[San Bernardino National Forest](https://thedyrt.com/camping/california/near/san-bernardino-national-forest) Crab Flats Campground, near Big Bear, California, is a solid choice for those who love the great outdoors and off-roading adventures. This campground offers spacious sites with picnic tables and fire rings, perfect for gathering around the fire after a day of exploring.

The area is known for its beautiful scenery, with plenty of trees providing shade and a rustic vibe. Visitors have mentioned that the campground is a hub for dirt biking and off-roading, making it a popular spot for those looking to hit the trails. Just keep in mind that the access road can be a bit rough, so a vehicle with good clearance is recommended.

While the facilities are basic, you’ll find vault toilets and a couple of water spigots on-site. Campers appreciate the cleanliness maintained by the camp host, who makes regular rounds. As one visitor noted, “The campsite is spacious although not private from each site,” which gives it a friendly, communal feel.

If you’re up for some fun beyond the campground, the nearby lake offers opportunities for kayaking and fishing, making it a great spot for families. Just remember to pack out your trash when you leave, as the campground operates on a leave-no-trace policy. Whether you’re here for a weekend or a longer stay, Crab Flats has a laid-back atmosphere that’s hard to beat.

## Overview

 Crab Flats Campground is an off-roaders paradise, with plenty of off-road vehicle trails nearby for both beginner and experienced riders. Its location not only provides plentiful recreation, but also a secluded escape in Southern California's pine-covered mountains. Campground is difficult to reach without a high clearance vehicle, RV's are not recommended.
## Recreation

 A variety of hiking, mountain biking and off-road vehicle trails surround the campground, including the Crab Creek Trail, which provides access to nearby Fisherman's Campground. The scenery along the trail is exceptional. Other off-road vehicle trails in the area include the 9.7-mile Redonda Ridge Trail, and Holcomb Valley Road, which runs about 26 miles and begins west of the campground. The Crab Flat Loop is also west of the campground. Green Valley Lake is approximately 6 miles away and offers boating, fishing and swimming opportunities. The 9-acre lake is regularly stocked with a variety of fish. Snowshoeing and cross country skiing are available in the winter.
## Facilities

 This primitive campground offers single-family sites for tents and RVs no longer than 26 feet. Each site is equipped with a table and campfire ring with grill and bear box. Vault toilets. Overflow parking is not available. 
## Natural Features

 The campground is located 8 miles from Green Valley Lake in the San Bernardino National Forest, near the town of Arrowhead. It is accessed by a dirt road that crosses Deep Creek. The campground is situated among tall pine, oak and cedar trees. A variety of birds and wildlife make their home in the area. 
## Contact Info

 For facility specific information, please call (909) 866-8550. 
## Nearby Attractions

 The closest communities are Arrowhead and Running Springs.
## Charges & Cancellations

