Best Campgrounds near Oak Glen, CA

The San Bernardino Mountains surround Oak Glen, giving campers several nearby spots to choose from. San Gorgonio Wilderness works well for backcountry camping trips, though its trails can be tough to hike. Many people head to Jumbo Rocks Campground in Joshua Tree National Park because of its interesting rock formations that climbers enjoy. If you want fewer neighbors, Hidden Valley Campground might be better while still giving good climbing access. Watch out for wildlife like coyotes and deer - you'll need to store food properly. Check if fires are allowed before you go, as bans happen often in this area. You should book ahead at the busier campgrounds, particularly on weekends and holidays. The basics are available at most sites, but don't count on having water or power everywhere. Some camping areas need vehicles with good clearance to reach them. Rain can make the dirt roads pretty muddy and difficult. You can camp here most of the year, though weather changes quickly in the mountains. Most people find spring and fall most comfortable for camping here - not too hot or cold with generally clear weather. Oak Glen has camping that works for both adventure-seekers and people who just want to relax outdoors.

Best Camping Sites Near Oak Glen, California (377)

    1. Yucaipa Regional Park

    20 Reviews
    Yucaipa, CA
    5 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!"

    2. Serrano

    35 Reviews
    Big Bear Lake, CA
    15 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."

    3. San Gorgonio Campground

    21 Reviews
    Big Bear Lake, CA
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (909) 866-8550

    $34 - $69 / night

    "San Gorgonio, aptly named for the famed crown peak near by, is a nice mix of family friendly and weekend escape."

    "If you live in Southern California and haven't climbed the highest peak, you need to get out there and experience nature."

    4. Barton Flats Family Campground

    19 Reviews
    Big Bear Lake, CA
    10 miles
    Website

    $36 - $73 / night

    "Came here for a weekend, good spot for tent camping, I went on an off trail hike, cool, fun area. Some views. Drove over to the lake but couldn’t find parking. Very quiet and clean as well."

    "mountain just a short hike away from our site, #23. "

    5. Heart Bar Campground

    20 Reviews
    Big Bear City, CA
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (909) 866-8550

    $29 - $58 / night

    "The first thing to mention is the location. The back of the campground faces west where the rolling mountains seem to part in a way that showcases the beautiful California sunset."

    "second reason; there are many many sites to choose from. this camp ground has several loops that each contain roughly 20 campsites, sometimes more. on any given day you should be able to drive up, though"

    6. Thomas Hunting Grounds Yellow Post Campites

    13 Reviews
    Angelus Oaks, CA
    7 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."

    7. Lake Perris State Recreational Area Campground

    38 Reviews
    Moreno Valley, CA
    17 miles

    $25 - $300 / night

    "It is right next to the lake which has a swimming area, bike path, climbing area, Hiking trails, along with a camp store which has boat rentals and much more!  "

    "Paved full hookup sites right next to each other but quiet neighbors. Campground is just 5minutes from busy town."

    8. Pineknot

    18 Reviews
    Big Bear Lake, CA
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (909) 866-8550

    $34 - $36 / night

    "Pineknot is perfectly situated in Big Bear where you're in the woods but only a short walk to Snow Summit. "

    "The last few times we have gone we have stayed in 19 because of its location and layout."

    9. Hanna Flat Campground

    25 Reviews
    Fawnskin, CA
    17 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."

    10. East Flats

    11 Reviews
    San Bernardino National Forest, CA
    10 miles
    Website

    "What more can you ask for a few hours away from LA proper…"

    "Saw multiple deer walking by our site.

    Easy to drag in dust and very annoying. We easily found a spot for our van."

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Recent Reviews near Oak Glen, CA

1734 Reviews of 377 Oak Glen Campgrounds


  • CThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 10, 2025

    serrano camp grounds

    Great place

    I stayed for one night Wednesday just to try the showers. The showers were perfect! Hot water even! So clean and beautiful. Recommend!

