How much does camping cost at Crab Flats?

Camping fees at Crab Flats range from $27-$31/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Crab Flats first-come first-served or reservation?

Crab Flats accepts online reservations. We recommend booking in advance, especially during peak season (typically summer weekends). Use campsite alerts to get notified when spots become available.

Can I see photos of campsites at Crab Flats before I book?

Yes! Crab Flats has 7 campsite photos on Outdoorithm, contributed by campers who've stayed there. Browse real photos of individual sites to see what to expect before you reserve. You can also add your own photos after your trip to help the next family plan theirs.

What is the best time to visit Crab Flats?

Crab Flats is open April 17 to October 02. The best time to visit depends on your preferences—summer offers the warmest weather and most activities, while spring and fall provide fewer crowds and milder temperatures. Check current conditions before your trip.

Are there showers at Crab Flats?

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

Can I have a campfire at Crab Flats?

Fire policies at Crab Flats: Don't Move Firewood: Protect California's forests from tree-killing pests by buying your firewood locally and burning it on-site. For more information visit firewood.ca.gov.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

How many campsites does Crab Flats have?

Crab Flats has 27 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Crab Flats?

Yes, pets are allowed at Crab Flats. 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 Crab Flats?

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

What activities can I do at Crab Flats?

Popular activities at Crab Flats include Hiking, Fishing, Swimming, Biking, Boating, Wildlife Viewing. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Crab Flats

4.14

134 reviews

SAN BERNARDINO, CA, USA

Featured in:Family-Friendly Campgrounds California

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

5,965 ft

Price

$27 - $31/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

27 campsites

Season

Open from mid-April ...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Book on California Land Management Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

5,965 ft

Price

$27 - $31/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

27 campsites

Season

Open from mid-April ...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Book on California Land Management Official Website

Get Directions

Crab Flats

$27.00 - $31.00 / night

Campsite Fees

MANAGEMENT: $27.00; STANDARD NONELECTRIC: $29.00 (+$2.00 holiday). Plus Recreation.gov reservation transaction fee ($8 online / $9 phone / $3 in...

No paid fee categories listed.

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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

909-867-2165clm@clm-services.com

I manage this campground

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Campground Map

SAN BERNARDINO, CA, USA

Crab Flats

SAN BERNARDINO, CA, USA

Weather at Crab Flats

Current alerts(8)

Bears frequent the area; use appropriate containers for food and garbage
Click here for more information on the San Bernardino National Forest
Do not follow Google Maps. Do not go all the way to Green Valley. Take Crab Flats road.
Fire restrictions may be imposed at any time due to hot, dry weather conditions, at which time campfires and charcoal fires may not be allowed.

Best Time to Camp at Crab Flats

Best season: fall. Fall offers the best combination of comfortable mountain temperatures, dramatic color in the oaks and understory, and much lighter crowds than peak summer — early September through early October typically sees daytime highs in the mid-50s to mid-70s°F and cool nights in the 30s–40s. Trails are usually dry and ideal for hiking and mountain biking, fishing is productive as water temperatures cool, and wildlife activity increases with less human traffic. Because the campground closes in early- to-– Peak months: September, October, May, June Avoid: November, December, January, February

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.0 / 5

Fall described as best season: cooler temps, oak color, dry trails — highly favorable.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: April 17 to October 02. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open from mid-April to early October.

About Crab Flats

Crab Flats is a small mid-elevation campground in San Bernardino National Forest operated by California Land Management. The campground serves as a trailhead hub for hikers and mountain bikers, with direct access to forest trails and nearby fishing and swimming opportunities. Spacious sites accommodate tents, RVs, and primitive camping, though the access road is rough and off-road vehicle traffic can stir up dust.

The campground accommodates various camping styles, including tent and RV camping. Primarily known for its rustic and off-road-friendly environment.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: fall. Fall offers the best combination of comfortable mountain temperatures, dramatic color in the oaks and understory, and much lighter crowds than peak summer — early September through early October typically sees daytime highs in the mid-50s to mid-70s°F and cool nights in the 30s–40s. Trails are usually dry and ideal for hiking and mountain biking, fishing is productive as water temperatures cool, and wildlife activity increases with less human traffic. Because the campground closes in early- to-– Peak months: September, October, May, June Avoid: November, December, January, February

Elevation5965 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryPine, oak, and cedar cover the slopes around camp, creating pockets of shade and distinct microclimates across the 27 sites. The forest supports a variety of birds and wildlife visible throughout the day. Green Valley Lake sits nearby for fishing, swimming, and boating. The elevation provides cooler temperatures than the valleys below, though dusty conditions are common when off-road vehicles kick up trail dirt.

Lodging & AccommodationsNo separate lodging accommodations like cabins or lodges are available.

Programs & ActivitiesNo specific cultural or educational programs are mentioned.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

Maximum stay of 14 nights during a visit or within a rolling 30 days, enforced year-round.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Unknown guest limit.

Groups

The campground does not specify group camping options.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsBookings available six months in advance for individual sites via Recreation.gov.

AccessibilityThe campground has no specific information about accessibility features for individuals with disabilities.

Site SizeSites vary in size, accommodating tents and RVs up to 28 feet. Some reviews note spacious sites with plenty of room.

