Hans V.
Ranger
RangerSouth Ridge Yellow Post Sites
The first two spots are close together. First one a bit small but better cover from Santa Anna winds. Nicely in the forest and close to the village.
Equestrian Camping near San Bernardino National Forest, CA
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Heart Bar Equestrian Campground in San Bernardino National Forest offers camping facilities specifically designed for horses and riders. The campground operates seasonally from May 10 to October 20 and features water spigots throughout the area for horse watering. Sites are spacious with ample room for horse trailers and camping equipment. The alpine environment provides comfortable summer temperatures with daytime highs around 84°F and nighttime lows in the mid-50s. Vault toilets are available, though campers should bring lights for nighttime bathroom visits as the facilities can be dark even during daytime.
Located approximately 25 minutes from Big Bear Lake, Heart Bar connects to several trails suitable for horseback riding, including access to the San Gorgonio Wilderness. The campground sits at a higher elevation, offering cooler temperatures during summer months. The nearby meadow provides excellent wildlife viewing opportunities, particularly at dusk when deer often graze in the open areas. A beautiful view of the valley can be accessed by following trails upward from the campground. The area features numerous equestrian trails, with some sites situated away from the main loops to provide more privacy for those camping with horses. Several hiking and mountain biking trails are also accessible in the vicinity for additional recreational opportunities.
Best Equestrian Campgrounds near San Bernardino National Forest (37)
1. Yucaipa Regional Park
"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 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."
2. Heart Bar Campground
"There are a lot of equestrian campgrounds in the area so be prepared to see horses on the near by trails."
"The first thing to mention is the location. The back of the campground faces west where the rolling mountains seem to part in a way that showcases the beautiful California sunset."
from $29 - $58 / night
Check Availability3. Lake Perris State Recreational Area Campground
"Already been here twice once in 01/25 and 11/25 great campsite some have access to running water facet if not there are some that are close by, have also close by trash bins, has a little shop near by"
"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! "
from $25 - $300 / night
Check Availability4. Coon Creek Yellow Post Sites
"There's other rough roads further in and access to hikes nearby. I loved how quiet it was, except for neighbors since sound carries so easily even though spots are quiet apart from each other."
"Trees provide lots of shade and some privacy despite campsites being fairly close to one another. Easy road in most anything can drive it."
5. Seven Oaks Lodge - TEMPORARILY CLOSED DUE TO FLOOD
"Tent camping, RV camping, they have a restaurant and bar, best burgers in all of southern California!! They also have a small store, there's showers, restrooms and a swimming pool!"
"Check in is near 12. I only assume that since check out is 11. When we arrived the camp host was waiting for us."
from $40 - $55 / night
Check Availability6. Bogart County Park
"We got there after 5pm and no one was at the gate entrance."
"One runs five miles around the park through oaks and tall grass. Benches and drinking fountains are available in parts of the trail. There is a lake you can fish at."
7. Black Rock Campground — Joshua Tree National Park
"Short drive to the park and easy to get to the main grocery stores. The sites are not very shady and there is not too much privacy but overall it's a nice place and the bathrooms are very clean."
"This campground is a little outside the main Joshua Tree area. It used to be the only campground you could reserve ahead. "
from $35 / night
Check Availability8. San Bernardino National Forest Wild Horse Equestrian Campground
from $35 - $71 / night
Check Availability9. Deep Creek Hot Springs Campground
"Easy access to the hot springs and no services to speak of. Basically a patch of dirt you can occupy for $10 a night. Loved it."
"Super fun place to visit with the hot springs trail. Went in January with snowfall, hardly any campers and nature all around! Two nights are perfect."
from $10 - $119 / night
Check Availability10. Rancho Jurupa RV Park
"Nice level grounds to walk around. Lakeside has gravel roads / pads... other side has asphalt roads / concrete pads. Restrooms are clean and acceptable."
