Applewhite Campground
4.2054 reviewsnull
Applewhite Campground
$15.00 - $20.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$15.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
Standard nonelectric sites range between $15.00 and $20.00 per night. Additional vehicle fee of $5 per night collected on-site.
About this campground
Tucked into the embrace of the San Bernardino National Forest, Applewhite Campground offers an intimate escape where modern accessibility meets natural tranquility. This thoughtfully designed retreat features fully paved parking aprons that welcome all visitors, while the soothing sounds of nearby Lytle Creek create a natural soundtrack to your stay. Despite its modest size, Applewhite provides all the essential comforts—including flush toilets and convenient water spigots—making it an ideal basecamp for both seasoned adventurers and those seeking their first taste of forest camping.
Applewhite Campground caters to tent campers with some accommodations for small RVs or campers.
Historical SignificanceWhile Applewhite Campground may not boast ancient ruins or historic landmarks, its significance lies in providing generations of families and friends a gateway to the natural wonders of the San Bernardino National Forest. This peaceful spot continues to write new stories with each visitor who discovers its simple pleasures.
Weather and SeasonsExperience the gentle climate of Southern California's high country, where comfortable conditions prevail throughout the year. Winter brings crisp, refreshing days with temperatures dancing between the mid-50s and low 40s—perfect for cozy campfire gatherings. As summer arrives, the mercury climbs to a pleasant mid-70s to 80s, creating ideal conditions for creek exploration and shaded relaxation beneath the forest canopy. This year-round destination offers each season's unique charm without the extremes that challenge other mountain locations.
ElevationNestled at a comfortable elevation within the San Bernardino National Forest, Applewhite Campground offers the refreshing mountain air and cooler temperatures that provide relief from the valley heat below, all while remaining easily accessible for visitors of all abilities.
Natural Features and SceneryStep into a living postcard where towering trees form a natural cathedral overhead, their branches filtering sunlight into dancing patterns on the forest floor. The star attraction, Lytle Creek, meanders nearby with its crystal-clear waters providing both a visual feast and a natural cooling system. This gentle waterway invites quiet contemplation, refreshing wades on warm days, and endless entertainment for young explorers searching for smooth stones and tiny treasures along its banks.
Geological RegionSet within the diverse ecosystem of the San Bernardino National Forest, Applewhite Campground showcases Southern California's mountain majesty. Here, the ancient geological forces that shaped these peaks have created a landscape where rugged mountain terrain gives way to the gentle valley carved by Lytle Creek. The surrounding forest represents centuries of natural succession, with native trees and vegetation perfectly adapted to this unique Mediterranean-influenced mountain environment.
Campsite details
AccessibilityAccessible flush toilets, water spigots, and some paved parking make this campground moderately accessible.
Sites SizeSites are described as spacious by users, allowing enough room for tents and vehicles, though some sites lack shade.
Sites PrivacySites vary in privacy, but some users reported issues with being too close to other campers, describing it as feeling more like 'a city park.'
Total Campsites80 campsites
Recommended CampsitesBring ample shade for sites without tree coverage. Sites close to water spigots may offer convenience.
Best CampsitesSite 10 has good shade under a large pine tree. Campsites near water spouts are recommended.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
2:00 PM
Check-out
12:00 PM
Stay Limit
Maximum consecutive stay is 5 nights, with 14 nights total allowed annually.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Maximum of eight people per campsite.
Groups
No designated group camping facilities are available.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Site layoutDivided into Upper Loop campsites on the left and Lower Loop campsites on the right.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen year-round.
Reservation PlatformsReservations available on-site.
Walk-in AvailabilityThe campground operates primarily on a first-come, first-served basis with no reservations required.
Cancellation Policy$10 cancellation fee applies for changes made before arrival date. Late cancellations will incur additional fees, including forfeiture of the first night's recreation fee.
Amenities available
Potable water
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Cell phone service
Flush toilets
Activities you can enjoy
The campground offers hiking opportunities in the Lytle Creek area and is close to Lytle Creek for water-based recreation. OHV trails are accessible nearby in the Cajon Pass area.