 Rules & Reservation Policies As you make travel plans that include reservations on Recreation.gov, there are standard policies that apply to most locations of which you should be aware. Do keep in mind, however, that there are many exceptions, so it is best to review reservation information listed on individual facility pages for those policies and procedures that pertain to your specific locations. Any location or activity requiring a permit or lottery will have unique requirements and policies. Please check individual facility pages for pertinent information for those sites. Booking Window For most locations, you can reserve six months in advance of your stay for individual sites and 12 months in advance for group sites. There are some exceptions, so it is best to check with each facility. Change and Cancellation Policies and Fees Overnight and Day Use Facilities: To ensure fairness, reservation arrival or departure dates may not be changed beyond the booking window until 18 days after booking the reservation. Camping / Day Use: A $10.00 service fee will apply if you change or cancel your reservation (including campsites, cabins, lookouts, group facilities, etc.). The $10.00 service fee will be deducted from the refund amount. You can cancel or change reservations through Recreation.gov or by calling 1-877-444-6777. Tours & Tickets: You may request changes to tour dates at no cost before the arrival date. If you cancel before your tour date, you may be eligible for a refund. Cancellation fees apply. Please check the tour facility description details page for cancellation policies. Permits: Varies by location. Please check the permit details for the permit location. Late Cancellations Overnight and Day Use Facilities: Late cancellations are those cancelled between 12:01 a.m. (Eastern) on the day before arrival and check out time on the day after arrival. Individual Campsites: If a customer cancels a reservation the day before or on the day of arrival they will be charged a $10.00 service fee and will also forfeit the first night's use fee (not to exceed the total paid for the original reservation). Cancellations for a single night's reservation will forfeit the entire use fee but no cancellation fee will apply. Cabins / Lookouts: Customers will be charged a $10.00 cancellation fee and forfeit the first night's use fee if a cabin or lookout reservation is cancelled within 14 days of the scheduled arrival date. Cancellations for a single night's use will not be assessed a service fee. Group Facility: If a customer cancels a group overnight facility reservation within 14 days of the scheduled arrival date they will be charged the $10.00 service fee and forfeit the first night's use fee. Cancellations for a single night's use will not be assessed a service fee. Group Day Use Area: If a customer cancels a group day use facility reservation within 14 days of the scheduled arrival date, they will forfeit the total day use fee with no service fee charge. No-Shows Camping / Day Use: A camping no-show customer is one who does not arrive at a campground and does not cancel the reservation by check-out time on the day after the scheduled arrival date. Reserved campsites and group overnight facilities will be held until check-out time on the day following your scheduled arrival. Group day-use facilities will be held until check-in time on your scheduled arrival date. If a customer does not arrive at the campground or group facility by check-out time the day after arrival or does not cancel the reservation by the times listed under \"Late Cancellations\" above, the customer may be assessed a $20.00 service fee and forfeit use fees. Tours: A tour or ticket no-show is one who does not cancel a ticket before arrival and does not arrive for the tour. Tour no-shows are not entitled to a refund. Refunds Customers must request refunds no later than 14 days after the scheduled departure date. Recreation.gov will not grant refund requests after 14 days of departure. Reservation Fee: For some facilities, tours or permits an additional reservation fee is charged. For some overnight and day-use facilities, an additional non-refundable reservation fee may apply. The non-refundable reservation fee for tours and tickets is $1.00. The non-refundable reservation fee for permits varies by location. Refunds for Bankcard Purchases: Refunds for bank card payments will be issued as a credit to the original bank card. Refunds for Check or Cash Purchases: Refunds for Recreation.gov payments made by check or money order, and cash payments at selected campgrounds will be issued a check refund. A refund will be processed within 30 days of receipt and approval. Please Note: Refund requests made during or after departure can only be processed when approved by the facility management staff based upon local policy. Refunds for Emergency Closures: In the event of an emergency closure, the Recreation.gov team will attempt to notify users and offer alternate dates (as appropriate). If this is not possible, reservations will be cancelled and all fees paid will be refunded. Reservation fees for free tickets are non-refundable in the event of an emergency closure. Recreation.gov Billing Information Reservation transaction will appear on customer's credit card statements as \"Recreation.gov 877-444-6777.\" Changes to Policies and Procedures Recreation.gov reserves the right, when necessary, to modify reservation policies. These policies were last updated July

San Bernardino National Forest Crab Flats Campground

Green Valley Lake, CA is a great camping destination for adventurers of all types. There are tons of hikes and other fun activities to partake in. Experience some of the most stunning views that California camping has to offer. Ready to plan your adventure? Check out our campgrounds near Green Valley Lake and user-submitted reviews.

Green Valley Lake

The Best Camping Near Green Valley Lake, California

when u exit the main road, there a couple miles of rough terrain. I had my 4 Wheel Dr explorer and had a blast going through the stream and across the rocky road. we had the place to ourselves .. midweek luck. I saw no hook-ups ( though tbh I wasn’t looking)- lots of trees for climbing and hiking /exploring opportunities were plentiful!

4x4 campground 

Surrounded by well known offroad trails, Crab Flats is frequented mainly by Jeepers and other offroad enthusiasts. Not the best maintained but there are always spots and it’s relatively private.

Offroad Hub

Spent a weekend at crab flats. It s great if you are into off roading, in fact the last 1+ or so leading into the campsite is all dirt rods. Plenty of trails and dirt roads at your OHV disposition. The campsite itself is very basic, there is running water but not potable. Not a lot to do at the site itself, but makes for a chill, low-key visit.

Great for off roaders

Slow going on the dirt road but boy is it worth it. There are a couple of water spigots. Pack your trash out when you leave. Do not need 4WD to get there but it’s sure fun on all the truck trails if you do! Lots of trees and shade, 26 sites that are usually pretty full on the weekends. Vault toilets. Fire rings, bear boxes and picnic tables provide the basics. The drive out to the lake is also worth it if kids want to play in the water. Kayak and small boat rentals, fishing with stocked waters. All in all a great way to spend a weekend in the mountains.

5 Miles Dirt Road Off Highway YES

The location was beautiful and the spots were big. No drinking water at the moment but the bathrooms were nice. Next time we will plan to use a 4 wheel / all wheel drive vehicle since the entrance road is rough but it’s not impossible. 

Beautiful location

**Do not follow Edison Road** This is a narrow, and intermediate trail for ATVs. Do no recommend unless you have experience, someone to spot you and high clearance Jeep or aftermarket suspension. Follow Green Valley Lake Rd to Crab Flats Rd. 
The campsite is spacious although, not private from each site. The camp host visit twice a day and keep the place clean. This place is primarily for dirt biking. The mosquitoes were terrible from morning to nighttime. 
The campground is about an hour south of Big Bear and 25 minutes from Lake Arrowhead. There are fire rings, table, trash cans and 2 bathrooms with vault toilets. 

Photos of San Bernardino National Forest Crab Flats Campground

Real photos from real campers