USDA Forest Service · California

Barton Flats

USDA Forest Service · California, United States

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Sites
53
Hookups
52 no hookups
Season
April 3 to October 24
Max RV length
35 ft
Drinking water
Yes
Restrooms
Yes
Showers
Yes
Dump station
Yes
Pets
Yes
Elevation
6,385 ft
Dark sky
Bortle class 3
Cell coverage
AT&T weak · Verizon weak · T-Mobile good (carriers' 4G LTE filings to the FCC, 2025-12; not measured here)
Access road
BARTON FLATS CAMPGROUND (NFSR 1N46) · asphalt · high degree of user comfort
Lake
San Bernardino National Forest
Nearest town
Big Bear Lake
Address
SAN BERNARDINO, CA
Activities
Biking, Camping, Canoeing, Educational Programs, Fishing, Hiking, Tubing

53 numbered sites are mapped one by one - open the site map to pick yours.

About

Overview

The Barton Flats Campground provides a taste of just about everything the San Bernardino National Forest has to offer. In addition to a nearby lake and river access, a variety hiking, biking and horseback riding trails can be accessed from the campground. Its location also provides a great place for visitors to relax, take in the fresh, mountain air, and enjoy the beautiful scenery.

Recreation

The campground provides access to the famed Santa Ana River Trail, which will someday run from the mountains to the seaside, providing spectacular views along the way. It is currently popular for hiking, biking and horseback riding.

The 2.5-mile Rio Monte Trail is also accessed from the campground and ends at the Rio Monte Panorama, which overlooks the deep gorge of the Santa Ana River Valley.

The Jenks Lake Trail begins at the Barton Flats Visitor Center on the Rio Monte Trail. It then follows Barton Road to an old logging road to Jenks Lake.

At nearby Jenks Lake visitors can enjoy fishing and non-motorized boating, including canoeing and kayaking.
The lake is stocked with rainbow trout and there are also some largemouth bass, bluegill, sunfish and catfish available. Fishing is also available in the nearby Santa Ana River.

Facilities

The campground offers dozens of single and double campsites, available for tent and RV camping. Some accessible sites are available as well. There are no hookups at the campground, however, the parking aprons are paved and a dump station is available.

Each site is equipped with tables and campfire rings with grills. Accessible flush toilets, showers and drinking water are provided. Firewood is sold at the campground.

Natural Features

Located 36 miles northeast of San Bernardino, this campground is nestled in the San Bernardino Mountains, just off the Rim of the World Scenic Byway. The level campsites are tucked among a variety of pine and oak trees, at an elevation of 6,360 feet.

Nearby Attractions

The Grayback Amphitheater on State Route 38 provides evening educational programs throughout the summer months.

Contact Info

For facility specific information, please call (909) 866-8550.

Charges & Cancellations

Individual Campsites: A customer who cancels a reservation the day before or on the day of arrival will pay a $10.00 service fee AND forfeit the first night's use fee (not to exceed the total paid for the original reservation). Cancellations for a one-night reservation will forfeit the entire amount paid and will not be subject to an additional service fee.

No-shows are assessed $20.00 service fee and forfeit the first night’s recreation fee for a campsite or forfeit the entire day-use fee for a day-use facility.

Weather, month by month

MonthTypical highTypical lowColdest nightHottest dayYears with a night below 32°F
January53°38°20°70°6 of 11
February52°34°15°72°7 of 11
March53°36°20°80°7 of 11
April62°41°27°76°3 of 11
May70°47°32°82°1 of 11
June82°57°44°94°0 of 11
July87°64°54°96°0 of 11
August83°62°52°94°0 of 11
September78°57°46°85°0 of 11
October70°50°37°82°0 of 10
November63°44°28°73°2 of 10
December57°40°23°68°4 of 10

Mid-month figures from 2016–2026 of daily weather at this spot (ERA5 reanalysis via Open-Meteo, CC BY 4.0), in °F. Typical is the median; coldest and hottest are the extremes seen.

Nearby campgrounds

All public campgrounds in California · Every state and province · Facts read from the operator 2026-08-11. Confirm fees, rules and current status with the operator before you go.