Cabins near Phelan, California dot the San Bernardino mountains at elevations between 3,000-6,000 feet. This high desert region experiences dramatic temperature swings, with summer days reaching 90°F and winter nights dropping below freezing. Many cabin accommodations remain accessible year-round despite seasonal changes, though several sites require advance planning for winter visits.
What to do
Hiking to natural hot springs: Deep Creek Hot Springs offers therapeutic hot-cold plunges where visitors can alternate between hot springs and the cold creek. The Deep Creek Hot Springs Camp Retreat provides direct trail access. "The hike to the springs is pretty rough but also worth it when you get there," notes one visitor who appreciated the challenging but rewarding trek.
Mountain biking on local trails: Serrano Campground provides excellent access to bike-friendly paths. As one camper observed at Serrano, "Beautiful, pristine campground with bike trails/walking paths around the lake. The town is bike friendly." These trails range from beginner-friendly flat paths to more challenging mountain routes.
Fishing opportunities: Lake access points near glamping locations provide seasonal fishing. "The fishing was awesome, but I suggest fishing in the mornings before the afternoon winds come in as the weather cools down," explains a visitor who camped at North Shore Campground. Morning fishing typically yields better results between 6-9am before winds pick up.
What campers like
Private hot spring access: Some glamping sites close to Phelan, California offer exclusive hot spring access. A camper at Deep Creek Hot Springs Camp Retreat shared, "The spring pools at our site were so relaxing to have all to ourselves and well worth it to reserve for our party!" These private springs allow for a more intimate experience away from public areas.
Proximity to local towns: Campers appreciate how luxury glamping options balance nature with nearby conveniences. At Camp Williams Resort, visitors noted the "friendly staff, a great little Restaurant, and 3 quiet nights." Another camper mentioned it's "so close to home and the rustic feel of it was just enjoyable for our family."
Winter camping options: Several glamping sites remain open during winter months. A Serrano camper reported, "We camped here the last weekend before they closed for the winter, after Thanksgiving. The campground was clean, quiet, and had a decent amount of space between sites." Winter glamping typically requires additional thermal preparations with nighttime temperatures frequently dropping below 40°F.
What you should know
Road conditions to remote sites: Some glamping locations require driving on unpaved roads. "You will have to drive 6 miles of mountainous dirt roads to reach the property, but it takes you away from all signs of the city and surrounds you in nature when you get there," explains a visitor at Deep Creek Camp Retreat. High-clearance vehicles may be necessary after rain or snow.
Limited hookups at some locations: Not all glamping sites provide full services. At Bonita Ranch Campground, amenities vary by site. "I stayed in my van and had my cat and dog with me. Campfire wood was easily available and had its own picnic table," one camper noted, highlighting the basic amenities available.
Varying shower facilities: Bathroom and shower quality differs significantly between glamping locations. "The toilet facilities were also very clean and did not smell," reported a camper at Mojave River Forks Regional Park. However, at North Shore Campground, a visitor warned, "Sadly the sites are small with no space between the sites. The noise restrictions after 10pm are not enforced so bring ear plugs."
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly water activities: Sites near water features offer natural entertainment for children. "We had our kayaks and it is a beautiful lake to kayak. But when it gets windy, know your limits," advised a camper at North Shore Campground who enjoyed water sports with their family.
Spacious sites for larger groups: Some glamping areas accommodate multi-family gatherings. "We had a double spot and it was very spacious which is what we were looking for because we had 5 kids, 4 dogs, and 7 adults," shared a visitor at Serrano Campground, highlighting the importance of selecting appropriate sites when traveling with extended family.
Phone coverage concerns: Cell service varies dramatically across glamping sites near Phelan. At Mojave River Forks Regional Park, a camper reported, "T-Mobile signal was poor and Verizon and AT&T cell signals were slightly better." Families relying on connectivity should research signal strength before booking remote glamping locations.
Tips from RVers
RV site selection strategy: Experienced RVers recommend choosing sites based on specific needs rather than just availability. At Mojave River Forks Regional Park, a camper advised, "The campsites in the area where we were, were spacious and spread out. We liked very much not being on top of one another and appreciated how vast this campground is."
Winter RV considerations: Cold weather affects RV systems at high-elevation glamping sites. One RVer at Serrano noted, "Our sewer outlet was frozen in the morning, so we had to dump when we got out of the mountains." Winter RVers should prepare for frozen connections when temperatures drop below freezing.
Long-term glamping options: Some locations permit extended stays for RVers seeking longer glamping experiences near Phelan. A visitor at Bonita Ranch Campground explained, "He told me that they limit the number of long-term winter renters to 16 and only had a couple spots left." Monthly rates often provide significant savings compared to nightly fees for extended glamping stays.
