Hidden Gems

An RVer's Guide to San Bernardino National Forest

IN PARTNERSHIP WITH THE NATIONAL FOREST FOUNDATION

Hidden Gems of the National Forest System

THOR and the National Forest Foundation are bringing you one step closer to the “hidden gems” of the National Forest system. Get tips for RVing at these national forest destinations and why they are some of the RV community’s best-kept secrets.

About San Bernardino National Forest

During the inception of national forest reserves in the late 1800s, the San Bernardino National Forest was recognized as one of the premier forests for recreation and a top destination for people to escape their urban lives for a peaceful retreat in the mountains.

Now, with hundreds of miles of nationally recognized hiking trails, eight designated Wildernesses, 42 campgrounds, four winter recreation resorts, seven wild and scenic rivers, the two tallest mountains in Southern California, and one of the best destinations for off-highway vehicle riding, there is more than a lifetime of activities to do on the San Bernardino National Forest.

Recreation and History

What to Do in San Bernardino

Recreation

Recreation is plentiful in San Bernardino, including a wide variety of hiking trails. Horseback riding, mountain biking, and hunting are other popular activities. When the snow flies, visitors can enjoy downhill skiing, snowboarding, cross-country skiing, snowmobiling, and other snow play., including a wide variety of hiking trails. Horseback riding, mountain biking, and hunting are other popular activities. When the snow flies, visitors can enjoy downhill skiing, snowboarding, cross-country skiing, snowmobiling, and other snow play.

History

Whether you're walking in the footsteps of Native Americans or exploring the remnants of Southern California's biggest gold strike, the mountains of the San Bernardino National Forest offer a fascinating glimpse into the past.

Explore the Gold Fever Trail or read the story of the Cahuilla people at the interpretive panels at Cahuilla Tewanet Overlook. You can also visit area museums, such as the Palm Springs Museum, the Malkai Museum in Banning or the San Bernardino County Museum in Redlands. Native American artifacts are also on display at the County Nature Center near Idyllwild.

Tall grass, plants, and mountainscapes in San Bernardino National Forest.
Where to Camp

Recommended RV Campgrounds

  1. Fern Basin
  2. Marion Mountain
  3. North Shore
  4. Green Valley
  5. Dogwood
  6. Serrano
  7. Hanna Flat
  8. Big Pine Flat
  9. San Gorgonio
  10. Barton Flats
  11. Heart Bar
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San Bernardino National Forest

Top Attractions

POINTS OF INTEREST
1
Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains National Monument
One of two San Bernardino national monuments, this monument features snowcapped mountain peaks as tall as 10,834 feet, idyllic palm oases, and trails that traverse lush landscapes and dry deserts.
2
Sand to Snow National Monument
One of two San Bernardino's national monuments, this area features a mountainous backcountry with wilderness areas, and state parks and trails perfect for hiking and horseback riding.
3
Rim of the World Scenic Byway
This 110-mile route traverses the rim of the San Bernardino Mountains from Cajon Pass to San Gorgonio Pass. The portion of the route between Mill Creek and Onyx Summit offers unique views of the Sand to Snow National Monument.
4
Palms to Pines Scenic Byway
This 67-mile route will take you from Palm Desert to Banning Pass. From clusters of desert palms to high country conifer forests and snow-capped mountains, experience a contrast of ecosystems within a short distance and admire views of the San Gorgonio Wilderness area to the north on the Banning Pass section of the byway.
5
Deep Creek Hot Springs
A prized natural landscape for both its beauty and environmental impact, these hot springs support the greatest diversity of wildlife in all of the San Bernardino National Forest. Here you'll find endangered species and a plethora of vegetation — just a few of the reasons why San Bernardino is known for its rich biodiversity.
6
Big Bear Lake
If outdoor activities are your cup of tea, consider Big Bear Lake your place to be while visiting San Bernardino. Bicycling, climbing, fishing, hiking, hunting, metal detecting, and water skiing are just a few of the pastimes the area has to offer.
7
Heaps Peak Arboretum Day Use Area
Enjoy the Heaps Peak Arboretum botanical gardens, take a short hike on the Sequoia Trail or make a pit stop for an outdoor picnic while visiting the area.

Hidden Gems Series

Learn more about top destinations and tips for camping at National Forests from fellow RVers.

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The National Forest Foundation x THOR Industries

In 2020, THOR and the National Forest Foundation entered a partnership that will plant at least 500,000 trees on National Forest lands. Join us by supporting our National Forests and help improve the health of important public lands for future generations.

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