340 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
The San Bernardino National Forest surrounds Rimforest, California with numerous developed campgrounds offering both tent and RV accommodations. Dogwood Campground stands out with its large, shaded sites beneath tall pine trees and provides amenities like picnic tables, fire rings, and bear boxes. Other notable options include Serrano Campground near Big Bear Lake, North Shore Campground at Lake Almanor, and the Keller Peak Yellow Post Sites for more primitive camping experiences. Most established campgrounds in the area feature toilets and drinking water, while some like Skypark Camp RV Resort and Serrano offer full hookups for recreational vehicles.
The region experiences distinct seasonal changes that affect camping availability, with many campgrounds operating primarily from spring through fall. "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," noted one visitor, highlighting the importance of site selection. Higher elevation campgrounds like Dogwood and Hanna Flat (5,000+ feet) remain cool even during summer months, with temperatures dropping significantly at night. Most developed sites require reservations through recreation.gov or The Dyrt, particularly during peak summer weekends and holidays. Cell service varies throughout the mountain communities, with better coverage near towns like Lake Arrowhead and Running Springs than in the more remote yellow post sites.
Campers consistently praise the forested settings that provide ample shade and privacy between sites. One reviewer mentioned, "With how brown and dreary everything always looks at this time of year in this drought ridden state, this campground is so gorgeously green and lush!" The campgrounds near Lake Arrowhead and Big Bear Lake provide convenient access to water recreation, hiking trails, and mountain towns for supplies. Several campgrounds feature hiking paths directly from the sites, allowing for exploration without driving. Road noise can be heard at some locations near Highway 18, particularly at Dogwood, though most reviewers find it minimal. Families appreciate the clean facilities at Dogwood and Serrano campgrounds, with regular maintenance of bathrooms and showers when available. The yellow post sites offer more seclusion but fewer amenities for those seeking a more primitive experience.
"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"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"Spaces are pretty close together and small, but we got lucky and didn’t have anyone around us (likely due to bad air quality). If you kayak this is a great place to camp, it’s right next to the lake."
"Lake arrowhead isn't a public lake so it's a bit of a drive to do any water activities, but there was a close offroad trail."
from $29 - $58 / night
Check Availability"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."
from $33 - $67 / night
Check Availability"Lake Arrowhead is close for supplies or food. "
"Views are worth it and this is so conveniently located next to Santa's Village. Will definitely be coming back again sooner than later!"
from $50 - $100 / night
Check Availability"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."
from $44 - $91 / night
Check Availability"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!"
"Tons of land to hike, on or off trail. Geocaching sites nearby. The Keller Peak Lookout was amazing."
"Each site is decent size and tucked away into the rocks. Many will fit multiple people easily. They fill up fast may-sept."
"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."
"After years of venturing into and around Lake Arrowhead (often a mere stop on my way to Big Bear/Fawnskin) I finally started exploring off the beaten path by accident last year and holy cow!"
"Green valley lake campground is an awesome place for a fun getaway. We wanted to get away for the Fourth of July but waited too long to book in Big Bear."
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.
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 :(
ScoutThis campground has good amenities, more than most and quite close to shopping and dining. They offer full rv hookups and both 30 and 50 amp sites.
ScoutGreat if you are into water sports. Park has its entire marina and boat ramp with plenty of parking. Terrific restaurant on the water great sunsets and fabulous barbecue meats. Jack’s Bbq on Lakeside Drive
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.
TravelerStayed one night on our way to Utah. Super quiet on Sunday night, we were able to drive right up and pick a spot pretty secluded. Bathrooms were spotless. Camp host was friendly!
ScoutPlace is ok. Quiet so far. Nice people.
ScoutOn the outskirts of Joshua Tree National Park in an old growth Joshua Tree grove. The trees are tall and fat, very close to each other. Heftier than the trees inside the Park.
It has water and dump station, otherwise the campgrounds inside the Park are more majestic with huge rocks.
If you're a fulltime RVer or vanlifer with an efficient solar system, having water in/out and a place to stay safely for cheap is grand. It's four klicks from malls, thus ideal if you need stuff. As a fulltime RVer I book several consecutive days with the app. The grounds are empty on weekdays, thus can spend quality time organizing my rig, thoughts, and plans.
From June to autumn half the campsites are shuttered. The area has limited visitation in summer.
Camping spots near Rimforest, California sit within the San Bernardino National Forest at elevations between 5,000-7,000 feet. Winter temperatures can drop below freezing, while summer nights typically cool to the 50s. The region's camping options range from primitive yellow post sites with minimal facilities to full-hookup RV campgrounds near mountain lakes.