"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."
from $40 - $55 / night
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Drive Time
- 1 hr 40 min from Los Angeles, CA
- 2 hrs 11 min from San Diego, CA
- 2 hrs 26 min from Oxnard, CA
- 2 hrs 39 min from El Centro, CA
Recent Equestrian Camping Photos near San Bernardino National Forest
11 Photos of 37 San Bernardino National Forest Campgrounds • uploaded by The Dyrt campers
Equestrian Camping Reviews near San Bernardino National Forest
310 Reviews of 37 San Bernardino National Forest Campgrounds
- Michael E.
ScoutReflection Lake RV Park
Don't visit too expensive
Has a security guard that thought she was God or something like that. Never seen anybody or place so petty on the place and still searching for the championship horseshoe pits and I can't stop talking about the dark green of the fishing lakes and the fish swimming on their sides
D F.ScoutLake Perris State Recreational Area Campground
Nice lake, challenging crowd
The scenery is unique and enjoyable, with nice views of either sunrise or sunset, depending on site. I found the lake itself very pretty. However when we arrived 4 vehicles are in our spot, people were nice enough moving but we had to go door to door knocking on camper to ask who's cars they were due to no signal and no rangers nearby. Our site was pretty dirty with lots of trash, copious ants near the drainage attachments, and two of the nearby groups had excessive tents extending into the back of our site making our view look more like a homeless encampment and less like a serene mountain sunset. They also were littering, urinating outside, and excessively drinking and partying like crazy until the wee hours. As a family group we felt really uncomfortable. It seemed like not all spots are like this, however, on my walk around deer loop in the morning. If you do go, the water activities and rentals look fun, the walking trail/biking trail was nicely done, and you could optimize your spot by booking a whole group of spots (instead of booking one, book one on the right and left side to avoid feeling like you have entered homeless refuge). It maybe was a bit worse as we were here over a holiday weekend. But we most likely won't be back, there are other places that are less expensive and with better enforcement and a family atmosphere. If you want to party it is probably a fine spot, and if you love water sports also likely ok. I thin it's a beautiful place with unique scenery and a lot of potential, but needs more enforcement regarding guest code of conduct.
Edited and gave 3 stars instead of 2. Views are really nice now that our poorly behaved neighbors left. Worth considering a visit during less busy times.
Max P.
TravelerLake Perris State Recreational Area Campground
Loud music at night
Despite the fact that one night costs $42, there are a lot of stupid, miserable people here who listen loudly to stupid music through their stupid speakers after 10pm. It's also full of cockroaches here and it's annoying.
Trash M.
GuideLake Perris State Recreational Area Campground
A CRAP HOLE
If you like camping in a Walmart parking lot or on the streets, this place is for you.
No rangers working after the park close for day use. Didn't see one going through the campground. If you like to party all night and you have a loud system no problem. NO RAGERS AROUND. Be prepared keep your food in your car lot of rats, mice, skunks and coyotes. THE LAKE SUCKS, hard to launch your boat on and off, docks will mess up your boat. Fishing no fish they don't stock the lake. Marina is very over priced and out in the sunny parking lot. I live in LA I now got to SILVERWOOD LAKE, just as close as this place, and nicer, if you like to stay up all night Perris Lake is for you. If you want to work hard to get you boat on and off lake so you don't damage your boat, this place is for you.
- TTed D.Traveler
San Bernardino National Forest Wild Horse Equestrian Campground
Watkins Glen OK
When 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.
Robyn C.TravelerLake Perris State Recreational Area Campground
It’s ok
Place is ok. Quiet so far. Nice people.
FiftysevenNine T.GuideBlack Rock Campground — Joshua Tree National Park
h2o & sewage
On 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.
- JJesse L.Scout
Black Rock Campground — Joshua Tree National Park
Nice Rustic
Nice rustic campground as running toilets and sinks. Picnic tables and fire pits I'd start here again
Guide to San Bernardino National Forest
Heart Bar Equestrian Campground sits at a high elevation in San Bernardino National Forest, offering a specialized experience for riders and their horses. The surrounding area features multiple equestrian trails that connect to wilderness areas, with water spigots available throughout the campground specifically designed for watering horses. Sites accommodate both camping equipment and horse trailers, with vault toilets available for campers.
