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Campgrounds near Lytle Creek, California range from developed sites with amenities to more primitive options within San Bernardino National Forest. Bonita Ranch Campground provides full hookups for RVs along with tent sites and cabin accommodations, situated near Lytle Creek with access to local hiking trails. Applewhite Campground offers a more rustic experience with fewer amenities but maintains flush toilets and trash service. The area attracts visitors seeking mountain views, creek access, and proximity to trails like the path to Bonita Falls, all within a relatively short drive from urban Southern California.
Access to Lytle Creek campgrounds varies seasonally, with some facilities maintaining year-round operations while others have limited availability during winter months. The narrow mountain roads leading to campgrounds like Applewhite include hairpin turns that can present challenges for larger RVs and trailers. Most established campgrounds in the area require reservations, particularly during peak summer weekends when sites fill quickly. Visitors should note that fire restrictions are common during dry periods, and facilities may have specific regulations regarding fire pits. A camper familiar with Applewhite noted, "The camping sites are spread out. The access road is very narrow. We did it with a 22 foot fifth wheel. Space 41 could hold a much longer rig but it would be a challenge even getting to that space."
Several visitors highlight the creek access as a primary draw for camping in this area. The proximity to Lytle Creek provides opportunities for wading and cooling off during hot summer days, though the water levels can vary seasonally. Bonita Falls, accessible via a short hike from nearby campgrounds, receives frequent mentions in visitor reviews despite concerns about graffiti in the area. Campgrounds closer to the creek tend to be more popular and can become crowded during peak seasons. One review mentioned, "You're literally a box throw away from the creek if you're not really big on hiking but enjoy the scenery." Noise levels vary significantly between campgrounds and by season, with some visitors reporting rowdy weekend crowds at certain locations while others describe peaceful experiences in the same areas during weekdays or off-season periods.
"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 Availability"The trees are massive and plenty and make you feel like you are a million miles away from the hustle and bustle of California."
"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 Availability"Good place to see, close to the Lytle creek and great hiking to reach the Bonita Falls"
"A little gem hiding out in Lytle Creek! Easy access to a pretty trail right behind the campground. Very quiet and interspersed with long time stayers and temporary campers."
from $35 - $45 / night
Check Availability"Close by Hobit trails clear and inviting trails .rivers and in the winter snow....lots of campsites.... seen deer..rabbits and a multitude of squirrels. ..."
"Top of mt Baldy road.. almost as far as you can drive. Not many sites, about 20. One giant loop. No reservations needed."
from $20 / night
Check Availability"If you have a chance after - drive the whole Angeles crest highway! Worth the trouble. You are also located close to the PCT, take a hike!"
"We got a campsite that was on the outside of the loop. We were in Cherokee loop in campsite #87."
from $30 - $500 / night
Check Availability"Our experience at Bonelli Bluffs Campground was mostly positive, but there were a couple of aspects that could be improved."
"The views around the outskirts of B loop are just lovely, the staff has been so friendly and helpful (we’re RV newbies and had a ton of questions) the store was stocked with all of the little things we"
from $76 - $88 / night
Check Availability"they have several different kinds of cabins Little ones and then really big ones just suit your family size they have full hookups you can also purchase cable TV if you wish you can park right on the lake"
from $150 - $375 / night
Check Availability"In the busy season, you’d be no more than 12-16 feet away from your neighbors. However, my dog and I had a lovely stay. Neighbors were very few, quiet, and the restrooms were more than adequate."
"Also someone is always here cleaning, you will see her around with her dog. She is such a nice lady. The photos below are from the creek."
from $15 - $20 / night
Check Availability"We’ve done Crystal Lake probably 6 dozen times or more in our time in California and it never disappoints on the spectacular views."
"Whenever I need to get away from LALA Land, I head up here. I grew up in the mountains of western Pennsylvania, so , sometimes , I need to kick back and recharge."
from $20 / night
Check Availability"Great for campers that meet 2 criteria 1) You have a Jeep, Truck it similar vehicle that can go off-road. 2) You enjoy dispersed camping (no water/restrooms etc) If both are yes, this place is amazing"
"Trail was fun (definitely needed 4x4) and the sites around has good shade and good size open spots. Best to get there early as possible to secure a spot."
ScoutSite is clean, many activities on weekends They also add 1000lb or catfish and trout weekly depending on season. Members were friendly. Downside is wifi when the campsite is 75+ full and only about a dozen paved spots. Major are gravel and dirt.
