Is Applewhite Campground first-come first-served or reservation?

Applewhite Campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis. Arrive early, especially on weekends and holidays, to secure a spot.

Are there showers at Applewhite Campground?

Applewhite Campground does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

Is there cell service at Applewhite Campground?

Cell phone service at Applewhite Campground is generally available. Cell service is available. Coverage may vary by carrier and exact location within the campground.

How many campsites does Applewhite Campground have?

Applewhite Campground has 80 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Arrive early for the best site selection.

Are dogs allowed at Applewhite Campground?

Yes, pets are allowed at Applewhite Campground. Dogs must typically be kept on a leash (usually 6 feet or shorter) and under control at all times. Be sure to clean up after your pet and check for any breed or size restrictions.

What amenities are available at Applewhite Campground?

Applewhite Campground offers: Restrooms, Pets Allowed. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

Applewhite Campground

4.18

186 reviews

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Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

3,323 ft

Price

Varies

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

80 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Book on null Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

3,323 ft

Price

Varies

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

80 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Book on null Official Website

Get Directions

Applewhite Campground

No fees available

Campsite Fees

No paid fee categories listed.

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Provider

909-866-8550null

I manage this campground

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Campground Map

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Applewhite Campground

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Nearby places

Fontana: approximately 20 miles

San Bernardino: approximately 27 miles

Weather at Applewhite Campground

Best Time to Camp at Applewhite Campground

Best season: fall. Fall offers the most comfortable weather and best overall access to Applewhite — expect daytime highs in the 60s–70s°F and crisp nights in the 40s–50s°F, with lower wildfire risk than midsummer. Hiking and wildlife viewing are at their peak as trails cool and creeks still have flow from late-summer run-off, and the forest takes on warm, golden tones. Crowds are moderate—weekends see visitors, but weekday stays feel peaceful—making it ideal for a mellow, accessible mountain getaway. Peak months: October, November, April, May Avoid: July, August

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.0 / 5

Described as best season: 60s-70s days, lower wildfire risk, creek still flows—comfortable conditions.

Planning Tips

About Applewhite Campground

Applewhite Campground sits in the foothills of San Bernardino National Forest along Lytle Creek, offering tent and RV sites with flush toilets and paved parking. The large campground provides creek access for water recreation and shaded sites, though visitors report mixed experiences with cleanliness and occasional noise disturbances. Fall brings the most comfortable conditions, with moderate temperatures and active wildlife viewing along cooling trails.

Applewhite Campground caters to tent campers with some accommodations for small RVs or campers.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: fall. Fall offers the most comfortable weather and best overall access to Applewhite — expect daytime highs in the 60s–70s°F and crisp nights in the 40s–50s°F, with lower wildfire risk than midsummer. Hiking and wildlife viewing are at their peak as trails cool and creeks still have flow from late-summer run-off, and the forest takes on warm, golden tones. Crowds are moderate—weekends see visitors, but weekday stays feel peaceful—making it ideal for a mellow, accessible mountain getaway. Peak months: October, November, April, May Avoid: July, August

Elevation3323 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryThe campground occupies a valley carved by Lytle Creek, where the stream provides swimming and wading opportunities. Native trees and vegetation adapted to this Mediterranean-influenced mountain zone provide varying amounts of shade across sites. The surrounding San Bernardino National Forest terrain is rugged, though the campground itself feels more developed than remote. Some sites offer good shade under large pines, while others sit exposed.

Lodging & AccommodationsNo lodging facilities such as cabins or yurts are available.

Programs & ActivitiesNo cultural or educational programs are provided.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

Maximum consecutive stay is 5 nights, with 14 nights total allowed annually.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Maximum of eight people per campsite.

Groups

No designated group camping facilities are available.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are not allowed

Reservation PlatformsReservations available on-site.

AccessibilityAccessible flush toilets, water spigots, and some paved parking make this campground moderately accessible.

Site SizeSites are described as spacious by users, allowing enough room for tents and vehicles, though some sites lack shade.

