Smarts Ranch (ohv) (FR 3N03) in CA -- Free Camping & Overnight Parking in California
Smarts Ranch (ohv) (FR 3N03) in CA
An 11.2-mile stretch of dirt National Forest road in San Bernardino County, CA. The road serves Cactus Spring.
San Bernardino National Forest, Mountaintop Ranger District allows dispersed camping here -- 14-day limit in any 30 days.
All 11.2 miles in are maintained only for high-clearance vehicles. Dirt the whole way in (11.2 miles). Climbs 1,500 ft over 11.2 miles -- sustained grades near 14%, with pitches to 34%. Winds through 11 switchbacks. Dead-end road -- no mapped turnaround; expect to back out or unhitch. Gates 8.9 and 9 miles in. A water crossing 8.9 miles in.
Cactus Spring lies 0.1 mi off. Gold Mountain stands 2,197 ft above the site, 2.5 miles southwest. A well-travelled stretch -- travellers have camped along here. Private here -- the nearest through road is 1.8 miles off. Night skies measure Bortle 3 -- a dark rural sky. The nearest town, Big Bear City, is 4.4 mi off.
September normals 49–78°F, 0.5″ rain. Monthly averages, PRISM 1991–2020.
Set by San Bernardino National Forest, Mountaintop Ranger District. Stage 1 and 2 orders change within days -- check the current order before you build a fire.
fs.usda.gov