Heart Bar Equestrian
HWY 38 ON F.S. 1N02
Heart Bar Equestrian
$314.00 - $314.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Facility rates for peak season are $314 per night with an additional $10 holiday fee.
Standard Site Fee$0.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$314.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
Total Campsite Fees$314.00
Share this campground
Recreation Dot Gov
Provider(909) 866-8550clm@clm-services.com
About this campground
Saddle up for an unforgettable mountain escape at Heart Bar Equestrian Campground, where riders and their four-legged companions discover a hidden sanctuary in Southern California's high country. This exclusive horse-friendly haven opens doors to endless backcountry trails that wind through pristine wilderness, offering everything from gentle meadow rides to challenging mountain passages. Purpose-built with equestrian amenities at every turn, this secluded retreat ensures both horses and riders feel right at home beneath towering pines.
Heart Bar Equestrian Campground focuses on equestrian camping with facilities designed specifically for horse owners. It offers a single group campsite accommodating both tents and RVs.
Historical Significancenull
Weather and SeasonsSummer transforms Heart Bar into an equestrian paradise, with July through early October delivering perfect riding weather under brilliant blue skies. Winter brings its own magic to these mountains, painting the landscape with crisp, clear days and moderate temperatures that make for invigorating rides. While occasional snowfall adds a touch of alpine drama to the scenery, the predominantly dry conditions throughout winter create ideal opportunities for those seeking solitude on less-traveled trails.
ElevationPerched at an impressive 6,880 feet above sea level, Heart Bar offers a refreshing escape from Southern California's heat. This lofty mountain setting creates naturally cool temperatures that keep both horses and riders comfortable throughout the day, while the thin mountain air adds an exhilarating quality to every ride through the surrounding wilderness.
Natural Features and SceneryNestled within a cathedral of towering pines at 6,880 feet, Heart Bar Equestrian Campground feels worlds away from civilization yet remains conveniently close to the sparkling waters of Big Bear Lake. The surrounding mountains create a natural amphitheater of evergreen beauty, where morning mist dances through the trees and afternoon sunlight filters through pine boughs. This remote sanctuary offers riders the rare combination of accessible wilderness and breathtaking mountain vistas that stretch for miles.
Geological RegionSet within the majestic pine-covered mountains of Southern California, where ancient geological forces have sculpted a landscape perfect for exploration on horseback.
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Campsite details
AccessibilityAccessible flush toilets and showers are available, demonstrating consideration for guests with disabilities.
Sites SizeThe group campsite can accommodate up to 65 people and 21 vehicles, making it ideal for large groups.
Sites PrivacyThe campground is described as remote and secluded, providing a private and quiet camping atmosphere.
Total Campsites1 campsites
Recommended Campsitesnull
Best CampsitesThe campground features only one group site accommodating up to 65 people.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
Null
Check-out
Null
Stay Limit
14 nights during a visit, or 14 nights total within rolling 30 days.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Up to 65 people and 21 vehicles.
Groups
The group site can accommodate up to 65 people, 21 vehicles, and a substantial number of horses. Corrals for 40 horses are provided, along with picnic tables, a campfire circle, and grills.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutThe campground offers one large group site with amenities including corrals for 40 horses, multiple tables, a campfire circle, and grills.
Open and Closed SeasonThe campground operates seasonally from approximately early July to early October. Between October and mid-April, it is out of season and reservations are unavailable.
Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made through Recreation.gov.
Walk-in Availabilitynull
Cancellation PolicyA $10 cancellation fee applies, and the first night's use fee is forfeited for late cancellations. Additional specific rules for group facilities can incur more penalties.
Accomodation available
GroupGroup campsites are offered for larger parties such as families, schools, or organizations. These sites provide space and facilities to accommodate multiple people camping together.
Amenities available
Showers
Potable water
Picnic tables
Firewood available
Flush toilets
Activities you can enjoy
The campground is a hub for equestrian activities, providing access to renowned horseback riding trails such as the Santa Ana River Trail. Additional recreational activities include hiking, camping, biking, and fishing in nearby creeks.