PrivacySites vary in privacy, but some users reported issues with being too close to other campers, describing it as feeling more like 'a city park.

Total Campsites80 campsites

Recommended SitesBring ample shade for sites without tree coverage. Sites close to water spigots may offer convenience.

Best CampsitesSite 10 has good shade under a large pine. Sites near water spigots offer convenience. The Upper Loop (left side) and Lower Loop (right side) have different layouts, but privacy varies throughout. Some sites feel cramped, with one reviewer comparing the spacing to a city park rather than a forest campground.

Amenities available

Applewhite Campground offers basic amenities, primarily catering to tent campers but accommodating RVs as well. Most campsites feature a table and campfire ring with a grill. Accessible flush toilets and water spigots are available, but there are no electric or sewer hookups. Parking spaces are paved but narrow, and no dump station is provided.

Flush toilets

Fire rings

Picnic tables

I manage this campground

RV details

Activities you can enjoy

The campground offers hiking opportunities in the Lytle Creek area and is close to Lytle Creek for water-based recreation. OHV trails are accessible nearby in the Cajon Pass area.

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

No Electric HookupsElectric hookups are not available at this campground. RV campers should arrive with a full battery and plan for off-grid power (generator hours/quiet rules permitting).

No Water HookupsSite-level water hookups are not available. RV campers should fill freshwater tanks before arrival; check the No Potable Water note above if applicable for drinking water.

No Dump StationThere is no dump station at this campground. Plan to use a dump station along your route or at a nearby facility before or after your stay.

Trip Planning Tools

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Questions & answers

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Tips from campers

Short heads-ups about the road in, gear quirks, timing, and more. You don't have to have been here to share what you know.

Reviews

From Booking Sources

4.2

186 reviews

Satisfactory

Applewhite Campground is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews

Applewhite Campground receives highly mixed reviews, ranging from positive praise for affordability and accessibility to severe safety concerns and unkempt facilities.

Review Summaries

Based on 186 reviews

Best sites at a glance

Pulled from per-site mentions in 186 reviews.

Site #10Loved
Site #10 offers good shade under a large pine tree.
Site #28Issues noted
Site #28 lacks shade, but adjacent sites have trees and water spouts.

What Campers Love

Reviewers appreciated the affordability ('only $15 per night'), the convenience of paved parking, and access to Lytle Creek for water recreation. One user noted, 'Perfect amount of shade on the...

Based on 186 reviews

Common Concerns

Numerous complaints highlight safety issues, including gunshots at night ('Our tent got shot at'), and a rough crowd, with reports of 'campers that seem to practically live there.' The cleanliness of...

Based on 186 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Bring a canopy for shade in unshaded sites. A portable shower may be convenient due to the lack of on-site facilities. Avoid the campground during weekdays when it is closed.

Based on 186 reviews

Seasonal Insights

The campground's popularity peaks during summer weekends, but safety concerns and noise may be higher during busy times. Off-season visits offer quieter surroundings but limited services.

Based on 186 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'Our tent got shot at and our table has a bullet hole.' 2. 'The people who volunteer and clean are super friendly.' 3. 'Perfect amount of shade on the site, and they even have 2 grills!'

Based on 186 reviews

Accessibility Features

Accessible features include flush toilets and paved parking. One user noted that the campground 'allowed easy wheelchair access.'

Based on 186 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are welcome, provided they are leashed and waste is cleaned up. 'Dog-friendly' was mentioned positively by several users.

Based on 186 reviews

Outdoorithm Community

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Go if

You want affordable creek-side camping in the foothills with flush toilets and don't need pristine facilities.

Skip if

You require a quiet, well-maintained campground or have concerns about safety and cleanliness.

Nearby Campgrounds

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Applewhite Campground (Ca)

San Bernardino National Forest

Applewhite Campground sits in the foothills of San Bernardino National Forest with a creek running nearby. This budget-friendly spot offers tent and RV sites with flush toilets, potable water, and fire rings. Campers come for the affordability, helpful hosts, and creek access during the seasonal operating window.