San Bernardino National Forest

An adventurous journey with 10+ mile hikes
Driving to and sleeping at a campground
Pups are welcome at camp and on hiking trails

Climbing Grays Peak overlooking Big Bear in San Bernardino National Forest

Climbing Grays Peak overlooking Big Bear in San Bernardino National Forest

Climbing Grays Peak overlooking Big Bear in San Bernardino National Forest

Climbing Grays Peak overlooking Big Bear in San Bernardino National Forest

Climbing Grays Peak overlooking Big Bear in San Bernardino National Forest

Designed by Yvonne Leow

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Last updated
March 8, 2022

Trip · 3-day camping trip

For · Friends and new campers

Vibe · Challenging and hard

Reservations · Yes, reserve a site at Hanna Flat campground

Drive · 2 hours from LA

Ideal dates · April to September

Pets · Welcome at camp and on trails!

San Bernardino National Forest (SBNF) is one of the most diverse forests in the country when it comes to plants and wildlife, partly because its elevation ranges from 2,000 to 11,500+ feet on Mount San Gorgonio, the highest peak in SoCal. It's home to the tallest waterfalls in the region: Big Falls and Bonita Falls, and every year, SBNF receives more visitors than either Yosemite or Yellowstone National Parks.

Official Forest Service Website

Current Fire Conditions

Directions To Campground

Main image credit: Joshua Chun

Stuff to know

  • There's an $8 nightly fee for parking additional cars at your campsite
  • Hanna Flat Campground is 7,000 feet above sea level. Drink plenty of water and spend some time acclimatizing to avoid altitude sickness symptoms.
  • Pack your sunscreen and a jacket because temperatures drastically change from morning to night. It can be windy too!
  • Wear face masks, socially distance, and tread lightly!

Resources

Check the weather
Grass Valley Lake in San Bernardino National Forest

Where to camp

Hanna Flat Campground

Each campsite comes with a:

  • Picnic table
  • A fire pit and grill
  • Space for up to 8 people
  • 2 parking spots
  • Food storage locker

Hanna Flat Campground is a beautiful, secluded campground located a 10-minute drive north of Big Bear Lake. Nestled among pine trees, Hanna Flat has 80 tent and RV campsites available to be reserved and a few by first-come, first-serve. There are restrooms, drinking water, and firewood that you can buy on site.

Check-in: After 2 PM · Check-out: 12 PM

View Campground Map

Nightly Rate: $38

Hanna Flat Campground
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Itinerary

Day One

North Shore Cafe
North Shore Cafe. Credit: Yelp

Leave LA by 11 AM and grab lunch at North Shore Cafe

  • Diners love their pastrami sandwiches and fresh ingredients!
  • Located at 39226 N. Shore Drive in Fawnskin
  • Open Friday to Sunday · 8 AM to 5 PM
  • Last pit stop · Valero - 32755 CA-18 in Running Springs
  • Nearest grocery store · Jensen's Finest Foods -31987 Hilltop Boulevard in Running Springs

Check in and settle in at Hanna Flat Campground

  • Set up camp, wander around the campground, and relax

Cook up dinner and s'mores

  • Prep dinner, s'mores, and enjoy an evening of drinking and stargazing
Gold was discovered in the San Bernardino Mountains in 1855, prompting the mining, lumber, and grazing industry to move into the area

Day Two

Grays Peak Trail
Gray's Peak Trail. Credit: AllTrails

Get an early start, grab brekkie, and hike Grays Peak Trail

  • This is an 11.3 mile round-trip hike, with 1,479 ft. of elevation gain, that starts at Hanna Flat campground and reaches the top of Grays Peak. Feel free to cut the hike short at anytime, or hike the 9.1 mile round-trip Hanna Flat Campground Trail.
  • Aim to leave before 9 AM because afternoon temperatures can get pretty hot during the summer
  • Pack a daypack with a late lunch, snacks, sunscreen, sunhat, bug spray, and plenty of water!
  • From Hanna Flat Trailhead (found within the campground), hike along Hanna Flat Trail for about 3.5 miles
  • ​Briefly walk along Forest Road 2N70 before reaching Grays Peak Trail. It's a steady climb to Grays Peak. Enjoy the views and an afternoon lunch!

Return to camp and unwind

  • - Clean up, prep a delicious meal, and warm up with your favorite hot bevvie.
    - Roast up s'mores and soak up your last night in San Bernardino National Forest!
The San Bernardino Flying Squirrel is a unique species living in SoCal's high-elevation forests, but they're notoriously hard to find. They were once on the endangered species list.

Day Three

Big Bear Lake
Big Bear Lake. Credit: Jeremy Bishop

Pack up and check out before noon

  • Cook up brekkie, clean up around camp, and throw away any random pieces of litter

Head home!

SBNF has eight wilderness areas: San Jacinto, Santa Rosa, San Gorgonio, Cucamonga, Bighorn Mountain, Cahuilla Mountain, South Fork San Jacinto, and Sheep Mountain.

Packing List

Essential Items
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Clothing
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Personal Stuff
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Camp Kitchen
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Shared Gear
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