Memorial Day Weekend Marks the Start of the Camping Season on the San Bernardino National Forest

Release Date: May 22, 2012

San Bernardino, Calif., May 22, 2012 –Camping in national forests can be a year-round endeavor, but for many people Memorial Day weekend is the deadline to air out the tents, dust off the hiking boots and load up on the makings for s ‘mores.

Kids are out of school, or nearly so, and the days are warmer and longer. It is a perfect time to start reintroducing yourself to the fun and excitement and the calm and peacefulness national forests and grasslands have to offer.

Most of the recreation sites on the San Bernardino National Forest will be open for forest visitors by Memorial Day weekend. “The forest is ready for the 2012 summer recreation season,” said Forest Supervisor Jody Noiron. “We encourage people to enjoy the outdoors while camping, hiking, mountain biking, fishing or a variety of other recreational activities on our forest.”

As always, forest officials encourage visitors to be aware of their surroundings and responsibilities when visiting the forest. “We want to ensure that everyone has a safe and enjoyable visit while always remaining aware of the current situation outdoors and the potential for wildfire and wildlife, and call ahead to check the status of places you plan to visit” said Supervisor Noiron.

“Know Before You Go”

Campfires

Campfires are only permitted at developed sites in the designated fire rings in campgrounds, picnic grounds and Yellow Post Sites. Outside of developed sites, only propane or gas cooking stoves are permitted. Always call ahead to check on the current fire restrictions.

Campgrounds

Campgrounds are popular for three-day weekend getaways, so reserving early is sometimes key, so you need to plan. Campground reservations can be made online through Reserve USA at: www.recreation.gov or by calling toll free 1-877-444-6777.

Recreation Use Fees

The Forest Adventure Pass must be displayed on a visitor’s parked vehicle when recreating in Standard Amenity Fee Areas and certain developed sites like campgrounds and picnic areas. An on-line source of designated fee sites, areas and fee information is available on our new Forest Adventure Pass website at: www.fs.usda.gov/adventurepass

Off-Highway Vehicles

Off-Highway Vehicle (OHV) users should call ahead to the Ranger Station to call ahead to confirm their OHV plans and verify rules and regulations. OHV riding area maps are available on the San Bernardino National Forest website. “Red Sticker” vehicle riding season has closed in the San Bernardino mountains for the summer and will resume on October 1. (San Jacinto mountains “red sticker areas close on May 31).

All Visitor Centers will be open on the holiday weekend, including Monday. Please call or stop by for the latest conditions and recreation information at the following offices:

Barton Flats Visitor Center
Hwy 38, 7 miles East of Angelus Oaks
(909) 794-4891

Big Bear Discovery Center
41397 North Shore Drive / Highway 38, Fawnskin
(909) 382-2790

Idyllwild Ranger Station
54270 Pine Crest, Idyllwild
(909) 382-2922

Lytle Creek Ranger Station
1209 Lytle Creek Road, Lytle Creek
(909) 382-2851

Mill Creek Visitor Center
34701 Mill Creek Road, Mentone
(909) 382-2882

Santa Rosa & San Jacinto Mountains National Monument Visitor Center
51-500 Highway 74 Palm Desert
(760) 862-9984

For additional information about the San Bernardino National Forest, please visit: http://www.fs.usda.gov/sbnf