  • B
    Sep. 4, 2025

    Keller Peak Yellow Post Campsites

    Stunning but Safety Concerns

    I’ve camped at the Keller Peak yellow post sites more than two dozen times over the years and, at their best, they’re incredible. The scenery and isolation are superb—starry skies, quiet nights, and that deep-woods stillness that’s getting harder to find. For years this was my go-to spot. 

    Unfortunately, I’ve also watched trash and waste increase. Please, pack it out—these sites only stay special if we treat them with care. 

    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. They assumed I was homeless despite my SUV and proper camping setup. I was using a portable propane fire pit—which is allowed—and I calmly explained that. I can understand why fire is an issue to locals.  I only felt safe because my small dog has a very loud bark, which kept them from coming closer. They said they were calling a ranger. I left the next morning, shaken. On my way out, I spoke with a park ranger who confirmed propane fire pits are permitted and told me they don’t patrol up there at night because of recurring issues like this. She also mentioned they were trying to move the site to a reservation system to deter homeless use; I’m not sure if that has happened yet. 

    It’s a shame, because this area is one of the best around. I’m sharing this so others can make an informed choice.  

    Pros - Spectacular views and true solitude Cool nights, dark skies, classic forest feel

    Cons -  Rising litter and human waste Nighttime safety concerns due to occasional rowdy visitors Limited ranger presence after dark

     I hope increased stewardship and enforcement can restore the magic here.

  • Elise F.
    Aug. 25, 2025

    Fry Creek Campground

    Loved it

    We absolutely loved Fry Creek. It might be our favorite place to camp so far. Our site was removed from others so we weren’t bothered by neighbors. It was a nice large site next to the bathrooms (which were very clean and well maintained) and close to a water spigot and trash can. This campground is definitely a birder’s paradise. We were constantly surrounded and graced by the sounds of woodpeckers, pigeons, mountain quail, bluebirds, jays, and more. One important note though is this entire area is swarmed with flies. We brought nets to put around our faces and without these, I don’t think I would have survived. So definitely bring nets for your face, bug spray, and citronella. Despite this, it was a lovely place. Will be returning one day.

  • AThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 23, 2025

    East Flats

    Nice Peaceful Area

    Wasn’t hard to find a little rough but fairly easy to reach with our Sedan. Couldn’t find too much to do but if you’re looking for a weekend getaway to relax it’s a nice spot.

  • Nickchris G.
    Aug. 18, 2025

    Horsemen's Center

    Horseman's center!

    Beautiful views of the entire city and never bothered by anyone, can do bonfires, and even camp right out my car.

  • DeWayne G.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 17, 2025

    Giant Rock Dispersed

    Big Rock camping

    Came out to Big Rock for the meteor shower in August. Yes, it was hot, but I like the heat. We set up our two-day camp along the ridge about 300 yards past Big Rock. Verizon Cell service was non-existent at our site, but we would get 5G at the Rock.

    Other than some graffiti the area was clean and well-kept.

  • Julie
    Aug. 12, 2025

    Bogart County Park

    Bogart Regional park

    It was okay for a last minute camping idea.

  • Julie
    Aug. 12, 2025

    Bogart County Park

    Yucaipa Regional park

    Great customer service, easy access, restrooms, fishing, swimming and paddle boats.


Guide to Oak Glen

Camping near Oak Glen, California, offers a fantastic escape into nature with beautiful landscapes and plenty of outdoor activities. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventurous getaway, there are several campgrounds nearby that cater to different preferences.

What to do:

  • Hiking: Explore the numerous trails in the area. Campers love the hiking opportunities, with one reviewer mentioning, "Numerous hikes are nearby for numerous outings and is very family friendly" at Jumbo Rocks Campground.
  • Rock Climbing: If you're into climbing, check out the rock formations at Hidden Valley Campground. A visitor shared, "The rocks are great to boulder, scramble, or climb on."
  • Wildlife Watching: Keep an eye out for local wildlife. One camper at Indian Cove Campground noted, "Talk about waking up with the sound of coyotes in your camp, it was so peaceful."

