At 6,880 feet in the San Bernardino Mountains, Heart Bar Campground sits in the pine zone between civilization and wilderness. It's a gateway camp for serious trail users — hikers, mountain bikers, and equestrians who want proximity to backcountry without surrendering creature comforts. Twenty miles from Big Bear Lake but retaining a remote feel, it's positioned for both trail access and supply runs.
Campground Details
- ⛺Type
- Group
- 💵Fee per Night
- $10
- 📍GPS
- 34.15954, -116.78564
- 🐾Pets Allowed
- No
- 📞Phone
- 909-866-8550
- 🗺️Address
- CA
The Camp
Heart Bar spreads across pine-covered terrain with mature trees providing overhead shade, though the limited understory means some sites lack privacy. The campground accommodates both tent and RV camping across single, double, and accessible sites, with no hookups but a nearby dump station and potable water. Each site comes with a table and campfire ring with grill. Vault toilets and drinking water are standard, with firewood available for purchase.
Some sites operate first-come, first-served, while others require reservations. Group sites book up to 12 months ahead; individual sites six months out.
On the Trail
The Santa Ana River Trail launches from the area, delivering miles of mountain scenery and exploration points. For a specific objective, the Wildhorse Creek Trail starts just north of camp — a 5-mile route through rolling terrain that climbs nearly 1,100 feet to remote camping south of Wildhorse Meadow. The moderate difficulty rating reflects the elevation gain over varied terrain. Creek fishing adds another dimension to the trail experience.
Mountain biking and horseback riding share these same trail systems, making Heart Bar a multi-use basecamp for non-motorized recreation.
Worth Knowing
The elevation keeps things cooler than desert camps but brings seasonal access considerations. Big Bear Lake sits 20 miles away when you need restaurants, shopping, golf, or water recreation — close enough for a supply run, far enough to maintain the mountain camp atmosphere. The campground's position between developed recreation and wilderness backcountry makes it useful for groups with mixed interests or multi-day stays that balance trail time with amenity access.