Barton Flats Campground

For Californians seeking a refreshing escape to the mountains without sacrificing comfort, Barton Flats Campground in Angelus Oaks stands out as a top-tier destination. Nestled amidst the majestic pines of the San Bernardino National Forest, this campground offers a balance of pristine natural beauty and excellent amenities, making it a highly recommended spot for families, couples, and solo adventurers alike. Its well-maintained facilities, friendly hosts, and convenient access to outdoor activities provide an ideal setting for creating lasting memories in the heart of Southern California's beloved mountains. It's the kind of place that consistently receives glowing reviews for its cleanliness and overall camping experience, drawing visitors back season after season.

Barton Flats Campground is widely recognized as one of the more developed and well-managed Forest Service camps in Southern California. Visitors consistently praise its upkeep, with comments frequently highlighting the "clean and thoughtfully arranged" campsites and "top-notch" cleanliness of the facilities. The campground offers a generous spacing between sites, providing a welcome sense of privacy, with one reviewer specifically noting a "large open field behind us and minimal road noise at night, creating a peaceful and quiet environment." This attention to detail in layout contributes significantly to a tranquil and enjoyable stay. While one review mentioned issues with noise from other campers despite host assurances, numerous other accounts commend the peaceful evenings and professional demeanor of the camp hosts, like Bob, who are attentive to site upkeep and security, often treating campers "like an old friend." The presence of modern conveniences such as flush toilets and showers with newly installed hot water heaters further elevates the camping experience, setting it apart from more primitive sites. Despite occasional minor concerns like aggressive scrub jays or proximity to a highway for some sites, the overall sentiment points to a "wonderful experience" that campers "would highly recommend." Its commitment to cleanliness, excellent amenities, and welcoming atmosphere make Barton Flats a premier choice for those looking for a well-managed and comfortable outdoor adventure in the San Bernardino Mountains.

Barton Flats Campground is strategically located on CA-38, Angelus Oaks, CA 92305, USA. This address places it within the heart of the San Bernardino National Forest, approximately 36 miles northeast of San Bernardino. California State Route 38 is a key scenic highway that meanders through the forest, connecting communities like Angelus Oaks with the larger Big Bear Lake area. The campground's position on this well-traveled route makes it highly accessible for visitors coming from various parts of Southern California.

Accessibility to Barton Flats Campground is notably easy, as highlighted by a visitor who noted the "drive to the campground was absolutely beautiful and surprisingly accessible—any vehicle can make the trip without the need for four-wheel drive, which was a relief." CA-38 is a paved highway, ensuring a smooth journey for all types of vehicles. While some sites might experience "some road noise if you’re in that side from racing cars," particularly those closer to the highway, many sites, like #37 mentioned in a review, offer "minimal road noise at night." The campground is situated at an elevation of about 6,400 feet, providing a cooler retreat during California's warmer months. Parking is available at each site, and while most spaces can accommodate RVs and trailers up to 35 feet, visitors with larger setups should be mindful that "most parking spots are smaller, only a couple can fit trailers." Bear boxes are provided at each campsite for food storage, a crucial amenity in this known bear country, though actual sightings vary. The nearest place to get ice is about a "15-20 min drive downhill," which is a small consideration for planning. Overall, Barton Flats offers a convenient and straightforward journey into a comfortable mountain camping environment.

Barton Flats Campground is well-equipped with a range of services that enhance the camping experience, providing a comfortable and convenient stay in the outdoors.

Services Offered:

• 52 Spacious Campsites: The campground features a good number of sites, accommodating tents, trailers, and RVs (up to 35 feet). Eight of these are "double sites" for larger groups.
• Flush Toilets and Sinks: Restrooms are equipped with modern flush toilets and sinks, ensuring a higher level of comfort and hygiene.
• Hot Showers: Showers are available with newly installed hot water heaters, a highly valued amenity for campers, though bringing shower shoes is recommended.
• Potable Drinking Water: Water access is convenient, with spigots located near restrooms.
• Fire Rings and Grates: Each site includes a fire ring with a grate for campfire cooking and warmth.
• Picnic Tables: Every campsite is furnished with a picnic table for dining and gathering.
• Food Storage Lockers (Bear Boxes): Metal bear boxes are provided at each site for safe food storage, essential in bear country.
• RV Dump Station: An on-site dump station is available for RVs for a fee ($10).
• Camp Host: Friendly and professional camp hosts, like Bob, are on-site to assist campers, maintain cleanliness, and ensure security. Firewood is also available for sale from the host.
• Reservable Sites: Most sites are reservable up to 6 months in advance through Recreation.gov or by phone, with a small number potentially available first-come, first-served.
• Fees: Single sites cost around $36-$38 per night, and double sites are around $71-$73. An additional vehicle fee of $8 per night applies.

