San Gorgonio Campground

San Bernardino National Forest

Barton Flats, San Bernardino National Forest, CA
Barton Flats, San Bernardino National Forest, CA

San Gorgonio Campground
San Bernardino National Forest


San Gorgonio Campground

San Gorgonio Campground is in the San Bernardino National Forest, 36 miles northeast of the city of San Bernardino. Campers who choose San Gorgonio find good fishing nearby at Jenks Lake and along the Santa Ana River.

Several scenic hiking and horseback riding trails can be accessed from the campground, including the popular Santa Ana River Trail. For an enjoyable day-outing, campers drive 25 miles north to Big Bear Lake. There, visitors enjoy boating, waterskiing, swimming, and hiking. At the Grayback Amphitheater, ½-mile east on Highway 38, the San Gorgonio Wilderness Association provides evening educational programs on most Saturdays and Sundays throughout the summer months.

San Gorgonio Campground has 54 fairly level campsites for RVs, trailers, and tents. The campground's 2 loops are set in a mature oak and pine forest. The western loop is more spread out, offering greater privacy between sites. Three of the sites are doubles (which the reservation website calls group sites). All of the sites can be reserved ahead of time. The campground requires a 2-day minimum stay on weekends and 3 days on holiday weekends.

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San Gorgonio Campground Basics
San Gorgonio Campground Location: 29 miles northeast of Redlands on Highway 38
Elevation: 6,360 feet
Mileage/Driving Time: Redlands - 29 miles; 41 minutes
Big Bear Lake - 25 miles; 35 minutes
Number of Campsites: 54
Campground Open: Late April - late September
Max. People per Site: 8 (including children)
Vehicles per Site: 2 vehicles, 2nd vehicle $5
Double sites 2nd vehicle free
Pets: On leash, always attended
Operated by Mountaintop Recreation for San Bernardino National Forest
Big Bear Discovery Center: (909) 382-2790

Reservations for San Gorgonio Campground
Reservations available: San Gorgonio Campground reservations are available for camping dates from mid-April through late September. Make reservations from 24 hours up to 6 months in advance of arrival date.
Maximum RV/Trailer Length: 55 feet
Accessible Sites: #9, 11-14, 16-18, 28-31, 43, 46, 49
Most facilities are accessible.
Favorite Campsites: #14, 25, 28, 36, 43, 51, 52
Fees: $34 per night for single sites ($2 more on holiday weekends)
$67 per night for double and group sites ($2 more on holiday weekends)
Campground Map: San Gorgonio Campground Map
Reservations: San Gorgonio Campground Reservations
Check-in, check-out: Check-in: 2:00 PM
Check-out: Noon

San Gorgonio Campground Amenities
Campsites: Picnic table, fire ring with grill, bear-proof food storage boxes; no hook-ups
Campground: Restrooms with flush toilets, tap water
Showers: Yes
Dump station: No, but available at neighboring Barton Flats Campground for $10
Attractions near San Gorgonio Campground:
  • Hike the 2½-mile Rio Monte Trail from the campground up to Rio Monte Panorama, overlooking the deep gorge of the Santa Ana River Valley.
  • Hike the Jenks Lake Trail.
  • Enjoy non-motorized boating at Jenks Lake.
  • Fish at Jenks Lake for bass, bluegill, sunfish, and catfish.







San Gorgonio Campground sign, San Bernardino National Forest, CA



General Camping Information

Not all campsites can accommodate trailers or RVs of all lengths. Check carefully on the reservation site when you make your reservation to be sure your vehicle will fit your campsite.

Accessible Sites

Designated Accessible sites are usually reserved for people with disabilities who have a vehicle displaying an accessible parking placard or license plate.



San Gorgonio Campground, San Bernardino National Forest, CA

San Gorgonio Campground

Reviews from Previous Campers

- 2024 -

  • Campsites were spacious.
  • Friendly, helpful camp hosts.
  • Restrooms clean.
  • Showers had cold water.
  • Camp hosts did great job of enforcing quiet hours.

San Bernardino National Forest
Attractions and Activities

Campers staying at San Gorgonio Campground are close to many of the national forest's great attractions.

  • Head over to Jenks Lake for fishing for bass, catfish, bluegill, and rainbow trout.
  • Enjoy the Jenks Lake Day Use Area with restrooms, picnic sites, shore and dock fishing, and hiking.
  • Stop by the Barton Flats Visitor Center and participate in nature walks, interpretive programs, and an astronomy program. Attend the annual Forest Festival held in mid-August.
  • Pick fresh apples in the fall at nearby Stenson Creek Ranch.
  • Drive to Big Bear Lake and take advantage of boat rentals and get out on the lake for fishing, wakeboarding, and waterskiing.
  • Explore the lake's shoreline by paddleboard, canoe, or kayak.
  • Find out about everything around the Big Bear Lake area at the Big Bear Discovery Center
  • Find excellent mountain biking and road cycling opportunities in the area.
  • In the summer Snow Summit has scenic Sky Chairlift rides, sight-seeing, hiking, mountain biking, and golf.
  • Have fun at Alpine Slide. They have an alpine slide, a water slide, go-karts, and miniature golf.
  • Trail rides at Baldwin Lake Stables
  • Tour the interesting Big Bear Historical Museum.
  • Play a set or two of tennis or a round of golf.
  • For even more excitement, head out to Action Zipline Tours.



Key San Gorgonio Campground Regulations

  1. Campfires are only permitted in provided fire rings.
  2. Quiet Hours run from 10:00 PM to 6:00 AM.
  3. Dogs are required to be on leash and always attended.
  4. Avoid problems with bears by securing food in bear proof food lockers.
  5. Prevent the spread of invasive insects by obtaining firewood locally.

    Check San Bernardino National Forest - San Gorgonio Campground for any campground updates.