Best Campgrounds near Crestline, CA

The San Bernardino National Forest surrounding Crestline, California contains multiple developed campgrounds and dispersed camping areas at elevations between 4,000-7,000 feet. Dogwood Campground offers shaded sites with fire rings, picnic tables, and vault toilets, while Skypark Camp RV Resort provides full hookups for recreational vehicles. The region includes both tent-friendly and RV-accessible options, with several campgrounds featuring cabin accommodations. North Shore Campground near Lake Almanor and Bonita Ranch Campground in nearby Lytle Creek provide additional camping areas with varying amenities and terrain types.

Road conditions and campground accessibility vary significantly by season, with many sites operating only from spring through fall due to winter snow at higher elevations. "The campground itself was fairly clean, and all the sites were very large and spaced well away from each other," noted one visitor about Lake Campground. Reservations are strongly recommended during summer months when campgrounds frequently reach capacity, especially on weekends. Several campgrounds like Serrano and Dogwood require advance booking through recreation.gov, while others operate on a first-come, first-served basis. Fire restrictions commonly apply during dry summer and fall months, with complete bans possible during high fire danger periods.

Campers consistently rate the mountain views and forest settings as highlights of the Crestline area camping experience. Sites near Big Bear Lake receive particularly high ratings for their proximity to water recreation. According to reviews, "Dogwood Campground is one of my favorites. The campground itself is rather expansive... campsites are all private and unique with no two the same." Many campgrounds feature clean restrooms and some offer shower facilities, though amenities vary widely between developed and primitive sites. The proximity to hiking trails, including sections of the Pacific Crest Trail, provides additional recreational opportunities. Visitors mention that campgrounds closer to Crestline tend to have more traffic noise, while those deeper in the forest offer greater solitude but require longer drives on unpaved roads.

Best Camping Sites Near Crestline, California (317)

    1. Dogwood

    33 Reviews
    Rimforest, CA
    5 miles
    Website
    +1 (909) 336-6717

    $40 - $81 / night

    "The trees are massive and plenty and make you feel like you are a million miles away from the hustle and bustle of California."

    "The campground overall is really pretty and in a great location in Lake Arrowhead. However, we made the mistake of booking site 005, which is right on a ridge... it was SO windy."

    2. Mesa Campground — Silverwood Lake State Recreation Area

    27 Reviews
    Cedarpines Park, CA
    4 miles
    Website
    +1 (760) 389-2281

    $45 - $350 / night

    "Silverwood Lake was just that. Lush green mountains in the back drop that surrounded every view you turned to take in. "You need to recharge your batteries!""

    "ATV with ice cream and firewood comes around right before dark. Campsites are a bit crowded for my liking. Access to the Silverwood Lake recreation area is a great benefit."

    3. North Shore Campground - Lake Almanor

    14 Reviews
    Cedar Glen, CA
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (909) 866-8550

    $29 - $58 / night

    "Spaces are pretty close together and small, but we got lucky and didn’t have anyone around us (likely due to bad air quality). If you kayak this is a great place to camp, it’s right next to the lake."

    "Lake arrowhead isn't a public lake so it's a bit of a drive to do any water activities, but there was a close offroad trail."

    4. Skypark Camp RV Resort

    11 Reviews
    Skyforest, CA
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (909) 744-9927

    $50 - $100 / night

    "Lake Arrowhead is close for supplies or food.  "

    "Views are worth it and this is so conveniently located next to Santa's Village. Will definitely be coming back again sooner than later!"

    5. Bonita Ranch Campground

    12 Reviews
    Lytle Creek, CA
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (909) 887-3643

    $35 - $45 / night

    "Easy access to a pretty trail right behind the campground. Very quiet and interspersed with long time stayers and temporary campers. I stayed in my van and had my cat and dog with me."

    "It's definitely not that far away from the city roughly a 7-10 minute drive up the mountain very chill environment awesome staff very home like feel you're literally a box throw away from the creek if"

    6. Hanna Flat Campground

    25 Reviews
    Fawnskin, CA
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (909) 382-2790

    $33 - $67 / night

    "We were tucked up into the hill side with neighbors far enough sway to make it very private. There were no showers so we brought our travel one and hung it from a branch."

    "We arrived at Hanna Flat campground around 11 am on Friday, August 21. First thing about the campground is that the road to get to it is pretty rough."

    7. Serrano

    35 Reviews
    Big Bear Lake, CA
    22 miles
    Website
    +1 (909) 866-8021

    $44 - $91 / night

    "We camped just a few steps away from the lake, there were other campers there but the campgrounds are far enough away from each other."

    "This camp site is located walking distance to the lake. There are bike paths and walking trails located near the camp ground."