Barton Flats Campground boasts a variety of features and highlights that make it a standout choice for a mountain getaway in California.

Features / Highlights:

• Excellent Cleanliness and Maintenance: Consistently rated highly for its clean sites and well-kept facilities, including restrooms with flush toilets and hot showers.
• Generous Site Spacing: Campsites are thoughtfully arranged with ample space between them, providing a good sense of privacy and a less crowded feel.
• Friendly and Attentive Camp Hosts: Campers frequently praise the welcoming and helpful nature of the hosts, who contribute significantly to a positive experience.
• Beautiful Mountain Scenery: Located at 6,400 feet elevation within the towering pines of the San Bernardino National Forest, offering stunning natural vistas.
• Minimal Nighttime Road Noise (for many sites): Despite proximity to the highway, many sites offer a peaceful and quiet environment, particularly those further from the road.
• Convenient Access to Amenities: Sites are often located conveniently near restrooms and water access points.
• Level Campsites with Shade: Many sites are level, making set-up easy, and offer a comfortable amount of shade from the sun.
• Proximity to Jenks Lake and Santa Ana River: Jenks Lake is a short hike (approximately 20 minutes) or drive away, offering opportunities for swimming, fishing (check fish planting schedules), and picnicking. The Santa Ana River is also nearby for fishing.
• Hiking and Biking Trails: Access to a variety of trails directly from or near the campground, including connections to the Santa Ana River Trail (SART) and other scenic routes.
• Wildlife Viewing Opportunities: The area is known for wildlife, including various bird species (like scrub jays) and the potential for bear sightings (requiring proper food storage in bear boxes).
• Cell Service: Fair cell service is available in the area, which can be a plus for those who need to stay moderately connected.
• Seasonal Operation: Open from mid-March to late October, providing ample opportunity for spring, summer, and fall camping.

For reservations, information, or to contact Barton Flats Campground, please use the following details:

Address: CA-38, Angelus Oaks, CA 92305, USA

Phone (Reservations & Information): (877) 444-6777

Mobile Phone: +1 877-444-6777

Reservations can typically be made up to 6 months in advance through Recreation.gov or by calling the provided phone number. It is highly recommended to make reservations, especially for weekend and holiday stays, as this is a popular campground. For immediate concerns or local information during your stay, the on-site camp hosts are available. For more detailed forest information, the Mountain Top Ranger District / Big Bear Discovery Center (909-382-2790) can also be contacted.

Barton Flats Campground is an outstanding choice for locals in California, especially those in Southern California, who are seeking a balanced and enjoyable mountain camping experience. Firstly, its accessibility via CA-38 means a beautiful and straightforward drive from many urban centers, making it a convenient option for weekend getaways without extensive travel time. This ease of reach allows Californians to quickly trade cityscapes for towering pines and fresh mountain air.

Secondly, the campground's impressive amenities, including flush toilets, hot showers, and potable water, provide a level of comfort that appeals to a wide range of campers, from families with young children to those who prefer a less rustic experience. The well-maintained sites with picnic tables, fire rings, and crucial bear boxes demonstrate a commitment to both camper comfort and safety, reflecting the professionalism that locals appreciate. The "generous spacing between campsites" also ensures a sense of privacy, a valuable commodity in popular recreational areas.

Furthermore, Barton Flats serves as an excellent basecamp for exploring the diverse recreational opportunities of the San Bernardino National Forest. With easy access to hiking and biking trails, and the close proximity to Jenks Lake for fishing and swimming, locals can fully immerse themselves in the outdoor activities that define the California mountain lifestyle. Despite some varied experiences with noise levels, the overwhelming consensus points to a "clean, quiet, and well-managed place" that fosters a sense of peace and relaxation. For Californians looking for a reliable, well-equipped, and scenic mountain campground to create cherished memories, Barton Flats consistently delivers on its promise of a wonderful outdoor experience right in their backyard.

Barton Flats Campground

CA-38, Angelus Oaks, CA 92305, USA