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

Share this itinerary

Link copied!

http://www.bewilder.club/experiences/san-bernardino-national-forest-grays-peak

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

Prep Itinerary Gear Food

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

Reserve your campsite

No items found.

Itinerary

Day One

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

‍

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

Spend the afternoon around the Big Bear Lake area. Start out at the Discovery Center and take a guided hike around the 0.5 mile nature trail to learn all about the local flora and fauna.
Optional: Rent bikes from Paddles and Pedals and bike along the lakefront along the Alpine Pedal Path

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

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.