A straightforward developed campground three miles north of the Lytle Creek Ranger Station, Applewhite puts dozens of sites under tree cover with flowing water across the road. The setup is simple: paved parking, basic amenities, and Lytle Creek's cooling waters a short walk away at the adjacent picnic area.
Campground Details
- ⛺Type
- Developed
- 💵Fee per Night
- $5
- 📍GPS
- 34.25987, -117.49333
- 🐾Pets Allowed
- No
- 📞Phone
- 909-382-2716
- 🗺️Address
- CA
The Camp
Applewhite spreads its sites under established trees, giving campers shade and a buffer from the San Bernardino heat. The campground handles both tent camping and RVs, though hookups aren't available — you're running on what you brought. Parking aprons are paved but narrow, so larger rigs need to pay attention during setup.
Each site comes with the standard table and fire ring setup. Flush toilets and water spigots are scattered throughout, and the facilities meet accessibility standards. The campground caps groups at eight people and two vehicles per site, with quiet hours running 10 PM to 6 AM.
What to Know
Check-in starts at 2 PM, check-out by noon. Additional vehicles cost $5, paid on-site. The location puts you close enough to civilization for supply runs but far enough out to feel like camping.
Lytle Creek flows just across the road at Applewhite Picnic Area, though crossing requires attention to traffic. The creek offers the main draw here — cool water for escaping the inland heat and a place to sit streamside without hiking anywhere.
Nearby
Day hiking options exist throughout the Lytle Creek drainage, though the campground page doesn't detail specific trails. OHV riders have access to riding areas near Cajon Pass. The Lytle Creek Ranger Station sits three miles south for permits, information, or emergencies.
The campground works as a base camp for exploring the area rather than a destination itself. You're paying $5 a night for tree cover, running water, and legal creek access — a fair trade for car camping in Southern California.