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San Bernardino/Heart Bar
Overview
Heart Bar Campground offers a serene high-altitude escape within the San Bernardino National Forest. Situated at nearly 7,000 feet, this destination provides a classic mountain camping experience characterized by towering ponderosa pines and crisp mountain air. Unlike developed urban resorts, this location focuses on providing a rustic wilderness connection for travelers looking to unplug and enjoy the natural beauty of Southern California's highest peaks. It serves as a peaceful basecamp for those who value scenic vistas and a slower pace of life.
Location & Surroundings
Located near the small mountain community of Angelus Oaks, CA, the park sits in a sprawling meadow area surrounded by dense forest. The high elevation ensures significantly cooler temperatures than the valley floors, making it a popular summer retreat for those escaping the heat. Visitors are nestled near the edge of the San Gorgonio Wilderness, offering expansive views and a quiet atmosphere away from highway noise. The rugged terrain and deeply shaded sites define the majestic landscape of this mountain corridor.
Amenities & Park Features
As a traditional forest service facility, the park offers essential amenities including vault toilets and potable water stations. Many sites are designed with enough space to accommodate moderate-sized RVs and trailers, though travelers should arrive prepared for dry camping as there are no electric or sewer hookups available. Each site typically features a sturdy picnic table and a fire ring for evening campfires. One of the unique features of this location is the dedicated equestrian camp area, which provides specialized sites with corrals for visitors traveling with horses.
Nearby Attractions & Things to Do
The area is a premier destination for outdoor enthusiasts, featuring direct access to the Santa Ana River Trail for miles of hiking and mountain biking. Just a short drive away, the San Gorgonio Wilderness offers challenging treks for experienced hikers seeking alpine scenery and peak bagging. Nature photography and wildlife viewing are popular pastimes here, with frequent sightings of mule deer and diverse bird species. For those interested in water recreation, the bustling shores of Big Bear Lake are accessible via a scenic drive, offering additional dining and boating options.
Who This Park Is Best For
This park is ideal for self-contained RVers who prioritize proximity to nature and solitude over modern luxury amenities. It is a fantastic choice for hikers, mountain bikers, and horseback riders who want to be steps away from major trailheads. Families looking for a traditional mountain experience will appreciate the lack of digital distractions, making it the perfect spot for those who enjoy stargazing, storytelling around a campfire, and exploring the great outdoors together.
Amenities
- Policies
- Other Amenities & Services
- Recreation Nearby (within 10 miles)
- Facility
- On-Site Rentals
- Sites
User Reviews
James Ortiz
We loved the few days we spent here camping,we're a family of 5 and had plenty of space to ourselves and away from other campers at site 14. Our site had a bear box, fire ring and picnic table. The campground had water stations and trash bins along with vault toilets which were very clean. The camp host was very nice and checked on us a few times to see if we needed fire wood. Great experience and campground with lots of shade with alot of trees for your hammock and space for a large tent. We will Definitely be going back.
Thomas Gonzales
Great campground. Lots of open space around the campsite we booked and we did not encounter any issues. There was a picnic table, a fire pit/ring with a grate on one side, and a bear box. Toilets did not have running water, but there was a water spigot nearby. Some highway noise in the distance but otherwise quiet and beautiful forest setting. Some interesting hiking trails nearby that you can get to from the camp site as well (Aspen Grove Trail and Fish Creek Trail).
Lust TheWander
Beautiful campground, quiet and relaxing. No hookups but bathroom was close for those that needed it.
_Weekend Camper
This week at site 67🛖. Huge campground with big sites!! Beautiful and secluded. Can't go wrong camping in the big bear mountains. Lots of campgrounds along route 38. Porta potties restrooms 🚻. Barely any cell coverage but able to send pictures once awhile. 🪵 are $8 a bundle. Recommended sites are 66, 68 with mountain view. 🤙
franck situ
It's spacious in each camp site and also pretty close to the wilderness.