San Bernardino National Forest
- Biking
- Camping
- Climbing
- Fishing
- Hiking
- Horse Camping
- Horseback riding
- Hunting
Outdoors
Swimming holes and lakes near San Bernardino
Lakes, rivers and beaches near San Bernardino where swimming is allowed on public land.
Good to know: Most natural swimming areas have no lifeguard; check water-quality advisories and current conditions before swimming.
Within 30 miles (7)
Tent Peg Group
Tent Peg Group Campground offers a semi-primitive location for an extended family or large group outing. The area provides easy access to many off-road vehicle trails.
- Biking
- Boating
- Camping
- Fishing
- Hiking
- Swimming
- Wildlife viewing
- Winter sports
Crab Flats
Crab Flats Campground is an off-roaders paradise, with plenty of off-road vehicle trails nearby for both beginner and experienced riders.
- Biking
- Boating
- Camping
- Fishing
- Hiking
- Swimming
- Wildlife viewing
- Winter sports
Green Valley
Green Valley Campground is located near Arrowbear in the San Bernardino National Forest in Southern California.
- Boating
- Camping
- Fishing
- Hiking
- Swimming
Bluff Mesa Group Camp
Bluff Mesa Group Campground is conveniently located for campers to enjoy all the beautiful Big Bear Lake area has to offer. A variety of trailheads are nearby, leading visitors through the scenic forest that surrounds the campground.
- Biking
- Boating
- Camping
- Climbing
- Fishing
- Hiking
- Swimming
- Wildlife viewing
Boulder Group Camp
Boulder Group Campground is a great place to bring an extended family or large group for a relaxing camping excursion.
- Biking
- Boating
- Camping
- Fishing
- Hiking
- Swimming
- Water sports
Hanna Flat
Hanna Flat Campground is a family-friendly facility nestled in the pine-covered mountains of Southern California. It offers access to a variety of outdoor recreational opportunities and a beautiful location to enjoy nature.
- Biking
- Boating
- Camping
- Fire Lookouts/Cabins Overnight
- Fishing
- Hiking
- Swimming
30 to 75 miles (2)
Sand to Snow National Monument
Remember your OUTDOOR ETHICS when enjoying your public lands. Please RECREATE RESPONSIBLY.
- Accessible Swimming
- Camping
- Fishing
- Hiking
- Horseback riding
- Photography
- Wildlife viewing
- Winter sports
Angeles National Forest
- Biking
- Camping
- Fire Lookouts/Cabins Overnight
- Hiking
- Horse Camping
- Horseback riding
- Off-highway vehicles
- Picnicking
Distances are straight-line miles from downtown San Bernardino. Listings come from Recreation.gov’s federal recreation database; check each official page for hours, fees, fire restrictions and closures before you go.
More outdoors near San Bernardino
- Hiking near San Bernardino
- Camping near San Bernardino
- Fishing near San Bernardino
- Boating and kayaking near San Bernardino
- Biking and mountain biking near San Bernardino
- Picnic spots near San Bernardino
- Horseback riding near San Bernardino
- Wildlife viewing and birding near San Bernardino
- Parks in San Bernardino
- Day trips
- Weather by month
Questions
Where is the closest place for swimming near San Bernardino?
San Bernardino National Forest (USDA Forest Service), about 2 miles southeast of San Bernardino as the crow flies. Next are Tent Peg Group (15 mi) and Crab Flats (16 mi).
When is the best time for swimming near San Bernardino?
Based on San Bernardino’s average highs, April–November. Conditions at higher elevations can be much cooler.
Who manages these places?
Federal agencies including USDA Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management. Each listing links to its official page for hours, fees, closures and current conditions.