The Dyrt – find campgrounds for tents, RVs, cabins, glamping and more.
Open in App

Best Campgrounds near Phelan, CA

1,156 Reviews

Campgrounds around Phelan, California range from developed facilities in the Angeles National Forest to dispersed sites along scenic byways. Table Mountain Campground near Wrightwood provides established camping from May through November with traditional amenities including picnic tables, toilets, and fire rings. Several miles east, Mojave Narrows Regional Park offers year-round camping with full hookups for RVs, while Silverwood Lake State Recreation Area provides waterfront camping options. The San Bernardino Mountains and surrounding high desert terrain create varied camping environments with elevations influencing temperatures and views.

Road conditions vary significantly depending on location and season, with some dispersed areas requiring high-clearance or 4WD vehicles. Many developed campgrounds in the region remain open year-round, though mountain locations like Table Mountain and Crystal Lake Recreation Area operate seasonally from spring through late fall due to winter conditions. Reservations are recommended for established campgrounds, particularly during summer weekends and holidays. Fire restrictions are common during dry periods, with some areas prohibiting open flames entirely. Water availability differs between campgrounds, with some offering drinking water while others require visitors to bring their own supplies. As noted by one visitor to a local dispersed site, "The turn is not marked well... You climb a big steep hill to get to the turn in. We decided not to go to the site because it looked like a one lane road and too tight for our 35 ft bumper pull."

Campers frequently mention the impressive views available from higher elevation camping areas near Phelan. Table Mountain Campground receives consistent praise for its panoramic vistas and relative seclusion. A visitor noted, "Campground was clean and quiet. Really nice place to camp with plenty of trees and places to hike." Campgrounds closer to Wrightwood offer more moderate temperatures during summer months compared to lower desert locations. The area experiences significant temperature fluctuations between day and night, particularly at higher elevations. Bear-proof food storage is required at many forest campgrounds, with bear boxes provided at established sites. Train noise impacts some dispersed camping areas near major transportation corridors, while mountain campgrounds typically offer quieter experiences despite occasional wind exposure.

Map showing campgrounds near Phelan, CaliforniaExplore the Map

Best Camping Sites Near Phelan, California (239)

    1. Table Mountain Campground

    21 Reviews
    Wrightwood, CA
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (760) 249-3526

    $30 - $500 / night

    "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."

    2. Mesa Campground — Silverwood Lake State Recreation Area

    27 Reviews
    Cedarpines Park, CA
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (760) 389-2281

    $45 - $350 / night

    "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!""

    "ATV with ice cream and firewood comes around right before dark. Campsites are a bit crowded for my liking. Access to the Silverwood Lake recreation area is a great benefit."

    3. Manker Campground

    13 Reviews
    Mount Baldy, CA
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (626) 335-1251

    $12 / night

    "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."

    4. Crystal Lake Rec Area Campground

    26 Reviews
    Valyermo, CA
    20 miles
    Website
    +1 (626) 335-1251

    "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."

    5. Dogwood

    33 Reviews
    Rimforest, CA
    22 miles
    Website
    +1 (909) 336-6717

    $40 - $81 / night

    "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."

    6. Bonita Ranch Campground

    12 Reviews
    Lytle Creek, CA
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (909) 887-3643

    $35 - $45 / night

    "Easy access to a pretty trail right behind the campground. Very quiet and interspersed with long time stayers and temporary campers. I stayed in my van and had my cat and dog with me."

    "It's definitely not that far away from the city roughly a 7-10 minute drive up the mountain very chill environment awesome staff very home like feel you're literally a box throw away from the creek if"

    7. Applewhite Campground (Ca) — San Bernardino National Forest

    9 Reviews
    Lytle Creek, CA
    12 miles
    +1 (909) 382-2716

    $15 - $20 / night

    "I had a positive impression of this small campground, located just 5-7 miles away from the 215 highway, amidst natural surroundings."

    "The fresh stream is just a short distance away, just a few steps away and you can immerse yourself in nature right across the road."

    8. Coldbrook Campground

    18 Reviews
    Glendora, CA
    21 miles
    Website

    "We left LA (Hollywood) on a Friday afternoon around 3, and were setting up camp by 5! Luckily a friend got to the campground before us though, as he snagged the last of the 20 or so sites there."

