Heart Bar Family Campground
USDA Forest Service
6900 ft elevation
Heart Bar Family Campground is a large USFS campground on Highway 38, about 20 miles east of Big Bear Lake at the gateway to the San Gorgonio Wilderness — the highest terrain in Southern California. With 89 sites spread across a pine forest at 6,900 feet, it's popular with hikers heading into the San Gorgonio backcountry and equestrians using the adjacent staging area. For Big Bear visitors, it's a worthwhile stop en route or a quieter alternative when lakeside campgrounds are fully booked. Check Recreation.gov for current campground status and Caltrans for road access.
Location
Highway 38 at Forest Road 1N02, San Bernardino National Forest, CA
Fees & Reservations
Nightly Fee
$29/night
(+$2 holidays)
$29/night single, $56/night double; holiday weekends add $2/night
Reservations
Reserve on Recreation.gov →
Reservable up to 180 days in advance
26 walk-up sites also available
Site Details
Total Sites89
RVs Allowed
Yes
Season
Typical season (confirm current dates): Late Spring – Late October
Confirm current campground operations, reservation dates and Highway 38 access before visiting.
Confirm current campground operations, reservation dates and Highway 38 access before visiting.
Pets
Pets allowed on leash
Amenities
fire rings
picnic tables
bear boxes (food storage lockers)
potable water
firewood for sale
camp host
Nearby Trails & Attractions
- San Gorgonio Wilderness (gateway campground)
- Santa Ana River Trail
- Heart Bar Equestrian Staging Area
- Big Bear Lake (~20 miles west on Hwy 38)