    8. Applewhite Campground (Ca) — San Bernardino National Forest

    9 Reviews
    Lytle Creek, CA
    11 miles
    +1 (909) 382-2716

    $15 - $20 / night

    "I had a positive impression of this small campground, located just 5-7 miles away from the 215 highway, amidst natural surroundings."

    "The fresh stream is just a short distance away, just a few steps away and you can immerse yourself in nature right across the road."

    9. Mojave River Forks Regional Park

    5 Reviews
    Arkabutla Lake, MS
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (760) 389-2322

    $3 - $40 / night

    "Nice place to camp, weather is around 75 during the day and about 50 to 36 degrees cold through out the night. Has everything you'll need. Bathrooms are close by, showers HOT water available."

    "The Pacific Crest Trail passes nearby. It is away from the populated cities, but not far from them. It still gives you a sense of seclusion."

    10. Lake Arrowhead - Green Valley Lake Recreation Area

    6 Reviews
    Cedar Glen, CA
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (909) 867-2009

    "After years of venturing into and around Lake Arrowhead (often a mere stop on my way to Big Bear/Fawnskin) I finally started exploring off the beaten path by accident last year and holy cow!"

    "Green valley lake campground is an awesome place for a fun getaway. We wanted to get away for the Fourth of July but waited too long to book in Big Bear."

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Recent Reviews near Crestline, CA

1300 Reviews of 317 Crestline Campgrounds


  • CThe Dyrt PRO User
    Nov. 4, 2025

    Pioneertown Corrals

    Overall great place to stay

    It’s a very cool and unique place. They have two bars/restaurants with live bands and even a bingo night, a few gift shops and plenty of open camp sites during the week. I stayed on a Monday and there was only one other camper. Not sure how it would look on a weekend. This place is worth a weekend or one night get away. Very fun. The only negative they had was no water hookups and they only have porta potties for toilets.

  • EThe Dyrt PRO User
    Nov. 4, 2025

    O'Neill Regional Park

    Campsite with playground

    Pretty average campsites with playground and clean bathrooms. Very windy roads in and out.

  • Vin W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Nov. 3, 2025

    Canyon RV Park

    Still a wonderful spot close to Orange County

    I have gone to long term RV and took a chance here. I came at night, and was frustrated with the traffic to just enter the park. It wasn't until the next morning that I began to appreciate the surroundings. The freeway noise became soothing. The showers clean, the grass maintained. Easy to access dump stations, fairly modern electrical hookups. Lots of families, people in golf carts, bicycles on trails. Wildlife including Blue Herons eating gophers, squirrels and coyotes. I would return here.

  • s
    Nov. 3, 2025

    Stone Creek Campground — Mount San Jacinto State Park

    Great Trails & Views

    The site was nice and spacious, tall pines, great shade and star gazing, the falling egg corns were fun but the fire ban was a deal breaker... I reserved 1 1/2 months out so when I arrived the ban was in effect, stayed one night out of two. The trails were nice with plenty of great views, quiet walks and natural woodland creatures: woodpeckers, squirrels and birds. I'll stay again only if there's no fire ban.... Whats camping without a fire?

  • Frank M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 28, 2025

    O'Neill Regional Park

    Nice campground

    It's a very nice campground about an hours drive from the beach and other tourist attractions. Usually sold out every weekend. The road to get there can be dangerous. Some wannabe race drivers and commuters avoiding crowded freeways will NOT tolerate anyone doing the speed limit and will pass regardless of the danger.

  • CThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 24, 2025

    South Ridge Yellow Post Sites

    Great spots, great views

    Great location! Beautiful views from every spot! Will definitely stay here again. Road is a little rough in sections coming up, so plan vehicle choice accordingly!

  • L
    Oct. 24, 2025

    Lake Perris State Recreational Area Campground

    Deer loop

    Had an amazing time, unbeknownst to us deer loop was closed after we booked it in June. We ended up having the whole loop to ourselves. We come here about 5 times a year and never have issues.

  • Julianne M.
    Oct. 19, 2025

    Sawtooth Canyon Campground

    Beautiful BLM Free Campgound

    This campsite is absolutely breathtaking. We arrived late on a Friday night and all of the designated spots were taken, but there are places you can pull off to the side and camp. The road in is about 1.5mi of washboard, but it's completely doable (our rented front wheel drive campervan had no issues). Wish we would've spent more time here!

  • Emily L.
    Oct. 13, 2025

    Crane Lakeside Mobile Home Park & RV Resort

    Horrible experience!

    Came to this park to relax, and was was kept awake all night by the sound of several cats fighting outside. Why wouldn't management do something about the stray cats? Just to see this many cats makes this park feel urban or ghetto. Great park if you don't need to sleep...


