94% (145 reviews)
Discover the most magical spots to pitch your tent or park your rig on your next San Bernardino National Forest adventure.
Test your summiting skills on some of Southern California's most picturesque peaks.
Popular ways to camp
Community favorites near San Bernardino National Forest
Top-rated campgrounds reviewed by the Hipcamp community.
Public campgrounds in the park
Stay at a public campground in San Bernardino National Forest
Top-rated campgrounds near San Bernardino National Forest
The best camping near San Bernardino National Forest guide
Overview
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 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.
Nearby attractions
- Step into the heart of the desert while camping near Mojave Trails National Monument. An untamed wilderness offering unique landscapes, Mojave Trails camping is your chance to experience stunning sunsets, ancient lava flows, and historical routes. A truly magnificent place to reconnect with nature!
- Camping near Sand to Snow National Monument is like stepping into an outdoor paradise. With a diverse landscape from desert to snowy peaks, the camping experience here is as rich as the area's biodiversity. Embrace the true spirit of Sand to Snow camping!
- Experience the joy of camping near Frank G. Bonelli Regional Park, a haven for outdoor enthusiasts. Overlooking the shimmering Puddingstone Lake, it offers abundant recreational activities, making your camping trip fun-filled and memorable.
- Embark on an unforgettable camping adventure near Tahquitz Rock, a majestic rock formation in Southern California. Camp in the serene wilderness, marvel at the towering rock, and witness breathtaking views.
- Experience the thrill of camping near Suicide Rock, a majestic rock formation with breathtaking views. Set up camp amidst the scenic landscapes, hike to the summit, and be rewarded with panoramic vistas.
- Experience the wonders of camping at William Heise County Park, a hidden gem nestled in nature's embrace. Set up camp amidst towering trees and enjoy the peacefulness of the surroundings.
94%
145 ratings · 63 reviews
Recommends
· May 2025
Black Mountain Yellow Post Sites
Great site!
Ami A.
2 reviews
Recommends
· April 2020
Crab Flats Campground
Decent campground with some pretty views near Lake Arrowhead etc. Took my mom camping here for her birthday when I couldn't find anything else available in the area.
Hollie W.
5 reviews
April 2019
Barton Flats Campground
10/10 would recommend this campground. First off the camp hosts were so welcoming and friendly. They were beyond knowledgable and helpful with any questions we had. The bathrooms were always clean and supplied with toilet paper. Location was perfect, we stopped by Big Bear on our way home - such a beautiful drive!
Jordan L.
6 years on Hipcamp
April 2019
Tent Peg Group Campground
Really nice group campground with shade and it’s own little meadow. Private vault bathrooms too! The road is a pretty awful dirt road so I would not recommend an RV or lowered vehicle. Lots of OHV trails around the campground as well.
Jen T.
10 years on Hipcamp
September 2018
Boulder Basin Campground
Really lovely campground for a weekend out of L.A!
The road in can be a little bumpy but it's fine if you don't have a 4WD (I saw a Tesla sedan in there, as well as an old Kombi bus and an ancient Celica!).
The sites are nice but pretty close to each other, so if there's kids or other noisemakers it will feel like they're in your tent with you. Also, I'd avoid the sites next to the restrooms if you can.
Jessie J.
9 years on Hipcamp
August 2018
South Fork Family Campground
My friend and I decided, on a Saturday morning in the summer, to camp in Big Bear for the weekend. We had hoped to get a first come, first serve site at our go to, Heartbar Campground, but they were booked. Luckily, this campsite had openings. Most of the sites are pretty spread out so you're not right up next to other campers and there is a pretty little creek along one side of the campsite. The only negative would be that it is right next to a highway so there is that constant traffic noise. BUT, loved the site and will be camping there again on our next last minute mountain trip!
Megan G.
2 reviews
October 2017
Serrano Campground
Just camped here over the weekend. While it was pretty crowded, I absolutely loved the stay. The forrest and lake are beautiful, there are some fantastic hiking trails, and there are all the amenities you could ask for. 10/10!
Alex E.
8 years on Hipcamp
Recommends
· September 2017
Green Valley Campground
Great for two families with kids if you get the two adjacent sites in the back (sites 21,22 I think)
Todd W.
7 years on Hipcamp
Recommends
· September 2017
Santa Rosa Yellow Post Sites
This is pretty primitive camping. High ground clearance is a must in the summer and 4wd required in the winter. There is one vault toilet on the mountain, and no source of potable water. For a real challenge try to find the USMC helicopter that crashed on the mountain in 1968, much of the remains are still there.
A
Andrew O.
7 years on Hipcamp
September 2017
Gray's Peak Group Campground
This spot is great for large groups. It is fairly secluded but a very large space. There are 6 picnic tables and two large grills as well as a fire pit and outdoor bathroom. The road to get in can be a little bumpy as it is dirt but I was able to get my fiat in and was fine. I loved how large the space was and there is some room to go exploring around the campsite.
Britta W.
3 reviews
September 2017
Marion Mountain Campground
Awesome spot close to LA!
Stayed on a Thursday night in mid September at campsite #8. Girlfriend and I wanted to take our pup for her first adventure, and access to the campground is easy. Site 8 has a beautiful view of the valley, especially at sunset. The sites have a picnic table, fire pit and are generally flat and clear of obstacles. There was no access to water when we visited. Sites seemed to be fairly spread out, but could still hear neighbors after quiet hours unfortunately.
Close to Marion Mountain trial head and Idyllwild is a short drive away for supplies and firewood.
All in all, would recommend. Will be coming back again!
Sean W.
7 years on Hipcamp
Recommends
· September 2017
Serrano Campground
Nice spot by the water
Anna P.
7 years on Hipcamp
Top national forests near San Bernardino National Forest
Top points of interest near San Bernardino National Forest
- San Bernardino National Forest