STRATEGIC LOCATION
SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY’S ACCESSIBILITY & APPEAL
San Bernardino County is not only the largest county by area in the United States, but also a key geographic and strategic location for non-residents seeking a California Concealed Carry Weapon (CCW) permit. For those who frequently travel, camp, or conduct business in the Southwest, San Bernardino offers unmatched access, favorable policies, and efficient permit processing.
San Bernardino County is uniquely positioned at the intersection of multiple Western states:
- Las Vegas, Nevada – ~3 hours northeast
- Phoenix, Arizona – ~5 hours southeast
- Los Angeles – ~1.5 hours southwest
- Inland Empire Cities – Ontario, Rancho Cucamonga, Redlands, Victorville, and San Bernardino (city)
This proximity allows CCW permit holders to easily travel
across Southern California with both convenience and
legal coverage (depending on local compliance).
This makes San Bernardino County ideal for:
- Travelers heading into California from Nevada or Arizona
- Campers and hikers using I-40, I-15, and US-395
- Cross-border commercial drivers and logistics professionals
San Bernardino is a gateway to some of California's most iconic outdoor destinations:
- Big Bear Lake & Lake Arrowhead – Mountain retreats with hiking, boating, and cabins
- Joshua Tree National Park – Shared with Riverside County; desert exploration and stargazing
- Mojave National Preserve – Remote desert backcountry with off-roading and scenic views
- San Bernardino National Forest – Forested areas perfect for hunting, hiking, and survival training
This outdoor-friendly environment makes the county especially attractive for:
- RV travelers
- Hunters and sportsmen
- Off-grid enthusiasts
San Bernardino County is a major crossroads for Western U.S. travel and transport:
- I-15, I-10, I-40, and US-395 all converge here
- Trucking corridor from Arizona and Nevada into the L.A. basin
- Ontario International Airport (ONT) provides regional and national connectivity
- BNSF and Union Pacific rail lines intersect in Barstow and San Bernardino
Its status as a logistical entry point makes it a natural fit for:
- Business professionals passing through
- Commercial drivers and security personnel
- Out-of-state CCW holders who need coverage when entering California
- Expansive and Accessible: Larger service area and fewer bureaucratic bottlenecks
- Gun-Friendly Culture: More rural, pro-Second Amendment sentiment than coastal urban counties
- Efficient Processing: Clear requirements, reasonable timelines, and cooperation with out-of-state applicants
- Ideal for Outdoor Defenders: Especially relevant for those spending time in wilderness, RV parks, or on federal land within California
San Bernardino County is the logical choice for non-residents who want coverage, convenience, and a county that understands travel-based firearm defense. Whether you enter California for work or wilderness, San Bernardino welcomes responsible armed citizens.
