Dispersed camping options near Mentone, California range from lake access sites to forested mountain locations. The area sits at elevations between 1,700 feet in the valleys to over 8,000 feet in the mountain campgrounds, creating significant temperature variations year-round. Yellow Post sites throughout San Bernardino National Forest offer more secluded camping experiences with minimal facilities compared to developed campgrounds.
What to do
Hiking from camp: Dogwood Campground provides direct access to the Enchanted Loop Nature Trail. "Access to the Enchanted loop nature trail is at the back end of the camp and offers some great views," notes Jeremiah F., who appreciated the campground's large, well-spaced sites.
Mountain biking: Skypark Camp RV Resort sits directly across from mountain biking trails. "It's a great place for families with small kids," says Justin C., who adds that the campground is "great for families with small kids" and offers "fire pits and games for the kids."
Fishing opportunities: Lake Perris State Recreation Area offers diverse fishing options. "This lake has been good to me and my friends, always catch something, maybe not a lunker but fun," reports John H., who found the fishing consistent even when campsite quality varied.
Water activities: Yucaipa Regional Park combines camping with water recreation. "Great tent camping facilities, privacy from neighbors, access to Zanja Peak Trail head, 3 lakes for fishing, water park during the summer, and friendly helpful staff," says Bryan H., highlighting the variety of water-based activities available.
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Thomas Hunting Grounds Yellow Post Sites provides secluded camping experiences. "Beautiful, private, and secluded. The campgrounds were wonderful... Beautiful hiking trails and wildlife. I didn't want to leave!" reports Katie S., who recommends four-wheel drive vehicles for the rugged access road.
Clean facilities: North Shore Campground offers basic but clean amenities. "The staff was tremendous in helping us find our reserved location and was extremely friendly," says Giovanni H., who appreciated "a thoroughly clean area, fire pit, food storage cabinet and a well-cleaned bathroom with flushing toilets."
Large camping spots: Hanna Flat Campground provides generously sized camping areas. "Each site was spread out and lots of space for 2-4 tents," notes Manny D., who appreciated that "each site included a table, fire ring and bear safe locker" and mentioned the 25-minute drive to downtown Big Bear.
Tree coverage: San Gorgonio Campground offers abundant shade. "Shady with plenty of little trails," explains Jennifer D., who warns visitors to "be sure to cover your ice chest, even in your vehicle, as the bears, are all too familiar with them" based on her family's decade of camping experiences there.
What you should know
Fire restrictions: Barton Flats Family Campground and other sites enforce seasonal fire rules. "Flush toilets and showers available. Short hike to Jenks Lake," notes Desiree M., who found the campground "very quiet" and "nesteled among the trees."
Temperature variations: Summer temperatures can range from 100°F in lower elevations to 75-80°F at higher campgrounds. Winter camping requires preparation for freezing temperatures, especially at sites like Serrano Campground. "We camped here the last weekend before they closed for the winter, after Thanksgiving...our sewer outlet was frozen in the morning," reports Nicole W.
Road conditions: Access to some campgrounds requires traveling unpaved routes. "Need high clearance or 4wd vehicle for a rough road but once you get to the top, the sites are great!" advises Steve regarding Thomas Hunting Grounds Yellow Post sites.
Reservation timing: Most campgrounds fill quickly during summer weekends. "We managed to find a spot but they do take reservations and that's your best bet," advises Jennifer D. about Serrano Campground, recommending visitors secure spots in advance.
Tips for camping with families
Look for educational opportunities: Dogwood Campground offers nature experiences for children. "Very well maintained, clean with drinking water, showers, flush toilets. And 1-2 trailheads leading out of the site," notes Viktoria B., who found it "perfect" for those who "prefer a bit more 'civilized' amenities."
Consider bike-friendly options: Serrano Campground offers safe cycling areas. "We loved camping here. Beautiful, pristine campground with bike trails/walking paths around the lake. The town is bike friendly," shares Trey T., highlighting the perfect August weather.
Choose campgrounds with play areas: Some locations include recreation facilities for children. "There is a large community park right next-door where you can go and play baseball, basketball, sand volleyball, or frisbee," explains Mary F. about Yucaipa Regional Park, noting it's "a nice quiet place close to home."
Prepare for wildlife encounters: San Gorgonio Campground has bears in the area. "There's no larger wildlife, like bears, so less stressful when you have pets or kids," says Mary F. about Yucaipa Regional Park, making it an easier option for families with young children.
Tips from RVers
Check site dimensions carefully: Yucaipa Regional Park accommodates larger rigs. "Excellent campground. Well maintained. Large concrete pads that can handle any rig," reports Paul C., who mentioned that "fires allowed which is nice" despite cold winter temperatures.
Consider unique camping vehicle options: Some campgrounds welcome non-traditional camping vehicles. "We're usually full-time boondockers, and this was the first time we've paid for an RV park... Most private RV spots discriminate against Skoolies, but this place didn't seem to care," shares Jason O. about Yucaipa Regional Park.
RV hookup availability varies: Research utilities before booking. "The campground is huge, yet felt homey. My cat watched the squirrels play on nearby trees from the RV. I drive a 19 foot RV van which backed up easily into our campsite, and had plenty of room to spare," explains Shuree F. about her experience at Dogwood Campground.
Be prepared for leveling challenges: Some sites require significant leveling. "Some days the sites are good some days they aren't," notes John H. about Lake Perris State Recreation Area, suggesting flexibility when setting up RVs at certain campgrounds.
