Campsites near Yucaipa, California range from dense mountain forests to lakeside retreats, with options spanning across San Bernardino National Forest and nearby state parks. Winter temperatures at higher-elevation sites can drop below freezing, while summer brings warmer conditions with daytime highs often reaching 80-90°F, creating distinct camping seasons and environments. The region's campsites vary significantly in terrain, from the 2,600-foot elevation in Yucaipa to over 7,000 feet in the mountain campgrounds.
What to do
Mountain biking at Pine Knot Campground: Located just minutes from Snow Summit in Big Bear, Pine Knot serves as an excellent base for mountain biking enthusiasts. "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 but allows you the convenience to be camped nearby," notes one Pine Knot visitor.
Hiking from San Gorgonio Campground: Access excellent trails directly from your campsite, including routes into the San Gorgonio Wilderness. A visitor shared, "There is a great trail off the backside of the campground as well. It can be a bit loud and the trees are tall and skinny so there's not a ton of privacy, but it's woodsy and beautiful. There's a great lake area to hike to nearby and lots of mountain biking around the area." San Gorgonio Campground serves as an ideal starting point for exploring the wilderness.
Fishing at Lake Perris: Just a short drive from Yucaipa, Lake Perris State Recreation Area offers fishing opportunities throughout the year. "This lake has been good to me and my friends, always catch something, maybe not a lunker but fun. Camping is ok, some days the sites are good some days they aren't," reports one regular visitor to Lake Perris State Recreational Area.
What campers like
Spacious tent sites: Campers consistently note the generous space at Yucaipa Regional Park's tent camping areas. "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," reports one satisfied Yucaipa Regional Park camper who gave the park a 5-star rating.
Free dispersed camping options: For those seeking budget-friendly alternatives to established campgrounds, Yellow Post sites offer no-cost camping with basic amenities. "These 'yellow post' sites are essentially boondocking in the forest off dirt fire service roads. The best part is that you don't need reservations and they're free. This particular site has 8 campsites which do have signs to mark the general area," explains a camper from Thomas Hunting Grounds.
Clean facilities: Many campgrounds in the area maintain well-kept restrooms and common areas. At Dogwood Campground, a visitor reported, "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. Fire pits and picnic tables at every site. Facilities were well kept and clean."
What you should know
Bear-aware camping required: At higher elevations, proper food storage is essential. "Each campsite has a bear box to store food," notes a visitor to Dogwood Campground. Another camper at a nearby site warned, "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."
Limited cell service: Many mountain campgrounds have spotty or no cellular connectivity. A Lake Perris camper advised, "I'd say come here if you're looking to enjoy outside and not be in your rig much. If your one that needs WI-FI this isn't the spot for you. Your phones hot spot may not even work."
Seasonal availability: Higher elevation campgrounds have limited operating seasons. "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," reported a late-season visitor to Serrano Campground in Big Bear.
Tips for camping with families
Water activities: Families with children appreciate water features at certain campgrounds. "Loved camping at Yucaipa been twice so far are favorite place so peaceful and beautiful a lil bummed lakes were closed but still had a fun week," shared one parent. Another mentioned, "Lake Perris was a fun and clean place to camp at! We did some fishing, bike riding, the water was clear, and my kids loved it."
Kid-friendly amenities: Look for campgrounds with facilities designed for children. "Park is small, very family friendly, clean and well managed. Lots of places to walk/hike, large sites," noted a visitor to Yucaipa Regional Park. Another camper at Barton Flats shared, "The camp is very clean. Trees everywhere and lots of exploring, which is my favorite part. There were 12 of us with adjoined campsites plus my dog."
Biking opportunities: Many families enjoy bringing bikes to explore campgrounds safely. "We loved camping here. Beautiful, pristine campground with bike trails/walking paths around the lake. The town is bike friendly. Some road noise but quiet over night," mentioned a family who stayed at Serrano Campground.
Tips from RVers
Full-hookup options: RVers seeking hookups have limited but quality choices. "Excellent campground. Well maintained. Large concrete pads that can handle any rig. So much to do all around a park. Does get very cold, was in the teens overnight when I was there in Feb. Fires allowed which is nice," shared one RVer about Yucaipa Regional Park.
Site selection for leveling: Many mountain campgrounds have uneven terrain. "We're usually full-time boondockers, and this was the first time we've paid for an RV park, so we don't have a lot to compare it to. But overall it's been a pleasant stay. Lots of shade, a pond, and reasonable rates. Good water pressure in the showers, which has been nice. Most private RV spots discriminate against Skoolies, but this place didn't seem to care," reported a visitor to Yucaipa Regional Park.
Weather preparation: RVers should prepare for temperature extremes, especially at higher elevations. "The newer sites don't have a lot of mature trees, the older sites have a little more wear and tear but also bigger trees," noted a camper at Yucaipa Regional Park, highlighting the trade-off between site amenities and natural shade that can be crucial during hot summer months.
