Best Campgrounds near Big Bear City, CA

Campgrounds around Big Bear City in California's San Bernardino Mountains offer a mix of established facilities and dispersed options. Several developed sites like Pineknot, Serrano, and Hanna Flat Campground provide amenities for both tent and RV camping, with most featuring picnic tables, fire rings, and vault toilets. These established campgrounds generally operate from May through October, though some like San Gorgonio Campground remain open year-round. For those seeking more primitive experiences, dispersed camping is available at East Flats and several yellow post sites in the surrounding national forest.

Access to many campgrounds requires advance planning, especially during summer weekends when sites fill quickly. The region's elevation of 6,700+ feet means temperatures can drop significantly at night even in summer months. "Campsites are well spaced out for the most part. Would recommend finding a site at the back of the campground if you want more privacy," noted one visitor about Pineknot Campground. Fire restrictions are common during dry seasons, with several reviewers mentioning temporary fire bans. Campgrounds closer to town like Pineknot provide easier access to amenities but may offer less seclusion than more remote locations.

Campers report varying experiences depending on proximity to Big Bear Lake and the town center. Those seeking quiet often prefer the more distant forest service campgrounds where wildlife sightings are common. "Despite being close to a developed area, the campground still feels like a getaway in the woods," mentioned one camper about Pineknot's surprisingly secluded atmosphere despite its location near Snow Summit ski resort. Sites with mountain views tend to receive higher ratings, though they may have less shade. Several campgrounds feature bear boxes, as wildlife encounters are possible throughout the region. The most popular campgrounds near water or with amenities like flush toilets tend to require reservations well in advance, particularly during summer and fall weekends.

Best Camping Sites Near Big Bear City, California (331)

    1. Serrano

    35 Reviews
    Big Bear Lake, CA
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (909) 866-8021

    $44 - $91 / night

    "We camped just a few steps away from the lake, there were other campers there but the campgrounds are far enough away from each other."

    "This camp site is located walking distance to the lake. There are bike paths and walking trails located near the camp ground."

    2. Heart Bar Campground

    20 Reviews
    Big Bear City, CA
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (909) 866-8550

    $29 - $58 / night

    "Has a hiking trail not far away. Close to big bear city about 15mi South. Not too far from Jenka lake to do some fishing."

    "The first thing to mention is the location. The back of the campground faces west where the rolling mountains seem to part in a way that showcases the beautiful California sunset."

    3. San Gorgonio Campground

    21 Reviews
    Big Bear Lake, CA
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (909) 866-8550

    $34 - $69 / night

    "San Gorgonio, aptly named for the famed crown peak near by, is a nice mix of family friendly and weekend escape."

    "If you live in Southern California and haven't climbed the highest peak, you need to get out there and experience nature."

    4. Hanna Flat Campground

    25 Reviews
    Fawnskin, CA
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (909) 382-2790

    $33 - $67 / night

    "We were tucked up into the hill side with neighbors far enough sway to make it very private. There were no showers so we brought our travel one and hung it from a branch."

    "We arrived at Hanna Flat campground around 11 am on Friday, August 21. First thing about the campground is that the road to get to it is pretty rough."

    5. Pineknot

    18 Reviews
    Big Bear Lake, CA
    5 miles
    Website
    +1 (909) 866-8550

    $34 - $36 / night

    "Pineknot is perfectly situated in Big Bear where you're in the woods but only a short walk to Snow Summit. "

    "The last few times we have gone we have stayed in 19 because of its location and layout."

    6. Barton Flats Family Campground

    19 Reviews
    Big Bear Lake, CA
    7 miles
    Website

    $36 - $73 / night

    "Came here for a weekend, good spot for tent camping, I went on an off trail hike, cool, fun area. Some views. Drove over to the lake but couldn’t find parking. Very quiet and clean as well."

    "mountain just a short hike away from our site, #23. "

    7. Holcomb Valley Campground

    17 Reviews
    Fawnskin, CA
    7 miles
    Website

    $27 / night

    "Lots of great trails and off trail hiking for all levels of experience plus climbing locations for the rockers out there."

    "Though this campground doesn’t have spectacular views, it is located in the historic Holcomb Valley and surrounded by tons of hiking and offroad trails to explore. Tall trees with plenty of shade!"

    8. East Flats

    11 Reviews
    San Bernardino National Forest, CA
    7 miles
    Website

    "What more can you ask for a few hours away from LA proper…"

    "Saw multiple deer walking by our site. Easy to drag in dust and very annoying. We easily found a spot for our van."

