Crab Flats
4.2155 reviewsSAN BERNARDINO, CA, USA
Crab Flats
$27.00 - $27.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$27.00
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
Peak season rates start at $27 per night, with a $2 holiday surcharge. Out-of-season booking is unavailable.
About this campground
Escape to Crab Flats Campground, where adventure meets tranquility in the heart of Southern California's mountain wilderness. This hidden gem beckons off-road enthusiasts and nature lovers alike, offering rustic single-family sites nestled beneath towering pines. Each campsite comes thoughtfully equipped with a picnic table for memorable outdoor meals, a fire pit for evening gatherings under starlit skies, and bear-proof storage boxes to keep wildlife encounters on your terms. Modern vault toilets ensure comfort without compromising the authentic wilderness experience.
The campground accommodates various camping styles, including tent and RV camping. Primarily known for its rustic and off-road-friendly environment.
Weather and SeasonsExperience the perfect mountain climate at Crab Flats, where summer days hover in the comfortable low-to-mid 80s°F, creating ideal conditions for hiking and exploring. When winter transforms the landscape into a snow-covered wonderland, the campground becomes a gateway to exhilarating snowshoeing adventures and cross-country skiing through pristine alpine terrain.
ElevationPerched high in the majestic San Bernardino National Forest, Crab Flats offers that coveted mountain air and cooler temperatures that provide sweet relief from the valleys below. While specific elevation details are pending, visitors can expect the refreshing alpine environment characteristic of Southern California's mountainous terrain.
Natural Features and SceneryImmerse yourself in a living cathedral of towering pines, stately oaks, and aromatic cedars that create a natural sanctuary at Crab Flats. This secluded mountain retreat rewards early risers with melodious bird songs and offers frequent glimpses of native wildlife going about their daily routines. Just a stone's throw away, the serene waters of Green Valley Lake provide additional recreational opportunities and scenic beauty.
Geological RegionCrab Flats Campground sits proudly within the San Bernardino National Forest's diverse ecosystem, where ancient geological forces have sculpted a landscape of pine-covered peaks and hidden valleys. This mountain sanctuary supports a rich tapestry of life, from majestic conifers reaching skyward to the diverse array of birds and wildlife that call these woods home. The interplay of oak, pine, and cedar creates distinct microclimates and habitats throughout the area.
Campsite details
AccessibilityThe campground has no specific information about accessibility features for individuals with disabilities.
Sites SizeSites vary in size, accommodating tents and RVs up to 28 feet. Some reviews note spacious sites with plenty of room.
Sites PrivacyCampsites offer varying levels of privacy, with some reviewers noting proximity to neighboring sites as a downside.
Total Campsites27 campsites
Recommended CampsitesAvoid sites located in the middle of the campground to escape excessive dust stirred by dirt bikes, particularly during peak periods.
Best CampsitesSpots #1 and #27 are recommended for their spaciousness and surroundings.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
Unknown check-in time.
Check-out
Unknown check-out time.
Stay Limit
Maximum stay of 14 nights during a visit or within a rolling 30 days, enforced year-round.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Unknown guest limit.
Groups
The campground does not specify group camping options.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutThe campground layout features spacious sites. However, some areas lack adequate privacy, and sites in the middle are prone to dusty conditions.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen from mid-April to early October.
Reservation PlatformsBookings available six months in advance for individual sites via Recreation.gov.
Walk-in AvailabilitySome sites are first-come, first-served.
Cancellation PolicyReservations can be canceled any time before arrival with a $10 fee plus forfeiting the first night's use fee for late cancellations.
Amenities available
Fire rings
Food storage lockers
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
The campground is a hub for outdoor recreational activities. It boasts numerous off-road vehicle trails, including the 9.7-mile Redonda Ridge Trail and the 26-mile Holcomb Valley Road. There are also opportunities for hiking and mountain biking. Nearby Green Valley Lake provides options for boating, fishing, and swimming. Winter sports like snowshoeing and cross-country skiing are available during the colder months. As a user review notes, 'Trails in every direction!'
