Santa Ana River Start

For Californians seeking a refreshing escape into the high country of the San Bernardino Mountains, Heart Bar Campground offers a truly immersive outdoor experience. Tucked away within the expansive San Bernardino National Forest, this campground serves as an excellent basecamp for exploring some of Southern California's most renowned backcountry trails and natural wonders. While the provided information lists "Santa Ana River Start" as the campground name, this likely refers to its strategic location near the headwaters of the iconic Santa Ana River and the beginning of its extensive trail system, with the official campground name being Heart Bar Campground.

Heart Bar Campground is nestled among mature pine-covered mountains at an elevation of 6,880 feet, providing a welcome respite from the warmer temperatures of the lower elevations. It strikes a perfect balance: remote enough to offer a secluded, peaceful atmosphere, yet still within a reasonable driving distance of popular attractions like Big Bear Lake. This makes it an ideal choice for families and groups looking to experience nature without sacrificing accessibility to amenities and additional recreational opportunities.

The campground is highly regarded by visitors for its spacious sites, many of which provide a good sense of privacy. Reviewers frequently highlight the "enormous" sites and the ample space between neighbors, allowing campers to feel truly connected to nature without being overly crowded. It's a place where the sounds of the forest prevail, and the air is crisp, setting the stage for relaxation and outdoor adventure. Whether you're planning a challenging hike, a leisurely bike ride, or simply a quiet weekend away, Heart Bar Campground offers a compelling environment. It’s also noted for its friendly camp hosts and generally well-maintained facilities, contributing to a positive camping experience for many. While one review mentions the campground being closed in 2025 due to road damage from the Line Fire, typically it is open seasonally, from late April through late October, making it a prime summer and fall destination.

Heart Bar Campground is officially located within the San Bernardino National Forest, with its address listed as Heart Bar Campground, CA 92305, USA. This places it in the high country of the San Bernardino Mountains, east of the Big Bear Lake area. The specific geographical coordinates are approximately Latitude: 34.15861 and Longitude: -116.78583.

Accessing Heart Bar Campground is typically via California State Route 38, a scenic highway that winds through the San Bernardino National Forest. From I-10 East, visitors would take the University Street exit in Redlands, turn left onto University Street, then right onto E. Lugonia Avenue/SR-38. Continue northeast on Highway 38 for approximately 30 miles until you reach Forest Road 1N02 (also referred to as Forest Service Road 1N02). Turn right onto 1N02 and proceed about 0.25 miles to the campground entrance. For those coming from the Big Bear Lake area, take Highway 38 towards Redlands for approximately 20.3 miles and then turn left into the campground.

The campground's high elevation of 6,880 feet means that road conditions can be subject to seasonal changes, particularly snow in winter and early spring. While the main access roads are generally well-maintained, it's always advisable for Californians to check current road conditions and potential closures with the San Bernardino National Forest before heading out, especially during or after inclement weather. The journey itself offers beautiful mountain views, setting the tone for a serene wilderness experience.

Heart Bar Campground provides a range of amenities designed to offer a comfortable, yet rustic, camping experience within the San Bernardino National Forest. While it does not feature full hookups for RVs, it offers essential services that enhance a stay in nature.

• Campsites: The campground offers 89 spacious campsites, including single, double, and two accessible sites. These sites can accommodate tents, trailers, and RVs up to 50 feet in length. Each site is equipped with a paved pad, a picnic table, and a campfire ring with a grill grate, providing a designated space for cooking and gathering.

• Potable Water: Drinking water is available throughout the campground via spigots, ensuring campers have access to clean water for their needs. This is a significant convenience for those not accustomed to primitive dry camping.

• Vault Toilets: Accessible vault toilets are provided at the campground. While these are non-flushable, they are generally well-maintained. Reviews often mention them being clean and even having air fresheners, a pleasant surprise for a vault toilet facility. However, campers are advised to bring a light for nighttime use as they can be dark inside.

• Food Storage Lockers (Bear Boxes): Given that bears frequent the area, each campsite is equipped with a bear box (with dimensions approximately 48"x 29"x 26") for secure food storage. This is a crucial safety feature that helps protect both campers and wildlife.

• Firewood for Sale: Firewood is available for purchase at the campground, typically from the camp host, offering a convenient option for those who wish to have campfires (when fire restrictions permit).

• Dump Station: While there are no hookups at individual sites, a dump station with potable water is available nearby the campground, providing a facility for RVs to empty their waste tanks before leaving.

• Camp Host: A friendly and accommodating camp host is typically on-site, providing assistance, enforcing rules, and selling firewood, contributing to a well-managed and welcoming environment.

• Reservations & First-Come, First-Served: Out of 89 sites, 66 are reservable through Recreation.gov, and 23 are available on a first-come, first-served basis. This offers flexibility for both planners and spontaneous adventurers.

