Reservable campsites and first come, first served campites.
About
This national forest features great views of nearby Los Angeles and beautiful Big Bear Lake. Its San Jacinto Mountains loom over Riverside County, creating a natural border for L.A.
If you're into mountain climbing, you're in for a surplus of options here. Devote a day to summiting Bertha Peak, San Bernardino Peak, or San Gorgonio Mountain. Rewards come in the form of tremendous views of the surrounding areas.
Four hours spent climbing Bertha afford you a particularly spectacular angle on Big Bear Lake. The longer eight-hour round trip up San Bernardino Peak is a bigger challenge.
Watching the sunset from its summit makes it all worth it, though. San Gorgonio is the talles
This national forest features great views of nearby Los Angeles and beautiful Big Bear Lake. Its San Jacinto Mountains loom over Riverside County, creating a natural border for L.A.
If you're into mountain climbing, you're in for a surplus of options here. Devote a day to summiting Bertha Peak, San Bernardino Peak, or San Gorgonio Mountain. Rewards come in the form of tremendous views of the surrounding areas.
Four hours spent climbing Bertha afford you a particularly spectacular angle on Big Bear Lake. The longer eight-hour round trip up San Bernardino Peak is a bigger challenge.
Watching the sunset from its summit makes it all worth it, though. San Gorgonio is the tallest peak in Southern California at about 11,500 feet. You'll need about 10 hours total (and standout cardio!) to tackle this super-tough hike. If you succeed, you'll be far above the tree line for unobstructed panoramic views.
"If you like to keep your camping primitive, Boulder Basin Campground is a must. You’ll find yourself inhaling deep breathes of fresh mountain air muddled with the sweet smell of ponderosa and sugar pines. This is also the prime spot for you mountain biker, hiker, and bouldering fanatics. For some killer views of your mighty mountain friends, head Read more...
California’s epic San Bernardino National Forest has a lot to brag about… we’re talking breathtakingly gorgeous mountains, countless tall trees, and some unique plants and animals, thanks to the high altitude. You’ll find all of this and more at Black Mountain Yellow Post Sites. These super rustic walk-in sites are shaded under lofty pines, and so Read more...
If you’re feeling the need to retreat into the wilderness, Santa Rosa Yellow Post Sites is the perfect haven away from the busy busy world. These are primitive spots located deep in the San Bernardino Forest, but in exchange for the lack of amenities you’ll be rewarded with super secluded campgrounds, few crowds, and good old fashioned peace and q Read more...
"WANTED: 100 nomadic party animals. If that’s you and 99 of your closest pals, what are you still doing staring at your computer? Sound the alarm and get the gang at the ready, cause Black Mountain Group Campground is calling. Don’t even get us started on the views: the desert divide below, San Jacinto Mountains, and as far as the San Gabriel Moun Read more...
Free camping? You heard (erm, read) right! If you don’t mind roughing it for a few days, but want to save some valuable cash, Tool Box Springs is a great spot tucked deep into San Bernardino Forest. This is a seriously remote campground, but isn’t that what camping is all about? All you need is some gear, food, and water—and maybe a friend or two— Read more...
Tucked away in the depths of the San Bernardino Forest, Tool Box Springs Yellow Post Sites are a cozy haven away from the hustle and bustle of daily life. Feel totally secluded in the woods with with no amenities except a campfire pit. Hardcore campers will be stoked to truly experience life outdoors without any creature comforts. In exchange, you Read more...
"Time to ditch the technology and embrace some wildly freeing nature? We’ve got the perfect spot. Tucked away in the San Bernardino National Forest, Marion Mountain Campground offers all the outdoor adventures you need, from great hiking trails to blister-worthy rock climbing spots. If you are feeling up to it, you can explore the 11. 8-mile Mario Read more...
