where hot springs access balances cold mountain temperatures.
What you should know
Road conditions: Many tent camping areas require driving on unpaved roads. "Definitely need a high clearance vehicle on some of the roads. Was a great experience," reports Seychelle R. about the forest roads at Holcomb Valley Climbers Camp. This dispersed camping area is free but requires appropriate vehicles.
Seasonal closures: Most primitive camping areas close during winter months. Big Pine Flat Campground operates only "May to October" according to the campground information. Seasonal closures affect access roads even before official closing dates.
Limited facilities: Water and toilets are rare at most tent camping areas. "Great free camping when campgrounds are booked. Easy to navigate with GPS. Many large and small sites along the road. Some spots more secluded than others," notes Dickie Simmons S. about Mill Creek Dispersed Camping, where no facilities exist.
Tips for camping with families
Swimming options: Green Valley Lake Recreation Area offers swimming for children in a controlled environment. "The town is very small and cute. The lake is very clean and has a lot of fish," writes Aleena S. This site charges separate fees for swimming access in addition to camping fees.
Weekend timing: Family-friendly campgrounds fill quickly on weekends. "Was not crowded mid-week, but spots were filling up closer to the weekend. There are a lot of flat spots to choose from," explains Eileen S. about Mill Creek Dispersed Camping.
Safety considerations: Some camping areas have reported safety issues. "My last trip was frightening enough that I haven't returned. Late at night a group of locals came to the edge of my site, yelling and using threatening language," cautions Bruce R. about isolated yellow post sites at Thomas Hunting Grounds Yellow Post Campites.
Tips from RVers
Site width limitations: Most primitive sites can't accommodate larger RVs. "This particular site has 8 campsites which do have signs to mark the general area, although it is entirely up to you to where to set up camp in the general area," explains Mark C. about Thomas Hunting Grounds, where tent camping works but RV access is limited.
Hookup availability: Few Lake Arrowhead camping areas offer RV hookups. Yucaipa Regional Park stands out with "Full hookup. Some sites have better shade than others. I'm here in the heat but my AC is keeping up," according to Anneliese S.
Low clearance warnings: RVs should avoid Mill Creek Dispersed Camping due to road conditions. "There is an area of the road that is very steep and immediately turns into a hairpin turn that we didn't even want to try in our 4x4. There is no way that even a Class C rig would be able to take that steep incline," warns Francisco F.
