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Established Camping

San Bernardino National Forest Green Valley Campground

CAMPER SUMMARY PRESENTED BYFord

San Bernardino National Forest Green Valley Campground, near Fawnskin, California, is a fantastic spot for those looking to immerse themselves in nature. With its picturesque surroundings, this campground offers a laid-back atmosphere where you can kick back by the fire and enjoy the great outdoors.

The campground features well-distanced sites equipped with picnic tables and fire rings, perfect for evening gatherings. Visitors have praised the clean restrooms and the availability of running water, making it a comfortable choice for campers. One happy camper noted, “Real toilets and urinal puts this site at the top,” highlighting the well-maintained facilities.

If you're up for some adventure, you're just a short drive from Green Valley Lake, where you can fish, rent pedal boats, or take a refreshing swim in the summer months. The area is also home to great hiking trails, so lace up those boots and explore the beautiful landscape. As one reviewer mentioned, “Great hiking trails nearby,” making it easy to get out and enjoy the scenery.

While the campground is a bit off the beaten path, it offers a peaceful retreat away from the hustle and bustle. Whether you're camping with family or friends, this spot is a solid choice for a memorable outdoor experience.

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Location

San Bernardino National Forest Green Valley Campground is located in California

Detail location of campground

Directions

From Running Springs, travel east on Highway 18 about 3 miles to Green Valley Lake Road. Turn left and continue about 6 miles to the campground.

Address

PO BOX 365
Fawnskin, CA 92333

Coordinates

34.244873 N
117.063833 W

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Connectivity

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  • signal strength bars
    T-MobileLTE
    Some Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    VerizonLTE
    Some Coverage
    Verified by 1 user
  • signal strength bars
    AT&T
    No Coverage

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Drive Time

Presented byToyota Trucks

Connectivity

Presented byT-Mobile SatelliteT-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoorsLearn More
  • signal strength bars
    T-MobileLTE
    Some Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    VerizonLTE
    Some Coverage
    Verified by 1 user
  • signal strength bars
    AT&T
    No Coverage

Access

  • Drive-In
    Park next to your site
  • Walk-In
    Park in a lot, walk to your site.
  • Hike-In
    Backcountry sites.

Site Types

  • Tent Sites
  • RV Sites
  • Standard (Tent/RV)

Features

For Campers

  • Trash
  • Picnic Table
  • Phone Service
  • Reservable
  • Toilets
  • Pets
  • Fires

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Reviews

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4.5

out of 5

6 Reviews

Reviewed Nov. 4, 2021

Nice site

Friendly staff,except for the occasional mountain lion sniffing around late at night at night . The falls are dry now but surely will be nice in the spring

Site60
Month of VisitOctober
Reviewed Jul. 21, 2021

Cleanest National Forest Campground

Real toilets and urinal puts this site at the top. Relatively small site with maybe 20 spots. All are well distanced, easy to setup in and there is a running water faucet for clean outs. Tucked kinda away and 40 minutes from Big Bear Lake it's not the most convenient place to be.

Site25
Month of VisitJuly
Reviewed Jul. 2, 2020

Quiet, Peaceful, Serene

This was an excellent camping experience.  We arrived, and there was only one other camping party in the whole campground.  Our host was very welcoming, offered some local flavor, and was happy to drive over some firewood bundles, even if we weren't there during the day, she just delivered the firewood, and then came back the next day to collect money.  It got a bit cold at night, but we had plenty of blankets and whiskey to keep us warm!

  • Review photo of San Bernardino National Forest Green Valley Campground by Julien E., July 2, 2020
  • Review photo of San Bernardino National Forest Green Valley Campground by Julien E., July 2, 2020
  • Review photo of San Bernardino National Forest Green Valley Campground by Julien E., July 2, 2020
Reviewed Sep. 9, 2019

Great central location for Lake Arrowhead & Big Bear

I was looking to take my Jeep off-roading in the Big Bear area. I just needed a simple tent site where I could have a campfire at night, and as usual I hadn't booked very far in advance. By luck, I found Green Valley Lake. 

When I went online to reserve my spot, the only site left was site #1, so I grabbed it. Searching for reviews or pictures of that site, there were comments about it being too close to other sites, too close to the road, too close to houses, etc. When I got there I found a different story. After asking the camp host, I found the site - isolated from the rest of them in its own private little grove. The parking spot for the site is a considerable distance away, next to site 2. There are 2 trails leading to the site - one from the parking spot that cuts through site 2, and another one that ends near the entrance gate. It was a bit of a hike to get my gear in and out, but it was worth it for the privacy. Plenty of trees provide shade, and isolate you from the road and your neighbors. There was some noise, but they were completely blocked from view. 