"Nestled in an aged grove of oaks, you’ll find plenty to do around Fern Basin Campground: just enough rock climbing, mountain biking, and hiking trails to keep everyone happy. The best part about this spot (other than the killer camp vibes, of course)? There’s a grocery store just a few miles away, so you can make those last minute whiskey runs. B Read more...
Looking to get off the grid? Head on out to Santa Rosa Springs Campground. This cozy campground only has three primitive sites available—perfect for hardcore campers looking to truly get into the wild. Campsites are tucked away right in the heart of the San Bernardino Forest, with no buildings around for miles. You’ll come back recharged and ready Read more...
Fire up the grill and crank up the tunes, Skyline Group Campground is the perfect spot if you're geared toward a group getaway! Make good use of those picnic tables and communal fire ring to forge that special outdoor adventurer bond. Vault toilets and drinking water will save you the hassle of some of the more primitive campsites around.
Get lost in that beautiful oak-y vibe at the Heart Bar Family Campground. This spot is the perfect place to bring your little ones in tow without sacrificing the rugged feel of outdoors camping. Warm up your favorite food on the campfire ring and enjoy eating on your own picnic table. Drinking water, toilets, and parking spots make it super conven Read more...
If someone's told you you've always got your head in the clouds, they may be right if you're staying at Pikeknot Family Campground. Clocking in at an altitude of 6,900 feet high, you can definitely live out all your high-minded ideals in this spot. Trek the trails, bike them, or fish to your heart's content. With opportunities such as shopping ava Read more...
When the mercury rises, soothe that summer sizzle and get outa town. Head up to the South Fork Family campground for your next summer outing and beat the heat at 6400-feet elevation to surround yourself with cooling trees and mountain air. This first-come, first-served campground is perfect for a not too far outdoor getaway from the metropolis of Read more...
Hoo boy. Pinyon Flat Campground is a good one, yet is still lesser known than other spots in the San Bernardino Forest. Pitch your tent in one of a handful of primitive campsites, and surround yourself with cacti and the Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains. If you fancy exploring the desert a bit, you’re close to both the Cactus Spring and Pinyon Read more...
Book your next family reunion at Tanglewood Group Camp, a secluded destination tucked among dense forest in the Holcomb Valley that still provides you with your fair share of California sun. Kids will adore the rich (no pun intended) history of gold mining in the area, and everyone will love having access to hiking trails and fishing at Big Bear L Read more...
So you’d like to enjoy the sweet solitude of the Big Bear Lake area and throw a party, too? Boulder Campground gives large groups exclusive dirt-road access to camping right on the lake, along with vault toilets, space for tents and campers, and a grill for cooking out. Fish or boat on the water, hike in the surrounding deep forest, or just lie un Read more...
Nestled between Big Bear and Lake Arrowhead, Green Valley Family Campground is a pretty sweet refuge if you need a break from the hustle and bustle of city life. Take in that crisp mountain air and fish like the outdoorsperson you were always meant to be. With Green Valley Lake only a mile from the site as well, your family won't run out of things Read more...
Crabby kids? That's blasphemy at Crab Flats Campground. Who can be upset when they’re surrounded by huggable tall pine, oak, and cedar trees? And especially when they’re whizzing through miles of prime OHV trails for the picking (9. 7-mile Redonda Ridge Trail and 26-mile Holcomb Valley Road, to be exact). Wanna take the tykes fishing? Secure the a Read more...
Experience dispersed camping at the Keller Peak Yellow Post Sites. Put on your primitive pants if your planning a stay here. The only amenities that come with these sites is the site itself. That means bring your own water and prepare to pop a squat! Keep in mind, what it lacks in amenities it makes up for in sights, lack of sounds, and peaceful s Read more...
Get a glimpse of the Pacific Crest Trail up close and personal without having to lug a pack on your back to do it. The Mission Springs PCT Camp is a small and remote primitive area, where you can refuel your inner wildside and get away from the crowds. Horse corrals are available for the equestrians, but you can bring a car too. The PCT is not far Read more...
San Bernardino National Forest
Test your summiting skills on some of Southern California's most picturesque peaks.
