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Best Glamping near Big Bear City, CA

296 Reviews

Serrano Campground and North Shore Campground near Big Bear Lake provide luxury glamping accommodations with scenic mountain views. Both locations feature glamping options alongside traditional camping, with Serrano offering more developed amenities including electric hookups, drinking water, and reservable sites. North Shore Campground includes yurts among its accommodation types, providing a comfortable alternative to traditional tent camping. One guest shared, "The bathrooms are very well kept, everything is clean and the showers have warm water. Each camp site has more than enough room to set up tents and chairs and not feel cramped." These glamping sites provide picnic tables, fire rings, and access to toilets, with some offering shower facilities for added comfort during extended stays.

The mineral hot springs at Catalina Spa and RV Resort distinguish it as a premium glamping destination in the region. Located within driving distance of Big Bear City, this resort boasts multiple hot spring-fed pools and spas that leave visitors rejuvenated. A recent visitor mentioned, "With two hot spring-fed pools and hot tubs (one of which is massive and SO luxe), we didn't want to leave. Like, ever. The spring leaves your skin oh so soft and rejuvenated." Beyond water features, glamping guests enjoy access to a fitness center, billiards room, and spa-worthy bathrooms. Recreational activities include mini golf, pickle ball, horseshoes, and shuffleboard. During peak season from October through March, the resort offers organized activities like water volleyball, performances, and various classes, making it an ideal base for exploring both Big Bear and the surrounding San Bernardino National Forest.

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Best Glamping Sites Near Big Bear City, California (33)

    1. Serrano

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

    $44 - $91 / night

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

    "Flush toilets, clean restrooms, well stocked. Didn't use the showers. Good location. Close to Big Bear Lake. Not much road noise for being located between two roads."

    2. Lighthouse Trailer Resort & Marina

    6 Reviews
    Big Bear Lake, CA
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (909) 866-9464

    $55 - $90 / night

    "Came across this property while on the hunt for a getaway from the Vegas heat."

    "Very friendly hosting staff. Quirky because it feels like you’re staying at someone’s cabin. There’s an outdoor tool shop at the front, a little fish cleaning cabin that make you feel at home."

    3. Keller Peak Yellow Post Campsites

    9 Reviews
    Green Valley Lake, CA
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (909) 382-2600

    "It’s a bit of a drive but very scenic and should be doable in any car. My campsite was big and spacious and looked up at an outcropping of rocks. It had a makeshift fire pit and picnic table."

    "It has a great view and secluded. Some chairs, hammock, water, and utensils were left at the picnic table. Everything was dirty so we assumed they were left by previous campers."

    4. North Shore Campground - Lake Almanor

    14 Reviews
    Cedar Glen, CA
    21 miles
    Website
    +1 (909) 866-8550

    $29 - $58 / night

    "It’s a nice little getaway from the hustle bustle with decent shade(depending on site) and relatively cool neighbors (campers)."

    "There is a lovely hiking trail at the far end of the site. There is water, flush toilets, fire pits, and picnic tables. It is a short walk to Lake Arrowhead. This is a dog friendly site."

    5. Seven Oaks Lodge - TEMPORARILY CLOSED DUE TO FLOOD

    4 Reviews
    Forest Falls, CA
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (909) 794-2917

    $40 - $55 / night

    "Check in is near 12. I only assume that since check out is 11. When we arrived the camp host was waiting for us."

    "Tent camping, RV camping, they have a restaurant and bar, best burgers in all of southern California!! They also have a small store, there's showers, restrooms and a swimming pool!"

    6. South Fork Family Campground

    1 Review
    Big Bear City, CA
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (909) 382-2790

    7. Palm Springs-Joshua Tree KOA

    21 Reviews
    Desert Hot Springs, CA
    30 miles
    Website
    +1 (760) 251-6555

    "Near and clean campground with clean restrooms requiring a key code to enter. Two laundry rooms."

    "The KOA is reasonably priced for KOA and California. 3 hot spring tubs. Pool is warm and wall stops wind. Many activities for kids miniature golf, jump board, play ground."

    8. Catalina Spa and RV Resort

    21 Reviews
    Desert Hot Springs, CA
    31 miles
    Website
    +1 (760) 329-4431

    $22 - $44 / night

    "We loved our location of our site, right by all the awesome amenities this place has! Our kids loved the pool and we couldn’t get enough of the hot mineral spring."

    "This gem is located on the outskirts of Desert Hot Springs, CA. With two hot spring-fed pools and hot tubs (one of which is massive and SO luxe), we didn’t want to leave. Like, ever."

