Barton Flats

Star4.64
578 reviews
SAN BERNARDINO
Summer Destination

Quick Facts

6,360 ft

Price

$36 - $71/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

Varies

Season

Open from March 21 t...

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Check Policy

RV FriendlyShowers

Opens California Land Management site

Official Website
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Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026
Barton Flats
$36.00 - $71.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Individual campsites range from $36 to $71 per night during peak season. A $2 additional fee applies during holidays. Reservation service fees vary...
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Standard Site Fee$36.00
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$8.00

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Provider
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What Campers Say

4.64

Top-Rated

Based on 578 reviews

3 Google reviews

Most mentioned

cleanspacioushikinglake

"Barton Flats receives generally positive reviews, with an average sentiment score of 4.5. Visitors commend the natural beauty, well-maintained facilities, and clear rules enforced by camp hosts. However, some guests have criticized the hosts' attitudes and noted occasional maintenance issues."

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Campground Map

SAN BERNARDINO

Barton Flats

SAN BERNARDINO

Driving directionsTake I-10 East to Redlands. Take the University Street exit, EXIT 80. Turn left (northbound) on University Street. Turn right onto E. Lugonia Avenue/SR-38. Continue on State Highway 38 for approximately 18 miles to the campground entrance.
Accessible via paved roads from Highway 38. Road access is typically reliable year-round, although construction or closures on Route 38 may require extensive detours—check ahead during peak travel periods.

Best Time to Camp at Barton Flats

Summer brings perfect mountain weather to Barton Flats, with comfortable days averaging 84°F and refreshingly cool nights dipping to 56°F—ideal for campfire gatherings and restful sleep. As autumn arrives, the forest transforms into a painter's palette of gold and crimson, while crisp air carries the scent of changing seasons. Winter blankets the landscape in snow, creating a wonderland for those seeking solitude. During peak camping season, you'll enjoy predominantly dry conditions with brilliant blue skies stretching overhead.

Best
Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.5 / 5
Top 14% in CA

Summer offers ideal mountain weather (~84°F days), and is the most popular season.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.0 / 5

Autumn provides cooler temps, scenic fall conditions and fewer crowds; open until Oct 25.

Spring(Mar-May)
4.0 / 5

Open from Mar 21; spring is part of the peak season with good trail access and mild weather.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Campground is closed outside Mar 21–Oct 25 (winter closures).

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: March 21 to October 25.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Open from March 21 to October 25 (reservable). Closed outside these dates.
  • Current Alerts: Fire restrictions may be imposed during dry conditions. Highway 38 construction may cause detours.

About Barton Flats

Escape to Barton Flats Campground, where mountain adventures await at every turn. This beloved basecamp in the San Bernardino National Forest connects you to a world of outdoor pursuits—from tranquil mornings fishing the Santa Ana River to afternoon paddles across glassy Jenks Lake. Well-appointed with modern amenities including flush toilets, hot showers, and fresh drinking water, the campground strikes the perfect balance between wilderness immersion and creature comforts. Paved parking aprons welcome RVs and trailers, while the surrounding trails beckon hikers and horseback riders to explore the pine-scented heights.
Barton Flats Campground offers a variety of camping options, including sites for tents and RVs. Group sites and accessible sites are also available.
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Reserving a campsite

Check-in
2:00 PM
Check-out
12:00 PM
Stay Limit
Maximum stay is 14 nights within a rolling 30-day period.

Amenities available

Showers
Potable water
Flush toilets
Dump station
Fire rings
Food storage lockers

Activities you can enjoy

Barton Flats Campground offers a broad range of recreational activities that attract nature enthusiasts. Visitors can enjoy hiking, fishing, and non-motorized boating. The Santa Ana River Trail is a notable highlight for hiking, biking, and horseback riding. Jenks Lake provides opportunities for fishing, canoeing, and kayaking. Wildlife viewing and stargazing are also popular activities.
HikingThe Santa Ana River Trail and the 2.5-mile Rio Monte Trail are accessible from the campground. The Jenks Lake Trail offers an additional option, leading to a scenic lake with picnic areas. Trails vary in length and difficulty, accommodating both casual walkers and seasoned hikers.
FishingFishing is available at Jenks Lake and the nearby Santa Ana River. The lake is stocked with rainbow trout and features largemouth bass, bluegill, and sunfish. Fishing conditions at times vary based on water levels.
BikingThe Santa Ana River Trail is a favored route for biking. It offers scenic views and a mix of difficulty levels.
BoatingNon-motorized boating, including canoeing and kayaking, is allowed at Jenks Lake.
Wildlife viewingCampers frequently observe a range of wildlife, including deer, birds, and squirrels. Some have noted the boldness of ground squirrels near campsites.
Cultural and Educational ProgramsPrograms are held at the nearby Grayback Amphitheater during summer. Topics often focus on local wildlife and natural history.
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsBears are a known hazard; visitors must follow food storage regulations. Occasional flooding and erosion impact certain campsites.
Active AlertsFire restrictions may be imposed during dry conditions. Highway 38 construction may cause detours.
Food Storage RequiredBear boxes are provided for food storage due to frequent bear activity. Boxes are spacious and secure.

Weather at Barton Flats

Reviews

4.6
578 reviews
Top-Rated
Top-Rated
Barton Flats is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews
Barton Flats receives generally positive reviews, with an average sentiment score of 4.5. Visitors commend the natural beauty, well-maintained facilities, and clear rules enforced by camp hosts. However, some guests have criticized the hosts' attitudes and noted occasional maintenance issues.
Review Summaries
Based on 578 reviews

What Campers Love

Visitors praised the campground's cleanliness, scenic surroundings, spacious campsites, and accessible amenities. Hosts were often described as friendly and helpful. The proximity to hiking trails...
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Based on 578 reviews

Common Concerns

Common complaints include inconsistent enforcement of rules by camp hosts, occasional closures of showers, lack of shade at certain sites, and issues with road or construction noise. Some users felt...
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Based on 578 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Campers recommend bringing earplugs to mitigate noise, choosing shaded sites for summer stays, and carrying extra supplies due to limited nearby stores. Visiting during weekdays is advised for...
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Based on 578 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer is the most popular season, though some visitors report high site occupancy and variable noise levels. Off-season visits are quieter, with fewer crowds. Winter sees campground closures.
Based on 578 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'The campground is beautiful but the camp hosts were a letdown. Elise and Layne were particularly helpful during our stay.' 2. 'Jenks Lake Trail was a highlight. The views were breathtaking.' 3....
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Based on 578 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site 14 is highly praised for its shaded seclusion, while site 49 is noted for its lack of shade. Site 33 received positive feedback for its spaciousness and proximity to trails.
Based on 578 reviews

Accessibility Features

Accessible sites and facilities are available, though reviews specifically highlighting accessibility experiences were limited.
Based on 578 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pet policies and pet-related experiences are not prominently mentioned in the reviews.
Based on 578 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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