This national forest features great views of nearby Los Angeles and beautiful Big Bear Lake. Its San Jacinto Mountains loom over Riverside County, creating a natural border for L.A.
If you're into mountain climbing, you're in for a surplus of options here. Devote a day to summiting Bertha Peak, San Bernardino Peak, or San Gorgonio Mountain. Rewards come in the form of tremendous views of the surrounding areas.
Four hours spent climbing Bertha afford you a particularly spectacular angle on Big Bear Lake. The longer eight-hour round trip up San Bernardino Peak is a bigger challenge.
Watching the sunset from its summit makes it all worth it, though. San Gorgonio is the talles
This national forest features great views of nearby Los Angeles and beautiful Big Bear Lake. Its San Jacinto Mountains loom over Riverside County, creating a natural border for L.A.
If you're into mountain climbing, you're in for a surplus of options here. Devote a day to summiting Bertha Peak, San Bernardino Peak, or San Gorgonio Mountain. Rewards come in the form of tremendous views of the surrounding areas.
Four hours spent climbing Bertha afford you a particularly spectacular angle on Big Bear Lake. The longer eight-hour round trip up San Bernardino Peak is a bigger challenge.
Watching the sunset from its summit makes it all worth it, though. San Gorgonio is the tallest peak in Southern California at about 11,500 feet. You'll need about 10 hours total (and standout cardio!) to tackle this super-tough hike. If you succeed, you'll be far above the tree line for unobstructed panoramic views.
Activities in the park
59 campgrounds in San Bernardino National Forest
"If you like to keep your camping primitive, Boulder Basin Campground is a must. You’ll find yourself inhaling deep breathes of fresh mountain air muddled with the sweet smell of ponderosa and sugar pines. This is also the prime spot for you mountain biker, hiker, and bouldering fanatics. For some killer views of your mighty mountain friends, head Read more...
California’s epic San Bernardino National Forest has a lot to brag about… we’re talking breathtakingly gorgeous mountains, countless tall trees, and some unique plants and animals, thanks to the high altitude. You’ll find all of this and more at Black Mountain Yellow Post Sites. These super rustic walk-in sites are shaded under lofty pines, and so Read more...
If you’re feeling the need to retreat into the wilderness, Santa Rosa Yellow Post Sites is the perfect haven away from the busy busy world. These are primitive spots located deep in the San Bernardino Forest, but in exchange for the lack of amenities you’ll be rewarded with super secluded campgrounds, few crowds, and good old fashioned peace and q Read more...
"WANTED: 100 nomadic party animals. If that’s you and 99 of your closest pals, what are you still doing staring at your computer? Sound the alarm and get the gang at the ready, cause Black Mountain Group Campground is calling. Don’t even get us started on the views: the desert divide below, San Jacinto Mountains, and as far as the San Gabriel Moun Read more...
Free camping? You heard (erm, read) right! If you don’t mind roughing it for a few days, but want to save some valuable cash, Tool Box Springs is a great spot tucked deep into San Bernardino Forest. This is a seriously remote campground, but isn’t that what camping is all about? All you need is some gear, food, and water—and maybe a friend or two— Read more...
Tucked away in the depths of the San Bernardino Forest, Tool Box Springs Yellow Post Sites are a cozy haven away from the hustle and bustle of daily life. Feel totally secluded in the woods with with no amenities except a campfire pit. Hardcore campers will be stoked to truly experience life outdoors without any creature comforts. In exchange, you Read more...
"Time to ditch the technology and embrace some wildly freeing nature? We’ve got the perfect spot. Tucked away in the San Bernardino National Forest, Marion Mountain Campground offers all the outdoor adventures you need, from great hiking trails to blister-worthy rock climbing spots. If you are feeling up to it, you can explore the 11. 8-mile Mario Read more...
