Free Camping Collection
Dispersed Camping
Bear Lake
Bear Lake is located in the San Bernardino National Forest, offering a terrain of forested areas and mountainous landscapes. Temperatures can range from 30°F in winter to 85°F in summer, providing varied conditions for camping throughout the year. Nearby attractions include Big Bear Lake, where visitors can enjoy water activities, and the Alpine Slide at Magic Mountain for family-friendly fun.
Description
USDA Forest Service
San Bernardino National Forest
The number of visitors admitted to the wilderness is limited. On summer weekends some wilderness areas may fill to capacity well in advance. Wilderness campsites are accessible by foot and/or horseback only and require a free wilderness permit, which may be reserved up to three months in advance. Use of certain trailheads that have facilities like restrooms require an Adventure Pass or an Interagency Pass, which must be displayed on the parked vehicle. When camping in the wilderness, lightweight stoves are recommended. Campfires are not allowed in Wilderness areas on the San Bernardino National Forest. No wood or charcoal campfires (Read the current fire restrictions) Vehicles must remain on roads and associated pullouts Do not clear vegetation Portable gas-powered stoves, lanterns and fire rings with a fuel-shutoff valve allowed with a California Campfire Permit and five feet clearance from vegetation. Camp at least 200 feet from springs, water, meadows, trails and roads Camp at least a quarter-mile from designated campgrounds, picnic areas, trailheads Camp at least a quarter-mile from private property and state highways Pack out all trash Leave no trace For more information, please read the Forest Order on use of dispersed areas: https://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/stelprdb5155166.pdf
Location
Bear Lake is located in California
Coordinates
34.23324394 N
116.907269 W
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
Stay Connected
- WiFiAvailable
- VerizonGood
- AT&TGood
- T-MobileAvailable
Site Types
- Dispersed
Features
For Campers
- Phone Service
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
DISPERSED CAMPING
Enjoy dispersed camping on government land and leave no trace. Pack in and pack out. No (or limited) services at this camping area. Permit may be required.
PERMIT might be REQUIRED
We curate permit requirements across the US for our PRO members. Try PRO to see if Bear Lake needs a permit.