The San Bernardino National Forest in Southern California spans two main divisions: the eastern San Gabriel and San Bernardino Mountains of the Transverse Ranges and the San Jacinto and Santa Rosa Mountains of the Peninsular Ranges. This diverse forest is home to various tree species, particularly conifers like ponderosa, Jeffrey, sugar, Coulter, lodgepole, single-leaf pinyon, and knob cone pines. Visitors can explore the forest’s natural beauty with the convenience of renting an RV on RVShare online.
San Bernardino National Forest offers excellent RV camping options for nature enthusiasts. Marion Mountain Campground provides stunning mountain views and vibrant sunsets in an alpine forest at 6,400 feet. Applewhite Campground, near Lytle Creek, offers a peaceful escape surrounded by trees and easy access to the nearby picnic area. Fern Basin Campground combines modern amenities with proximity to activities like hiking, rock climbing, and mountain biking within a 10-mile radius. For a tranquil desert experience, Pinyon Flat Campground is ideal, especially in spring, when wildflowers bloom in the nearby Santa Rosa Wilderness.
Camping in San Bernardino National Forest
Whether you choose to camp within the forest or at nearby private campgrounds, there are plenty of options available for camping near San Bernardino National Forest.
Campgrounds in San Bernardino National Forest
Private Campgrounds Near San Bernardino National Forest
Situated in California, these private campgrounds offer modern amenities for a comfortable stay while providing easy access to San Bernardino National Forest. Explore nearby BLM sites, and ensure a seamless trip by utilizing convenient dump stations.
Budget-friendly Campgrounds
San Bernardino National Forest Hiking Trails
Explore a variety of hiking trails in San Bernardino National Forest.
Easy Hikes for Beginners
Challenging Trails for Hikers
Lakeside Trails
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Bertha Peak Trail
Bertha Peak Trail is an in-and-out trail located near Big Bear City, CA. The trail has great views of Big Bear Lake and the nearby snowy peaks of San Gorgonio Mountain. Dogs are allowed on leashes no longer than 6 feet.
Length: 6.8 miles
Intensity: Moderate
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Bonita Falls Trail
Located near Big Bear, Bonita Falls Trail is an in-and-out trail that crosses a creek and includes a tall waterfall on a river alongside the path. Dogs are allowed on a leash and must be under control at all times.
Length: 1.5 miles
Intensity: Moderate
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Bear Lake Woodland Trail
Bear Lake Woodland Trail is a loop trail near Big Bear City. You can pick up an interpretive guide at the trailhead and use it in conjunction with the numbered signs that are on the trail. The trail is well-maintained and offers nice views of the lake. Dogs are allowed on a leash that is no more than 6 feet.
Length: 1.6 miles
Intensity: Easy
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Castle Rock Trail
An in-and-out trail, Castle Rock Trail is on Highway 18 and is close to Big Bear Lake Village. It is a short trail with a steep incline that provides great views of Big Bear Lake and the surrounding forests of pine trees. Dogs are allowed if leashed and under control.
Length: 2.6 miles
Intensity: Moderate
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Arrowhead Pinnacles Trail
Arrowhead Pinnacles Trail is an in-and-out trail located near Lake Arrowhead, CA. If you hike in the spring and early summer, you will see a number of beautiful wildflowers along the path. The top point of the trail offers a nice view of the below terrain from the rocky formations.
Length: 1.6 miles
Intensity: Moderate
Activities in San Bernardino National Forest
Here are some interesting things to do in San Bernardino National Forest:
Identifying Flora and Fauna
The forest’s varied elevations support diverse plant species, with wildflowers blooming in spring and vibrant fall colors from black oak, aspen, and maple trees. It is home to around 440 wildlife species, including rare ones like the San Bernardino flying squirrel and California spotted owl. Black bears, introduced from Sierra Nevada, are also found here.
Fishing
Enjoy fishing in stocked streams and reservoirs for rainbow trout, catfish, bass, and bluegill.
Hiking
Explore numerous trails, including a segment of the iconic Pacific Crest Trail stretching from California to Washington.
Geocaching
Geocaching is permitted in national forests with specific guidelines; check with local Ranger Stations for details.
Stargazing
Minimal light pollution makes the San Bernardino National Forest ideal for breathtaking views of the night sky.
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Identifying Flora and Fauna
San Bernardino National Forest has a wide range of elevation levels and supports many species of plants. Acres of wildflowers bloom profusely in the spring and summer, and the fall is a great time to experience the beautiful fall colors of black oak, quaking aspen, big leaf maple, willow, and many other trees you will see throughout the area.
There are approximately 440 species of wildlife in the forest, many of which are endangered. The San Bernardino flying squirrel, California spotted owl, Southern rubber boa, Mountain yellow-legged frog, and Andrew's marbled butterfly are some of the more rare species inside the preserve. California grizzly bears once lived here, but they became extinct to the region by 1906. There are black bears, but they are not native and were imported from the Sierra Nevada Mountains.