ScoutExceptional camping experience. Beautiful, secluded, but not far from town. Would recommend a vehicle you feel comfortable with off roading terrain.
TravelerI went there to see, before making a reservation. I found the trailer park—maybe 100 old mobile homes—but I never found an RV park. I didn’t see anything to see. The “pool” was empty. The office was locked, and it wasn’t lunch. Just kinda not happening. I left a message to call me with the answering service, but I never got a call back.
TravelerWell maintained, nice folks, pleasant to talk with. I stayed there 2 months, and enjoyed it.
ScoutNice and FREE area , easy to access
ScoutI found the campground to be very friendly kid friendly and pet friendly. The spots were spacious and some had privacy others were out in the open. The rangers were very friendly and helpful, they helped me set up my tent when they saw I was having trouble. There are trails to explore. A great last minute getaway from the city and not to far, the bathroom was clean and modern with hot showers and toilets.
TravelerVery windy and need high clearance vehicles
TravelerYou definitely need high clearance vehicles or you will not make it here
ScoutOnline Review
Rating: 1/5 Stars
Title: Horrible Experience — Zero Empathy and Harassment of Disabled Guests
If you are a traveler with disabilities, a service animal, or simply expect basic human decency, stay far away from Waterfront RV Park.
My stay here was a nightmare. I was placed in a cramped corner spot with barely enough room to maneuver. Because of my medical condition, I rely on a service dog. I had to park slightly over a painted line—by a mere 8 inches—just to have enough physical space to load my service animal safely. My vehicle blocked no one, yet night after night, park security targeted and harassed me over this minor detail, acting rude and aggressive.
When I experienced a severe medical emergency and panic attack, security chose to escalate the situation, berating me while I was injured and confused instead of offering help. Management showed zero empathy or willingness to listen. After learning my truck was broken down at a dealership, making it physically impossible to move my RV immediately, they threatened to tow and impound it without giving me reasonable time or process.
This facility lacks basic compassion, professionalism, and respect for its guests. Save yourself the stress and avoid this park.
Lytle Creek camping offers accessible outdoor recreation within San Bernardino National Forest at elevations ranging from 2,000 to 6,000 feet. Temperatures vary seasonally, with summer highs reaching the 90s and winter bringing occasional snow at higher elevations. Most campgrounds remain open year-round, with varying levels of accessibility during winter months when the narrow mountain roads can become hazardous.
Hiking trails access: Multiple campgrounds connect to trail networks with varying difficulty levels. At Dogwood Campground, "there are a couple small hiking trails within the campground for some fun exploration," according to Troy L. The Enchanted Loop nature trail provides "great views" and is accessible from the back of the campground.
Waterfall exploration: The Bonita Falls trail is a popular destination for campers. From Bonita Ranch Campground, visitors find "easy access to a pretty trail right behind the campground" that leads toward the waterfall, as Heather L. notes. Julian M. confirms this is "great hiking to reach the Bonita Falls."
Fishing opportunities: Several campgrounds offer fishing access, though options vary by season. Silverwood Lake Recreation Area stocks its lakes weekly during peak seasons. "The lakes are stocked on Thursday and there's no fishing on that day," explains Sara H. about Mountain Lakes Resort, which maintains "one catfish lake and then a trout lake."
Creek proximity: Multiple campers value the accessibility of Lytle Creek itself from nearby campgrounds. Sara H. explains that at Bonita Ranch "you're literally a box throw away from the creek if you're not really big on hiking but enjoy the scenery." Jonathan G. adds, "The creek running behind the camp is great to explore, and a waterfall is a short hike away."
Relative seclusion: Despite proximity to urban areas, several campgrounds offer surprisingly private sites. Jeremiah F. notes that at Table Mountain Campground, "all the sites are large and well spaced from others, most are shaded as well." Amy B. adds that it's "super quiet and lovely. Great views from all over the campground."
Weekend activities: Some campgrounds organize regular community events. Sara H. describes Mountain Lakes Resort: "They have bingo every Friday and Saturday, there's always some kind of a theme like this time it's a Hawaii theme they have some performances and stuff happening and some arts and crafts."
Road challenges: Access to many Lytle Creek campgrounds involves navigating narrow mountain roads. Wayne S. warns about Applewhite Campground: "The road getting to the campgrounds is somewhat narrow and has some hairpin turns so it might be difficult for someone with a long trailer." Similar concerns apply to most area campgrounds.
