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San Bernardino/Crab Flats
Overview
Overview
Crab Flats Campground offers a rustic mountain retreat nestled deep within the San Bernardino National Forest near Running Springs, California. This is an ideal destination for outdoor enthusiasts seeking a secluded getaway far from the noise of urban life. As a primitive forest service site, it provides an authentic wilderness experience where the towering pine and cedar trees serve as your primary neighbors, allowing for a quiet and peaceful escape in the high country.
Location & Surroundings
The campground is situated off a forest service road in the mountains of Southern California, providing a scenic backdrop of rugged peaks and dense woodland. Its location at a higher elevation ensures cooler temperatures during the summer months, making it a perfect refuge from the desert heat below. Travelers should be prepared for unpaved access roads, which contribute to the park's atmosphere of seclusion and keep the surrounding environment pristine and undisturbed.
Amenities & Park Features
As a primitive-style campground, Crab Flats focuses on providing a basic, nature-focused experience rather than resort-style luxury. The site includes vault toilets and fire rings, perfect for those who enjoy traditional campfire cooking under the stars. Potable water is generally available on-site, but visitors are encouraged to bring their own supplies to ensure self-sufficiency. The campground is best suited for tent camping and smaller RVs or trailers that can navigate forest service trails comfortably.
Nearby Attractions & Things to Do
The San Bernardino National Forest is a massive playground for adventurers. Guests can spend their days exploring miles of multi-use trails that wind through the surrounding mountains, ideal for hiking, mountain biking, or off-highway vehicle recreation. For a change of pace, the nearby community of Running Springs offers access to local shops and dining, while the shores of Lake Arrowhead provide opportunities for water activities, sightseeing, and scenic forest drives during the pleasant mountain season.
Who This Park Is Best For
This campground is perfect for the self-reliant traveler who prioritizes wilderness access over modern hookups. If you are an off-grid enthusiast or a family looking to disconnect from technology and reconnect with nature, Crab Flats offers the perfect setting. It is specifically well-suited for those who have a vehicle capable of navigating dirt roads and are prepared to embrace a true, rustic backcountry camping adventure in the heart of California's mountain range.
Features & Amenities
- Policies
- Other Amenities & Services
- Recreation Nearby (within 10 miles)
- Facility
- On-Site Rentals
- Sites
Reviews
Daniel Medina
Great place to take off road vehicles but we had a bad experience with all the kids going around the camp site creating dust for hours at a time, they need to put a stop to it in the campground .
Jacob H
Campground was nice. Older reviews mentioned that it is accessible by car. Update May 2026 this is definitely not accessible by car. This is possible with a 2 wheel drive truck, but 4 wheel drive would be better. Until repairs are made to the road, do not expect to get there by car. A small suv with skilled driving is possible.
Erik Orejel
Small campground, but surprisingly spacious. It's tucked a bit farther back into the mountains, which is honestly part of the fun. You don’t need a 4x4 vehicle, but high clearance is definitely recommended. I wouldn’t bring a Prius, Camry, Civic, or anything low to the ground, there are a few rough spots where you could easily get stuck or damage your car. It’s far removed from the hustle of everyday life, quiet, peaceful, and surrounded by nature. Lots of shade and plenty of space between sites. Vault toilets are available and decent, depending on who used them last. There’s no water nearby, so be sure to bring plenty. Also, there’s no trash service, so pack out what you pack in. As expected, no showers. (It’s camping 😁) The area is dog-friendly and generally quiet, except for one issue (more on that below). We did have some wasps show up every time we were cooking or had water out, but they didn’t sting or cause any problems. Just something to be aware of. Lots of birds and wildlife around, and when it's quiet, the sound of the wind moving through the trees is absolutely beautiful. There aren’t many hiking trails directly at the campground, which might be a downside for some. However, Green Valley Lake is not far away and makes for a great trip to and from the campsite. There’s swimming, fishing, they have boat rentals, or you can just relax by the water. If you do swim or fish, theirs is a small fee since the lake is privately owned. Cool owners.There are also a couple of mellow, local restaurants nearby if you want a break from cooking. Very chill-mellow vibe type of place. The Downside: Off-Road Vehicles Unfortunately, the campground sits right next to an off-highway vehicle trail (OHV)So, depending on the crowd, you will hear engines and loud music, especially during weekends or holidays. During our stay, there was a large group (20+ people) with several off-road carts and quads. They started early, around 7 a.m. blasting music and running engines throughout the day. At night, they were doing donuts near the entrance, kicking up dust that blew directly into campsites 1 and 2 (where we stayed). A couple of riders even kept on driving through out the campsite and in between the tent spots without any regards for others. My neighbor eventually asked them to slow down near the sites, and they did, for a bit. But it didn’t last. They also ignored the numerous "No Campfires" and "Fire Danger High" signs and still started a fire, showing little concern for safety or other campers. Despite the off-road noise and that one inconsiderate group, we still had a good time. Just be aware of the setting and know what to expect.Bring your own water, Pack out your trash, no fires unless explicitly allowed, be prepared for potential dust/noise from off-road vehicles, enjoy the nature, peace, and shade when it's quiet.
Jeannine Laupsa
It’s definitely outdoor living. Toilet only. And the road to get there is very rough. Like you shouldn’t go if you have a Prius. But we had a great time.
Roger Lobbezoo
Very secluded and off the map. Be warned that there are 4 miles of unpaved road to get to the campsite, 4WD and high clearance vehicles only! Saw someone in a Tesla totally get stuck!!! No RVs, sedans or non-4WD vehicles!!! No water, no waste, toilets only!!! Campsite have picnic tables & fire pits. Check fire regulations before heading out....