Water activities take center stage at Buttercup Group Campground, where campers can fish and swim in nearby Big Bear Lake. This US Forest Service facility operates from late April through October, accommodating RVs up to 25 feet with water hookups available. The forested setting provides drinking water, picnic tables, and allows both campfires and pets.
At $149-$159 per night, the campground requires reservations and serves groups seeking a lakeside base camp. Campers exploring the area can find additional camping areas around Big Bear Lake within the broader San Bernardino National Forest system.
Description
Overview
Buttercup Group Camp is an outdoor oasis nestled in Southern California's pine-covered mountains. Big Bear Lake is nearby, a popular destination for a variety of recreational activities. The campground offers a great escape from city life and it is one of the best locales for group camping.
Recreation
Fishing and boating at Big Bear Lake are popular activities. Anglers can look forward to trout, bluegill, crappie, catfish and largemouth bass, among other species. Because of the very cold water and the presence of underwater obstacles near the shoreline, swimming at the lake is sometimes discouraged. Visitors also enjoy the area's plentiful hiking, mountain biking and climbing opportunities. The campground provides access to a number of trails and points of exploration.
Facilities
The group campground offers one large, accessible site that can accommodate up to 40 people and eight vehicles for tent or RV camping. The site is equipped with tables, grills and a campfire circle. Vault toilets and drinking water are provided.
Natural Features
The group campground is situated at an elevation of about 7,000 feet and is heavily forested with pine trees. The site is relatively shady and secluded. It is about two miles from Big Bear Lake and is accessed by a dirt road.
Nearby Attractions
A general store and restaurants can be found in the city of Big Bear Lake.
Fee Info
For information about payments or making changes to your reservation, please visit the Recreation.gov Rules and Reservation Polices page: here
RV Road Trip Guides
Location
Public CampgroundButtercup Group Campground is located in California
Directions
From San Bernardino, take I-10 east to Running Springs. Turn onto State Highway 18 and continue to Big Bear Lake Dam. Continue about 6 miles on State Highway 18 and turn right on Summit Boulevard. Turn left at the end of road and go about a half-mile to the second gate on the right.
Address
SAN BERNARDINO
CA
Coordinates
34.235479 N
116.880603 W
Connectivity
T-Mobile5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 8 usersLast on 3/25/26
VerizonLTEGood CoverageVerified by 11 usersLast on 3/25/26- AT&T5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 19 usersLast on 3/25/26
Connectivity
- T-Mobile5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 8 usersLast on 3/25/26
- VerizonLTEGood CoverageVerified by 11 usersLast on 3/25/26
- AT&T5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 19 usersLast on 3/25/26
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Group
Features
For Campers
- Picnic Table
- Reservable
- Drinking Water
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Water Hookups
Drive Time
- 2 hrs 14 min from Los Angeles, CA
- 2 hrs 48 min from San Diego, CA
- 2 hrs 55 min from Oxnard, CA
- 3 hrs 10 min from El Centro, CA
