245 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
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.
"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"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"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"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"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"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"
from $35 - $45 / night
Check Availability"The entrance is opposite of lone pine canyon rd . At night the train goes by . We saw a dead drop pickup in the morning."
"Lots of traffic noise from the highway. We even encountered a rare black coyote. Unfortunately I didn’t have the mental presence to snap a picture but it came right up to the trailer."
"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"The lakes are nice, there are mountain views, and some cool hikes to explore in the riverbed area."
from $3 - $40 / night
Check Availability"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."
ScoutAlot of open site fire pits rest room grills and table quiet and if you into rock hunting and hike this is a great place to start pack in pack out and leave better than it was when you came or try to fyi it cold at nite
TravelerI stayed at Little Pines. This spot has some beautiful sites. Some are semi-secluded with stunning views. Some have a lot of shade, some have little. Silver Moccasin Trail is on-site and a great hike. Notorious for bears but I didn’t see any.
I camped with a bear canister and bear country precaution anyway. A few sets of vault toilets and dumpsters so no site is too far from one. But no sinks. There is running water here but it’s non-potable.
It’s a beautiful spot but I had a group of about 10-15 people in diesel trucks roll in at 10pm on a Friday and blare Banda music for 3 days. From about 8am-10:30pm-ish. Unrelenting. Even with earplugs I could feel the bass of the tubas. Ruined the entire trip. So be aware that like any campground, loud jerks can spoil it for everyone.
I noticed a lot of people coming in until about 10pm on Friday and there were still spots. This wasn’t a holiday weekend but it was a pretty weekend in June. I got there at 6pm and got a great spot.
The Manzanita area is very pretty but sites are smaller and it’s more of an Oak Woodland with Manzanita and lots of boulders. Far fewer pines and cedars so not a lot of shade. In the fall this might be a nice option but in summer it may be a little hot.
Little Pines is pretty accessible for wheelchairs. The road has some pot holes but it’s paved and the grade isn’t terrible. Several spots would be very accessible to anyone with mobility devices or wheelchairs as you can park and get right to the campsite beside the car, on level ground. Restrooms are ADA-accessible.
WARNING: Watch out for the purple plant everywhere! Behaves like poison oak. Keep pets (and yourself) away. Included pics.
ScoutFirst stayed around 25-30. Maybe flies season? Crazy amount of bugs. Moved to down the hill much better. Clean bathroom. Quiet at night.
GuideIncredible sunset and night sky! Lots of sites available, some more private than others, some more spread out than others. There’s a vault toilet that was fairly gross unfortunately. To access the campground there’s about a mile of rough gravel/dirt road, but our Prius managed it alright. Our site had a fire pit and a covered picnic table.
Accessibility: varies by site. Picnic tables are covered and even cement, but that cement isn’t always level with the ground. Some sites are rockier/uneven while others are less so. Likely could navigate with an outdoors-y wheelchair if prepared to handle some slightly tricky terrain.
TravelerThe entrance is opposite of lone pine canyon rd . At night the train goes by . We saw a dead drop pickup in the morning. We woke to a car and motorcycle parked nearby- a lady and heavily tattooed guy were out walking around. They dug out 3 black bags from some brush and took off. So that was exciting.
TravelerI never had the chance to stay at this site. We’re so disappointed as it seems amazing. My reservation request expired and I never heard from them.
The reviews in Hipcamp are all so positive but none are newer than Aug 2025. So I wonder if they’re just not booking anymore. Seems strange based on the effusive praise of the host. Hope they’re ok.
Wanted to leave this review so others are aware that they should have a plan B if they attempt to book this site.
RangerFull hookups, free laundry, easy in and out (with military ID), and cheaper gas on post
ScoutPlace is super cool but there's a sign that says No overnight camping :(
TravelerWhen I booked at the reservation site I screenshot that water and 30 amp power was available at my site. There is NO water hook up. Overall it’s good 7 out of 10. Lots to do within 2 hours of this place. Staying for 6 days.
Campsites near Phelan, California range from high-desert locations to alpine settings, with elevations varying from 3,000 to over 7,000 feet. The region's temperature swings can be dramatic, with summer days often reaching the 90s while dropping into the 50s at night at higher elevations. The San Bernardino Mountains create distinct camping microclimates, with forested areas providing natural shade and wind protection compared to more exposed desert locations.
