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."
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