What to do
Hiking nearby: From Heart Bar, access numerous trails including routes into San Gorgonio Wilderness. "Hiking spots is about 30 mins away towards Big Bear. If you want a nice site seeing walk, you can ask the host for directions to the meadows," notes Chrystal M. about Heart Bar Campground.
Mountain biking on alpine trails: The high elevation trails provide cooler riding conditions in summer. "Great campground 25minutes from town. Accommodates travel trailers/rv well, water spigots around. Lots of trees, shade & blue jays. Alpine bike path!" reports Ricky S.
Wildlife observation in meadows: Look for deer grazing at dusk in the open areas. "When I go camping, I like getting away from people, and Heart Bar is one of the campgrounds with bigger sites so we can do that easier. The sites are beautiful and clean, and there is a beautiful meadow to hike through," shares Amy B.
What campers like
Natural shade coverage: Tall pines throughout the campground provide natural cooling. "The campground is littered with tall standing pines and even some massive junipers, providing ample shade. You can't help but feel like your are elsewhere like the Eastern Sierra with the dry desert winds the blow in," describes Nick L. from Coon Creek Yellow Post Sites.
Spacious campsites: Many sites offer room to spread out camping gear. "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," explains Chrystal M.
Proximity to fishing: Nearby lakes offer additional recreation options. "Not far from Jenks Lake for some fishing and lake views," notes Amy B.
What you should know
Vault toilets require lighting: Bathroom facilities can be dark even during daytime. "The vault bathrooms aren't the best, but I have seen much worse. Bring a light with you to the bathroom because it was dark even during the day," advises Christopher D. from Deer Loop Sites.
Road conditions vary: Access roads to some campgrounds require careful driving. "The road was pretty well maintained, a car without 4WD can handle it easily," reports Momma B. about nearby dispersed camping areas.
Cell service limitations: Connectivity varies throughout the forest. "AT&T - Good. 2-4 bars. Verizon - Good. 2-4 bars," reports Will about signal strength at some campgrounds.
Tips for camping with families
Double sites for groups: Reserve connected sites when camping with multiple families. "We stayed in the natural area with hook-ups everything worked great. Neighbors were nice, cute set ups with twinkle lights and people enjoying outdoor fire pits," shares Jody R. from Rancho Jurupa RV Park, which provides another option if Heart Bar is full.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Plan morning and evening viewing times. "This spot is excellent for wildlife viewing and entry to the wilderness for hiking and exploring," notes Nick L.
Weather preparation: Temperatures drop significantly at night at higher elevations. "We were there in August and the weather was perfect. Warm during the day and just chilly at night," reports Gina C.
Tips for RVers
Limited amenities: Most equestrian campgrounds near San Bernardino National Forest have minimal hookups. "At only $21 per night for a single site, this is the best priced campground in the area excluding free yellow post sites. With this price however you get the basics. No showers, no rv dump station, just water from the pipe, toilets, picnic tables, fire ring, and a bear box," explains Nick L. from Black Rock Campground.
Site selection for privacy: Choose sites at edges of loops for more seclusion. "Highly recommend sites 32, 37, 47, 58, or 24 & 49 which are both double sites. This was due to their more isolated positioning to other spots, shade, flat ground, and proximity to bathrooms," advises Nick L.
Water access points: Note locations of water spigots for filling tanks. "Water is only available near the main road so bring containers if you go further up the road," advises Tom P. from Deep Creek Hot Springs Campground.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian
campsite near San Bernardino National Forest?
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near San Bernardino National Forest?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near San Bernardino National Forest is Yucaipa Regional Park with a 4.8-star rating from 21 reviews.
What is the best site to find
equestrian camping near
San Bernardino National Forest?
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near San Bernardino National Forest?
TheDyrt.com has all 37 equestrian camping locations near San Bernardino National Forest, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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