    9. Deep Creek Hot Springs Campground

    5 Reviews
    Arkabutla Lake, MS
    23 miles
    Website
    +1 (760) 515-7525

    $10 - $119 / night

    "Easy access to the hot springs and no services to speak of. Basically a patch of dirt you can occupy for $10 a night. Loved it."

    "Super fun place to visit with the hot springs trail. Went in January with snowfall, hardly any campers and nature all around! Two nights are perfect."

    10. Lake Hemet Campground

    39 Reviews
    Mountain Center, CA
    41 miles
    Website
    +1 (951) 659-2680

    $45 / night

    "You can fit two 10' x10' canopies to cover the bench table, and fit 2 individual tents (4-6 person) OR a bigger 12p tent however you decide to position it. It has its own Fire pit."

    "I've been coming to Lake Hemet for several years. The campground is clean and the fishing is good, most of the time."

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Recent Glamping Photos near Big Bear City, CA

22 Photos of 33 Big Bear City Campgrounds

Glamping Reviews near Big Bear City, CA

296 Reviews of 33 Big Bear City Campgrounds

  • Jake P.
    Apr. 21, 2021

    Deep Creek Hot Springs Campground

    No shade, go in the cooler months

    Really good site. Showers, pit toilet, running water, but it's 10$ a night. Hardly any shade unless you get a good site. However they have glamping tents and even own personal hotsprings for a ridiculous fee. I didn't stay there. There is supposed to be blm land around there but everyone keeps it a secret on how to get to where you need to go. The hotsprings is clothing optional, so if you don't mind naked people, or you wanna strip down yourself, you should go check it out 💯💯. Went in early April and it was already really warm in the area

  • Dana H.
    May. 30, 2022

    Bonita Ranch Campground

    It’s okay 😐

    Pros: campground is very short walk to Lytle Creek. Also close to the trail for a hike to Bonita Falls.

    Cons: Not enough bathroom facilities for the amount of campsites. Women’s restrooms had only two stalls, constantly a long line. Also quiet hours are not enforced.

    Bring cash if you want to rent a fire pit. Sites do not have their own fire rings and you must rent one.

  • Christina K.
    May. 23, 2021

    Catalina Spa and RV Resort

    Everything you could need

    We travel Fulltime and have been to countless campgrounds and RV resorts. After spending some time roughing it in Utah this place was exactly what we needed! Christina greeted us with such kindness and attention it blew us away. We loved our location of our site, right by all the awesome amenities this place has! Our kids loved the pool and we couldn’t get enough of the hot mineral spring. The bathrooms are better than I think we’ve ever had, honestly, nice modern style, super clean and hot showers with great pressure. Laundry room was clean and conveniently located. There were more amenities like horse shoes and a really nice outdoor kitchen covered patio. What more could you ask for? I am shocked at how much you get for how much you pay! Beyond a great quality value here. I would recommend this place to anyone that is looking for a location that has easy access to Joshua tree, Palm Springs and we even took a day trip out to Oceanside. We loved our stay so much we ended up extending for a few more days. We for sure will be staying here next time we come through the area.

  • G
    Oct. 29, 2019

    Serrano

    Words can describe this awesome time

    This camp site is located walking distance to the lake. There are bike paths and walking trails located near the camp ground. The bathrooms are very well kept, everything is clean and the showers have warm water. Each camp site has more than enough room to set up tents and chairs and not feel cramped. My only ding about this campground would be the fire pits, which are 8 inches off the ground and the cooling grate is welding off to the side making inefficient to utilize for cooking. If you go during summer time there is a kayak rental shop walking distance from the camp grounds.

  • Janae P.
    May. 6, 2019

    North Shore Campground - Lake Almanor

    Last minute trip, Great park ranger

    So this weekend, I got a wild hair up my butt to go camping. Keep in mind I’m 8 months pregnant and kept forgetting everything at my house.

    With that said, I tried Silverwood to late and KNEW that it’d be packed. I was a bit disappointed but came across North shore.

    It’s a nice little getaway from the hustle bustle with decent shade(depending on site) and relatively cool neighbors (campers).

    I will say it’s down the way from a community hospital so you might here some forms of traffic including a rescue helicopter but it’s not an end all.

    Again this was not my first choice. We got there and found no showers but they did have running toilets and cool tap water near our site. We totally lucked out and were able to switch with a couple who wanted more privacy and shade.

    We eventually stayed on site 4 which was even and open. Our tent (as pictured) was nestled amongst the few trees on our site- only downside was the constant traffic going to and from sites 5/6- a bit of a drag. I felt like it was the prefect spot given the leveled ground and the fact that we had a kid and dog posse.