Hiking
There are ample opportunities for short day hikes in the Lytle Creek area. Specific trails are not named.Swimming
Campers can enjoy cooling off in the waters of Lytle Creek across the road.Wildlife viewing
While specific wildlife is not detailed, the surrounding natural environment suggests potential for bird and wildlife viewing.Winter Activities
Winter activities are not explicitly mentioned.Water Sports
Limited to cooling off in Lytle Creek's waters.Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Campfires allowed only within designated rings. Seasonal fire restrictions may apply.
- Quiet hours are 10:00 PM - 6:00 AM
Hazards
General hazardsBears frequent the area; proper food storage required. Occasional sightings of rattlesnakes near trails.
Active alertsSeasonal fire restrictions may prohibit campfires and charcoal fires.
Weather forecast
87
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Strong wind, exercise caution
Humidity: 27%
Very dry conditions, stay hydrated
Wind: 9.9 mph
Strong wind, exercise caution
Overcast
7-Day Forecast
Access to 7-day forecasts tailored to each campground—covering temperature, precipitation, wind, and sky conditions.
Daily & Hourly Insights
View hourly forecasts with expected weather patterns throughout the day.
Temperature Trends
Visualize how temperatures shift over the month to help pick the most comfortable days for your trip.
Precipitation Trends
Plan around rain or snow with monthly visualizations of expected precipitation patterns.
Weather Summaries
Assess conditions with visuals for easier decision-making on when and where to camp.
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Emergency Services
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Good to know
Peak season datesJanuary 1st - December 31st (Year-Round Peak Season)
Trash and recyclingTrash collection bins are available, but recycling facilities are not mentioned.
Proximity to water featuresLytle Creek flows across the street from the campground, accessible on foot or by short drive.
Common complaintsReviews highlight issues with cleanliness, safety concerns such as gunshots being reported, and a general unkempt feel of the campground.
HostCampground hosts are reported to be welcoming and helpful based on positive reviews.
Campground Map
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Driving directionsLocated three miles north of the Lytle Creek Ranger Station on Lytle Creek Road. Campground is on the right with Upper Loop campsites on the left and Lower Loop campsites on the right.
Paved roads provide access to the campground. However, caution is advised due to narrow and potentially unkempt road conditions.Nearby places
Fontana: approximately 20 miles
San Bernardino: approximately 27 miles
Nearby supplies
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Camper Reviews
4.2
54 reviews
Applewhite Campground is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews
Applewhite Campground receives highly mixed reviews, ranging from positive praise for affordability and accessibility to severe safety concerns and unkempt facilities.
Review Summaries
Based on 54 reviews
What Campers Love
Reviewers appreciated the affordability ('only $15 per night'), the convenience of paved parking, and access to Lytle Creek for water recreation. One user noted, 'Perfect amount of shade on the...
Based on 54 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
Numerous complaints highlight safety issues, including gunshots at night ('Our tent got shot at'), and a rough crowd, with reports of 'campers that seem to practically live there.' The cleanliness of...
Based on 54 reviewsShow more
Pro Tips & Recommendations
Bring a canopy for shade in unshaded sites. A portable shower may be convenient due to the lack of on-site facilities. Avoid the campground during weekdays when it is closed.
Based on 54 reviewsSeasonal Insights
The campground's popularity peaks during summer weekends, but safety concerns and noise may be higher during busy times. Off-season visits offer quieter surroundings but limited services.
Based on 54 reviewsCamper Quotes
1. 'Our tent got shot at and our table has a bullet hole.' 2. 'The people who volunteer and clean are super friendly.' 3. 'Perfect amount of shade on the site, and they even have 2 grills!'
Based on 54 reviewsSite-Specific Reviews
Site #10 offers good shade under a large pine tree. Site #28 lacks shade, but adjacent sites have trees and water spouts.
Based on 54 reviewsAccessibility Features
Accessible features include flush toilets and paved parking. One user noted that the campground 'allowed easy wheelchair access.'
Based on 54 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Pets are welcome, provided they are leashed and waste is cleaned up. 'Dog-friendly' was mentioned positively by several users.
Based on 54 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025