San Gorgonio Family Campground

For us Californians, few things beat the allure of escaping to the mountains for a refreshing outdoor adventure. San Gorgonio Family Campground, nestled in the scenic San Bernardino National Forest near Angelus Oaks, offers precisely that: a wonderful blend of natural beauty, thoughtful amenities, and a family-friendly atmosphere that makes it a top choice for a memorable camping trip. If you're seeking a comfortable base for exploring Southern California's stunning peaks and trails, this campground deserves a spot on your itinerary.

San Gorgonio is widely praised as a "great family campground," known for its spacious sites, many of which are double sites providing even more room than some other nearby options like Barton Flats. This extra space ensures privacy and comfort, allowing families to spread out, set up large tents, and truly enjoy their surroundings. The campground is well-maintained, featuring clean facilities including flush toilets and even hot showers – a welcome luxury after a day of hiking or exploring. The presence of helpful and friendly camp hosts, who often sell firewood and check in on campers, significantly enhances the overall positive experience.

While conveniently located close to Highway 38 (which means you might hear some road noise, especially on weekends), the trade-off is easy accessibility to both the campground itself and the myriad of recreational opportunities in the surrounding area, including the majestic San Gorgonio Wilderness. With ample shade from numerous trees, a campfire ring, picnic table, and bear box at each site, San Gorgonio Family Campground provides everything you need for a comfortable and enjoyable mountain escape, making it a beloved spot for locals to return to time and again.

San Gorgonio Family Campground is strategically located at 43064 CA-38, Angelus Oaks, CA 92305, USA, placing it firmly within the beautiful San Bernardino National Forest. This position makes it an excellent gateway to the region's vast recreational opportunities, including the San Gorgonio Wilderness, which boasts the highest peak in Southern California, San Gorgonio Mountain.

The campground’s address directly on Highway 38 provides exceptionally easy access for campers arriving by car, RV, or trailer. This main highway is a well-maintained paved road that efficiently connects the campground to nearby communities like Angelus Oaks (where you can find limited groceries and a convenience store about 15 minutes away) and the more bustling Big Bear Lake area, which is approximately 25 miles away. The straightforward drive minimizes travel time and navigation challenges, making it a convenient destination for families and those with larger vehicles.

While the proximity to the highway offers ease of access, some visitors note that road noise can be audible, particularly during busier times. However, for many, this minor trade-off is well worth the convenience of reaching a well-equipped campground without venturing far onto unpaved or challenging forest roads. The elevation of the campground is approximately 6,500 feet, providing a cooler mountain climate that is often a welcome respite during warmer California months. Its location also offers direct access to various hiking trails, connecting campers immediately to the natural wonders of the San Bernardino Mountains.

San Gorgonio Family Campground is well-equipped with a range of services and amenities designed to provide a comfortable and convenient camping experience for families and individuals. These facilities aim to enhance your stay in the San Bernardino National Forest:

• Spacious Campsites: The campground features 54 spacious campsites, including several "double sites" (like sites 4, 6, 10, 15, 33, 41, 45, and 48) that offer more room and can accommodate up to two vehicles and 16 campers. These sites are larger than many standard sites, providing more privacy and space.
• Campsite Amenities: Each individual campsite is outfitted with a picnic table for dining, a campfire ring with a grate for campfires (always check fire restrictions!), and a bear box (food storage locker) to securely store food and scented items away from wildlife.
• Flush Toilets: The campground offers clean flush toilets, a significant upgrade from vault toilets found in more primitive campgrounds. These are regularly maintained by the camp host.
• Warm Showers: Free hot showers are available, providing a comfortable way to refresh after a day of outdoor activities. While sometimes varying in temperature due to water conservation efforts, they are a highly valued amenity.
• Potable Drinking Water: Drinking water is readily available through water stations located throughout the campground, eliminating the need for campers to bring all their own water.
• Trash Collection: Convenient trash bins are provided for waste disposal, encouraging campers to keep the area clean and follow Leave No Trace principles.
• On-Site Camp Host: Friendly and helpful camp hosts are typically present on-site. They assist campers, ensure rules are followed, and often sell firewood, adding to the convenience and positive atmosphere.
• Firewood for Sale: Firewood is available for purchase directly at the campground from the camp host, making it easy to enjoy a cozy campfire.
• Vehicle Accommodation: Sites can accommodate tents, trailers, and RVs up to 55 feet in length. Fees include entry for one vehicle, with an additional fee for a second vehicle.
• Reservable Sites: All campsites are reservable through Recreation.gov, allowing campers to plan their trips up to six months in advance. There are no first-come, first-served sites.
• Proximity to Visitor Center & Amphitheater: The campground is close to the Barton Flats Visitor Center and Greyback Amphitheater, which often host summertime weekend campfire programs and educational events.
• Pet-Friendly: Pets are generally allowed but must be kept on a leash and all pet waste properly managed.

