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San Bernardino/San Gorgonio
Overview
The San Bernardino / San Gorgonio KOA Holiday offers a refreshing mountain escape located deep within the San Bernardino National Forest. Situated at an elevation of nearly 6,000 feet, this park provides a cool, pine-scented retreat for travelers looking to leave the valley heat behind. It blends the rustic charm of a mountain lodge with the reliable standards of a KOA Holiday, making it an ideal base camp for Southern California high-altitude adventures throughout the warmer months and into the snowy season.
Location & Surroundings
Nestled off the scenic Highway 38 in Angelus Oaks, CA, the park is surrounded by towering cedar and pine trees. This location serves as a primary gateway to the San Gorgonio Wilderness, offering guests immediate access to some of the most pristine natural landscapes in the region. Unlike the busier lakeside resorts further up the mountain, this area provides a quieter, more secluded atmosphere where the natural mountain environment takes center stage, providing a sense of solitude that is hard to find near major cities.
Amenities & Park Features
This park is well-equipped for both short-term stays and longer mountain vacations. Guests can enjoy full-hookup RV sites that accommodate various rig sizes. Key features designed for comfort include:
- A seasonal outdoor swimming pool and relaxing sauna.
- The KampK9 dog park for four-legged travelers to exercise safely.
- A well-stocked general store providing firewood and camping essentials.
- Clean laundry facilities and a playground for families traveling with children.
Nearby Attractions & Things to Do
Outdoor enthusiasts will find no shortage of activities nearby. The park is a short drive from the recreational hub of Big Bear Lake, where visitors can enjoy boating, fishing, and alpine sliding. During the winter, the proximity to Snow Summit and Bear Mountain makes it a strategic spot for skiers. For hikers, the Jenks Lake area and the trailheads leading toward the San Gorgonio peak offer world-class trekking opportunities through diverse alpine ecosystems and scenic vistas.
Who This Park Is Best For
This park is a perfect match for families and outdoor adventurers who want the amenities of a developed campground without sacrificing the feel of the deep woods. It is particularly well-suited for those seeking a summer cooling-off spot or a convenient home base for exploring the San Bernardino Mountains. Whether you are an avid hiker looking to conquer a summit or a traveler seeking a peaceful forest backdrop, this park provides a balanced and comfortable mountain experience.
Amenities
- Policies
- Other Amenities & Services
- Recreation Nearby (within 10 miles)
- Facility
- On-Site Rentals
- Sites
User Reviews
Andy H. Pak
Challenging hike for a Midwestern flatlander like myself. Every turn offered amazing views. Shaded areas had bug activity, but fortunately, no mosquitoes. Several water sources and campsites were along the way. The night sky view was stunning. For day-hiking, I suggest starting early, dressing in layers, and wearing a sun hoodie for exposed areas. Bring 3 liters of water, trekking poles, and water filtration. The only advice I have is to avoid hiking down 4 hours before sunset. There’s not enough daylight to make it back down safely. 5-6 hours before sunset is ideal.
Jax Baumhaus
The trails were in good condition. Incredibly, I made to the summit! 11,503 feet! 💪🏕️🥾🎒⛰️
Lino Juarez
San Gorgonio it’s tough going up to the summit. I did it under heavy snow storm on 12/30/23 A challenging mount with amazing views. It took me around 9 hours to complete out and back.
K-Bear
This was an amazing place to hike. It’s a Pine forest for much of the trail (I took San Bernardino Peak Trail), so you are shaded from the sun most of the time, even at the top. The trail is 8 miles one-way, and where it’s not shaded it’s a manzanita grove. There are at least 2 campgrounds along the way to the peak, so take advantage of that if you can’t do 16 miles in one day. As of now, November 2019, there is no longer a requirement to apply for and get a day hiking permit. I applied for one anyway and got a response back that it’s not necessary. I did not encounter many bugs on my hike.
franck situ
So far I have hiked up to San Bernardino Peak and San Gorgonio Peak, they both are tough peaks to hike up, but the views are stunning.