"Nestled in an aged grove of oaks, you’ll find plenty to do around Fern Basin Campground: just enough rock climbing, mountain biking, and hiking trails to keep everyone happy. The best part about this spot (other than the killer camp vibes, of course)? There’s a grocery store just a few miles away, so you can make those last minute whiskey runs. B Read more...
Looking to get off the grid? Head on out to Santa Rosa Springs Campground. This cozy campground only has three primitive sites available—perfect for hardcore campers looking to truly get into the wild. Campsites are tucked away right in the heart of the San Bernardino Forest, with no buildings around for miles. You’ll come back recharged and ready Read more...
Fire up the grill and crank up the tunes, Skyline Group Campground is the perfect spot if you're geared toward a group getaway! Make good use of those picnic tables and communal fire ring to forge that special outdoor adventurer bond. Vault toilets and drinking water will save you the hassle of some of the more primitive campsites around.
Get lost in that beautiful oak-y vibe at the Heart Bar Family Campground. This spot is the perfect place to bring your little ones in tow without sacrificing the rugged feel of outdoors camping. Warm up your favorite food on the campfire ring and enjoy eating on your own picnic table. Drinking water, toilets, and parking spots make it super conven Read more...
If someone's told you you've always got your head in the clouds, they may be right if you're staying at Pikeknot Family Campground. Clocking in at an altitude of 6,900 feet high, you can definitely live out all your high-minded ideals in this spot. Trek the trails, bike them, or fish to your heart's content. With opportunities such as shopping ava Read more...
When the mercury rises, soothe that summer sizzle and get outa town. Head up to the South Fork Family campground for your next summer outing and beat the heat at 6400-feet elevation to surround yourself with cooling trees and mountain air. This first-come, first-served campground is perfect for a not too far outdoor getaway from the metropolis of Read more...
Hoo boy. Pinyon Flat Campground is a good one, yet is still lesser known than other spots in the San Bernardino Forest. Pitch your tent in one of a handful of primitive campsites, and surround yourself with cacti and the Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains. If you fancy exploring the desert a bit, you’re close to both the Cactus Spring and Pinyon Read more...
Book your next family reunion at Tanglewood Group Camp, a secluded destination tucked among dense forest in the Holcomb Valley that still provides you with your fair share of California sun. Kids will adore the rich (no pun intended) history of gold mining in the area, and everyone will love having access to hiking trails and fishing at Big Bear L Read more...
So you’d like to enjoy the sweet solitude of the Big Bear Lake area and throw a party, too? Boulder Campground gives large groups exclusive dirt-road access to camping right on the lake, along with vault toilets, space for tents and campers, and a grill for cooking out. Fish or boat on the water, hike in the surrounding deep forest, or just lie un Read more...
Nestled between Big Bear and Lake Arrowhead, Green Valley Family Campground is a pretty sweet refuge if you need a break from the hustle and bustle of city life. Take in that crisp mountain air and fish like the outdoorsperson you were always meant to be. With Green Valley Lake only a mile from the site as well, your family won't run out of things Read more...
Crabby kids? That's blasphemy at Crab Flats Campground. Who can be upset when they’re surrounded by huggable tall pine, oak, and cedar trees? And especially when they’re whizzing through miles of prime OHV trails for the picking (9. 7-mile Redonda Ridge Trail and 26-mile Holcomb Valley Road, to be exact). Wanna take the tykes fishing? Secure the a Read more...
Experience dispersed camping at the Keller Peak Yellow Post Sites. Put on your primitive pants if your planning a stay here. The only amenities that come with these sites is the site itself. That means bring your own water and prepare to pop a squat! Keep in mind, what it lacks in amenities it makes up for in sights, lack of sounds, and peaceful s Read more...
Get a glimpse of the Pacific Crest Trail up close and personal without having to lug a pack on your back to do it. The Mission Springs PCT Camp is a small and remote primitive area, where you can refuel your inner wildside and get away from the crowds. Horse corrals are available for the equestrians, but you can bring a car too. The PCT is not far Read more...