    9. Holloway's Marina & RV Park

    13 Reviews
    Fawnskin, CA
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (909) 866-5706

    "It was Memorial Day weekend pretty busy but camp site was nice rented pontoon boat just a walk from park all in all good time"

    "We rented a boat on Saturday and was great just to walk out on the dock with the kids. 4 hr rental was just enough. Make reservations for they sell out on the weekends. Super easy."

    10. Coon Creek Yellow Post Sites

    10 Reviews
    Big Bear City, CA
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (909) 382-2882

    "This place is great for 2 days trip and it's close to big bear city."

    "There's other rough roads further in and access to hikes nearby. I loved how quiet it was, except for neighbors since sound carries so easily even though spots are quiet apart from each other."

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Recent Reviews near Big Bear City, CA

1614 Reviews of 331 Big Bear City Campgrounds


  • K
    Oct. 28, 2025

    White Tank Campground — Joshua Tree National Park

    White tank camp ground

    Great camp ground, multiple sites available with fire rings, nice size rocks to climb on and explore around as well as great trails to take to venture around the area, bathrooms are available and clean every morning but no running water, came during government shutdown so everything just so happen to be free from park entry to the camp site but besides that I do recommend the area is clean and well picked up after

  • accalia F.
    Oct. 28, 2025

    White Tank Campground — Joshua Tree National Park

    White Tank Campground

    We stayed here our first two nights. Currently government shut down so we didn’t have to pay entry or camping fee. Definitely recommend taking advantage of it! But it was a beautiful camp site. Heart shape Rock and Arch Rock Trail is a short walking distance!

  • accalia F.
    Oct. 28, 2025

    Hidden Valley Campground — Joshua Tree National Park

    Hidden Valley Campground

    Stayed here our 3rd night due to it being full from Saturday-Sunday. Recommend going early Sunday morning to get the spots that are open from people leaving. Spots do fill up pretty quick. You can also walk across the street to hidden valley trail. Definitely recommend. Felt safer here due to the fact that you’re surrounded by other campers.

  • Heather K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 28, 2025

    Palm Springs-Joshua Tree KOA

    Great Campground

    I don’t tend to stay at KOAs but this one may change my mind. We got a spot that was big enough for two camper vans (promaster and express). The hot tubs were awesome. They even had a haunted house and hayride for the kids. Super cool spot.

  • Hans V.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 27, 2025

    Joshua Tree Lake RV & Campground

    Huge spots for dry RV

    Large campground, not very busy in the weekend in October when we were there. 4 adults, 2 kids, 1 trailer, 1 tent & 2 cara on a dry RV site with room to spare and that for only 40 bucks. Good deal !

  • Kyle M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 25, 2025

    Pathfinder Dispersed Camping

    Free!

    No amenities. 14 day stay. Mostly secluded, except for some cow visitors. Road leading in is rough. Skill is needed to venture back.

  • Kyle M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 25, 2025

    Pathfinder Dispersed Camping

    Free!!!!

    Mostly secluded, and you get a few bovine visitors. No amenities. 14 day stays. The only important note is that the road leading up is rough, careful skill is needed.

  • CThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 24, 2025

    South Ridge Yellow Post Sites

    Great spots, great views

    Great location! Beautiful views from every spot! Will definitely stay here again. Road is a little rough in sections coming up, so plan vehicle choice accordingly!


Guide to Big Bear City

Dispersed camping options near Big Bear City, California include several yellow post sites in the San Bernardino National Forest. Located at elevations over 6,700 feet, these primitive sites provide alternatives to developed campgrounds with varying levels of accessibility. Weather can shift dramatically in the mountains, with summer temperatures often dropping below 40°F at night.

What to do

Mountain biking access: At Pineknot, campers can reach Snow Summit ski resort on foot for summer activities. "Pineknot is perfectly situated in Big Bear where you're in the woods but only a short walk to Snow Summit. This allows you a staging area to ride mountain bikes all day at Snow Summit and around the mountain but allows you the convenience to be camped nearby," notes one visitor.

Hiking trails nearby: Several campgrounds connect to trail networks. At Hanna Flat Campground, "Campsite 49/51 is right by the trail to hike and bike," according to a camper. Another adds, "The PCT is near by and has a couple of trails right there."

