- Cave Camping
The best cave camping near San Bernardino
97% (1.3K) • 961 campsites
Top-rated campgrounds near San Bernardino
Boulder Gardens Sanctuary
1. Boulder Gardens Sanctuary
98%
(156)
43mi from San Bernardino · 8 sites · Tents, RVs
Welcome to our gorgeous natural desert landscape with a quiet atmosphere and vast views. Guests are welcome to hike and explore our extensive land, which includes over 500 acres of primitive hiking trails, meditation gardens, and secret caves. This is an incredible place for stargazing and views of the milky way. The landscape is similar to the national park, though guests at Boulder Gardens will have a secluded place to set up camp, away from the crowds. Pioneertown, home to the famous venue Pappy and Harriets, as well as Red Dog Saloon is within a short drive.
Toilets
Potable water
Picnic table
Splitrock Farm and Retreat
2. Splitrock Farm and Retreat
96%
(1690)
50mi from San Bernardino · 33 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
About Splitrock Farm and Retreat
Far Away, Close to Home
Instagram page @splitrockfarmandretreat. Tag your photos #splitrockfarmandretreat #SplitrockFAR #farawayclosetohome
Or, contact the Camp Host through Hipcamp direct message.
Splitrock Farm and Retreat started in January 2021 after a global search of a place to set roots, live off the land, and create an amazing place for recreation, relaxation, and rejuvenation.
Splitrock was part of a 160-acre avocado farm that prospered from 1970 to 2017, generating over 1million pounds of avocados per year until the previous owners switched off the water in 2017. Ben purchased 101 acres in 2021 with plans to harvest the dead avocado trees for firewood and replant with organic, sustainable crops such as grapes, citrus trees, and flowers.
Splitrock's attraction comes from its unique groves, magnificent granite boulders, and sweeping vistas. Mixed within the avocado groves are several ancient groves and solitary trees that include 150+ foot tall pines, hundreds of old oaks, and soaring palms. Freckled throughout the hillsides are thousands of humongous granite boulders, offering a prehistoric feel to the landscape. Above all, Splitrock offers unrivaled views. Over 40 miles of coastline includes views to Point Loma, the Carlsbad power station, and the Pendleton Hospital. To the northeast are views of near 11K foot snowy peaks of San Jacinto and San Gorgonio, with rolling hills of De Luz and Fallbrook in the foreground.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
San Bernardino National Forest
3. San Bernardino National Forest
94%
(151)
National forest 66mi from San Bernardino · 863 sites
Test your summiting skills on some of Southern California's most picturesque peaks.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Cleveland National Forest
4. Cleveland National Forest
93%
(85)
National forest 99mi from San Bernardino · 436 sites
Hike, camp, or gaze up at the Milky Way in California’s southernmost national forest.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
97% (1.3K) • 961 campsites
Top-rated campgrounds near San Bernardino
Boulder Gardens Sanctuary
1. Boulder Gardens Sanctuary
98%
(156)
43mi from San Bernardino · 8 sites · Tents, RVs
Welcome to our gorgeous natural desert landscape with a quiet atmosphere and vast views. Guests are welcome to hike and explore our extensive land, which includes over 500 acres of primitive hiking trails, meditation gardens, and secret caves. This is an incredible place for stargazing and views of the milky way. The landscape is similar to the national park, though guests at Boulder Gardens will have a secluded place to set up camp, away from the crowds. Pioneertown, home to the famous venue Pappy and Harriets, as well as Red Dog Saloon is within a short drive.
Toilets
Potable water
Picnic table
Splitrock Farm and Retreat
2. Splitrock Farm and Retreat
96%
(1690)
50mi from San Bernardino · 33 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
About Splitrock Farm and Retreat
Far Away, Close to Home
Instagram page @splitrockfarmandretreat. Tag your photos #splitrockfarmandretreat #SplitrockFAR #farawayclosetohome
Or, contact the Camp Host through Hipcamp direct message.
Splitrock Farm and Retreat started in January 2021 after a global search of a place to set roots, live off the land, and create an amazing place for recreation, relaxation, and rejuvenation.