What campers like:

  • Scenic Views: Many campers appreciate the stunning views. A reviewer at Moro Campground said, "Almost every site has an ocean view of some kind."
  • Clean Facilities: Clean restrooms and showers are a big plus. One camper at Serrano Campground mentioned, "Beautiful campground. Clean restrooms and showers."
  • Spacious Sites: Campers enjoy having space between sites. A visitor at Black Rock Campground remarked, "The sites are nicely spread out."

What you should know:

  • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds, like Hidden Valley Campground, have basic facilities with no water or electric hookups. A camper noted, "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 at Jumbo Rocks Campground mentioned, "The site is very popular so finding an open site to book can be difficult."
  • Weather Variability: Be prepared for changing weather conditions. One camper at Indian Cove Campground shared, "It does get extremely hot as it’s in the desert and there’s little to no shade."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for campgrounds that cater to families, like Jumbo Rocks Campground. A reviewer said, "It’s a beautiful campground surrounded by giant rocks."
  • Plan Activities: Bring games or outdoor activities to keep kids entertained. One camper at San Mateo Campground suggested, "We had a hard time to level our trailer though," indicating the need for preparation.
  • Safety First: Always keep an eye on kids, especially near water or rocky areas. A visitor at Serrano Campground warned, "Bears and coyotes in the area, recommended not to let small dogs or cats roam unattended."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site. A camper at Black Rock Campground advised, "The roads in are narrow and absolutely terrible."
  • Bring Leveling Blocks: Some sites may not be level. A reviewer at Lake Hemet Campground mentioned, "You may want some block to help get you level."
  • Plan for Connectivity: Be aware that cell service can be spotty. A camper at Bonelli Bluffs noted, "NO WIFI IF YOU NEED THAT YOU MUST HAVE YOUR OWN."

Camping near Oak Glen, California, has something for everyone, from families to solo adventurers. With a bit of planning and the right campground, you're sure to have a memorable experience!

Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I find campgrounds in Oak Glen?

While Oak Glen itself is known more for apple orchards than camping, you'll find excellent campgrounds in the surrounding San Bernardino Mountains. Heart Bar Campground offers a secluded experience with beautiful mountain views and sunset vistas about 45 minutes from Oak Glen. For those seeking RV accommodations, Yucaipa Regional Park is one of the closest options to Oak Glen, providing full hookups and easy access. Other nearby options include Green Valley Lake, Applewhite Campground, and various sites throughout San Bernardino National Forest, all within a 30-60 minute drive from Oak Glen.

What amenities are available at Oak Glen campgrounds?

Campgrounds near Oak Glen offer varied amenities to suit different camping styles. Bonelli Bluffs provides family-friendly accommodations but lacks playground facilities. For those seeking full resort amenities, Pechanga RV Resort offers impressive facilities including access to a pool, golf course, restaurants, and is within walking distance to a casino. Many campgrounds in the region typically provide fire rings, picnic tables, and vault toilets. Water availability varies by location, with some offering potable water and others requiring you to bring your own. Cell service is generally available at developed campgrounds but may be limited at more remote sites.

When is the best season for camping in Oak Glen?

Late spring through early fall (May-October) offers the most pleasant camping weather near Oak Glen. San Bernardino National Forest Green Valley Campground is ideal during summer months when temperatures are comfortable at higher elevations. Serrano can be enjoyed in multiple seasons, though winter brings cold temperatures and possible snow. Fall is particularly magical when Oak Glen's apple orchards are in harvest season, providing a unique camping experience with opportunities for apple picking and enjoying the fall colors. Summer weekends get crowded, so mid-week visits are recommended for more solitude. Always check weather forecasts as winter storms can bring freezing temperatures to the area.