• Excellent for Families: Known as a "great family campground," it caters well to groups with children, offering space, amenities, and recreational opportunities suitable for all ages.
• Spacious & Private Sites: Compared to some other campgrounds, San Gorgonio boasts larger "double sites" and generally well-spaced individual sites, providing more room and privacy for campers. The Cedar Loop is noted for more widely spaced sites.
• Modern Comforts (Flush Toilets & Hot Showers): The availability of clean flush toilets and free hot showers significantly enhances the camping experience, making it more comfortable, especially for those less inclined to "rough it."
• Ample Shade: The campground is situated in a mixed forest of oak and mature pine trees (including Jeffrey and Ponderosa pine), providing abundant shade over most sites, which is a blessing during warm California days.
• Dedicated Bear Boxes: Each site includes a bear-proof food storage locker, essential for safe food storage and preventing wildlife encounters in this natural habitat.
• Friendly & Helpful Camp Hosts: The positive reviews consistently highlight the presence of nice, helpful, and attentive camp hosts who contribute significantly to a pleasant stay.
• Proximity to Hiking Trails: The campground offers easy access to a variety of hiking trails, including paths to the famed San Gorgonio Mountain, the Rio Monte Trail (leading to a panorama of the Santa Ana River Valley), and the Santa Ana River Trail.
• Near Big Bear Lake & Santa Ana River: Situated approximately 20-25 minutes from Big Bear Lake and near the Santa Ana River and Jenks Lake, offering diverse recreational activities like fishing, boating (non-motorized on some lakes), and mountain biking.
• Wildlife Viewing Opportunities: The surrounding San Bernardino National Forest is home to a variety of wildlife, providing opportunities for bird and wildlife viewing.
• Reservable Sites: The ability to reserve all sites in advance through Recreation.gov provides peace of mind and allows for thorough trip planning, especially during peak seasons.

Phone: (877) 444-6777

Mobile Phone: +1 877-444-6777

Address: 43064 CA-38, Angelus Oaks, CA 92305, USA

The provided phone number, (877) 444-6777, is a general reservation line managed by Recreation.gov, which handles bookings for many campgrounds within national forests and parks across the United States. While this number is useful for making reservations, for the most up-to-date and specific information regarding San Gorgonio Family Campground (such as real-time conditions, any unexpected closures, or current fire restrictions), it is advisable to also contact the local Mountain Top Ranger District office of the San Bernardino National Forest directly. Their information desk, often found by searching for "Big Bear Discovery Center" or the main Forest Service number for the San Bernardino National Forest, can provide the most precise local insights.

For us Californians, San Gorgonio Family Campground stands out as an exceptionally suitable choice for a mountain escape, perfectly aligning with our desire for convenient, comfortable, and activity-rich outdoor experiences. Its location directly off Highway 38 provides an easy drive from many Southern California urban centers, making it a pragmatic choice for weekend getaways or longer family vacations without excessive travel time.

The campground's robust amenities are a significant draw. The availability of clean flush toilets and especially hot showers sets it apart from many other forest campgrounds, offering a level of comfort that appeals to families and those who appreciate a less rustic experience. The spacious, well-appointed sites with picnic tables, fire rings, and crucial bear boxes ensure a convenient and safe stay. For Californians who love to plan, the fact that all sites are reservable through Recreation.gov means less uncertainty and more assurance of securing a spot, particularly during our popular camping seasons.

Furthermore, the abundance of recreational opportunities right at its doorstep – from direct access to hiking trails leading into the majestic San Gorgonio Wilderness to nearby fishing spots in the Santa Ana River and Jenks Lake – caters to our active lifestyle. The presence of friendly camp hosts adds a personal touch, making visitors feel welcome and supported. Ultimately, San Gorgonio Family Campground provides a harmonious balance of natural beauty, essential comforts, and convenient access to adventure, making it a go-to destination for us locals seeking to create cherished outdoor memories in the heart of the San Bernardino Mountains.

San Gorgonio Family Campground

43064 CA-38, Angelus Oaks, CA 92305, USA