Applewhite Campground

Star4.16
186 reviews
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Quick Facts

3,323 ft

Price

$15 - $20/night

Booking

First-Come

Sites

80 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly
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Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

February 2026

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

February 2026
Applewhite Campground
$15.00 - $20.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard nonelectric sites range between $15.00 and $20.00 per night. Additional vehicle fee of $5 per night collected on-site.
Standard Site Fee$15.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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Provider
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What Campers Say

4.16

Satisfactory

Based on 186 reviews

173 Google reviews

Most mentioned

shadewater

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

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Campground Map

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Applewhite Campground

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Driving directionsLocated three miles north of the Lytle Creek Ranger Station on Lytle Creek Road. Campground is on the right with Upper Loop campsites on the left and Lower Loop campsites on the right.
Paved roads provide access to the campground. However, caution is advised due to narrow and potentially unkempt road conditions.
Nearby places
Fontana: approximately 20 miles
San Bernardino: approximately 27 miles
Nearby supplies
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Best Time to Camp at Applewhite Campground

Experience the gentle climate of Southern California's high country, where comfortable conditions prevail throughout the year. Winter brings crisp, refreshing days with temperatures dancing between the mid-50s and low 40s—perfect for cozy campfire gatherings. As summer arrives, the mercury climbs to a pleasant mid-70s to 80s, creating ideal conditions for creek exploration and shaded relaxation beneath the forest canopy. This year-round destination offers each season's unique charm without the extremes that challenge other mountain locations.

Summer(Jun-Aug)
2.5 / 5

Popular on summer weekends but reviewers report higher noise and safety issues then.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
3.5 / 5

Gentle high-country climate and quieter off-season visits make fall appealing.

Best
Spring(Mar-May)
3.5 / 5

Pleasant weather and creek access in spring likely improve hiking and water recreation.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
3.0 / 5

Open year-round with crisp winter days; no winter-sport facilities noted.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: January 1st - December 31st (Year-Round Peak Season). Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Open year-round.
  • Current Alerts: Seasonal fire restrictions may prohibit campfires and charcoal fires.

About Applewhite Campground

Tucked into the embrace of the San Bernardino National Forest, Applewhite Campground offers an intimate escape where modern accessibility meets natural tranquility. This thoughtfully designed retreat features fully paved parking aprons that welcome all visitors, while the soothing sounds of nearby Lytle Creek create a natural soundtrack to your stay. Despite its modest size, Applewhite provides all the essential comforts—including flush toilets and convenient water spigots—making it an ideal basecamp for both seasoned adventurers and those seeking their first taste of forest camping.
Applewhite Campground caters to tent campers with some accommodations for small RVs or campers.
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Reserving a campsite

Check-in
2:00 PM
Check-out
12:00 PM
Stay Limit
Maximum consecutive stay is 5 nights, with 14 nights total allowed annually.

Amenities available

Potable water
Flush toilets
Fire rings
Picnic tables

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.
HikingThere are ample opportunities for short day hikes in the Lytle Creek area. Specific trails are not named.
SwimmingCampers can enjoy cooling off in the waters of Lytle Creek across the road.
Wildlife viewingWhile specific wildlife is not detailed, the surrounding natural environment suggests potential for bird and wildlife viewing.
Winter Activities
Water Sports
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsBears frequent the area; proper food storage required. Occasional sightings of rattlesnakes near trails.
Active AlertsSeasonal fire restrictions may prohibit campfires and charcoal fires.

Weather at Applewhite Campground

Reviews

4.2
186 reviews
Satisfactory
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

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...
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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...
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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

Site-Specific Reviews

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

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Last updated February 17, 2026
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