San Bernardino National Forest

Learn about camping and boondocking in San Bernardino National Forest in California

East Flats Road

East Flats Road, San Bernardino NF How Crowded: This area gets heavily used during the warmer months, though there are plenty of campsites that it’s unlikely you’ll get denied. How Noisy or Peaceful: Weekends can get noisy from numerous campers throwing parties through the night. During the week, it’s far more peaceful. Cellular Phone Signal: Weak signal from all three carriers. Road Conditions: Hard packed dirt & gravel all the way in, 2WD vehicles are fine. Site are large enough for any sized RV. Amenities Within Campground: None. Cost of Camping: It’s free to camp at these sites, first come, first serve. Campfires: Campfires are allowed ... Read more

Coon Creek Yellow Post Sites

Coon Creek Yellow Post Sites, San Bernardino NF Note: Sites 1-10 and 15-19 have been mapped above. We have not found sites 11-14. Sites 1-10 are easy to access by any vehicle, 2WD is fine, along trailers and motorhomes. These sites are large and can fit any sized RV. Sites 15-19 will require 4WD and high clearance due to steep inclines and rough road. Sites tend to be smaller here. How Crowded: Sites 1-10 tend to be very popular due to easier road access and larger sites. Site 15-19 offer more availability due to 4WD requirement. How Noisy or Peaceful: Sites 1-10 ... Read more

Coldwater Canyon Yellow Post Sites

Coldwater Canyon Yellow Post Sites, San Bernardino NF Note: All three sites require 4WD to access. Site #17 is large enough for several vehicles, but motorhomes and long trailers are not advised due to severe road conditions. How Crowded: These sites are very popular during the warmer months. On weekends, these sites are nearly impossible to find unoccupied. How Noisy or Peaceful: Site #17 offers to most peace because it’s isolated from the other two, and is set back about 100 feet from the road. The other two sites can get noisy due to being popular with party-goers. Cellular Phone Signal: Verizon comes ... Read more

Clark’s Ranch Yellow Post Site

Clark’s Ranch Yellow Post Site, San Bernardino NF How Crowded: This single site is frequently occupied during the warmer months. You’re best to get here between Monday-Thursday in the afternoon. How Noisy or Peaceful: Very peaceful and quiet. Not many people pass by here. Cellular Phone Signal: Weak signal from all three carriers. Road Conditions: Hard packed dirt & gravel all the way in, 2WD vehicles are fine. However, we would not advise motorhomes over 30ft or trailers above 20 ft in length due to some hairpin turns and very rough, bumpy road. Amenities Within Campground: Just picnic tables and fire rings. Cost of Camping: It’s ... Read more

Black Mountain Yellow Post Sites

Black Mountain Yellow Post Sites, San Bernardino NF, San Jacinto Ranger District 4WD is definitely required due to steep inclines and rough road. Small trailers are fine as long as you have a 4WD tow vehicle. All six sites are intended for cars, vans, and pickup trucks. Motorhomes will not make it up here. How Crowded: These sites are not very busy due to the road conditions up here. How Noisy or Peaceful: Site #3 is probably going to be the most peaceful due to being isolated. The other sites are either paired together, while Site #6 is at a trailhead. Cellular ... Read more

Big Bear Yellow Post Sites

Big Bear Yellow Post Sites, San Bernardino NF Note: At one time there were as many 50-60 of these yellow post sites, today only 13 to 15 still remain usable. All of these sites are accessible via car, van, or pickup truck, and 4WD is not necessary. Small trailers are okay, but nothing larger than 20 feet due to very narrow roads in places, and hairpin turns. Do not drive Class A or Class C motorhomes into here. How Crowded: Most of these sites get filled up during the weekend. Your best bet is to get to a site between Monday-Thursday, ... Read more

Apple Canyon Yellow Post Sites

Apple Canyon Yellow Post Sites, San Bernardino NF Site #1 – Suitable for large RVs, easy to get into, however offers the least seclusion. Site #2 – The site itself is large enough for any size RV, and the site offers the most seclusion of the three yellow post sites. However the access road has some tight turns that might make this difficult. Site #3 – Suitable for large RVs, easy to get into, yet offers a good deal of seclusion. How Crowded: These sites are extremely popular. Site #3 seems to be the most popular. If you arrive on a Friday or Saturday, ... Read more

Dispersed Camping Near Big Bear, CA

Dispersed camping near Big Bear, CA can be tricky to find, but there are several options available if you're willing to try some remote places. However, there are a couple very popular areas to camp that are close to the main highway.