Wildlife viewing opportunities: The meadow at Heart Bar Campground offers excellent wildlife spotting. "This campground sits right over a small meadow that boarders the San Gorgonio wilderness. This spot is excellent for wildlife viewing and entry to the wilderness for hiking and exploring," one camper reports. Another visitor saw "multiple deer walking by our site" at East Flats dispersed area.

What campers like

Spacious campsites: Many visitors appreciate campgrounds with ample space between sites. "We managed to find a spot but they do take reservations and that's your best bet. We chose the loop closest to the lake, just about a minute walk for a nice view," notes one camper at Serrano. Another camper mentioned, "Nice 'big' spots so you don't feel like you're on top of one another."

Free dispersed camping: For budget-conscious travelers, East Flats provides cost-free camping. "There are a lot of spaces and they are level multiple spots for a class a 34 foot motorhome. I am far enough away where I don't hear everyone talking," states one visitor. Another notes it's "easy to find a little rough but fairly easy to reach with our Sedan."

Winter camping options: Unlike seasonal campgrounds, San Gorgonio Campground operates year-round. "We camped here the last weekend before they closed for the winter, after Thanksgiving. The campground was clean, quiet, and had a decent amount of space between sites. There is a biking trail that goes through the campground that was well used," reports one winter visitor.

What you should know

Fire restrictions: Fire bans are common during dry periods. At yellow post sites, fire pits are provided but often restricted. "Campsites are all a decent size and they all have a picnic table and a bear box. No showers, no rv dump station, just water from the pipe, toilets, picnic tables, fire ring, and a bear box," notes a Heart Bar visitor.

Bear boxes required: Wildlife encounters necessitate proper food storage. At Coon Creek Yellow Post Sites, one camper advises, "Don't leave Ice chest out and please be sure to cover your ice chest, even in your vehicle, as the bears, are all too familiar with them. My sister did not heed my warning, and we woke in the middle of the night to the local resident (a bear) tipping and subsequently going through her cooler."

Reservation tips: Popular campgrounds fill quickly. "Already marked on my calendar to look in July of next summer! Clean facilities and great staff! We will be back for sure!" advises one Serrano camper. Another notes, "First come first served, so weekdays are the best time to get a spot" at Holcomb Valley Campground.

Tips for camping with families

Kid-friendly activities: Many campgrounds offer spaces for children to play. "We were in spaces 1 and 3, which were close to the main gate. Between the two spaces, was a huge open area, which was great for the kids and dogs to play," shares a Pineknot camper.

Educational opportunities: The Discovery Center provides learning experiences. "It's right across from the Discovery Center in Big Bear, which is where a couple fun hiking trails begin," mentions a Serrano visitor. Another adds, "Pokemon stops for the kids" are available nearby.

Temperature preparation: Mountain nights get cold even in summer. "It was May but got cold enough at night but was absolutely perfect during the day," notes a Hanna Flat camper. At Heart Bar, "Don't be surprised by temps reaching as high as 90° in the summer and near freezing in the fall at night."

Tips from RVers

Road access considerations: Some campgrounds require navigating rough roads. "Dirt roads were well kept. I came with a 170 wheel base Sprinter Van w/ 2 wheel drive and had no problems making it to site post #11," reports a visitor to Coon Creek Yellow Post Sites. For larger vehicles, "There are some really great sites to choose from" at San Gorgonio where "lots of spots a 32' trailer could easily back in."

Hookup availability: Few campgrounds offer full hookups. "Make sure you take the back way up the mountain. It's no joke pulling a trailer up there," advises an RV camper. Another notes that even without hookups, "The sites are beautiful and clean, and there is a beautiful meadow to hike through, and you can drive 10 minutes to Jenks Lake for some fishing and lake views."

Dump station locations: Plan ahead for waste disposal. A camper at San Gorgonio noted, "Our sewer outlet was frozen in the morning, so we had to dump when we got out of the mountains." At Barton Flats Family Campground, "The bathrooms and showers were clean, and the hosts were friendly. There is a hiking trail that goes out of camp and plenty of other options in the area."

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Big Bear City, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, Big Bear City, CA offers a wide range of camping options, with 331 campgrounds and RV parks near Big Bear City, CA and 39 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Big Bear City, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Big Bear City, CA is Serrano with a 4.6-star rating from 35 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Big Bear City, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 39 free dispersed camping spots near Big Bear City, CA.

What parks are near Big Bear City, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 7 parks near Big Bear City, CA that allow camping, notably San Bernardino National Forest and Mojave River Dam.