• Trash Collection: Trash and recycling bins are available throughout the campground, facilitating proper waste disposal and helping to keep the area clean.

Heart Bar Campground stands out for several key features that make it a compelling choice for outdoor enthusiasts in Southern California.

• Access to Santa Ana River Trail & Backcountry Trails: Heart Bar Campground provides direct access to some of Southern California's greatest backcountry hiking, biking, and horseback riding trails, including the famed Santa Ana River Trail. This trail offers miles of scenic mountain views and exploration points. The Wildhorse Creek Trail, exploring rolling terrain, is also accessible nearby, leading to remote camping areas and offering a moderately difficult climb.

• Spacious and Private Campsites: A frequently praised feature is the size and spacing of the campsites. Many sites are described as "enormous" with "ample space between neighbors," providing a sense of privacy that is highly valued by campers. This design allows for a more secluded and personal outdoor experience.

• High-Elevation Escape: Located at 6,880 feet, Heart Bar offers a fantastic escape from the summer heat of lower elevations. The cooler temperatures make it an ideal retreat during warmer months, and the mature pine trees provide ample shade throughout the campground.

• Excellent Stargazing: Being located away from major city lights, Heart Bar Campground offers exceptional stargazing opportunities. The clear night skies provide a breathtaking backdrop for evening campfires and cosmic observation, making it a highlight for many visitors.

• Family and Pet-Friendly: With its spacious sites, proximity to trails, and generally peaceful atmosphere, the campground is very suitable for families. Pets are also allowed, provided they are leashed, enabling the entire family to enjoy the outdoor adventure.

• Proximity to Big Bear Lake Amenities: While offering a remote feel, Heart Bar is approximately 20 miles from Big Bear Lake and its adjoining town. This means campers have convenient access to a variety of water-related recreation opportunities (boating, swimming, fishing at nearby Jenks Lake and the South Fork of the Santa Ana River), as well as golf, shopping, and restaurant options, blending wilderness with convenience.

• Scenic Beauty and Wildlife: The campground is set in a beautiful forested area with tall pines and massive junipers. The alpine environment is home to various wildlife, including Stellar Jays, contributing to the natural appeal. The western-facing aspect of the campground offers stunning California sunsets over rolling mountains.

For reservations, current conditions, and further information regarding Heart Bar Campground, visitors should contact the San Bernardino National Forest or its concessionaire.

Address: Heart Bar Campground, CA 92305, USA

Phone: (530) 275-8113

Mobile Phone: +1 530-275-8113

Please note that the phone number provided appears to be a general contact for forest service related inquiries or possibly a concessionaire that manages multiple campgrounds. For specific reservations, it is best to utilize the official federal recreation booking platform.

• Reservations: Reservations can be made online via www.recreation.gov or by calling (877) 444-6777. Reservations can be made up to 12 months in advance, and as late as 24 hours in advance based upon availability.

• Mountaintop Ranger District and Discovery Center: For local and current information, including fire restrictions, road closures (like the mentioned closure for 2025 due to Line Fire road damage), and general conditions, it's advisable to contact the Mountaintop Ranger District. Their address is 40971 North Shore Drive, Highway 38 Fawnskin, CA 92333, and their phone number is (909) 382-2790.

Always call ahead or check official websites for the most up-to-date information, especially concerning seasonal closures, fire conditions, or unexpected events.

For Californians, Heart Bar Campground in the San Bernardino National Forest stands out as an exceptionally suitable destination for a number of compelling reasons. Its strategic location, combining the tranquility of a high-elevation mountain retreat with convenient access to a vast network of recreational trails and nearby urban amenities, makes it an ideal escape.

Locals from Southern California, particularly those in the Los Angeles, Orange County, and Inland Empire regions, will find Heart Bar Campground to be an accessible wilderness haven. It offers a much-needed respite from city life, providing cooler temperatures and cleaner air during the warmer months, making it a perfect quick getaway without extensive travel. The direct access to the Santa Ana River Trail system is a major draw, enabling Californians to easily engage in beloved outdoor activities such as hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding right from their campsite.

The campground's commitment to providing spacious sites with privacy, coupled with essential amenities like potable water, bear boxes, and well-maintained vault toilets, ensures a comfortable and safe experience, even for those new to more primitive camping. The presence of friendly camp hosts and the option for both reservations and first-come, first-served sites adds flexibility for all types of campers. While it’s important for visitors to check for any temporary closures or conditions, Heart Bar Campground consistently offers an opportunity for Californians to reconnect with nature, enjoy breathtaking sunsets, and create lasting memories in the majestic San Bernardino Mountains. It is truly a local gem, offering both adventure and serene relaxation in equal measure.

Santa Ana River Start

Heart Bar Campground, CA 92305, USA