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 (378)

    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. Lake Perris State Recreational Area Campground

    39 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."

    6. 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"

    7. 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."

    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

1747 Reviews of 378 Oak Glen Campgrounds


  • Kyle M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 25, 2025

    Pathfinder Dispersed Camping

    Free!

    No amenities. 14 day stay. Mostly secluded, except for some cow visitors. Road leading in is rough. Skill is needed to venture back.

  • Kyle M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 25, 2025

    Pathfinder Dispersed Camping

    Free!!!!

    Mostly secluded, and you get a few bovine visitors. No amenities. 14 day stays. The only important note is that the road leading up is rough, careful skill is needed.

  • CThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 24, 2025

    South Ridge Yellow Post Sites

    Great spots, great views

    Great location! Beautiful views from every spot! Will definitely stay here again. Road is a little rough in sections coming up, so plan vehicle choice accordingly!

  • L
    Oct. 24, 2025

    Lake Perris State Recreational Area Campground

    Deer loop

    Had an amazing time, unbeknownst to us deer loop was closed after we booked it in June. We ended up having the whole loop to ourselves. We come here about 5 times a year and never have issues.

  • Kyle M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 23, 2025

    Thomas Mountain Road

    No frills

    Close to the road. 14 day limit cool backdrop. Road to the sites has a few bumps.

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 21, 2025

    North Joshua Tree

    Decent, but noisy and trashy

    The pros: free, tons of space to park and camp wherever you’d like, and close to Joshua Tree NP. The cons: locals use it as a shooting range and off-roading area, there’s trash and items used for target practice all over the land, and there’s a lot of rough areas that require high clearance (and plenty of areas that don’t).

  • Julianne M.
    Oct. 19, 2025

    Sawtooth Canyon Campground

    Beautiful BLM Free Campgound

    This campsite is absolutely breathtaking. We arrived late on a Friday night and all of the designated spots were taken, but there are places you can pull off to the side and camp. The road in is about 1.5mi of washboard, but it's completely doable (our rented front wheel drive campervan had no issues). Wish we would've spent more time here!

  • Emily L.
    Oct. 13, 2025

    Crane Lakeside Mobile Home Park & RV Resort

    Horrible experience!

    Came to this park to relax, and was was kept awake all night by the sound of several cats fighting outside. Why wouldn't management do something about the stray cats? Just to see this many cats makes this park feel urban or ghetto. Great park if you don't need to sleep...

  • Iris V.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 10, 2025

    Sawtooth Canyon Campground

    Stunning Free BLM Campground with Epic Scenery

    Spent some time at Sawtooth Canyon Campground near Barstow, California, and wow—this spot is spectacular. The BLM offers 13 free, first-come-first-served sites nestled against dramatic rock formations. 🌵 Sunsets glow across the cliffs 🌅, and the moonrise over the rocks is unforgettable 🌕🔥.

    The access road is washboarded, so take it slow 🚙💨. Once you’re there, it’s peaceful and wide open. Each site has a picnic table 🪑, fire ring 🔥, and vault toilets 🚻. Plenty of space for trailers and rigs 🚐, and the night sky is breathtaking 🌌.

    If you’re passing through Barstow and want a quiet, beautiful free camping spot, Sawtooth Canyon is absolutely worth it.


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.