Hiking to waterfalls: At Bonita Ranch Campground, trails lead to nearby waterfalls through accessible terrain. One camper noted, "The creek running behind the camp is great to explore, and a waterfall is a short hike away. We also lucked out finding berries in August."
Disc golf: Mojave Narrows Regional Park offers disc golf courses as part of their recreational options. A visitor mentioned, "There are a lot of sites here for camping unfortunately they are not all open for use. There are several hiking trails here that are well used and well maintained."
Star observation: Higher elevation campgrounds provide exceptional night sky viewing. At Table Mountain Campground, a camper shared, "This is a great campground peacful nice place to see the Stars! Very clean."
Mountain biking: Several trails around Crystal Lake Recreation Area accommodate various skill levels. According to one visitor, "We brought our bikes but there was not a whole lot of area to go bike riding. A bit too hilly for us to ride over to the boat launch area."
Natural water features: Many campsites offer access to streams or lakes. A Crystal Lake Rec Area visitor observed, "There are lots of spacious camping sites, clean bathrooms, running water, numerous of shade trees, and a cafe/store for all the things you forgot or for a ice cream treat on a hot day!"
Wildlife encounters: The area supports diverse wildlife viewing opportunities. One camper at Coldbrook Campground shared, "Good bird-watching in the morning. Stream and faucets nearby. Good campground."
Tree coverage: Most campgrounds provide natural shade. At Dogwood Campground, a visitor noted, "Beautiful, large, private campsites... Honestly I would rate Dogwood a 4.5- as there were a few minor things but overall it's as good as it gets for campgrounds."
Mountain views: Higher elevation sites offer panoramic vistas. A camper at Guffy Campground stated, "The campground has a cliff that looks out over lower elevation mountains and we got to watch the clouds drifting over the mountains just below us. So beautiful!"
Train noise: Some campgrounds near transportation corridors experience significant train noise. At Mojave Narrows Regional Park, a camper warned, "I mean really active – I stopped counting after I counted 24 trains lumbering by during our short overnight stay."
Insect activity: Depending on season, bugs can be problematic. One visitor to Coldbrook Campground reported, "Lots of gnats! They swarm your face but then after you sit still for about a minute they leave you alone. Didn't encounter any mosquitos in early April."
Road accessibility: Some campgrounds require careful navigation. A Guffy Campground visitor cautioned, "Liked the site but not the drive. Pit toilet better than nothing... Lost a tire on rocky road in. Take your time."
Bathroom conditions: Facility maintenance varies widely between campgrounds. At Manker Campground, one camper noted, "I went on a Wednesday afternoon in May and got my pick of sites. There were only 4-6 other campers each night so it was very quiet. Bathrooms were clean and supplied with TP."
Look for campgrounds with playgrounds: Some sites offer dedicated children's areas. A visitor to Mojave Narrows mentioned, "There was a very nice playground in the day-use area, a reasonable walking distance from the Horseshoe Lake sites."
Choose campgrounds with food options: On-site food service saves meal planning. At Crystal Lake, a camper recommended, "Definitely stop off in the Crystal Lake Cafe for some food. Food is great and the owner, Adam, is a true diamond in the rough, very nice man."
Consider site spacing: Some campgrounds offer more privacy than others. At Dogwood, a visitor observed, "This campground has the atmosphere of camping in the forest with a couple of hiking trails and lots of shade. The sites are well placed making a full campground fell spacious."
Pack for temperature swings: Mountain locations experience significant day-to-night changes. A camper at Table Mountain advised, "I stayed in site 49 and it has a great view during sunset and a couple of great places for a hammock. The ground is a little slanted in most of the sites but not enough that it's not tolerable."
Check site levelness: Many mountain sites require leveling equipment. At Silverwood Lake State Recreation Area, a camper noted, "We stayed in campsite 108 (which had full hookups) and did not feel that the campsites were too close to one another."
Reserve hookup sites early: Limited full-service sites fill quickly. One RVer at Applewhite Campground shared, "Space 41 could hold a much longer rig but it would be a challenge even getting to that space. The road getting to the campgrounds is somewhat narrow and has some hairpin turns."
Consider road conditions: Mountain access requires appropriate vehicles. A visitor remarked, "Very small campground. Camping sites are spread out. The access road is very narrow. We did it with a 22 foot fifth wheel."
Plan for seasonal closures: Many RV-accessible campgrounds operate seasonally. A Bonita Ranch visitor mentioned, "Although it's a short trip from the city, camping here is a breath of fresh air. Spaces aren't too close together either."
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.
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