Best Campgrounds near San Bernardino, CA

The San Bernardino mountains and surrounding national forest lands contain a mix of developed campgrounds and primitive camping areas within two hours of Southern California's urban centers. Popular sites include Dogwood Campground and Serrano Campground, which offer amenities like picnic tables, fire rings, and vault toilets. The region supports tent camping, RV sites with hookups, and cabin rentals at facilities like Bonita Ranch Campground and Rancho Jurupa RV Park. Most developed campgrounds sit at elevations between 5,000-7,000 feet in pine and oak woodlands, while lower-elevation sites near Lake Perris and Silverwood Lake provide water recreation access.

Many national forest campgrounds operate seasonally, with higher elevation sites typically closed from November through April due to snow conditions. Summer temperatures in the mountains remain moderate compared to the valley floor, often 15-20 degrees cooler than downtown San Bernardino. Fire restrictions frequently impact camping during dry periods, particularly between June and October when fire danger peaks. Reservations are essential for developed campgrounds during summer months and holiday weekends, while dispersed yellow post sites in the national forest operate on a first-come, first-served basis. Access roads to remote sites can present challenges, as one camper noted about yellow post camping: "The dirt road that leads up to the first spots is a doozy, and very long. When arriving at night, we felt like it would never end but don't worry it does!"

Campers consistently mention the contrast between peaceful mountain sites and those closer to urban areas. Locations like Heart Bar Campground receive praise for their isolation and sunset views, while campgrounds near highways sometimes generate complaints about traffic noise. The San Bernardino National Forest yellow post sites offer more solitude but require self-sufficiency and proper preparation. Several visitors highlight the region's recreational diversity, with hiking trails, fishing areas, and rock climbing opportunities within short distances of established campgrounds. A reviewer described the appeal of Heart Bar Campground: "The back of the campground faces west where the rolling mountains seem to part in a way that showcases the beautiful California sunset. The campground is away from the town enough to feel secluded and quiet."

Best Camping Sites Near San Bernardino, California (342)

    1. Dogwood

    33 Reviews
    Rimforest, CA
    8 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."

    2. Mesa Campground — Silverwood Lake State Recreation Area

    27 Reviews
    Cedarpines Park, CA
    11 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. Lake Perris State Recreational Area Campground

    39 Reviews
    Moreno Valley, CA
    19 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."

    4. Yucaipa Regional Park

    20 Reviews
    Yucaipa, CA
    15 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!"

    5. Skypark Camp RV Resort

    11 Reviews
    Skyforest, CA
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (909) 744-9927

    $50 - $100 / night

    "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!"

    6. North Shore Campground - Lake Almanor

    14 Reviews
    Cedar Glen, CA
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (909) 866-8550

    $29 - $58 / night

    "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."

    7. Rancho Jurupa RV Park

    17 Reviews
    Riverside, CA
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (951) 684-7032

    $40 - $55 / night

    "The lakeview area has dirt roads, sparse grass and a few spots close to the lake. The Cottonwood campground has concrete pads and well maintained grass throughout."

    "Lakeside is more for tent camping. Nice park for family camping."

    8. Bonita Ranch Campground

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

    $35 - $45 / night

    "Cozy getaway in San Bernardino Forst with beautiful hiking trails and waterfall."

    "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."

    9. Serrano

    35 Reviews
    Big Bear Lake, CA
    23 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."

    10. Hanna Flat Campground

    25 Reviews
    Fawnskin, CA
    20 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."

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Recent Reviews near San Bernardino, CA

1464 Reviews of 342 San Bernardino Campgrounds


  • Frank M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 28, 2025

    O'Neill Regional Park

    Nice campground

    It's a very nice campground about an hours drive from the beach and other tourist attractions. Usually sold out every weekend. The road to get there can be dangerous. Some wannabe race drivers and commuters avoiding crowded freeways will NOT tolerate anyone doing the speed limit and will pass regardless of the danger.

  • 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.

  • 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...

  • 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.


Guide to San Bernardino

The San Bernardino mountains provide access to camping at elevations ranging from 1,500 to 7,200 feet, creating distinct microclimates throughout the county. Campers often experience temperature variations of up to 30 degrees between valley and mountain sites during summer months. The region's Mediterranean climate pattern produces wet winters and extremely dry summers, affecting water availability and fire restrictions at dispersed camping locations.

What to do

Explore mountain biking trails: Access to prime riding areas near Skypark Camp RV Resort, which sits directly across from popular biking terrain. "Skypark is right across the street for mountain bikes," notes Bryan S., who appreciated the convenient location for outdoor recreation.

Fish in multiple lakes: Both natural and man-made lakes provide fishing opportunities throughout the county. At Lake Perris State Recreational Area Campground, anglers report consistent catches. "This lake has been good to me and my friends, always catch something, maybe not a lunker but fun," reports John H.

Visit historic districts: The proximity to restored historical areas makes for interesting day trips from campgrounds. Rancho Jurupa Park offers easy access to cultural landmarks. "We drove over to the Mission Inn (8 min drive) enjoyed lunch. Their is a pedestrian only shopping area with a Saturday farmer's market plus lots of restaurants," shares Jody R.

What campers like

Spacious, shaded sites: Many campers value the privacy and natural setting at Dogwood Campground. "Our site was a single so it only fit one car. There is extra parking available for additional cars that we could have used, but if we had a trailer we wouldn't have fit. So make sure you get a site that fits your needs!" advises Troy L.