Hiking
The Santa Ana River Trail and Wildhorse Creek Trail are accessible from the campground. The Santa Ana River Trail offers extensive scenic views, while the Wildhorse Creek Trail features a 5-mile path with a 1,100-foot elevation gain, leading to a remote camping area.Fishing
Fishing opportunities are available in nearby creeks, although specific details on the type of fish or quality of fishing are not provided.Biking
The Santa Ana River Trail is also highly popular among bikers for its scenic mountain views.Winter Activities
No specific winter activities are detailed in the source.Water Sports
There is no mention of water sports activities.Advertisement
Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- Campfires are permitted only within designated campfire rings.
- Quiet hours are null
Hazards
General hazardsBear activity necessitates careful garbage disposal and food storage practices.
Active alertsnull
Weather forecast
57
°F
Nov 25
Tuesday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Gentle breeze, perfect for outdoor activities
Humidity: 27%
Very dry conditions, stay hydrated
Wind: 3.4 mph
Gentle breeze, perfect for outdoor activities
Clear sky
7 day forecast
Weather History
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Emergency Services
null
Good to know
Peak season datesJuly 1 to October 3.
Trash and recyclingNo specific details provided regarding trash and recycling facilities.
Proximity to water featuresBig Bear Lake is located approximately 20 miles from the campground.
Common complaintsUser reviews mention contradictory campfire policies between hosted group camps and non-hosted individual sites.
HostReviews suggest the hosts are helpful and maintain clean facilities. User Renee E mentioned, 'The group camp HAS a host, and bathrooms were nice and clean.'
Campground Map
HWY 38 ON F.S. 1N02
Driving directionsFrom I-10 in San Bernardino, take the Alabama exit in the city of Redlands to Lugonia Avenue (State Highway 38). Travel northeast on Highway 38 for approximately 30 miles until you reach Forest Route IN02. Continue less than a mile to the campground.
Access involves traveling approximately 30 miles northeast on State Highway 38 followed by less than a mile on Forest Route IN02. Roads appear to be paved and accessible, though no seasonal closure or terrain challenges are explicitly mentioned.Nearby places
Big Bear Lake town is located approximately 20 miles away.
Nearby supplies
Firewood is available for purchase at the adjacent Heart Bar Campground. Additional supplies may be available in nearby Big Bear Lake town, though distances and specific options are unspecified.
Camper Reviews
4.6
6 reviews
Heart Bar Equestrian is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews
Reviews highlight the campground's suitability and amenities for equestrian campers. It is noted for being clean, well-maintained, and offering scenic horseback riding trails. Some users appreciated the new picnic tables and friendly camp hosts.
Review Summaries
Based on 6 reviews
What Campers Love
Campers praised the cleanliness of the campground, the accessibility of flush toilets, and the presence of corrals for horses. The scenic horseback riding trails, including the Santa Ana River Trail,...
Based on 6 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
Issues raised include restrictions on campfires, which some found contradictory since individual horse camps allowed campfires while the group camp did not.
Based on 6 reviewsPro Tips & Recommendations
Campers recommend adhering to the campground's horse-only requirement, purchasing firewood locally due to pest concerns, and enjoying the scenic horseback trails.
Based on 6 reviewsSeasonal Insights
The campground is operational seasonally, from July 1 to October 3. Reviews suggest that the summer months offer the best experience due to favorable weather conditions and the availability of...
Based on 6 reviewsShow more
Camper Quotes
1. "Great place for horse camping. You MUST have a horse to stay here." - Jack Peckham
2. "Awesome trails and nice shady campgrounds!" - Molly Bell
3. "The bathrooms were nice and clean. The hosts...
Based on 6 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
No detailed site-specific reviews beyond the group camp (GR1) were provided in the source.
Based on 6 reviewsAccessibility Features
Accessible facilities such as flush toilets and showers were noted positively in reviews, indicating a satisfactory experience for campers with disabilities.
Based on 6 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
No specific mentions of pet-related reviews were found in the source.
Based on 6 reviewsLast updated November 24, 2025
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