San Bernardino National Forest spans 823,816 acres across the San Bernardino and San Jacinto mountain ranges, with elevations ranging from 2,000 to 11,489 feet at San Gorgonio Mountain. The forest's diverse elevations create distinct camping microclimates, with mountain temperatures often 15-20 degrees cooler than surrounding valleys. Campgrounds range from developed sites with flush toilets to primitive backcountry options requiring proper waste disposal.
What to Do
Mountain biking trails: Keller Peak Yellow Post Campsites offers access to challenging terrain. "The hiking is great around here and there are lots of trails to explore. Hike up to the watch tower and check out all the hummingbirds!" noted one visitor who particularly enjoyed site #9.
Lakeside cycling: Serrano Campground connects directly to bike paths around Big Bear Lake. "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," a camper reported about summer conditions.
Winter camping opportunities: While many campgrounds close for winter, select locations remain open for cold-weather activities. "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. Our sewer outlet was frozen in the morning, so we had to dump when we got out of the mountains."
What Campers Like
Clean facilities: North Shore Campground maintains well-kept camping areas. "The sites are well spaced, good tree cover. Very nice patch of land. Quiet. Lake Arrowhead Village is 4 miles away," one reviewer commented on site conditions.
Spacious sites: Campers appreciate room to spread out at certain locations. "One of the best campgrounds I've ever been to. Well maintained, clean, and just beautiful! 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," a family noted at Serrano Campground.
Waterfront camping: Fisherman's Retreat offers lakeside options for fishing enthusiasts. "It's fun to watch the ducks & the pelicans flying around and landing & swimming on the water. All in all it's peaceful in the right location. We visit a couple times a month & it's a great getaway."
What You Should Know
Year-round availability: While May through October represents peak season, some campgrounds operate throughout the year. "This RV park has bathrooms, showers, a laundry facility, a heated pool and spa, a playground, two catch and release fishing ponds, and a youth center."
Seasonal road conditions: Winter access requires preparation. "Weather is definitely colder than in the valley, got snow overnight in mid May. Had very bad but there at&t cell reception. Nice and quiet with space between spots," a Keller Peak visitor noted about unexpected weather.
Reservation requirements: Lake Hemet Campground fills quickly during peak periods. "We had a good time, but wish we would have gone during the week. There was a large group blasting their stereo with a DJ and they set off fireworks. The also closed off much of the shoreline for this group."
Limited glamping options: Beyond established San Bernardino National Forest glamping sites, primitive camping requires proper preparation. "The sites have fire ring and picnic benches, no water. Bike trail is fun and a challenge. Camp site 1,3 & 6 are very quiet."
Tips for Camping with Families
Accessible outdoor activities: Some campgrounds offer family-friendly amenities. "We were in Serrano for 2 nights past Memorial Day and it was wonderful. The campsites are clean, have clean bathrooms/shower access, and they sell firewood for $10. Town is only 10 minutes away for groceries and other necessities."
Kid-friendly features: Look for campgrounds with recreational facilities. "We took my son and his girlfriend with us a great place for families," a visitor noted about their experience at a glamping site near San Bernardino National Forest.
Educational opportunities: Lake Hemet Campground provides learning experiences. "I was able to catch one trout during our four night stay. The small market had any essentials you may need. Hand scooped ice cream was pretty good..great for the kids."
Gaming options: Some locations offer unexpected amenities. "Pokemon stops for the kids," noted one Serrano visitor, indicating technology integration at this San Bernardino National Forest camping area.
Tips from RVers
Hookup availability: Electrical and water connections vary by location. "We managed to find a spot but they do take reservations and that's your best bet. We chose the loop closest to the lake, just about a minute walk for a nice view. Very shady," a visitor mentioned about North Shore Campground.
Winter RV considerations: Prepare for freezing temperatures at higher elevations. "Bring insulation for your water hose or have some type of method that will keep your water lines from freezing. Our water hose froze the first night," advised a Lake Hemet Campground visitor.
Accessibility for larger vehicles: Some campgrounds accommodate larger RVs better than others. "Great camp site. Nice 'big' spots so you don't feel like you're on top of one another. Only thing I wish is that the bathrooms were closer to the hookup spots," explained a Serrano Campground visitor.
