Campgrounds and RV parks near Mentone, CA

Highway 38 climbs directly from Mentone into the San Bernardino Mountains, providing access to hiking, fishing, and Big Bear Lake. Trails leading to the summit of San Gorgonio, the highest peak in Southern California, include the Fish Creek Trail, South Fork Trail, and the Vivian Creek Trail. The South Fork and Vivian Creek trailheads sit a short drive up the canyon from town. Families basing at SkyPark Camp and RV Resort can reach SkyPark at Santa's Village, a mountain park with lift-served mountain biking, hiking, and seasonal activities. Jenks Lake, above Barton Flats, is stocked with rainbow trout and allows non-motorized boating. Big Bear Lake, roughly an hour up Highway 38, adds boating, fishing, and winter snow sports, while Redlands on the valley floor offers full-service grocery and supply runs.

Mentone has a Mediterranean climate on the valley floor, but elevation drives most planning decisions. The valley around town stays mild and dry from late spring through early fall, with summer highs frequently in the mid-90s Fahrenheit. Mountain campgrounds along Highway 38 sit at 6,000 feet and higher, so temperatures there run roughly 20 degrees cooler than in town. Most Forest Service campgrounds in the San Bernardino Mountains operate from late spring through fall, with typical opening windows running from late March or April through October. Highway 38 has periodically had one-way traffic control with flagging during construction seasons, though the upper portion through Big Bear remains accessible from the north. Winter brings snow to the higher elevations and occasional chain controls on mountain highways, while valley parks stay open year-round. Fire restrictions are common from late spring into fall. Depending on conditions, restrictions may be placed on campfires, charcoal barbeques, and stoves within the forest, and an existing campfire permit does not override current restrictions. Confirm conditions with the Mill Creek Visitor Center before heading up the canyon.

Mentone-area RV parks on the valley floor are practical rather than scenic: paved or gravel pads, full hookups, laundry, and quick access to Interstate 10 and grocery stores in Redlands. Expect hot, dry summer afternoons and limited shade. Mountain campgrounds along Highway 38 deliver a different experience. San Gorgonio Family Campground sits at 6,500 feet within 25 miles of Big Bear Lake and includes flush toilets, showers, picnic tables, bear boxes, and firewood for sale. Barton Flats adds an RV dump station. Cell coverage is spotty in the canyons, water sources can be limited, and bear-aware food storage is mandatory. Dogs are welcome at most sites on leash. A California Campfire Permit is required for stoves and campfires outside developed campgrounds, and campfires are not allowed in designated Wilderness Areas.