Camping in Big Bear is one of the most popular things in southern California.
Kayakers, canoers, and sailors use the lake, which is in the San Bernardino National Forest.
Anglers go to the area searching for trout, bluegill, crappie, catfish, and largemouth bass.
While the water isn’t ideal for swimming, there are many water skiing chances. People who aren’t particularly fond of water can find enough to do near the lake.
Hiking paths, mountain biking, a history museum, and amenities including chairlift rides, tennis, and golf can all be found in the neighboring areas.
Summary
| Guide | Camping In Big Bear |
|---|---|
| Things to bring | Sunscreen, Sunglasses, any more |
| Best Places to Visit near Big Bear | Big Bear Discovery Center and more |
| Campgrounds | Serrano Campground , Pine Knot, and more |
| Situated | California |
Camping In Big Bear
1. Serrano Campground
Serrano Campground is one of Big Bear Valley’s busiest campsites.
There are 109 campsites in the campground, although you may need to make reservations up to six months in advance.
Even though there are other campgrounds close enough that you may need to travel to Serrano for the dump station, it is the only family campground on the Huge Bear Lake coastlines, which is a big lure.
Address: 40800 N Shore Dr, Fawnskin, CA 92333
2. Pine knot Campground
The Pine knot is in the San Bernardino Mountains. It’s at the base of Snow Summit Ski Resort, making it ideal for mountain bikers searching for a relaxing getaway.
Although the campground is officially RV-friendly, there are no power hookups, and the nearest dump station is across the lake.
Address: Summit Blvd, Big Bear, CA 92314
3. Hanna Flat Campground
Hanna Flat is in the San Bernardino National Forest, three miles northwest of Big Bear Lake.
A few of those miles are on a winding dirt road that leads to a campsite with some isolation through Jeffrey pines.
Address: 38198 Rim of the World Dr, Fawnskin, CA 92333
4. Horse Springs Campground
The Horse Springs is a distant desert hideaway for individuals seeking vast open landscapes, apart from the rest of Big Bear Valley.
The region is roughly 12 miles north of Big Bear Lake and is particularly popular with off-highway vehicle enthusiasts.
This is an excellent area to camp for a weekend of riding if you like 4-wheelers or dirt bikes.
There are multiple green-sticker paths in the area, as well as additional riding possibilities.
Address: 40971 North Shore Drive, Highway 38, Fawnskin, CA 92333
5. Big Pine Flat
Big Pine Flat is a mature pine forest 8 miles northwest of Big Bear Lake on a large gravel road. Its 19 campsites are available on a first-come, first-served basis and cost $7 per night.
If you’re traveling with a group of horseback riders, the region also features a group equestrian camp.
Address: Coxey Rd, Apple Valley, CA 92308
6. Holcomb Valley Campground
The Holcomb Valley Campground, like Pine Flat, provides 19 single-family campsites that are on a first-come, first-served basis.
In addition to the picnic table and fire ring, Holcomb Valley is a bit closer to Big Bear – just five miles north – and has bear boxes, vault toilets, and a seasonal campsite host.
At $24 per night (or $26 during the holidays), it’s a touch more pricey.
Address: Holcomb Valley Rd, Big Bear, CA 92314
7. Yellow Post Sites
Yellow Post Sites are an excellent camping choice for those seeking seclusion in the Big Bear region.
You’ll be in luck if you can get one of the 13 first-come, first-served sites, as they are secluded and distant from other campers.
Yellow Post Sites are genuinely off the usual road, and accessing them requires a four-wheel-drive or high-clearance vehicle.
When you stay at a Yellow Post Site, you will not only have a private campground, but you will also not have to pay a charge because these sites are free.
Address: 20557 Keller Peak Rd, Big Bear, CA 92314
8. Holloway’s Marina & RV Park
This plac is a good option for RV campers who wish to stay on the lake.
Holloway’s features full hookups on all of its 115 RV sites, which will please RVers.
This RV park has a marina where campers may hire boats, kayaks, and paddleboards, which is ideal for people who want to get out on the water.
You may also schedule fishing cruises and other boat tours here.
Address: 398 Edgemoor Rd, Big Bear Lake, CA 92315
Best Places To Visit Near Big Bear
Big Bear Discovery Center
One of the first destinations on a Big Bear trip should be the Big Bear Discovery Center near the lake’s north shore.
There is a wealth of information here, including great materials regarding the nearby San Bernardino National Forest.
It’s also a good place to get an Adventure Pass, which is necessary for parking at most trailheads.
Throughout the Discovery Center, there are exhibits on the ecology and wildlife.
In addition, the venue hosts nighttime performances in an outdoor amphitheater.
A new Nature Discovery Zone for children ages two to seven are in the same well-kept outdoor environment.
Castle Rock
Hiking routes abound in Big Bear, which has magnificent acres of the San Bernardino National Forest, as well as spectacular vistas around it.
Castle Rock Trail, one of the most popular walks in the area, is well-traveled by local and visiting families.
The trailhead is less than a mile from Boulder Bay Park, on the lake’s southwest bank.
The climb up to Castle Rock is slightly over a mile one way, with an elevation increase of around 800 feet.
The climb is intermediate in difficulty due to the steepness, but the trail’s short length makes it feasible for most ability levels.
The view of Big Bear Lake from the summit is well worth the climb.
Checklist Before Camping in Big Bear
Make sure you’re ready for the mountain temperature or lake heat during the summer before heading up to Big Bear Lake for camping so you can enjoy your time there.
- A light jacket or thick jacket depending on the season
- Sunscreen
- Sunglasses
- Stove
- Tent
- Sleeping bag/pad
FAQ
Do we need a campfire permit for camping in Big Bear?
If you are camping outside of a recreation area, yes, you need a permit (only for propane and gas stoves). Wood and charcoal are not permitted.
Can you bring your pet for camping in Big Bear?
It might change depending on their rules for recreation areas, but in general, outside of recreation areas, yes, you can.
How many people can we bring all together for camping in Big Bear?
This solely depends on which recreation area you choose to do your camping.
Shefali Jain is a Content Writer & Editor at USWorkforce.org
After completing her graduation in hospitality, Shefali decided to follow her passion and started writing. Shefali has been writing for two years now and contributes to our website as a skilled editor and content writer with strong research skills. Writing product and service reviews, biographies, and book reviews are some of her key areas, among many others in which she specializes. In her time at the organization, she has written and edited content on a range of topics, including employment law, human resources, and business management.
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