Best Campgrounds near Crestline, CA

CAMPER SUMMARY PRESENTED BYFord

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

    28 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."

    CAMPER SUMMARY PRESENTED BYFord

    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

    26 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."

    CAMPER SUMMARY PRESENTED BYFord

    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

1314 Reviews of 317 Crestline Campgrounds


  • M
    Dec. 4, 2025

    Morongo Casino RV Park

    No longer offer RV parking here

    I just contacted the Hotel & resort to verify and camping/RV parking is NO longer offered. As most places around, the "wrong crowd" (their words) ruined it for all and they had to shut it down.

    If you are staying at the hotel, you check in and get a pass to park behind the casino but can not stay inside overnight.

  • Keith  S.
    Dec. 1, 2025

    Lake Skinner Recreation Area

    Lake Skinner

    Another great trip to Lake skinner for Thanksgiving. Camp sites and bathrooms are clean. Plenty of hikes and bike trails. Rangers and camp hosts are friendly and informative. Camp store has the basics if you forgot anything.

  • Les R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Nov. 29, 2025

    Angeles National Forest Meadow Group Campground

    Suitable for large groups

    So much space! One of the few campgrounds still reservable within the Angeles National Forest, now that only group sites are reservable.

    Although it’s a beautiful area and the sites are spacious, the sites could be more maintained. The main vault toilets were closed so we had to walk 3 minutes each way to some further away. Potable hasn’t been available at Meadows for this season at least, but we heard you may be able to get water at the nearby Chilao campground. We just brought our own water for the weekend.

    Make sure to call for the gate lock code during weekday business hours, there is no service once you’re in the forest.

  • Les R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Nov. 29, 2025

    Sturtevant Camp

    amazing camp, amazing organization

    We ended up unexpectedly staying at Sturtevant Camp because we left a scary experience at Spruce grove trailhead nearby. And wow, what an amazing experience we had here! We walked up to the campgrounds after it was already dark, and the camp host came outside of his cabin within a minute. He saw our headlamps and greeted us by asking if everything was okay. We asked if we could set up our tent near the cabins, and he offered to let us stay in one of the cabins that happened to be open that weekend. Some of the most amazing hospitality I've encounted while camping, really restored my faith in humanity. We made a donation after we got home as a thank you.

    The facilities have running water and electricity. The camp host preps coffee and hot water in the morning so that other hikers coming through can stop for a warm beverage. What an amazing place!

  • Les R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Nov. 29, 2025

    Spruce Grove Trail Campground - TEMPORARILY CLOSED DUE TO FIRE

    scary experience

    I took my friend backpacking on a Friday in August with the goal of camping at Spruce Grove camp that night. I read other reviews talking about how busy the campground can be over the weekend, so I was hoping we would still get a spot if we arrived Friday instead of Saturday. My friend and I were less than a mile away from the camp sites when it got dark and a guy started following us on the trail. It was unsettling, and we hoped it would be fine once we got to Spruce Grove. Unfortunately, upon arriving to the camp, it was completely empty. The guy started explaining that he didn't have a tent and his story didn't make sense (ex: said he walked up from Pasadena, instead of parking at the trailhead). Anyways, I know this guy isn't a permanent part of the campground, BUT it made me realize that backcountry camping in the Angeles National Forest is different than other backpacking I've done, because it's so close to an urban area. I've camped in many other parts of the ANF, but never the backcountry sites. I also want people to know that the campground is empty sometimes, so if you're going, I would only do it with a larger party.

    The story ends by us taking safe haven at Sturtevant Camp a little further up the trail

  • rich I.The Dyrt PRO User
    Nov. 29, 2025

    O'Neill Regional Park

    Family Camp at ONeill Regional Count Park (soCal)

    Great regional county park for camping. We did a pre-Thanksgiving family campout. However, Nov was cold at night! The next day was our adventure day where we trekked up the wash and climbed the trail to Mesa day use area. Trail is steep for kids under 5, but doable. Check your site and location of bathrooms. Some sites are far from them.

  • TO T.The Dyrt PRO User
    Nov. 29, 2025

    Bonelli Bluffs

    This is a campsite located very close to the city center

    This park has a great Halloween atmosphere,The bad thing is that there is no distance between these park RVs, they are very close and expensive. I must be 128US dollar.To be honest, I don't think it's worth the price. I won't go for a second time

  • William J.The Dyrt PRO User
    Nov. 27, 2025

    Sawtooth Canyon Campground

    Great campground with a dinosaur.

    Beautiful campground that is free with pavilions, fire rings, and BBQ at the campsites. Pit toilets that are clean but bring tp with you. A playground for the kiddos with a partially buried Dino (cement) that looks like a lot of fun. Rock formations all around for the rock climbers if that's your bag. It's really an awesome campground.

  • TThe Dyrt PRO User
    Nov. 25, 2025

    Idyllwild Regional Park

    Continues to be a great campsite

    We’ve been here quite a few times over the last few years. Campsite always clean. Showers and bathrooms available. Trails from the campsite. Level sites for RVs at the end of the campsite.


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.