Crab Flats Campground

The scent of pine resin mingles with crisp mountain air as you navigate the rough access road to Crab Flats Campground, an off-roader's haven tucked 8 miles northwest of Green Valley Lake in San Bernardino National Forest. This rugged destination rewards visitors with tall stands of pine, oak, and cedar framing 29 campsites, where the hum of dirt bikes replaces typical campground chatter.

Primitive facilities pair with exceptional trail access—each site includes a bear box, picnic table, and fire ring, with vault toilets serving the area. The 9.7-mile Redonda Ridge Trail and 26-mile Holcomb Valley Road begin just west of camp, while Crab Creek Trail leads hikers to Fisherman's Campground through exceptional scenery. Green Valley Lake's 9-acre waters, a 15-minute drive away, offer swimming and trout fishing in cooler temperatures than valley floors below.

This campground suits self-sufficient adventurers willing to trade amenities for direct trail access. High-clearance vehicles are essential for the unpaved approach crossing Deep Creek, where the journey becomes part of the experience. Winter transforms the area for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing, though most visit between April and October for OHV adventures under the mountain canopy.