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Fishing
The San Bernardino National Forest has a number of streams and reservoirs where you can find excellent fishing. The lakes and streams are stocked with rainbow trout, catfish, bass, and bluegill.
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Hiking
There are numerous hiking trails, including a portion of the Pacific Crest Trail. The PCT is a National Scenic Trail and travels from California to the state of Washington.
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Geocaching
All national forests allow geocaching under certain restrictions and rules. Check with the local Ranger Stations before participating in any geocaching activites.
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Stargazing
There are many opportunities for viewing the night skies inside the San Bernardino National Forest as light pollution is minimal in most of the forest.
How to get to San Bernardino National Forest
Address: Mill Creek Visitor Center, 34701 Mill Creek Road, Mentone, CA 92359
Fee: Entry fee $0
By Car
From Redlands: Take I-10 East and exit at University Street (Exit 80). Turn left (north) onto University Street, then right onto E. Lugonia Avenue/State Route 38. Follow SR-38 through Big Bear City to E. Big Bear Blvd. Turn left onto E. Big Bear Blvd./SR-38, then right onto Greenway Drive/CA-18/SR-38. Turn left onto North Shore Drive/SR-38. Continue until you reach Van Dusen Canyon Road (Forest Service Road 3N09) and turn right. Drive approximately 4 miles, then turn left onto Forest Service Road 3N16. Holcomb Valley Campground will be on the right.
From San Bernardino: Take I-10 East and merge onto CA-210 West via Exit 77 toward CA-330/Highland. Take Exit 81 and merge onto CA-330 North toward Mountain Resorts. CA-330 N transitions into CA-18 at Running Springs. Follow CA-18 to Big Bear. At the dam/bridge, turn left onto CA-38 at the signal toward Fawnskin. Continue on North Shore Drive/CA-38 through Fawnskin. Turn left onto Van Dusen Canyon Road (Forest Service Road 3N09). Drive approximately 4 miles, then turn left onto Forest Service Road 3N16.
By Air
The nearest airports to San Bernardino National Forest are:
From Ontario International Airport (ONT): Take I-10 East and merge onto I-15 North on Ontario Freeway to Sierra Avenue in Fontana for 13 miles. Follow signs to directly reach Lytle Creek Road for 1.4 miles to reach the forest.
From San Bernardino International Airport (SBD): Exit the airport and take 3rd Street to I-215 North. Continue to Sierra Avenue for 14 miles and then take exit 119 from I-15 South for 3 miles to reach the forest.
Seasonal Restrictions
Seasonal restrictions in national forests are implemented to protect natural resources, ensure visitor safety, and minimize environmental impact. These restrictions include limitations on activities such as campfires, smoking, and recreational shooting during periods of high fire risk. Fuelwood gathering follows specific seasonal guidelines while camping durations are usually capped to prevent the overuse of sites. Day-use areas have designated operating hours, and certain trails or regions are temporarily closed to preserve wildlife habitats or manage weather-related hazards. Visitors are encouraged to check with local ranger stations for current restrictions and updates.
Fees in San Bernardino National Forest
The San Bernardino National Forest has various fees depending on the area and activities. Campgrounds typically charge a fee for overnight stays, ranging from $20 to $40 per night, depending on the location and amenities. Day-use areas, such as picnic spots and trails, may also have fees, usually between $5 to $10 per vehicle. Additional fees may apply for special activities like off-roading or reserving group sites. Always check current rates before your visit.
Frequently Asked Questions About San Bernardino National Forest
What is the closest town to San Bernardino National Forest?
Big Bear is the closest town to San Bernardino National Forest. Oak Glen is also a nearby town. Yucaipa is one of the closest bigger cities where travelers can restock supplies, buy groceries, and find restaurants and lodging.
Does San Bernardino National Forest offer free camping sites?
Yes, there are free camping sites in San Bernardino National Forest. Dispersed camping is allowed in the forest and does not cost. Campers need to make sure the area is left as they found it, with no sign of camping or disturbances when they leave.
What type of wildlife lives in San Bernardino National Forest?
Wildlife in the San Bernardino National Forest includes bald eagles, peregrine falcons, bighorn sheep, black bears, mountain lions, and a variety of birds and small animals.
What is the best time to visit San Bernardino National Forest?
Summer is the best time to visit the San Bernardino National Forest. The temperatures are much cooler than in nearby San Bernardino or Los Angeles, so hiking and mountain biking is pleasant.
The forest is also a great winter destination, however, with snowshoeing and opportunities for downhill and cross-country skiing.
Do you need a permit to fish or hunt in San Bernardino National Forest?
Yes, you do need a permit to hunt in the San Bernardino National Forest. Everyone 16 and older also needs a permit to fish in San Bernardino National Forest, however, there are certain days during the year when anyone can fish without a license.