Hiking from camp: Access the Exploration Trail directly from Keller Peak Yellow Post Campsites where visitors enjoy connections to larger networks. "Tons of land to hike, on or off trail. Geocaching sites nearby. The Keller Peak Lookout was amazing. I thought it was just a tourist attraction but it's really a staffed (with volunteers) active fire lookout," notes Steve H.
Fishing opportunities: Green Valley Lake provides good fishing access just a short drive from nearby camping areas. "The lake is very clean and has a lot of fish. It is privately owned so you do have to pay to fish or swim, and you pay per person, so keep that in mind if you have a large group," explains Aleena S.
Mountain biking: Skypark Camp RV Resort offers direct access to mountain biking trails. "Perfect gateway for your adventures in the area," writes Ken C., while another camper notes "this is so conveniently located next to Santa's Village" which features extensive bike trails.
Spacious, private sites: Many campers appreciate the space between sites at Hanna Flat Campground. "Nice campground but can be a bit crowded on weekends," mentions George M., while another reviewer notes, "Campsites are pretty spaced out and have a bit of privacy."
Free camping options: Budget-conscious campers value the yellow post sites near Rimforest. "Excellent place to camp. And free, no less. Need high clearance or 4wd vehicle for a rough road but once you get to the top, the sites are great!" writes Steve about Thomas Hunting Grounds Yellow Post Sites.
Consistent cell service: Unlike many mountain camping locations, several Rimforest area campgrounds maintain decent connectivity. At Skypark Camp RV Resort, "Verizon had service at the camp," reports Grant W., while North Shore Campground reviewers mention being able to work remotely with limited but functional service.
Fire restrictions: Fire regulations vary widely between campgrounds and change seasonally. "They have fire rings but fires are not always permitted so be sure to check with the station just at the bottom of Keller Peak road," advises one Keller Peak visitor.
Road conditions: Many camping areas require navigation on unpaved roads. "The drive up to the campsite was a bit bumpy, although the trail was a nice view," warns Manny D. about Hanna Flat, while Thomas Hunting Grounds reviewers note, "The dirt road that leads up to the first spots is a doozy, and very long."
Weekend crowding: Mesa Campground at Silverwood Lake sees significant differences between weekday and weekend use. "We did go from Sunday through Wednesday and not only was it not crowded but it was nearly empty. Apparently the weekends are quite full," reports one camper.
Best shower facilities: For families needing full amenities, Serrano Campground stands out. "Clean flush toilets and showers. Fire pit and picnic tables are at each site," notes Sarah C., adding it's "right across from the Discovery Center in Big Bear, which is where a couple fun hiking trails begin."
Kid-friendly activities: Yucaipa Regional Park offers multiple recreation options. "Great tent camping facilities, privacy from neighbors, access to Zanja Peak Trail head, 3 lakes for fishing, water park during the summer," writes Bryan H., making it ideal for families with varied interests.
Safety considerations: Parents should research site-specific hazards. At Keller Peak, one reviewer cautions, "A local family came onto the site and invited themselves to stay... They say they come every so often and have dinner there; so be prepared to share or fight them off your campground."
Site selection at Dogwood: RVers recommend careful site selection at Dogwood Campground. "I love this campground because they have a lot of amenities that don't seem to change the scenery. They have electric and water hook up for RVs in a few sites that are reservable," notes David V.
Leveling challenges: Many mountain campgrounds have uneven sites. "Each campsite has a fire pit. Not much shade on any of the sites so be prepared if going in the summer," explains Shannon C. about Thomas Mountain Yellow Post Sites, while other reviewers frequently mention bringing leveling blocks.
Winter considerations: RVers camping during colder months should prepare accordingly. "We camped here the last weekend before they closed for the winter, after Thanksgiving. Our sewer outlet was frozen in the morning, so we had to dump when we got out of the mountains," reports Nicole W. from Serrano Campground.
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Rimforest, CA?
According to TheDyrt.com, Rimforest, CA offers a wide range of camping options, with 340 campgrounds and RV parks near Rimforest, CA and 29 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Rimforest, CA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Rimforest, CA is Dogwood with a 4.7-star rating from 33 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Rimforest, CA?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 29 free dispersed camping spots near Rimforest, CA.
What parks are near Rimforest, CA?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 10 parks near Rimforest, CA that allow camping, notably Mojave River Dam and San Bernardino National Forest.
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