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San Bernardino/Applewhite
Overview
Overview
The San Bernardino/Applewhite campground, situated within the beautiful Lytle Creek area, provides a tranquil escape for those looking to immerse themselves in the natural beauty of the San Gabriel Mountains. This site is managed by the USDA Forest Service and offers a rustic camping experience perfect for travelers who prefer a quieter environment away from the bustle of commercial RV resorts. It is an ideal spot to disconnect and enjoy the serene environment of the Angeles National Forest.
Location & Surroundings
Located in Lytle Creek, California, this park is nestled deep within a canyon, providing visitors with a cooler climate and a unique sense of place. The surroundings are characterized by scenic mountain vistas and dense foliage, making it a peaceful retreat. While the roads leading into the canyon can be winding, the arrival at the campground rewards travelers with a picturesque setting that feels worlds away from the nearby urban sprawl of the Inland Empire.
Amenities & Park Features
The campground focuses on basic essentials, prioritizing an authentic outdoor stay. You will find designated campsites suitable for tent camping and smaller RV units. Each site typically includes a fire ring and a picnic table, perfect for evening gatherings under the stars. Potable water is available for guests to use during their stay, though travelers should be prepared for a self-contained camping experience as full hookups are generally not provided in this national forest setting.
Nearby Attractions & Things to Do
Visitors to this area can explore various outdoor activities ranging from hiking to wildlife viewing. The region features several hiking trails that cater to different skill levels, leading to stunning overlooks and shaded creek beds. For those interested in local history, the proximity to the Lytle Creek Ranger Station provides valuable information on forest regulations and history. It is a fantastic home base for those who enjoy nature photography and bird watching during the quiet morning hours.
Who This Park Is Best For
This campground is perfect for the self-sufficient traveler who values seclusion and nature over modern luxuries like swimming pools or cable television. It is best suited for those driving smaller RVs or camper vans who are looking to explore the national forest lands. If you enjoy waking up to the sounds of nature and prefer a low-impact camping style, San Bernardino/Applewhite in Lytle Creek is an excellent destination for your next regional adventure.
Features & Amenities
- Recreational Facilities
- Policies
- Other Amenities & Services
- Recreation Nearby (within 10 miles)
- Facility
- On-Site Rentals
- Sites
Reviews
Shannon Hensley
I went 7/5/26, after everyone left. It's not as trailer friendly as it is tent friendly. Roads are narrow, lined with boulders and posts. The host, Misty, was fantastic and super helpful. She even tried to spot me but we opted for a pull-through (#8) instead. It's boondocking. There's water and portapotties. Most sites have trees for shade. Spent two nights in an almost empty campground, which is the nice part.
Sam Nisbett
Stayed in site 22. Clean campground, quiet after 10pm, plenty of space between sites. Great firepits, nice BBQ and picnic table. The camp hosts were easy to find and pleasant but I caught them early at 10am. No water, no toilets, just port-a-pottys. The Applewhite Picnic area across the street is great for daytime creek access but it got ravaged by storms in late 2025 and is closed for a while which makes the creek access from the campground a driving excursion instead of a walk. Stargazing is better than flatlands but still too much ambient light from LA/San Bernardino corridor to see the Milky Way clearly. You may notice the train horns at night as they go through the Cajon Pass alongside the 15 but there is also a nice low rumble from the creek about 300 feet away. Pretty pleasant. Oh, don't camp there if you want to leave early the morning of the annual Fontana Days Run as your only exit from the campground is the staging/starting area for the annual 6K run to downtown Fontana! We watched people stretch and jog from 6-7am and were the 7th car in line at 8am behind the Fontana utility trucks behind the tired runner pickup bus behind the last runner and made the freeway at 930. Shoulda read the signs. My bad!
Joy Lopez
The campground is nice, but due to damage from December storms, there is no river access from the campground. The picnic area across the street is closed indefinitely and the rest of the nearby river access is private property.
jose cruz
It is an excellent place to go to relax. The price is affordable, and the couple who run the place are super friendly; they keep the area clean. Of course, weekends are a different story—it is always packed. Sometimes there are unsupervised children getting into mischief, as well as people playing their music very loudly. The restrooms aren't perfectly clean, but the peale enchrge do the best they can. I am eagerly looking forward to summer so I can go back at least once a month.
Jillianna Rodriguez
It’s always a great experience here with my man :) I come every weekend with him and pick out different number spaces everytime. Feels good to smell the outdoors! ^_^