Seasonal crowds: Campgrounds near water sources experience significant population fluctuations. Jessica B. notes that Applewhite "is nice for a getaway close to civilization and is relatively quiet in the off season. In the warmer months it can fill up fast on weekends and be a bit on the noisy and dirty side."
Fire restrictions: Fire regulations vary by season and conditions. Forest G. reports that at Coldbrook Campground, "we camped during a no fire period so no campfires or outdoor propane gas stove fires." Always check current fire restrictions before arriving.
Wildlife viewing: Several campgrounds offer opportunities to see local wildlife. Forest G. reports that at Crystal Lake Recreation Area they observed: "Black bear, deer (wandered through our site), red foxes, Stellar's Jays, woodpeckers, other birds." Camping with children requires proper food storage in provided bear boxes.
Quieter weekday visits: For families seeking peaceful experiences, timing matters significantly. Elly A. advises about Mesa Campground: "I've stayed here twice, the first time all the sites were booked the second time it was pretty empty. If you're camping for peace and quiet, this may not be what you want."
Kid-friendly amenities: Some campgrounds offer facilities specifically designed for children. Regarding Mountain Lakes Resort, Sara H. notes "there's tons of things for kids to do as well as the kid pool and they have a really awesome water park."
Site selection strategy: RV campers should research specific site dimensions before booking. Wayne S. advises: "Space 41 [at Applewhite] could hold a much longer rig but it would be a challenge even getting to that space." Call ahead to confirm site suitability for your specific vehicle length.
Utility considerations: Available hookups vary significantly between campgrounds. Shuree F. notes about Dogwood Campground: "I used an electric site which is integrated with tent and nonelectric sites. There are many areas with water stations to fill up your containers." Always verify which utilities are accessible at your specific site.
Leveling challenges: Terrain at many Lytle Creek area campgrounds requires proper leveling equipment. Alejandro Z. notes that at Table Mountain Campground, "The ground is a little slanted in most of the sites but not enough that it's not tolerable." Bring leveling blocks or jacks as appropriate for your rig.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Lytle Creek camping located in the Cajon Pass Recreation Area?
Lytle Creek camping is nestled in the foothills of the San Bernardino Mountains, approximately 16 miles north of San Bernardino in Southern California. The area is easily accessible from Interstate 15 through the Cajon Pass. Bonita Ranch Campground is a popular campground in Lytle Creek, located near the entrance to the recreation area. It offers easy access to Lytle Creek itself and serves as a gateway to the surrounding wilderness areas, including trails that lead to scenic attractions like Bonita Falls.
What recreational activities are available at Lytle Creek?
Lytle Creek offers abundant recreational opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts. Hiking is particularly popular, with trails leading to destinations like Bonita Falls. Swimming and wading in the creek are refreshing activities during warmer months. The area also provides excellent fishing spots, mountain biking trails, and wildlife viewing opportunities. Little Jimmy Trail Campground in the nearby Angeles National Forest connects to various hiking trails, including portions of the Pacific Crest Trail. Heart Bar Campground in the region offers additional recreational options with beautiful sunset views and access to mountain trails for day hikes or backpacking adventures.
Do I need reservations for Lytle Creek campgrounds?
Yes, reservations are generally recommended for Lytle Creek campgrounds, especially during peak seasons (spring and summer) and holidays. Applewhite Campground (Ca) — San Bernardino National Forest and other nearby campgrounds operate on reservation systems. Some smaller sites in the area may offer first-come, first-served options, but availability is limited. For wilderness camping or dispersed sites, permits may be required. It's advisable to book at least 2-3 weeks in advance during popular times, and bring cash for campsite fees or firewood purchases if you're making last-minute arrangements.
Is RV camping allowed at Lytle Creek?
Yes, RV camping is allowed at Lytle Creek, though amenities and accessibility vary by campground. Bonelli Bluffs in the greater San Bernardino area accommodates RVs with hookup options and is family-friendly. Several campgrounds in Lytle Creek can accommodate smaller to medium-sized RVs, though some mountain roads may be challenging for larger rigs. Most developed campgrounds offer basic amenities like picnic tables and fire rings, with varying levels of hookups. Some sites are better suited for self-contained units. Be sure to check specific campground restrictions regarding RV length limitations and available facilities before planning your trip.
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