Heart Bar Equestrian is San Bernardino National Forest's dedicated horse camp, sitting at 6,880 feet in pine country near Big Bear. This single group site handles up to 65 people, 21 vehicles, and 40 horses — making it a basecamp for serious riding groups tackling Southern California's high-country trails.
Campground Details
- ⛺Type
- Group
- 💵Fee per Night
- $10
- 📍GPS
- 34.15954, -116.78564
- 🐾Pets Allowed
- No
- 🗺️Address
- CA
The Camp
The setup is straightforward: one large group site that works for tents or RVs, with corrals for 40 horses taking center stage. Multiple tables, a campfire circle, and grills handle the human side of things, while accessible flush toilets, showers, and drinking water keep everyone comfortable. The pine-covered setting at nearly 7,000 feet puts you in proper mountain country — close enough to Big Bear Lake (20 miles) for supply runs, but far enough out to maintain that backcountry feel.
What to Know
Horses are mandatory here. No exceptions. The $10 nightly fee is remarkably reasonable for what amounts to a private equestrian facility, but you'll need to book through Recreation.gov well in advance — group sites can be reserved up to 12 months out. Firewood is available for purchase at the adjacent Heart Bar Campground, so you don't need to haul it up the mountain.
The Trails
The Santa Ana River Trail puts you into scenic mountain terrain that also draws hikers and bikers. For something more remote, the Wildhorse Creek Trail starts just north of camp and climbs 1,100 feet over 5 miles of rolling country, ending at a backcountry camping area south of Wildhorse Meadow. Creek fishing is available nearby if you want to mix up the activities. The trail network here accesses what the Forest Service calls "some of Southern California's greatest backcountry horseback riding," which in this case isn't just marketing speak.