San Bernardino National Forest camping opportunities span from 4,000 to 9,000 feet across a mountainous region where weather patterns shift dramatically between seasons. During summer months, temperatures range from comfortable 70s at higher elevations to 90s in lower areas, while winter brings snow accumulation above 6,000 feet from November through March. The forest contains over 30 developed campgrounds and numerous dispersed camping areas, with most operating on a first-come, first-served basis during off-peak seasons.
What to do
Hiking from camp: Pineknot Campground provides direct access to multiple trails with minimal driving required. "The campground is within walking distance of Snow Summit. We walked over and took the ski lift up to the top and hiked around the loop. BEAUTIFUL!" reports Rose B., highlighting the proximity to developed recreation.
Mountain biking options: The Pineknot area connects to extensive trail networks. "Pineknot is perfectly situated in Big Bear where you're in the woods but only a short walk to Snow Summit. This allows you a staging area to ride mountain bikes all day at Snow Summit and around the mountain," notes Berton M. The alpine bike path through Heart Bar Campground offers additional riding opportunities, with Ricky S. mentioning "Great campground 25 minutes from town. Accommodates travel trailers/rv well, water spigots around. Lots of trees, shade & blue jays. Alpine bike path!"
Wildlife viewing: Many campsites offer opportunities to observe local animals. At East Flats, a free dispersed camping area, Samay C. reports, "Solo trip with my fur babies. Trails a little rough but good thing I have X-Mode on my Subaru. Closest camper is about 30 yards away." Another camper at the same location noted, "Saw multiple deer walking by our site."
What campers like
Proximity to water: East Flats dispersed camping area provides free camping with nearby lake access. Joe V. shares, "My wife and our friends love this spot. As a matter of fact, we got engaged at nearby Jenks Lake and celebrated here after. No facilities, but if you have your supplies, it's great."
Private sites: Thomas Hunting Grounds Yellow Post Campites offers secluded camping with established amenities despite being dispersed. "Beautiful, private, and secluded. The campgrounds were wonderful- fair warning only a few campsites have a fire pit. A fire pit is a must in the winter - chilled winds, come prepared," advises Katie S.
Cleanliness: Maintained facilities rank highly in camper feedback. At San Gorgonio Campground, Steve R. notes, "Great campground. The host was friendly and very helpful. There is clean water, clean restrooms and showers. The showers go hot and cold in a second but this is a water conservation area so no big deal and they are free."
Shade coverage: Ample tree cover provides relief during summer months. Jeremiah F. observed at Dogwood Campground, "Huge campground amongst the trees, right where the 18 & 189 meet, making getting here easy and quick. Most sites have several flattened out (mostly flat) areas for tents. All the sites are large and well spaced from others, most are shaded as well."
What you should know
Seasonal access restrictions: Many campgrounds close completely during winter. Nicole W. shared after staying at Serrano, "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."
Dispersed camping requirements: For Thomas Hunting Grounds, four-wheel drive vehicles are essential due to rough roads. Katie S. warns, "Make sure you have a vehicle that is 4WD - getting up the mountain is long and rugged." Another camper, Steve, confirms, "Need high clearance or 4wd vehicle for a rough road but once you get to the top, the sites are great!"
Wildlife precautions: Bears are active in the region, particularly near Barton Flats Family Campground. Jennifer D. cautions, "Don't leave Ice chest out& Please be sure to cover your ice chest, even in your vehicle, as the bears, are all too familiar with them. My sister did not heed my warning, and we woke in the middle of the night to the local resident (a bear) tipping and subsequently going through her cooler."
Reservation planning: Many campgrounds fill quickly during peak season. Cristen B. notes about San Gorgonio Campground, "I visited San Gorgonio Campground on Sunday 4/29/18, just 2 days after opening. There were 3 total sites being used." This dramatically differs from weekend occupancy during summer months when most sites reach capacity.
Tips for camping with families
Accessible recreation: Yucaipa Regional Park offers family-friendly facilities and activities. Bryan H. highlights, "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." Another camper notes, "it's a lot of fun for the whole family. A fun place to be if you live local."
Spacious sites: When camping with multiple families, look for double sites. At Heart Bar Campground, Chrystal M. recommends, "The double sites are a must when going with a group of 10 people. This specific site is very spacious with double of the parking spots (4 cars total), 2 fire pits, and 2 benches."
Kid-friendly activities: Some campgrounds offer special amenities for children. Brittany N. shares about Serrano, "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."
Tips from RVers
Hookup availability: While many forest campgrounds lack facilities, some offer partial or full hookups. At Serrano, Rachel H. notes, "We were in Serrano for 2 night 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."
Bathroom proximity: Consider layout when selecting RV sites. Martha S. advises about Serrano, "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. I know most RVs have bathrooms but most pop ups don't and from space 58 to the nearest bathroom is a 1/4 mile walk."
Weather considerations: At higher elevations, prepare for temperature extremes. A camper at Hanna Flat Campground reports, "It was May but got cold enough at night but was absolutely perfect during the day. We were tucked up into the hill side with neighbors far enough away to make it very private."
