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.
