Campers can find crystalline blue lakes, stunning high peaks, and snow sports all winter.
The eastern spur of the San Bernardino National Forest is well-known for outdoor activities, and Lake Arrowhead is no exception. Although swimming and kayaking on Lake Arrowhead is typically reserved only for residents and beach club members, campers can find plenty of equally stunning lakes nearby. Lake Arrowheadâs own deep blue waters are visible from many trails surrounding it, plus numerous smaller lakes and streams nearby are popular for kayaking, swimming, picnicking, and more. In the northeast corner of the national forest, Big Bear Lake beckons summer swimmers and fishers with high mountains and shaded valleys that serve as welcome respites from the desert heat for mountain bikers and hikers.
Just to the west of Lake Arrowhead, the day-use Lake Gregory Regional Park is a hidden swath of blue surrounded by towering redwoods and rocky bluffs. There is a sandy beach, boat rentals, a nature trail loop, fishing opportunities, and water slides for summer fun. Tent and RV camping can be found in the surrounding area.
Fed only by snow melt, Big Bear Lake is an all-season destinationâincredible for winter sports and summer swims. A small beach sits on the north shore, and Garstin Island is another popular swimming area. The areaâs large granite boulders are distinct and often used for short jumps into the cool water below.
Southwest of Lake Arrowhead in Running Springs, Snow Valley is a small but popular winter resort for skiing and snowboarding. Recognized as having ample beginner terrain, Snow Valley attracts sledders who seek big hill thrills from the only Southern Californian chair lift for sledding. In summer, mountain bikers access the Scenic View Chair Lift to access countless trails for downhill rides. Look out for cabin camping spots nearby.
Within the Sand to Snow National Monument lies the San Gorgonio Wilderness, an alpine landscape home to bears, mountain lions, and bighorn sheep. A small section of the Pacific Coast Trail runs through the wilderness area, and numerous hikes, many accessible via Highway 38, pass through groves of aspen and oak. The wilderness is home to 24 backcountry campsites accessible with a free permit.