PrivacyCampsites offer varying levels of privacy, with some reviewers noting proximity to neighboring sites as a downside.

Total Campsites27 campsites

Recommended SitesAvoid sites located in the middle of the campground to escape excessive dust stirred by dirt bikes, particularly during peak periods.

Best CampsitesSites #1 and #27 get mentioned for space and setting. Avoid middle sites if you're bothered by dust from passing OHVs.

Need help booking Crab Flats?

Reservation tips, booking windows, and free cancellation alerts.

Recreation.gov Guide

Booking tips & windows

When to Book

Find your booking window

Cancellation Alerts

Free alerts for this campground

Amenities available

No water available

Fire rings

Food storage lockers

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

I manage this campground

RV details

Activities you can enjoy

The campground is a hub for outdoor recreational activities. It boasts numerous off-road vehicle trails, including the 9.7-mile Redonda Ridge Trail and the 26-mile Holcomb Valley Road. There are also opportunities for hiking and mountain biking. Nearby Green Valley Lake provides options for boating, fishing, and swimming. Winter sports like snowshoeing and cross-country skiing are available during the colder months. As a user review notes, 'Trails in every direction!'

Hiking

Fishing

Swimming

Biking

Boating

Wildlife viewing

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 Flush ToiletsThe campground does not have flush toilets; only vault toilets are provided.

Food Storage RequiredBear-proof lockers are available at each campsite.

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.

Trip Planning Tools

Set an AlertGet notified when sites open up Check WeatherHistorical weather data Gear for This TripMatched gear recommendations Packing ListCustomizable checklist

Questions & answers

Researching this campground? Ask anything — other campers and our team will weigh in. No visit required.

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

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From Booking Sources

4.1

134 reviews

Satisfactory

Crab Flats is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews

Crab Flats receives mixed reviews, with some highlighting its seclusion, scenic views, and off-road vehicle trails, while others criticize the lack of enforcement of quiet hours and the rough access road. 'Great place to go camping with the family!' and 'This place is our new camping favorite of all time!' Users caution about the 'rugged trail' to the campground and advise bringing water and firewood.

Review Summaries

Based on 134 reviews

What Campers Love

Positive aspects include well-maintained vault toilets, spacious campsites, and the ability to engage in numerous off-road and outdoor activities directly from the campground. Reviews state,...

Based on 134 reviews

Common Concerns

Criticisms include noisy OHV activity, lack of potable water, and the rough dirt road leading to the campground. One review notes, 'Not a place for nature lovers; it's a place where local trash party...

Based on 134 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Sites 1 and 27 are praised for their location. Site 16 is noted for its proximity to neighbors and lack of privacy. 'Spot 1 was spacious and perfect for a quiet getaway.'

Based on 134 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Bring plenty of water and firewood. Use a high-clearance vehicle if possible. Follow signs for Crab Flats Road rather than relying on GPS. Avoid sites near the center for less dust from OHVs.

Based on 134 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer reviews are mixed, with some enjoying the weather and off-road activities and others deterred by dust and noise. Winter visitors appreciate the quiet and opportunities for snow sports.

Based on 134 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'The site was big and had plenty of shade.' 2. 'Nice campground, just be aware of the rugged trail.' 3. 'Great for ATVs but not for seclusion.'

Based on 134 reviews

Accessibility Features

No reviews specifically address accessibility features.

Based on 134 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are allowed, but no specific amenities for pets are mentioned. 'Several families with dogs were seen during camping.'

Based on 134 reviews

Outdoorithm Community

Be the first to review this campground

Every adventure creates another. Share what you learned so the next camper feels a little more prepared heading out.

Go if

You want a trailhead basecamp for hiking and biking with room to spread out and don't mind rough roads.

Skip if

You need quiet hour enforcement or want to avoid dust from off-road vehicle traffic.

Nearby Campgrounds

3.2

(9)

Tent Peg Group

PO BOX 365, FAWNSKIN, CA 92333, USA

Tent Peg Group sits in mid-elevation San Bernardino National Forest near Lake Arrowhead, operated by California Land Management for group reservations during peak season. The secluded site offers access to off-road trails, hiking paths, and nearby lake recreation, with vault toilets, fire rings, and picnic tables but no drinking water. Reviewers praise the privacy and trail access but note the rough access road requires capable vehicles.

Crab Flats

Real-Time Availability

Quick Facts

Real-Time Availability

Quick Facts

Get Notified When Available

Plan a trip to Crab Flats

Campground Map

Weather at Crab Flats

Current alerts(8)

Best Time to Camp at Crab Flats

Planning Tips

About Crab Flats

Best Campsites

Reserving a campsite

Need help booking Crab Flats?

Amenities available

RV details

Activities you can enjoy

Policies & Safety

Trip Planning Tools

Reviews

What Campers Love

Common Concerns

Site-Specific Reviews

Go if

Skip if

Overview

Plan a trip to Crab Flats

Current alerts(8)

Best Time to Camp at Crab Flats

Planning Tips

Best Campsites

Reserving a campsite

Need help booking Crab Flats?

Amenities available

Activities you can enjoy

Policies & Safety

Trip Planning Tools

Reviews

What Campers Love

Common Concerns

Site-Specific Reviews