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.
