Big Bear City is the perfect place for adventurous campers and RVers. There are tons of hikes and other fun activities to partake in. Experience some of the most stunning views that California camping has to offer. Find the best campgrounds near Big Bear City, CA. Read reviews from campers like you and find your perfect campsite.
$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."
$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."
$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."
$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."
$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."
$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. "
$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!"
"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."
"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."
"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."
ScoutI strongly urge you to camp or rent your watersports anywhere else than this place!! The staff here have shown me numerous times over the past few weeks that they don't care about you or your vacation needs!!
ScoutThe campground was amazing. It was very hot in July so I went into town during peak afternoon hours but the morning and evenings at Jumbo Rocks are amazing!
Highly recommended m
ScoutAwesome quiet campground for a more “dispersed” camping feel. Dispersed due to the fact there’s only a few water spigots at select sites and the bathroom were a hike from our spot. We took site #20, it was little bit of a trek from the parking spot to our camp, but the site was extremely spacious and secluded. We decided 4 stars because the forest service failed to post our reservation for site #06 (which has the best view but not much shade). We were here mid July on a Thursday and there were only 2 other sites occupied. Beware the unreal amount of mosquitos.
ScoutArrived at 2;30 pm. Windy. I wanted a place where I could let Bella off leach, so I put it in 4 wheel drive to pull my TAB trailer. Found a good spot. I can see other bigger rigs they did not require 4x4. Interesting view. If your headed north on I15 do not take thirst access road. Almost a 4x4 road.
RangerGreat spot! We went as a famile boy scout trip and had a great time. There was bouldering right behind the camp sites and room for tons of campers and tents. Great for a group.
ScoutJumbo Rocks Campground is an absolute gem for anyone looking to experience the surreal beauty of Joshua Tree. The campsites are tucked between massive granite boulders, offering natural windbreaks and a sense of privacy that’s hard to find elsewhere. We spent our days scrambling across the rock formations—each turn revealing a new panorama—and our nights marveling at the Milky Way in one of the best dark-sky locations in California. The facilities are basic but well-maintained: clean pit toilets, potable water stations, and plenty of picnic tables and fire rings. Because there’s no cell service here, it’s the perfect spot to unplug and reconnect with nature. Nearby trailheads like Skull Rock and Hall of Horrors are just a short walk away, making it easy to plan half-day hikes without moving your rig. To make your trip seamless, consider booking an Airport pick-up service so you can roll straight from the terminal into the desert without the hassle of rental cars. And if you’re visiting multiple national parks in a single journey, their inter-city transfers will keep you moving in comfort—no need to worry about navigating unfamiliar roads or parking fees. Overall, Jumbo Rocks delivers on every level: epic scenery, stellar stargazing, and the chance to truly get away from it all. Highly recommended for adventurous campers!
GuideNice spot, close to road with shade from the trees
TravelerYellow Post #2 – San Bernardino National Forest Secluded, free, first-come-first-served tent site tucked deep in the forest near Hemet, CA. No amenities—no toilet, water, or trash—so pack in and out. Fire ring and picnic table on-site. Shaded by mature trees with a dirt/sand/rock surface. Site fits up to 8 people and 2 vehicles.
Access road is rough and rocky but doable in dry conditions with a careful 2WD. Signage is limited—offline maps recommended. Site sits near a dry creek bed and has a short walk to a west-facing boulder with expansive views of the valley.
Wildlife includes deer, lizards, snakes, woodpeckers, and lots of squirrels. Mosquitoes come out at dusk—repellent is a must. Fire bans usually in effect during summer. Great for quiet retreats, hiking, light climbing, and off-grid solitude.
A rugged but rewarding forest stay for self-sufficient campers.
TravelerI am low-income and sometimes I can't reserve additional nights until I get paid in the afternoon. The rest of the employees at Lake Perris campgrounds had no problem with me, always polite, and welcoming. I was contacted 12 times by this deputy for minuscule infractions, several of them before checkout ⏲️ time.
Camping near Big Bear City, California, offers a fantastic escape into nature with stunning views and plenty of outdoor activities. Whether you're looking to hike, fish, or just relax by the campfire, there’s something for everyone.
Camping near Big Bear City, California, is a great way to enjoy the outdoors with family and friends. With a variety of campgrounds to choose from, you can find the perfect spot for your next adventure.
Frequently Asked Questions
According to TheDyrt.com, Big Bear City, CA offers a wide range of camping options, with 328 campgrounds and RV parks near Big Bear City, CA and 35 free dispersed camping spots.
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Big Bear City, CA is Serrano with a 4.6-star rating from 35 reviews.
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 35 free dispersed camping spots near Big Bear City, CA.
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 7 parks near Big Bear City, CA that allow camping, notably Bankhead National Forest and Chugach National Forest.
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