San Bernardino National Forest

An adventurous journey with 10+ mile hikes
Driving to and sleeping at a campground
Pups are welcome at camp and on hiking trails

Climbing Little Bear Peak overlooking Big Bear in San Bernardino National Forest

Climbing Little Bear Peak overlooking Big Bear in San Bernardino National Forest

Climbing Little Bear Peak overlooking Big Bear in San Bernardino National Forest

Climbing Little Bear Peak overlooking Big Bear in San Bernardino National Forest

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Last updated
July 31, 2024

Trip · 3-day camping trip

For · Families and new campers

Vibe · Adventurous and fun

Reservations · Yes, reserve a site at Hanna Flat campground

Drive · 2 hours from LA

Ideal dates · April to September

Pets · Welcome at camp and on trails!

San Bernardino National Forest (SBNF) is one of the most diverse forests in the country when it comes to plants and wildlife, partly because its elevation ranges from 2,000 to 11,500+ feet on Mount San Gorgonio, the highest peak in SoCal. It's home to the tallest waterfalls in the region: Big Falls and Bonita Falls, and every year, SBNF receives more visitors than either Yosemite or Yellowstone National Parks.

Official Forest Service Website

Current Fire Conditions

Directions To Campground

Main image credit: Joshua Chun

Stuff to know

  • There's an $8 nightly fee for parking additional cars at your campsite
  • Hanna Flat Campground is 7,000 feet above sea level. Drink plenty of water and spend some time acclimatizing to avoid altitude sickness symptoms.
  • Pack your sunscreen and a jacket because temperatures drastically change from morning to night. It can be windy too!
  • Wear face masks, socially distance, and tread lightly!

Resources

Check the weather
Grass Valley Lake in San Bernardino National Forest

Where to camp

Hanna Flat Campground

Each campsite comes with a:

  • Picnic table
  • A fire pit and grill
  • Space for up to 8 people
  • 2 parking spots
  • Food storage locker
  • Drinking water
  • Toilets

Hanna Flat Campground is a beautiful, secluded campground located a 10-minute drive north of Big Bear Lake. Nestled among pine trees, Hanna Flat has 80 tent and RV campsites available to be reserved and a few by first-come, first-serve. There are restrooms, drinking water, and firewood that you can buy on site.

Check-in: After 2 PM · Check-out: 12 PM

View Campground Map

Nightly Rate: $38

Hanna Flat Campground
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Itinerary

Day One

North Shore Cafe
North Shore Cafe. Credit: Yelp

Leave LA by 11 AM and grab lunch at North Shore Cafe

  • Diners love their pastrami sandwiches and fresh ingredients!
  • Located at 39226 N. Shore Drive in Fawnskin
  • Open Friday to Sunday · 8 AM to 5 PM
  • Last pit stop · Valero - 32755 CA-18 in Running Springs
  • Nearest grocery store · Jensen's Finest Foods -31987 Hilltop Boulevard in Running Springs

Check in and settle in at Hanna Flat Campground

  • Set up camp, wander around the campground, and relax

Cook up dinner and s'mores

  • Prep dinner, s'mores, and enjoy an evening of drinking and stargazing
Gold was discovered in the San Bernardino Mountains in 1855, prompting the mining, lumber, and grazing industry to move into the area

Day Two

Big Bear Lake. Credit: Travel + Leisure

Get an early start, make brekkie, and get ready for the day

  • For a quick and classic breakfast, try bacon and eggs over your camp stove.
  • Pack a day bag with all the essentials for the day, including snacks, bug spray, sunscreen, and 2L of water for everyone in your group.

Take a hike to Little Bear Peak

  • This easy 1.8 mile out and back trail only has 351 feet of elevation gain. It takes you up to the top of Little Bear, giving you sweeping views of the valley while still being easy enough for the kiddos.
  • Remember that you’re at high elevation here, so take it slow and take breaks often. Make sure you stay hydrated and protected from the sun while on the trail.

Head back to camp for lunch

Spend the afternoon exploring Big Bear Lake

Return to camp, cook up dinner, and relax

  • Get dinner and s’mores ready and relax.
  • Enjoy your last night in San Bernardino National Forest
The San Bernardino Flying Squirrel is a unique species living in SoCal's high-elevation forests, but they're notoriously hard to find. They were once on the endangered species list.

Day Three

Big Bear Lake
Big Bear Lake. Credit: Jeremy Bishop

Pack up and check out before noon

  • Cook up brekkie, clean up around camp, and throw away any random pieces of litter

Head home!

SBNF has eight wilderness areas: San Jacinto, Santa Rosa, San Gorgonio, Cucamonga, Bighorn Mountain, Cahuilla Mountain, South Fork San Jacinto, and Sheep Mountain.
June 1, 2024

Bewilder at LAist Super-Fun Saturday

Make wildflower seed bombs with Bezzi the Yeti at LAist's Super Fun Saturday

Event in 2 days

Bewilder Basecamp: Spooky Wonders

Join Bezzi the Yeti on her first spooky camping adventure!

Shop curated gear

Everything your family needs for a fun and easy campout

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Bezzi's Pick
$399.95

NEMO 4-person Aurora Highrise Tent

This colorful tent can fit 4 to 6 people, and is easy to set up and pack out!

Bezzi's Pick
$249.95

NEMO Stargaze Reclining Camp Chair

Lean back, and we mean all the way back, in this luxurious camp chair. You'll never want to sit up.

Bezzi's Pick
$249.95

NEMO Roamer Self-Inflating Mattress

These are the cushiest sleeping pads we've tried! They come in Extra Wide and Double (for extra cuddles).

Bezzi's Pick
$99.95

Big Mo Toddler Sleeping Bag

A sleeping bag that's designed for toddlers from ages 18-36 months.

Bezzi's Pick
$139.95

Big Mo 20° Down Kids Sleeping Bag

A sleeping bag designed for kiddos age 2-4 years old

Bezzi's Pick
$42

First Peak All-Season Sweatshirt

A cozy sweatshirt for ages 6 months to 4T designed for outdoor exploration.

Bezzi's Pick
$38

First Peak Flannel

A durable and soft flannel shirt that's kid-sized from 6 months to 4T

Bezzi's Pick
$59.95

NEMO Fillo Luxury Camping Pillow

Bring your own or splurge on this pillow that's designed for outdoor fun.

Bezzi's Pick
$100

GCI Outdoor Slim Fold Cook Station

Picnic tables don't always cut it for cooking outside. This one is easy to use and has plenty of counter space.

Bezzi's Pick
$89.99

Coleman Pack-Away Cot

Elevate your sleep system (literally) with this heavy-ish but easy to set up cot.

Bezzi's Pick
$69.95

Kelty Lowdown Chair

It's sturdy, reliable, well-designed, and a tad pricier than most camp chairs, but it'll last for awhile.

Bezzi's Pick
$189.99

Camp Chef Everest 2 Burner Stove

A popular and reliable dual-burner camp stove that stays hot in windy conditions.

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Meal & snack ideas

It turns out everything tastes better when we're outside

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Dessert

S'mores

Vegetarian

Bezzi's Pick
Dinner

Mac n' cheese

Vegetarian

Bezzi's Pick
Snack

Lorissa's Kitchen Korean BBQ Steak Strips

Gluten Free

Bezzi's Pick
Snack

Solely Pineapple Coconut Fruit Jerky

Gluten Free · Vegan

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