    "Coldbrooke is a excellent campground that is relatively close to the city. The camp host was super helpful in explaining the fire restrictions and overall questions."

    9. Mojave Narrows Regional Park

    9 Reviews
    Apple Valley, CA
    15 miles
    Website

    $3 - $40 / night

    "The lakes are nice, there are mountain views, and some cool hikes to explore in the riverbed area."

    10. Guffy Campground

    4 Reviews
    Wrightwood, CA
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (661) 296-9710

    "Nice hike in campground (can drive in when gate is open). Not too many people around so you can snag a great spot with awesome views."

    "We stopped here on the way into Wrightwood via the Pacific Crest Trail. The trail runs right by and there looks to be a lot of other nearby trails too."

Show More
Showing results 1-10 of 239 campgrounds

2025 Detourist Giveaway

Presented byToyota Trucks

Review Campgrounds. Win Prizes.

Enter to Win

Phelan Contest

Enter to Win

Recent Camping Photos near Phelan, CA

468 Photos of 239 Phelan Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Phelan, CA

1156 Reviews of 239 Phelan Campgrounds

  • Vin W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Nov. 3, 2025

    Canyon RV Park

    Still a wonderful spot close to Orange County

    I have gone to long term RV and took a chance here. I came at night, and was frustrated with the traffic to just enter the park. It wasn't until the next morning that I began to appreciate the surroundings. The freeway noise became soothing. The showers clean, the grass maintained. Easy to access dump stations, fairly modern electrical hookups. Lots of families, people in golf carts, bicycles on trails. Wildlife including Blue Herons eating gophers, squirrels and coyotes. I would return here.

  • marcus K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 30, 2025

    Owl Canyon Campground

    Amazing night sky

    Awesome lil BLM campground with level sites and covered tables. No water while we were there so bring your own. Pit toilets clean. Only $6. A pretty cool trail goes up the creekbed. Don’t miss the cave.

  • 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.

  • 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!

  • Gillian L.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 15, 2025

    Barstow-Calico KOA

    Beautiful

    We rolled in after dark. The office is open until 9 pm which was very nice. They sell snacks and supplies. There are cabins for rent along with tent sites in addition to backup and pull through sites. Our site had full hookups. The dog park at the back of the campground was decent size with a gorgeous view of the mountains. There are arched overhead lights through the lanes to help light in the dark. A word of warning, the campground has many oleander flower bushes which are toxic to humans and pets if ingested, so please use caution. There are signs warning of this.

  • Alisa P.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 11, 2025

    Stoddard Valley OHV

    Perfect for off roading

    If you are into ORV riding then this is your place. Tucked right off the freeway it is easy to find and not to much noise from the main highway. It is HUGE. Tons of room to spread out. It is not at all level but if you drive around you can find a spot that will work. If you don’t like dust think twice before coming. The ORV stir up a lot and are very noisy even into the late evening. We enjoyed watching the ORV racing up the hill and all around the park especially at night when they have all the fun lit antennas. There is a vault toilet toward the back of the entrance.

  • 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.

  • Connie H.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 10, 2025

    Pine Knot Campground

    Nice Campground Close to Town

    This campground is located pretty much in town right off Summit Blvd, on a side street right next to Snow Summit. We stayed here a couple nights with our pop-up camper in site #17. Cost was $34 a night. We pulled in a little later than planned, around 7:30, there were about 10 other sites occupied with a few more reserved. There are 48 sites throughout the campground. All primitive sites. Generators are allowed, but must stay on paved areas, and not run during quiet hours, 10:00 PM- 6:00 AM. Sites have a picnic table, fire ring, grill and bear box provided. There are 4 bathroom houses around the campground with flush toilets and sinks, they were pretty clean and well kept. Potable water was available. We did hear the coyotes at night and even had one or two come through our site. Campfires are allowed at this campground as of Oct. 9, 2025. We had great T-Mobile and AT&T cell service. The camp hosts were friendly and helpful.

  • AThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 1, 2025

    Bonelli Bluffs

    Wish we could stay longer this trip

    We chose Bonelli for our shakedown trip in our new trailer (first time RVers). SO quiet. Numerous residents, but spots are mostly keep up nicely. Our rental spot has 3 trees, a picnic table, a firepit, level parking(!) and full hookups. We will be back for sure, especially since it's less than an hour from home.