Guide to Crestline

Camping sites near Crestline, California range in elevation from 4,000 to 7,000 feet within the San Bernardino National Forest. Most campgrounds operate spring through fall, with limited winter accessibility due to seasonal snowfall. Several campgrounds feature vault toilets and fire pits, though fire restrictions vary based on local conditions and time of year.

What to do

Hiking access: At Hanna Flat Campground, trails connect directly to campsites. "The Pct is near by and has a couple of trails right there," notes Morgan F., while another camper mentions that "site 49/51 is right by the trail to hike and bike."

Fishing opportunities: Green Valley Lake near Lake Arrowhead Recreation Area offers stocked fishing. "Good lake for fishing. Trails near the sites. There are some great views as you hike up the mountain," says Stephen S. Note that the lake requires an additional fee, and "you do have to pay to fish or swim, and you pay per person," according to Aleena S.

Water recreation: North Shore Campground provides lakeside access for kayaking and swimming. "We love that we can tent camp by the water!" states Sandi B. The campground is "a stones throw away" from the lake according to Janae P., making it convenient for morning swims or evening shoreline walks.

What campers like

Spacious sites: Bonita Ranch Campground offers well-spaced camping areas. "Spaces aren't too close together either. The creek running behind the camp is great to explore, and a waterfall is a short hike away," reports Jonathan G. Multiple campers mentioned the nearby waterfall access as a highlight.

Clean facilities: Restrooms at several campgrounds receive positive reviews for cleanliness. At Skypark Camp RV Resort, "Restrooms are very clean and each private room includes a shower," according to Lannie B. Another visitor noted the campground is "Ultra clean and well maintained, this park sets itself apart."

Scenic locations: Mountain views are abundant at many sites. "We got a great spot where we saw an amazing sunset," reports Gina C. about Hanna Flat. At Skypark Camp RV Resort, "Views are incredible" though Justin C. notes some sites require careful navigation: "to squeeze in some sites they made the access roads a bit small."

What you should know

Reservation requirements: Many popular campgrounds fill quickly, especially in summer. Mojave River Forks Regional Park was "entirely sold out for both weekend nights, so plan ahead," advises Bower. For late arrivals, some campgrounds provide entry instructions: "We arrived after hours, and the gate code was included in the reservation information."

Fire restrictions: Rules vary by campground and season. At Serrano Campground, "Fire pit and picnic tables are at each site," says Sarah C. However, some locations like Skypark Camp RV Resort don't allow wood fires but "do offer gas fire pits in the community area," according to Bryan S.

Noise levels: Some campgrounds experience higher noise levels on weekends. At North Shore Campground, campers reported being "situated next to a group that violated both times [quiet hours]." At Mojave River Forks, one visitor noted a group with "a live DJ who played one night until 2 AM" with "no camp host here" to enforce quiet hours.

Tips for camping with families

Kid-friendly activities: Several campgrounds feature family amenities. Serrano Campground offers "bike trails/walking paths around the lake. The town is bike friendly," according to Trey T. Another visitor recommends: "Bring your bikes" as children can safely ride throughout the campground.

Shaded sites: Look for campgrounds with tree cover for summer comfort. Hanna Flat offers "lots of shade due to the big beautiful trees," shares Manny D. This natural shade keeps sites cooler during hot summer days, making afternoon naps and meal times more comfortable for children.

Proximity to amenities: Consider distance to town for supplies. Green Valley Lake campground is "within a mile from the lake and little town there," reports Stephen S. Bonita Ranch visitors noted "The town is cute and worth checking out as well. We grabbed dinner there one night."

Tips from RVers

Site accessibility: Some mountain campgrounds have challenging access roads. At Skypark Camp RV Resort, "Spots are a little tight if you have a bigger unit," warns Bryan S. Another camper suggests to "skip if I were a big rig, or call and ask for sites that are easy to get into."

Hookup options: Full-service sites are limited but available. At Dogwood Campground, "They have electric and water hook up for RVs in a few sites that are reservable," mentions David V., who appreciates that "the majority of the sites are primitive" yet the campground maintains essential amenities.

Dump station locations: Plan for waste disposal needs. Mojave River Forks Regional Park provides a dump station on-site, while North Shore Campground offers "water and sewage" at some lake-front sites. RVers should confirm availability when making reservations, as not all sites with hookups include sewer connections.

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Crestline, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, Crestline, CA offers a wide range of camping options, with 317 campgrounds and RV parks near Crestline, CA and 25 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Crestline, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Crestline, CA is Dogwood with a 4.7-star rating from 33 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Crestline, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 25 free dispersed camping spots near Crestline, CA.

What parks are near Crestline, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 10 parks near Crestline, CA that allow camping, notably Mojave River Dam and San Bernardino National Forest.