Splitrock was part of a 160-acre avocado farm that prospered from 1970 to 2017, generating over 1million pounds of avocados per year until the previous owners switched off the water in 2017. Ben purchased 101 acres in 2021 with plans to harvest the dead avocado trees for firewood and replant with organic, sustainable crops such as grapes, citrus trees, and flowers.
Splitrock's attraction comes from its unique groves, magnificent granite boulders, and sweeping vistas. Mixed within the avocado groves are several ancient groves and solitary trees that include 150+ foot tall pines, hundreds of old oaks, and soaring palms. Freckled throughout the hillsides are thousands of humongous granite boulders, offering a prehistoric feel to the landscape. Above all, Splitrock offers unrivaled views. Over 40 miles of coastline includes views to Point Loma, the Carlsbad power station, and the Pendleton Hospital. To the northeast are views of near 11K foot snowy peaks of San Jacinto and San Gorgonio, with rolling hills of De Luz and Fallbrook in the foreground.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
San Bernardino National Forest
3. San Bernardino National Forest
94%
(151)
National forest 66mi from San Bernardino · 863 sites
Test your summiting skills on some of Southern California's most picturesque peaks.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Cleveland National Forest
4. Cleveland National Forest
93%
(85)
National forest 99mi from San Bernardino · 436 sites
Hike, camp, or gaze up at the Milky Way in California’s southernmost national forest.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community
L
Lucinda
2 weeks ago
16 ft truck camper
Even in the group campsite, I was able to take a space off to myself. I loved that. I had a lovely time in a lovely location.
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Whitney
2 weeks ago
Tent
This was such an amazing experience! Waking up to the sunrise was the cherry on top. It was so beautiful and I felt safe as a solo female traveler. Shayna was so kind as well! I highly recommend.
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D
DeAngelo
2 weeks ago
Tent
Horizons is about as private as a campsite gets. Provides amazing views with lots of space to hike and explore. It’s not very far from the restrooms and is a good distance away from the goats if you like your space. Only complaint is that the restrooms and showers were a little janky, but they’re kept pretty clean and they work (with warm water) so 9/10 overall!👍👍
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Deb
2 weeks ago
20 ft travel trailer
Beautiful land and views. Lots of places to walk and enjoy the sunset/sunrise. The goats were our favorite part of the experience.
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M
Michael
2 weeks ago
Tent
Group trip
Wonderful property with amazing views of rainbow valley and beyond. Easy to access and use all the amenities like showers, bathrooms, and running water at each camp site. Friendly staff and all other campers were lovely people.
Walking the property was a delight, we got to see wildlife, some of the goats on the property came up to say hi while we were on the trail, as did one of the dogs who was very friendly.
The Granite Tabernacle campsite was very spacious and accomdating, plenty of designated parking, two fire pits (one with plenty of space for 9-10 people and one inside the tabernacle itself with room for 6-7 people) were both very nice.
Four wheel drive vehicles possibly recommended for navigating vehicles to campsites, but not required. Just bring a car with somewhat higher clearance underneath.
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M
Min
2 weeks ago
Tent
With pets
Nice spot that felt secluded yet close to restrooms, running water, etc. Camps are far apart that you can't hear anything from others.
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S
Stephen
2 weeks ago
Tent
With kids
Great campsite had a great time. The hosts were very accommodating and responsive
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A
Adrea
3 weeks ago
Tent
With pets
Loved camping at granite tabernacle! Great views, beautiful nature.
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R
Rocio
3 weeks ago
Tent
Absolutely beautiful, peaceful, serene, and just what I needed for this past weekend. My father’s 10th year deathversay and late mother’s birthday was this past weekend. I needed solitude and to just be with my emotions. Staying at Buddha Cave gave me just that. The space I needed to just be. Shayna & the other folks I saw drive by were extremely friendly, and kind. They gave me my space but reassured me that they were close if I needed anything. I slept one night in the cave and the second night I camped outside the cave just to see more of the stars. Both places were magical. Thank you Shayna again, for allowing me to stay here. I will be back to show off your space with my family. 🩷
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J
Joaquin
3 weeks ago
Tent
The campsite was great! It was beautiful with the giant boulders surrounding it. There were a few other people hiking around but it was still peaceful and quiet. Would definitely return!