Guide to Phelan

Camping near Phelan, California, offers a mix of beautiful landscapes and unique experiences. Whether you're looking for a quiet retreat or a family-friendly adventure, there are several campgrounds to explore.

What to do:

  • Explore Ghost Towns: Visit Calico Ghost Town for a fun day of walking through history. One camper mentioned, "The Ghost town is a fun place to walk through," making it a great spot for families and history buffs alike.
  • Hiking Trails: Check out the trails around Serrano for some scenic hikes. A reviewer noted, "We were super close to all the awesome hiking spots," highlighting the accessibility of nature.
  • Water Activities: Head to Lake Perris State Recreational Area for swimming, fishing, or just relaxing by the water. One visitor shared, "A short walk/drive to the lake which was also very nice for my son!"

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate the cleanliness of restrooms and showers. A review for Bonelli Bluffs stated, "Possibly the cleanest public bathroom I've ever seen."
  • Spacious Sites: Many campgrounds offer ample space between sites. A camper at Serrano mentioned, "The campground was clean, quiet, and had a decent amount of space between sites."
  • Friendly Staff: Campers often highlight the helpfulness of campground staff. One visitor at Dogwood said, "Camp hosts are friendly and knowledgeable."

What you should know:

  • Noise Levels: Some campgrounds can get noisy, especially on weekends. A review for Lake Perris noted, "There was a large group of people blasting their music until 2/3 AM."
  • Limited Amenities: Not all campgrounds have full amenities. For instance, Sawtooth Canyon has no drinking water or electric hookups, so be prepared.
  • Wildlife Caution: Some areas have wildlife, so keep an eye on pets. A camper at Serrano warned, "Bears and coyotes in the area, recommended not to let small dogs or cats roam unattended."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Plan Activities: Make sure to have a list of activities. One family at Moro Campground enjoyed the hiking trails, saying, "There are lots of hiking and bike trails."
  • Pack Snacks: Bring plenty of snacks for the kids. A reviewer at Newport Dunes RV Resort mentioned, "Fun pool and close to the water to swim," which is perfect for keeping kids entertained.
  • Choose Quiet Times: If possible, visit during weekdays to avoid crowds. A camper at Bonelli Bluffs noted, "Crowded on weekend, much less during week."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site. A camper at Newport Dunes mentioned, "Sites are very tight," so plan accordingly.
  • Bring Your Own Water: Some campgrounds, like Sawtooth Canyon, don’t have water hookups, so fill up before you arrive.
  • Stay Connected: If you need to work remotely, check cell service availability. A visitor at Lake Perris noted, "Good enough Verizon and T-mobile to work remotely."

Camping near Phelan, California, has something for everyone, from families to solo adventurers. Just remember to plan ahead and enjoy the great outdoors!

Frequently Asked Questions

Where are the best campgrounds in Phelan, CA?

The Phelan area offers excellent camping options within a short drive. Heart Bar Campground is a favorite for its secluded feel and spectacular mountain sunsets. For a unique experience, Little Jimmy Trail Campground provides backcountry camping just 2 miles off Angeles Crest Highway with several first-come, first-served sites featuring fire rings and vault toilets. Both offer the perfect mountain getaway with natural beauty and privacy. For those seeking lakeside camping, Table Mountain and Serrano campgrounds near Big Bear Lake provide additional options within driving distance of Phelan.

What amenities are available at Phelan camping areas?

Campgrounds near Phelan offer varying amenities to suit different camping styles. Bonelli Bluffs provides family-friendly RV camping with standard hookups, though lacks playground facilities. San Bernardino National Forest Green Valley Campground offers simple tent sites with campfire rings in a peaceful setting. Many area campgrounds feature vault toilets, fire rings, and picnic tables. For more amenities, Lake Perris State Recreational Area Campground provides a camp store, boat rentals, swimming areas, and hiking trails along with standard camping facilities.

Is camping allowed year-round in Phelan?

Camping availability around Phelan varies seasonally. Applewhite Campground in San Bernardino National Forest operates with seasonal closures, including weekday closures during certain periods. Holcomb Valley Campground is typically open during warmer months but closes during winter due to snow and cold conditions. Lower elevation campgrounds like Mojave Narrows Regional Park offer more year-round opportunities. Always check current status before planning your trip, as mountain campgrounds experience seasonal closures due to weather conditions, especially during winter months when snow makes access difficult.

Keep Exploring