Hiking
The area offers a variety of hiking trails, including the scenic Crab Creek Trail leading to Fisherman's Campground. The proximity to rock formations and other trails adds to the hiking experience.Fishing
Fishing is available at Green Valley Lake, which is regularly stocked with various fish species.Swimming
Green Valley Lake offers swimming opportunities approximately 6 miles from the campground.Biking
Mountain biking is popular, with trails surrounding the campground.Boating
Boating activities are available at the nearby Green Valley Lake.Winter Activities
Snowshoeing and cross-country skiing are available during winter.Water Sports
Non-motorized water sports like kayaking are available at Green Valley Lake.Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Campfires may be restricted during fire season; check current regulations beforehand.
- Quiet hours are not enforced effectively, according to user reviews.
Hazards
General hazardsBears frequent the area, requiring food precautions. The dirt road to the site can be rough and challenging for large vehicles or RVs.
Active alertsNo current alerts available.
Weather forecast
65
°F
Aug 26
Tuesday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Gentle breeze, perfect for outdoor activities
Humidity: 42%
Comfortable humidity levels
Wind: 3.9 mph
Gentle breeze, perfect for outdoor activities
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
Emergency services details unavailable. Nearest emergency services include hospitals, police stations, or ranger stations.
Good to know
Peak season datesApril 18 - October 04 (2025); same for 2026.
Trash and recyclingThere is no mention of recycling facilities. Trash bins are available but can fill up quickly, as noted in a review, 'Trash fills up quickly, so expect to pack out your trash.'
Proximity to water featuresGreen Valley Lake is 6 miles away and offers boating, fishing, and swimming opportunities.
Common complaintsComplaints include loud music, lack of quiet hour enforcement, rough access roads, and dusty conditions caused by off-road vehicles.
HostHosts are described as friendly and helpful, maintaining cleanliness and assisting with questions.
Campground Map
SAN BERNARDINO, CA, USA
Driving directionsFrom Running Springs, travel toward Arrowbear, to Green Valley Road. Turn left, drive approximately 4 miles to Crab Flats Campground sign. Turn left and continue about 4 miles to the campground.
The campground is accessed by a dirt road that crosses Deep Creek. The road is rough and requires a high-clearance vehicle. Google Maps may mislead drivers to a challenging off-road route; follow Crab Flats Road signs instead.Nearby supplies
Local supplies are at least an hour away, including grocery stores and camping supplies.
Camper Reviews
4.2
55 reviews
Crab Flats is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews
Crab Flats receives mixed reviews, with some highlighting its seclusion, scenic views, and off-road vehicle trails, while others criticize the lack of enforcement of quiet hours and the rough access road. 'Great place to go camping with the family!' and 'This place is our new camping favorite of all time!' Users caution about the 'rugged trail' to the campground and advise bringing water and firewood.
Review Summaries
Based on 55 reviews
What Campers Love
Positive aspects include well-maintained vault toilets, spacious campsites, and the ability to engage in numerous off-road and outdoor activities directly from the campground. Reviews state,...
Based on 55 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
Criticisms include noisy OHV activity, lack of potable water, and the rough dirt road leading to the campground. One review notes, 'Not a place for nature lovers; it's a place where local trash party...
Based on 55 reviewsShow more
Pro Tips & Recommendations
Bring plenty of water and firewood. Use a high-clearance vehicle if possible. Follow signs for Crab Flats Road rather than relying on GPS. Avoid sites near the center for less dust from OHVs.
Based on 55 reviewsSeasonal Insights
Summer reviews are mixed, with some enjoying the weather and off-road activities and others deterred by dust and noise. Winter visitors appreciate the quiet and opportunities for snow sports.
Based on 55 reviewsCamper Quotes
1. 'The site was big and had plenty of shade.' 2. 'Nice campground, just be aware of the rugged trail.' 3. 'Great for ATVs but not for seclusion.'
Based on 55 reviewsSite-Specific Reviews
Sites 1 and 27 are praised for their location. Site 16 is noted for its proximity to neighbors and lack of privacy. 'Spot 1 was spacious and perfect for a quiet getaway.'
Based on 55 reviewsAccessibility Features
No reviews specifically address accessibility features.
Based on 55 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Pets are allowed, but no specific amenities for pets are mentioned. 'Several families with dogs were seen during camping.'
Based on 55 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025