Heart Bar Campground

Star4.66
291 reviews
HWY 38 FOREST SERVICE RD 1N02

Quick Facts

6,880 ft

Price

$29 - $56/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

70 campsites

Season

Open during peak sea...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Opens Mountaintop Recreation, a division of 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
Heart Bar Campground
$29.00 - $56.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Nightly rates range from $29 to $56 depending on site type and season. An additional $2 fee applies during holidays. Fees do not include discounts,...
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Standard Site Fee$29.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$56.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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Provider
909-866-8550clm@clm-services.com
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What Campers Say

4.66

Top-Rated

Based on 291 reviews

Most mentioned

spaciousfriendlysites

Some mention

noise

"User reviews highlight the campground’s cleanliness, spacious sites, and friendly hosts. However, issues such as vault toilet odors, occasional noise from neighboring campers, and bugs like flies and moths are commonly mentioned."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

HWY 38 FOREST SERVICE RD 1N02

Heart Bar Campground

HWY 38 FOREST SERVICE RD 1N02

Driving directionsFrom I-10 in San Bernardino, take the Alabama exit in the city of Redlands to Lugonia Avenue (State Highway 38). Travel northeast on Highway 38 for approximately 30 miles to Forest Route IN02. Continue less than a mile to the campground.
The campground is accessible via State Highway 38, leading to Forest Route IN02. Roads are paved but may be subject to seasonal weather conditions, especially during winter. The tight layout of the roads within the campground can be challenging for larger RVs and trailers.
Nearby places
Big Bear Lake (20 miles, approximately 30 minutes drive)
Redlands (30 miles, approximately 45 minutes drive)
Nearby supplies
The nearest gas station is in Angelus Oaks, and Big Bear Lake (20 miles away) offers grocery stores and camping supplies.

Best Time to Camp at Heart Bar Campground

Experience nature's perfect temperature balance at Heart Bar, where summer days unfold in comfortable 60-85°F warmth—ideal for afternoon hikes and evening campfire gatherings. As darkness falls, temperatures dip into the refreshing low 40s, guaranteeing restful sleep under star-filled skies. Winter transforms the landscape into a potential wonderland of snow and frost, with temperatures that can plunge below freezing. For those seeking tranquility, autumn emerges as the hidden gem—crisp mountain air mingles with the scent of pine while smaller crowds mean more intimate encounters with nature.

Summer(Jun-Aug)
3.5 / 5

Summer temps 60–85°F are ideal; reviews cite pleasant weather but bugs and noise.

Best
Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.5 / 5
Top 5% in CA

Fall reviews highlight quieter visits and scenic beauty—best quieter season per reviews.

Spring(Mar-May)
3.5 / 5

Opens mid-April; transitional season with mixed conditions and fewer peak crowds.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Closed for reservations Oct 11–Apr 17; winter availability limited.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: July 1, 2025 – October 11, 2025; April 17, 2026 – October 10, 2026. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Open during peak season from July 1 to October 11. Closed for reservations during the off-season (October 11 – April 17).
  • Current Alerts: Fire restrictions may be imposed during hot, dry weather. Contact the forest supervisor's office at (909) 382-2600 for current conditions.

About Heart Bar Campground

Escape to Heart Bar Campground, where towering pines whisper secrets of the San Bernardino National Forest at nearly 7,000 feet above sea level. This mountain sanctuary serves as your gateway to Southern California's most cherished outdoor adventures—from sun-dappled hiking trails that wind through ancient forests to exhilarating mountain biking routes and peaceful horseback riding paths. Each generously-sized campsite offers modern comforts while maintaining that authentic wilderness feel, creating the perfect balance between accessibility and seclusion that modern adventurers crave.
Heart Bar Campground supports diverse camping experiences, including tent and RV camping, as well as group sites.
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Reserving a campsite

Check-in
Check-in begins at 2:00 PM.
Check-out
Check-out is by 12:00 PM.
Stay Limit
Maximum stay allowed is 14 consecutive nights.

Amenities available

Potable water
Dump station
Fire rings
Food storage lockers
Picnic tables
Firewood available

Activities you can enjoy

Heart Bar Campground offers diverse recreational activities, including hiking, biking, and fishing. "The famed Santa Ana River Trail provides miles of scenic mountain views," and the Wildhorse Creek Trail offers a 5-mile, moderately difficult hike.
HikingNumerous hiking opportunities, such as the Santa Ana River Trail and Wildhorse Creek Trail. The latter is a 5-mile trail climbing 1,100 feet in elevation. A user noted, "Nearby trailheads include Aspen Grove and Fish Creek Trails."
FishingCreek fishing is available near the campground. Another user commented on the proximity to Jenks Lake for fishing activities.
BikingThe paved roads within the campground are suitable for biking. "Great place to ride bikes," mentioned one camper.
Wildlife viewingWildlife such as Stellar Jays, chipmunks, and grey squirrels are commonly observed. One user stated, "We started with 2 Stellar Jays and ended up with 14."
Winter Activities
Water Sports
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsPotential hazards include wildlife such as bears and scorpions, and insects like flies and moths can be prevalent. Seasonal fire risks may lead to restrictions.
Active AlertsFire restrictions may be imposed during hot, dry weather. Contact the forest supervisor's office at (909) 382-2600 for current conditions.
Food Storage RequiredLockers are provided at each site for secure storage of food and scented items, designed to prevent wildlife encounters.

Weather at Heart Bar Campground

Reviews

4.7
291 reviews
Top-Rated
Top-Rated
Heart Bar Campground is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews highlight the campground’s cleanliness, spacious sites, and friendly hosts. However, issues such as vault toilet odors, occasional noise from neighboring campers, and bugs like flies and moths are commonly mentioned.
Review Summaries
Based on 291 reviews

What Campers Love

Many reviewers praised the spacious campsites, beautiful surroundings, and friendly hosts. Quotes include: "Spacious campsite, good vibes," and "The camp hosts are always friendly and helpful."
Based on 291 reviews

Common Concerns

Recurring complaints include vault toilet odors, lack of privacy between sites due to sparse underbrush, and pest issues (e.g., flies and moths). One user noted, "Those little flies that go up your...
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Based on 291 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Users recommend bringing bug repellent, earplugs for potential noise, and extra blankets due to temperature drops at night. A user commented, "Bring mosquito coils or more bug killer."
Based on 291 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer reviews often mention pleasant weather but also bugs and occasional noise. Fall reviews highlight quieter experiences and scenic beauty. Winter closures are noted.
Based on 291 reviews

Camper Quotes

"Vault toilets are very smelly," "Great place to ride bikes," "Hosts were very polite," "Firewood was $8 a bundle, a bit steep for quick-burning cuts," "Beautiful mountain setting at about 7,000...
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Based on 291 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site 037 in Grinnell Peak Loop is frequently praised for its spaciousness and privacy. Site 032 is noted for being large and close to wildlife. Site 029, an accessible site, received mixed reviews...
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Based on 291 reviews

Accessibility Features

Accessible vault toilets and campsites received mixed reviews. One user said, "We booked 029 and didn't realize it was handicap accessible."
Based on 291 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are allowed, and the campground is noted as dog-friendly. One user mentioned, "Great for dogs. We brought our GSD and saw plenty of other dogs."
Based on 291 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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