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N
Nic
3 weeks ago
Tent
Beautiful spot, friendly folks, mostly quiet. Loved it and had a great time.
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J
Julie
3 weeks ago
16 ft car
We had the best time at Splitrock! Huge campsite, bathrooms, fire pit etc- everything we needed. The baby goats were the highlight for sure. Woke up to the goats roaming through our site. Would definitely stay here again, especially if we were looking for a place to camp with a large group.
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C
CeCe
3 weeks ago
Tent
Group trip
This was an amazing place to camp! We had a short visit for a retreat with around 100 people, and Benjamin and his team were extremely attentive and helpful. It was a beautiful place, the bathrooms were clean and nice! We were visited by the goats and dogs, they were so awesome! Absolutely loved this campsite, would highly recommend!
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H
Hannah
3 weeks ago
Tent
What a special place! Such wonderful hospitality by the hosts - so happy with our stay. Beautiful sunset and sunrise. Quiet, still, peaceful and comfortable. Cannot recommend enough.
See moreA
Allysa
3 weeks ago
19 ft rooftop tent
Beautiful site! Loved being greeted by the goats in the morning
See moreJ
Jay
March 2026
Tent
Absolutely beautiful area! Great views and well maintained area
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D
Duncan
March 2026
29 ft pop-up camper
Great place to visit ! Lots of wildlife and nice facilities. Very steep narrow road to get there and don’t let google maps take you the back way as it is even steeper ! Come up from Oceanside and it’s not too bad :)
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G
Guy
March 2026
Tent
Nice campsite in a rock enclosure - if you pitch a tent it needs to be small and self standing. The Sanctuary is great - super friendly chill people and a pretty interesting history. The location is also really cool - lots of giant boulder mounds to explore and some nice walks on the property which is over 600 acres and similar in landscape to the north end of the Joshua Tree reserve. Campsites are private and spaced out - you won’t have to worry about loud neighbours. All in all I’d recommend it - it’s quirky and unique and beautiful.
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James
March 2026
20 ft campervan
I had a great experience. Such a cool place with awesome animals roaming minding their own business.. Great views everywhere! I would highly recommend!
See moreA
Austin
March 2026
Tent
With pets
Splitrock is a rustic plot of land, great for families! Free range goats and dogs, pay extra for the baby goat encounter. Check the weather beforehand....if there's high winds book another night! Otherwise it's great!
See moreSan Bernardino camping guide
Where to go
San Bernardino Surrounds
For a quick nature excursion near San Bernardino, check out Box Springs Mountain Reserve Park, where you can get a panoramic view of the area from a 3,000-plus-foot peak. Chino Hills State Park is another great local option with more than 90 miles of hiking, biking, and equestrian trails. The campground at Chino Hills has tent sites with picnic tables and restrooms, while RV travelers can also find a variety of San Bernardino RV parks with full hookups, free wifi, dump stations, and everything else needed for travel in a big rig or camper.
San Bernardino Mountains
Much of the San Bernardino Mountains north of the city are preserved by the San Bernardino National Forest. Within this park system are 42 campgrounds, hundreds of miles of trails, and the highest peak in Southern California: the 11,499-foot San Gorgonio Mountain. The Silverwood Lake State Recreation Area and Big Bear Lake are also in this range, the latter of which sits at 6,752 feet of elevation and features a winter ski run.
Mount San Jacinto State Park and Wilderness
The Mount San Jacinto State Park and Wilderness spans 14,000 acres in the San Jacinto Mountains. With granite cliffs, Sequoia trees, and stunning views, this region feels more like the High Sierra than Southern California. There are campgrounds and rugged hiking trails near the park in Idyllwild, or you can start in Palm Springs and let the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway whisk you to 8,516 feet, where hiking trails depart from the tram’s Mountain Station.
When to go
There are year-round camping options in San Bernardino due to its proximity to varied climates. While the San Bernardino Valley can become uncomfortably hot in summer, this is a great season to camp at the more temperate beach and mountain areas nearby. Conversely, both the valley and nearby desert sites like Joshua Tree National Park are ideal for a winter camping getaway.