The campground itself is very well maintained. The bathrooms were clean, with flush toilets, running water, and lights. The sites themselves don't have water, but there were faucets all over the campground so you could fill up a jug and take it back to your site. This is bear country, and bear lockers are installed at every site. The hosts were very nice, and sold firewood at their trailer for $8 a bundle. There was no AT&T cell service at the site, but there was a few miles down the road. 

The campground is about a mile past the village of Green Valley Lake, which has a small market and a restaurant. A few miles further is Arrowbear, which has a couple very well stocked markets and gas stations. Running Springs is a few more miles down the road, and has all the services you would need in a small town. 

For off-roaders like myself, the Big Pine Flats trail starts just a couple miles down the road, and offers a fairly easy and fun drive to just north of Big Bear Lake, and continuing on to Baldwin Lake. 

The next time i camp up in the Big Bear area, this will definitely be on my list of places to camp again.

SiteSite #1
Month of VisitSeptember
  • Review photo of San Bernardino National Forest Green Valley Campground by John  Y., September 9, 2019
Reviewed Jul. 1, 2019

Great campsite $25 per night

The campground is located about ten minutes drive from green valley lake. This camp ground has 32 spots available they require a $25 per night fee and check out is at 12 noon. The site is equipped with water. And bathrooms (extremely clean) Your next door neighbors are but a few feet away from you, but the site is set up to make it feel as secluded as possible. We never had an issue with our neighbors and I hope they didn’t with us. This being said if you forget anything more than likely someone in the camp has it. All in all this campsite is easy to recommend and if you’re a first timer this is the place for you! It’s also very family friendly so teens beware and keep noise and “loudness ;)” to a minimum.

  • Review photo of San Bernardino National Forest Green Valley Campground by Chino F., July 1, 2019
  • Review photo of San Bernardino National Forest Green Valley Campground by Chino F., July 1, 2019
  • Review photo of San Bernardino National Forest Green Valley Campground by Chino F., July 1, 2019
  • (5) View All
Reviewed Jun. 1, 2019

Dusty, but nice

We've camped here a few times and really enjoyed it. The campground is decently maintained, the small waterfalls you can access from the campground make for a great little excursion, and the staff is pleasant.

Site selection can be tricky as several sites are on significant slopes and/or don't have much room for a tent.

This is fairly close to home for us and one of the minor frustrations of camping in this area is everything is dry and dusty so it gets everywhere and this campground seems a bit worse that most. It's better than mud though, I suppose.

  • Review photo of San Bernardino National Forest Green Valley Campground by Shannon F., June 1, 2019
  • Review photo of San Bernardino National Forest Green Valley Campground by Shannon F., June 1, 2019

Frequently Asked Questions

What do reviews say about Green Valley Lake Campground?

Green Valley Lake Campground is highly regarded for its cleanliness, particularly the real toilets and urinals that exceed expectations for a forest campground. The campground hosts are described as friendly, welcoming, and helpful, often delivering firewood directly to campsites. Visitors appreciate the well-maintained grounds and the nearby waterfalls that provide a pleasant excursion option. The spacing between the approximately 32 campsites offers good privacy. Some visitors have noted occasional wildlife, including mountain lions in the area, which adds to the wilderness experience but requires appropriate caution.

What are the best campsites at Green Valley Lake Campground?

Several sites at Green Valley Lake Campground are on significant slopes, so the flatter spots are generally preferred. Site #1 receives positive mentions despite being next to the entrance. The campground offers well-distanced sites that provide privacy while camping. For the best experience, look for spots that offer natural shade and level ground for tent setup. The campground's layout allows most sites to feel secluded even with neighbors nearby. Each campsite has its own character, so preferences may vary based on your camping setup and privacy needs.

Is Green Valley Lake Campground near Big Bear?

Green Valley Lake Campground is located approximately 40 minutes from Big Bear Lake. While not immediately adjacent to Big Bear, it's close enough for day trips while offering a quieter, less crowded alternative to the campgrounds directly in the Big Bear area. This moderate distance makes it an excellent option for campers who want access to Big Bear's attractions but prefer a more secluded camping experience. The campground's somewhat tucked-away location contributes to its peaceful atmosphere.

How do I find a map of Green Valley Lake Campground?

To find a map of Green Valley Lake Campground, check the official San Bernardino National Forest website or contact the ranger district office directly. The campground has 32 sites in total, and understanding the layout can help with planning. When you arrive, the campground host can often provide printed maps of the area. For digital options, the official forest service website typically offers downloadable PDF maps that show the campground layout and nearby trails.

Where is Green Valley Lake Campground located in San Bernardino National Forest?

Green Valley Lake Campground is located about ten minutes drive from the actual Green Valley Lake in the San Bernardino National Forest. The campground is situated in a serene forest setting that offers a peaceful retreat from busy areas. It's positioned in a location that provides access to small waterfalls that can be reached directly from the campground, making it an ideal spot for nature lovers who enjoy short excursions during their camping trip.