Horse Springs Campground (San Bernardino National Forest)
4.418 reviewsHorse Springs Campground (San Bernardino National Forest)
$5.00 - $10.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Fees are $10 per night per site and $5 per day use, self-service via a drop box or scan and pay where available.
Standard Site Fee$10.00
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
Total Campsite Fees$10.00
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Recreation.gov
ProviderN/AN/A
About this campground
Tucked away in the San Bernardino National Forest, Horse Springs Campground beckons adventurers seeking an authentic wilderness escape. This hidden gem offers a rare opportunity to disconnect from the digital world and reconnect with nature's quiet rhythms. As a primitive campground with minimal foot traffic, it provides the perfect sanctuary for those who prefer their outdoor experiences unfiltered and uncrowded.
Horse Springs Campground is a primitive camping site offering a basic outdoor experience. It caters to tent and small trailer campers, with no mention of group or luxury camping options.
Weather and SeasonsMother Nature rules supreme at Horse Springs, where dramatic seasonal changes paint an ever-shifting landscape. Winter transforms the campground into a snow-dusted wonderland, with temperatures that can plunge well below freezing and winds that whisper through the trees. Spring and fall offer milder conditions ideal for camping, while summer provides warm days perfect for exploration. Be prepared to truly unplug here—cell phone signals fade to nothing, leaving you blissfully disconnected from the outside world.
Natural Features and SceneryRecent wildfires have sculpted a unique landscape at Horse Springs, where resilient trees stand sentinel among open meadows, creating dramatic vistas and exceptional stargazing opportunities. The campground's rustic charm is enhanced by its wooden post boundaries that blend seamlessly with the natural surroundings. Keep your eyes peeled for graceful deer that frequently wander through camp at dawn and dusk, while industrious red ant colonies remind visitors they're sharing this space with nature's original inhabitants. This recovering ecosystem offers a fascinating glimpse into nature's remarkable ability to regenerate and thrive.
Campsite details
AccessibilityAccessibility features are not explicitly mentioned in the provided materials.
Sites SizeSites are described as suitable for tents and pop-up trailers. Steve Anderson noted, "Not big enough sites for RV, although pop-up trailer and tent perfect." The lack of tree coverage is also highlighted due to recent fires.
Sites PrivacyThe campground is described as isolated and lightly used. A13xIcoN remarked, "A great place to camp if you want to be as isolated as possible." However, privacy may be impacted by proximity to local users, as P-LAC speculated.
Total Campsites10 campsites
Recommended CampsitesIdeal for tent camping or pop-up trailers; not recommended for RVs due to site sizes and road conditions.
Best CampsitesNot specified; campsites are primitive with wooden post boundaries.
Reserving a campsite
Guests Allowed Per Site
Maximum of two vehicles per site. Exact guest limits are not defined.
Groups
No specific group camping information is provided.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutPrimitive campsites with modest facilities including fire pits, park benches, and wooden post boundaries.
Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made through Recreation.gov mobile app using the Scan and Pay feature.
Walk-in AvailabilityFirst-come, first-served basis only. Payment is made on-site via self-service drop box or QR code scanning.
Cancellation PolicyCancellations are subject to fees: $10 cancellation fee plus the forfeiture of the first night's fee for late cancellations made after 12:00 AM local time, one calendar day before check-in.
Amenities available
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Activities at Horse Springs Campground are primarily centered around the natural and remote setting. Wildlife viewing is noted as a highlight, with P-LAC mentioning seeing deer. However, the campground's isolation and primitive facilities limit organized activities.
Wildlife viewing
Wildlife viewing opportunities include sightings of deer, as described by P-LAC: "One of the few areas where we saw wildlife - 2 deers to be exact." The remote location enhances the possibility of observing natural fauna.Winter Activities
Winter-specific activities are not detailed in the information provided.Water Sports
No details about non-motorized water sports are available.Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- User reviews mention fire pits are available if legally permitted.
Hazards
General hazardsUser reviews noted 'red ant colonies' and 'spotty or nonexistent cell reception.'
Active alertsUnder maintenance or restoration during some visits as reported by users.
Weather forecast
74
°F
Oct 10
Friday
Partly cloudy
Precipitation: 0%
Very strong wind, outdoor activities may be affected
Humidity: 49%
Comfortable humidity levels
Wind: 16.6 mph
Very strong wind, outdoor activities may be affected
Partly cloudy
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
Good to know
Trash and recyclingNo specific trash or recycling facilities are mentioned, and litter is a recurring issue as highlighted by reviewers. "Beer bottles, cans, and trash were in the fire pits," according to P-LAC. Another user reported picking up litter to improve the site for future visitors.
Proximity to water featuresNo significant water features nearby.
Common complaintsCampground maintenance issues include trash in fire pits, broken bottles, spent ammo cartridges, and overgrown vegetation.
Campground Map
Camper Reviews
4.4
8 reviews
Horse Springs Campground (San Bernardino National Forest) is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews are mixed but generally positive for those seeking a remote and primitive camping experience. Many reviewers emphasize the isolation and quiet atmosphere, though issues like litter and maintenance detract from the experience for some.
Review Summaries
Based on 8 reviews
What Campers Love
Positive aspects include the remote and lightly used nature of the campground, clean vault toilets, and opportunities for wildlife viewing. John Horwath described it as a "beautiful place with nobody...
Based on 8 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
Common complaints include litter (e.g., beer bottles, cans, and broken glass in fire pits) and the campground's lack of maintenance. P-LAC noted, "Beer bottles, cans, and trash were in the fire...
Based on 8 reviewsShow more
Pro Tips & Recommendations
Tips include bringing a high-clearance vehicle for access, as noted by A13xIcoN: "Definitely going to need a vehicle that can handle some light to moderate off-road conditions to get there." Campers...
Based on 8 reviewsShow more
Seasonal Insights
No specific trends by season are directly mentioned, but wind conditions are noted as a factor. P-LAC observed it being "windy during the day but completely calm at night."
Based on 8 reviewsCamper Quotes
"Not big enough sites for RV, although pop-up trailer and tent perfect." - Steve Anderson. "Beer bottles, cans, and trash were in the fire pits." - P-LAC. "Primitive campsites with wooden post...
Based on 8 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Specific sites within the campground are not detailed in the provided information.
Based on 8 reviewsAccessibility Features
There are no reviews explicitly addressing accessibility for users with disabilities.
Based on 8 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
No reviews specifically discuss pet-related policies or experiences.
Based on 8 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025