Crab Flats

Star4.20
134 reviews
SAN BERNARDINO, CA, USA

Quick Facts

5,965 ft

Price

$27/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

27 campsites

Season

Open from mid-April ...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

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
Crab Flats
$27.00 - $27.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Peak season rates start at $27 per night, with a $2 holiday surcharge. Out-of-season booking is unavailable.
Standard Site Fee$27.00
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
909-867-2165clm@clm-services.com
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What Campers Say

4.20

Satisfactory

Based on 134 reviews

83 Google reviews

Most mentioned

viewscleanspaciouswell-maintained

Some mention

dusty

"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."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

SAN BERNARDINO, CA, USA

Crab Flats

SAN BERNARDINO, CA, USA

Driving directionsFrom Running Springs, travel toward Arrowbear, to Green Valley Road. Turn left, drive approximately 4 miles to Crab Flats Campground sign. Turn left and continue about 4 miles to the campground.
The campground is accessed by a dirt road that crosses Deep Creek. The road is rough and requires a high-clearance vehicle. Google Maps may mislead drivers to a challenging off-road route; follow Crab Flats Road signs instead.
Nearby supplies
Local supplies are at least an hour away, including grocery stores and camping supplies.

Best Time to Camp at Crab Flats

Experience the perfect mountain climate at Crab Flats, where summer days hover in the comfortable low-to-mid 80s°F, creating ideal conditions for hiking and exploring. When winter transforms the landscape into a snow-covered wonderland, the campground becomes a gateway to exhilarating snowshoeing adventures and cross-country skiing through pristine alpine terrain.

Summer(Jun-Aug)
3.5 / 5

Comfortable summer temps (low-mid 80s); popular but reviews note dust and OHV noise.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.0 / 5

Open through early Oct; mild mountain climate and scenic trails make fall appealing.

Best
Spring(Mar-May)
4.0 / 5

Open from mid-April; bird song and mild weather make spring attractive for visits.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Campground is closed mid-October through mid-April; winter camping not available onsite.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: April 18 - October 04 (2025); same for 2026.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Open from mid-April to early October.
  • Current Alerts: No current alerts available.

About Crab Flats

Escape to Crab Flats Campground, where adventure meets tranquility in the heart of Southern California's mountain wilderness. This hidden gem beckons off-road enthusiasts and nature lovers alike, offering rustic single-family sites nestled beneath towering pines. Each campsite comes thoughtfully equipped with a picnic table for memorable outdoor meals, a fire pit for evening gatherings under starlit skies, and bear-proof storage boxes to keep wildlife encounters on your terms. Modern vault toilets ensure comfort without compromising the authentic wilderness experience.
The campground accommodates various camping styles, including tent and RV camping. Primarily known for its rustic and off-road-friendly environment.
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Reserving a campsite

Check-in
Unknown check-in time.
Check-out
Unknown check-out time.
Stay Limit
Maximum stay of 14 nights during a visit or within a rolling 30 days, enforced year-round.

Amenities available

Fire rings
Food storage lockers
Picnic tables
Vault toilets

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!'
HikingThe area offers a variety of hiking trails, including the scenic Crab Creek Trail leading to Fisherman's Campground. The proximity to rock formations and other trails adds to the hiking experience.
FishingFishing is available at Green Valley Lake, which is regularly stocked with various fish species.
SwimmingGreen Valley Lake offers swimming opportunities approximately 6 miles from the campground.
BikingMountain biking is popular, with trails surrounding the campground.
BoatingBoating activities are available at the nearby Green Valley Lake.
Winter Activities
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsBears frequent the area, requiring food precautions. The dirt road to the site can be rough and challenging for large vehicles or RVs.
Active AlertsNo current alerts available.
No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.
Food Storage RequiredBear-proof lockers are available at each campsite.

Weather at Crab Flats

Reviews

4.2
134 reviews
Satisfactory
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,...
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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...
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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

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

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

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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