Heart Bar Campground
San Bernardino National Forest

Barton Flats, San Bernardino National Forest, CA
Barton Flats, San Bernardino National Forest, CA

Heart Bar Campground
San Bernardino National Forest


Heart Bar Campground

Heart Bar Campground is located in the San Bernardino National Forest, 41 miles east of the city of San Bernardino. The campground sits along the Rim of the World Scenic Byway. Heart Bar Campground consistently receives high reviews, even though it doesn't have all the amenities found at some other camps. Visitors to the area enjoy fishing and non-motorized boating at nearby Jenks Lake. Hikers and horseback riders find wonderful trails leading into the San Gorgonio Wilderness.

The turnoff to the campground along Highway 38 is unmarked. Look for the road 2.8 miles east of South Fork Campground.

Heart Bar Campground offers 89 campsites for RVs, trailers, and tents. Campsites are separated into 4 loops. A majority of the sites can be reserved ahead of time, while the sites in the Santa Ana Loop are kept available as first-come, first-served campsites. Aspen Loop is closest to the meadow. Virtually all the campsites are level. Mature pines offer partial shade, but there is little understory vegetation to provide privacy between some campsites. Fortunately, most campsites are well-separated. Previous campers advise bringing a flashlight because restrooms have no lights. A half dozen of the sites are doubles. The campground requires a 2-day minimum stay on weekends and 3 days on holiday weekends.

A single group campsite off a side-road at the west end of Heart Bar Campground is known as Skyline Group Campground.

Shop Amazon for: Camping Essentials


Heart Bar Campground Basics
Heart Bar Campground Location: 34 miles northeast of Redlands on Highway 38
Elevation: 6,900 feet
Mileage/Driving Time: Redlands - 34 miles; 53 minutes
Big Bear Lake - 21 miles; 31 minutes
Number of Campsites: 89
Campground Open: Mid-May - early October
Max. People per Site: 8 (including children)
Vehicles per Site: 2 vehicles, 2nd vehicle $7 per night
Double sites 2nd vehicle free
Pets: On leash, always attended
Operated by Mountaintop Recreation for San Bernardino National Forest
Big Bear Discovery Center: (909) 382-2790

Reservations for Heart Bar Campground
Reservations available: Reservations are available whenever campground is open, from 24 hours to 6 months in advance of arrival date.
Maximum RV/Trailer Length: 40 feet
Accessible Sites: #29 and 32
Some facilities are accessible.
Favorite Campsites: #8/9, 14, 20, 22, 23/24, 47, 48, 49/50, 55, 63, 77, 94
Fees: Single site $29 per night ($2 more on holiday weekends)
Double site $56 per night ($2 more on holiday weekends)
Plus $10 reservation fee
Campground Map: Heart Bar Campground Map
Reservations: Heart Bar Campground Reservations
Check-in, check-out: 2:00 PM, Noon

Heart Bar Campground Amenities
Campsites: Picnic table, fire ring with grill, bear-proof food storage boxes, no hook-ups
Campground: Restrooms with vault toilets, tap water
Showers: No
Dump station: Yes
Attractions near Heart Bar Campground:
  • Hike the Wildhorse Creek Trail which leads to a remote camping area south of Wildhorse Meadow.
  • Hike along the Santa Ana River Trail.
  • Connect with the Pacific Crest Trail, 3½ miles to the southeast.
  • Enjoy non-motorized boating at Jenks Lake.
  • Fish at Jenks Lake for bass, bluegill, sunfish, and catfish.
  • Drive up to Big Bear Lake for boating, waterskiing, fishing, and hiking.




Skyline Group Campground

Skyline Group Campground is off the west end of Heart Bar Family Campground. The single group site can accommodate up to 25 people and 9 vehicles for either tent or RV camping. Amenities at the group site include potable water, picnic tables, a group fire ring, and a pedestal cooking grill. The camp is open from mid-May through most of September. Like the family campground, the group site requires a 2-night stay on weekends and 3 nights on holiday weekends. Reservations are required.
Fees: $115 per night (holidays weekends $10 more)
Reservations: Skyline Group Campground Reservations

Skyline Group Campground, San Bernardino National Forest, CA

Skyline Group Campground

General Camping Information

Not all campsites can accommodate trailers or RVs of all lengths. Check carefully on the reservation site when you make your reservation to be sure your vehicle will fit your campsite.

Accessible Sites

Designated Accessible sites are usually reserved for people with disabilities who have a vehicle displaying an accessible parking placard or license plate.


Heart Bar Campground, San Bernardino National Forest, CA

Heart Bar Campground

San Bernardino National Forest
Attractions and Activities

Campers staying at Heart Bar Campground are close to many of the national forest's great attractions.

  • Make the ½-mile hike to Jenks Lake for fishing for bass, catfish, bluegill, and rainbow trout.
  • Set up at the Jenks Lake Day Use Area with restrooms, picnic sites, shore and dock fishing, and hiking.
  • Spend time at the nearby Barton Flats Visitor Center and participate in nature walks, interpretive programs, and an astronomy program. Attend the annual Forest Festival held in mid-August.
  • Pick fresh apples in the fall at nearby Stenson Creek Ranch.
  • Make the half-hour drive to popular Big Bear Lake and take advantage of boat rentals and get out on the lake for fishing, wakeboarding, and waterskiing.
  • Paddle along the lake's shoreline by paddleboard, canoe, or kayak.
  • Find out about everything around the Big Bear Lake area at the Big Bear Discovery Center
  • Enjoy excellent mountain biking and road cycling opportunities in the area.
  • During the summer Snow Summit has scenic Sky Chairlift rides, sight-seeing, hiking, mountain biking, and golf.
  • Join in the excitement at Alpine Slide. They have an alpine slide, a water slide, go-karts, and miniature golf.
  • Set out on a trail ride at Baldwin Lake Stables
  • Tour the interesting Big Bear Historical Museum.
  • Play a set or two of tennis or a round of golf.
  • For even more excitement, head out to Action Zipline Tours.

Key Heart Bar Campground Regulations

  1. Campfires are only permitted in provided fire rings.
  2. Quiet Hours run from 10:00 PM to 6:00 AM.
  3. Dogs are required to be on leash and always attended.
  4. Avoid problems with bears by securing food bear-proof containers or in your trunk or RV.
  5. Prevent the spread of invasive insects by obtaining firewood locally.

    Check San Bernardino National Forest - Heart Bar Campground for any campground updates.