North Shore Campground

For Californians seeking a refreshing escape to the mountains, far from the urban bustle, North Shore Campground in the San Bernardino National Forest presents a truly inviting opportunity. Nestled amidst towering pines and oaks, this cherished campground offers a serene and welcoming environment for families and individuals alike. Many locals have made North Shore their go-to spot for years, returning time and again for its tranquil atmosphere and friendly community vibe. It's a place where you can truly unwind and reconnect with nature, creating lasting memories amidst the stunning beauty of California's high country.

North Shore Campground is a small, family-friendly campground operated by the US Forest Service within the vast San Bernardino National Forest. Located about 23 miles northeast of San Bernardino, and just 3 miles from the charming Lake Arrowhead Village, it offers a perfect blend of natural seclusion and convenient access to local amenities. This campground is renowned for its peaceful ambiance, often described as "very peaceful" by long-time visitors.

With 28 campsites, including 6 available on a first-come, first-served basis and 22 reservable sites, North Shore caters primarily to tent campers, though some sites can accommodate RVs and trailers up to 25 feet. It's an ideal destination for those who appreciate traditional camping with essential amenities. One of the standout features consistently praised by visitors is the presence of dedicated and welcoming camp hosts, like Mike and Mary Ann, who are noted for their friendliness and attentiveness. As one reviewer enthusiastically shared, "We had amazing time, our camp host Mike and his wife Mary Ann were so welcoming and friendly. I saw that they talk to all their camping families. The restrooms were always clean. They would always drive around and check on all the guests. I’ll define visiting here again!" This level of care significantly enhances the camping experience, ensuring that guests feel comfortable and well-supported during their stay. While showers are not available, the campground's overall peacefulness and cleanliness make it a highly desirable spot for many.

North Shore Campground is strategically located at 29102 Hospital Rd, San Bernardino, CA 92402, USA, within the beautiful San Bernardino National Forest. This places it approximately 23 miles northeast of the city of San Bernardino, and a mere 3 miles from the popular Lake Arrowhead Village.

Access to the campground is generally straightforward via well-maintained roads. From San Bernardino, visitors would typically take Highway 18 (Rim of the World Highway) or Highway 330, leading them into the mountain communities. Once in the vicinity of Lake Arrowhead, local roads provide direct access to the campground. The "Hospital Road" address indicates its close proximity to Lake Arrowhead Hospital, which can be a reassuring detail for some campers.

While some campsites require a short walk from the parking spur to the actual tent pad, most are designed for easy access. The campground can accommodate tents, trailers, and RVs, though it's important to note that RVs and trailers are generally limited to 25 feet in length, and no hookups are available. During the winter months (typically mid-September to mid-April), mountain roads in the San Bernardino National Forest can be subject to snow and ice, leading to closures. It is always crucial to check current road conditions and weather forecasts with the US Forest Service before planning a trip during these periods. The convenient location allows for quick trips to nearby towns for supplies or to explore the charming villages and various attractions of the Lake Arrowhead area.

North Shore Campground provides a range of essential services designed to offer a comfortable and well-maintained camping experience in a natural setting. While it maintains a rustic ambiance, it ensures that key facilities are available for its campers.

• Single-Family Campsites: The campground features 28 individual campsites, suitable for single families. Each site typically includes a picnic table and a campfire ring with a grill, providing dedicated spaces for cooking and gathering.
• Tent and RV Accommodation: While primarily known for tent camping, North Shore can accommodate RVs and trailers up to 25 feet in length in some sites. It's important to note that no hookups (electric, water, or sewer) are available for RVs at these sites.
• Flush Toilets: A significant convenience, especially for a mountain campground, is the provision of flush toilets. Reviews frequently commend the cleanliness of these facilities, with one stating, "The restrooms were always clean."
• Drinking Water: Potable drinking water is available within the campground, ensuring campers have access to fresh water for their needs.
• On-Site Camp Host: A highly valued service, North Shore Campground benefits from the presence of dedicated camp hosts. These hosts are known for being "welcoming and friendly," "talk to all their camping families," and "would always drive around and check on all the guests." Their presence enhances safety, cleanliness, and overall visitor experience.
• Food Storage Lockers: Each campsite is equipped with a food storage locker, crucial for protecting food and scented items from local wildlife, particularly bears.
• Firewood for Sale: Firewood is typically available for purchase from the camp host, providing a convenient source for campfires (when fire restrictions permit).

While a major "downfall" noted by a reviewer is the "no showers," the presence of clean flush toilets and potable water still elevates the comfort level significantly for a national forest campground. Campers should plan accordingly for personal hygiene by bringing portable showers or utilizing body wipes.

North Shore Campground offers several compelling features and highlights that consistently draw campers back, making it a beloved spot in the San Bernardino National Forest.

