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."