Clean, well-maintained facilities: Campsites with proper maintenance receive consistently high ratings. "Bathroom facilities were immaculate. Rangers are eager to answer questions and I learned a bit about the bald eagles in the area from one of them," notes Bower about their experience at Mesa Campground — Silverwood Lake State Recreation Area.

Trail access directly from camp: The ability to hike without driving appeals to many visitors. "Campground has the atmosphere of camping in the forest with a couple of hiking trails and lots of shade. Clean restrooms. The camp was quiet and I was able to take my dog with me," shares Joanne about Dogwood.

What you should know

Fire restrictions vary by season and location: Rules about fires change frequently, particularly during dry periods. "No wood fires but they do offer gas fire pits in the community area," reports Bryan S. about Skypark Camp RV Resort.

Campsite sizes differ significantly: Not all sites accommodate large setups or multiple vehicles. "The sites are well spaced, good tree cover. Very nice patch of land. Quiet. Lake Arrowhead Village is 4 miles away," notes Andrew B. about North Shore Campground.

Weekend noise levels: Some locations experience significant differences in atmosphere between weekdays and weekends. "I've stayed here twice, the first time all the sites were booked the second time it was pretty empty. Both times, neighboring campers were blasting music. Not just a little loud, but so loud I felt the bass two loops away," reports Elly A. about Silverwood Lake.

Tips for camping with families

Water recreation options: Locations with water features offer additional activities. "Great tent camping facilities, privacy from neighbors, access to Zanja Peak Trail head, 3 lakes for fishing, water park during the summer, and friendly helpful staff," Bryan H. shares about Yucaipa Regional Park.

Bike-friendly campgrounds: Several locations feature safe areas for children to ride. "We loved camping here. Beautiful, pristine campground with bike trails/walking paths around the lake. The town is bike friendly. Some road noise but quiet over night," notes Trey T. about Serrano Campground.

Wildlife viewing opportunities: Animal sightings add excitement to family trips. "Just had the best weekend even with the 3 bears that decided to come by. Group of 30. Definitely a good time. Be careful with the bears!" warns Rosalina P. about her stay at Silverwood Lake.

Tips from RVers

Accessibility considerations: Access roads to some campgrounds present challenges for larger vehicles. "Spots are a little tight if you have a bigger unit," reports Bryan S. about Skypark Camp RV Resort.

Hookup variations: RV sites offer different levels of service across the region. "We stayed in the natural area with hook-ups everything worked great," reports Jody R. about Rancho Jurupa Park, which provides full-service sites near urban amenities.

Winter camping limitations: Cold weather affects facilities during winter months. "Our sewer outlet was frozen in the morning, so we had to dump when we got out of the mountains," reports Nicole W. about her late-season stay at Serrano Campground.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where are the best camping sites in San Bernardino for weekend trips?

San Bernardino offers excellent weekend camping destinations across its diverse landscapes. Marion Mountain in the San Bernardino National Forest provides peace and tranquility in a beautiful mountain setting, making it perfect for weekend escapes. For those seeking backcountry experiences, South Ridge Yellow Post Sites offer secluded, free, first-come-first-served options with basic amenities like fire rings and picnic tables. Other notable weekend options include Table Mountain Campground with its spacious sites and pit toilets, Thomas Hunting Grounds with stunning mountain views, and San Gorgonio Campground with well-spaced sites and access to water. Most sites are busier during summer weekends, so consider reservations where available or arrive early for first-come-first-served sites.

Are there good RV camping options in San Bernardino County?

San Bernardino County offers several quality RV camping options. Orangeland RV Park provides reasonable prices, helpful staff, and convenient Anaheim transit stops to nearby attractions like Disneyland. San Bernardino County Glen Helen Regional Park features amenities tailored for RVers including showers, bathrooms, dump station, fire pits, and picnic tables. The park has a controlled entry gate for added security. Other RV-friendly options include San Gorgonio Campground with sites large enough for RVs (though without hookups), and Mesa Campground at Silverwood Lake State Recreation Area which accommodates big rigs. For full hookups and resort-style amenities, Rancho Jurupa RV Park near Riverside offers a comprehensive RV camping experience within the county.

What lakes in San Bernardino offer camping with fishing access?

Serrano Campground at Big Bear Lake provides excellent fishing access with campsites just steps away from the water. The lake is home to various fish species, and the friendly staff can provide information about fishing conditions and local wildlife. Silverwood Lake State Recreation Area offers fishing opportunities at Mesa Campground, where anglers can access the lake for both shore and boat fishing. Other notable fishing lakes with camping include Lake Arrowhead with nearby campgrounds for trout fishing, and Lake Gregory which offers seasonal fishing opportunities. Many lake campgrounds in San Bernardino County require reservations during peak season (May-September), and California fishing licenses are required for anglers 16 years and older. Some lakes have specific fishing regulations regarding catch limits and bait restrictions.

Are there private campgrounds in San Bernardino with better amenities?

Bonita Ranch Campground offers a cozy private camping experience in San Bernardino Forest with access to beautiful hiking trails and a waterfall. For those seeking more luxurious accommodations, Bonelli Bluffs provides enhanced amenities in a private setting. Skypark Camp RV Resort is another private option with reservable sites, water, and toilet facilities for a more comfortable camping experience. Private campgrounds in the area typically offer advantages over public sites including more reliable reservations, enhanced facilities like showers and flush toilets, electrical hookups, and often Wi-Fi access. Many private campgrounds also provide additional recreational amenities such as swimming pools, game rooms, and organized activities, especially during peak season. Prices are generally higher than public sites, but the extra amenities and conveniences may be worth it for weekend getaways.