• Peaceful and Quiet Atmosphere: Overwhelmingly, visitors praise the campground's tranquility. Described as a "very peaceful" and "quiet place to camp, away from the hustle and bustle," it's ideal for those seeking relaxation and a break from noise. The small size of the campground contributes to this serene environment.
• Exceptional Camp Hosts: The friendly and attentive camp hosts, like Mike and Mary Ann, are a significant highlight. Their dedication to cleanliness ("restrooms were always clean") and visitor well-being ("always drive around and check on all the guests") creates a welcoming and safe community atmosphere, distinguishing North Shore from other campgrounds.
• Clean and Accessible Restrooms: The availability of clean flush toilets is a major convenience for campers, providing a more comfortable experience compared to pit toilets found at more primitive sites.
• Beautiful Natural Setting: Nestled within a mixed oak and conifer forest at an elevation of 5,354 feet, the campground offers a picturesque backdrop for camping. The natural beauty of the San Bernardino Mountains provides a refreshing environment.
• Proximity to Lake Arrowhead and Lake Gregory: While Lake Arrowhead itself is a private lake with no public access, its close proximity (3 miles) means campers are near a charming mountain village with shops and restaurants. Additionally, Lake Gregory is just 20 minutes away and offers public access for fishing, boat rentals, and a waterslide park, providing excellent recreational alternatives.
• North Shore National Recreation Trail: The campground connects to the North Shore National Recreation Trail, a 1.7-mile trail that descends through a mixed conifer forest along Little Bear Creek, offering scenic views and hiking opportunities directly from the camp.
• Long-Standing Reputation: The fact that visitors have been "coming here for over 16 years" speaks volumes about the consistent positive experience and enduring appeal of North Shore Campground.

For information regarding North Shore Campground, including reservations, current conditions, and general inquiries, the primary contact is through the federal reservation system and the local US Forest Service office.

Reservations (Recreation.gov):

Website: www.recreation.gov (Search for "North Shore (CA), San Bernardino National Forest")

Phone: (877) 444-6777 (This is the National Recreation Reservation Service number, which aligns with the provided phone numbers).

Reservations for North Shore Campground can be made up to 6 months in advance. It's highly recommended to book early, especially for popular weekends and holidays, as it is a small and peaceful campground.

U.S. Forest Service – San Bernardino National Forest (Mountaintop Ranger District):

For specific inquiries about fire restrictions, road conditions, and local alerts, contacting the Mountaintop Ranger District is advisable.

Address: 40971 North Shore Drive, Highway 38, Fawnskin, CA 92333, USA (This is the Discovery Center address, but it serves as the main point of contact for the district managing North Shore).

Phone: (909) 382-2790 (This is the general information line for the Mountaintop Ranger District).

Official Website: www.fs.usda.gov/sbnf (Navigate to "Recreation" then "Camping & Cabins" and search for "North Shore Family Campground" for detailed information).

While the address provided (29102 Hospital Rd, San Bernardino, CA 92402) is the physical location of the campground, direct phone calls to the campground itself are typically not possible. All reservations and most detailed information are handled by Recreation.gov and the Forest Service district office.

For Californians, North Shore Campground offers an exceptionally suitable and appealing option for a local mountain getaway, embodying the ideal balance of natural beauty, peace, and convenient access. It stands out as a prime destination for those seeking a genuine escape into the San Bernardino Mountains without having to travel too far or compromise on essential comforts.

Firstly, its prime location near Lake Arrowhead provides the quintessential Southern California mountain experience. Locals can quickly transition from the bustling urban environment to the tranquil serenity of the forest. The manageable size of the campground, as highlighted by many, ensures a "peaceful" and uncrowded atmosphere, a true luxury in California's popular outdoor destinations. This allows for genuine relaxation and a deeper connection with nature, which is often the primary goal for city dwellers seeking a break.

Secondly, the campground's commitment to cleanliness, particularly its "always clean" flush toilets, significantly enhances the comfort level for families and those who prefer more developed amenities without sacrificing the outdoor feel. The presence of friendly and attentive camp hosts, as universally praised by visitors, adds a layer of security and community that makes all the difference, fostering a welcoming environment where locals feel at home.

Finally, despite the lack of showers, North Shore Campground’s combination of affordability (reservable through Recreation.gov), beautiful setting, and access to nearby recreational opportunities like hiking trails and Lake Gregory, makes it a highly practical and rewarding choice. For Californians looking for a reliable, quiet, and well-maintained basecamp to explore their stunning local mountains, North Shore Campground is undoubtedly a top contender, promising memorable outdoor adventures year after year.

North Shore Campground

29102 Hospital Rd, San Bernardino, CA 92402, USA