    But let me tell you about the ranger named Shawn. Omg, he’s a character but he’s a good one. Gave him a tip, he tried to help us not spend money unnecessarily on wood and lent us his ax to go collect nearby. Super chill, down to earth guy who was just generally a lover of nature- you could tell.

    Again, no showers. A bit of noise, but manageable. Quiet hours are the usual 10-7 but we unfortunately were situated next to a group that violated both times- how can someone go to bed after 10 and manage to wake up before 7 and make noise is beyond me....but it’s also been a while since I knew what having no kids and a dog meant- lol.

    Would recommend IF you reserve a decent site. The first one we originally had was 3, super hilly and not leveled. Recommend 4,5,6 if you can and even the one right next to that (assuming it’s 7). Lake is a stones throw away!

    Hope that helps!

  • Pablo L.
    Aug. 29, 2023

    Lake Hemet Campground

    Great Time!

    Visited the last 2 weeks of August. Great place for family and kids. Affordable. Campsite #295. You can fit two 10' x10' canopies to cover the bench table, and fit 2 individual tents (4-6 person) OR a bigger 12p tent however you decide to position it. It has its own Fire pit. Different campgrounds for all chosen methods (Tent, RV, Glamping, etc..) There's restrooms you can use. There's showers you can pay per use. The swim zone isn't too far from this campsite, 5-10 min walk w/ no accessories. If you have little ones, you can take them with a wagon but I'd recommend just driving your car with a few items to the zone. Bring your own shade for this campsite, your own water too. The marketplace is near the entrance BUT they only sell individual waters (No 48 pack types). You'll definitely hear your neighbors snore at night after a long day LOL.. quiet hours are from 10pm - 8am. Overall, this is a great spot. If you're lucky to snag other spots with trees covering you then great but this is still a good campsite. Happy camping! ... Oh yeah, T-Mobile no service up there (apparently Verizon, AT&T do)

  • M
    Nov. 2, 2020

    Cherry Valley Lakes

    Relaxing

    This is a membership campground. They will allow you to stay for free if you listen to their pitch. There are several other campgrounds included with the membership. This Park has bathrooms, showers, a laundry facility, a heated pool and spa, a playground, two catch and release fishing ponds (no license required, but only barbless hooks are allowed), and a youth center. We didn’t catch any fish but the kids still had fun with it. The thing I didn’t like about it was that it’s right next to the freeway so it was loud ... which doesn’t bother me during the day but was distracting at night when trying to sleep.

  • T
    Mar. 15, 2022

    Lake Skinner Recreation Area

    Busy!

    When we Arrived at the gate we were 14th in line. It Took 40 minutes to enter the park. The CG was very full, it was noisy all weekend. There were barking dogs, dogs not on leashes, remote control cars, electric scooters, loud stereos. People up partying till after 1am around their fires. It Appears all “camp rules” are ignored. Bathrooms were clean. Our Fire pit at spot was left dirty and had trash in it when we arrived. The park in general is very nice. This was our 4th time here and only time it had been so loud. Make sure you check out the camp store and walk down to the lake.

  • L
    Dec. 16, 2022

    Catalina Spa and RV Resort

    Adequate & ok for an overnight stop

    Not a very attractive drive in. Lots and lots of trash in the shrubbery and fields along the highway. Reservation and check in was easy. Staff were very friendly and accommodating. The RV park itself is attractive and seems to be fairly well maintained. It seems there are two rv areas. A lower older area and an upper newer and more attractive area. We were in the older area. Site was gravel with a small concrete area. Unfortunately, no one there seems to care about the dog poop everywhere (not exaggerating!). We and the people behind us parking had to clean dog poop off our site before we could set up. When walking our dog we saw poop everywhere. Dog park was ok, but on the small side and would be better with a gravel base instead of the dirt (very, very dusty and results in a dirty, dusty dog). There is a huge field adjacent and owned by the rv park that you can walk and or run your dog. But also full of poop. Bathroom smaller, older in the lower area. Much nicer, more modern bathrooms in the newer area. Two laundry rooms but no front loaders and the older laundry room only had two washers and two dryers. Can use quarters or an app. Pool and spa seemed pretty popular but we didn’t use. Area could really use some lighting at night. Very dark with minimal lighting in the older section. Trash is picked up every morning if you leave outside your site.

Guide to Big Bear City

Dispersed camping options around Big Bear City sit at elevations between 5,000 to 7,000 feet in the San Bernardino National Forest. Winter temperatures often drop below freezing, while summer days average 75-85°F. Most dispersed sites require campers to pack out all trash and provide their own water sources.

What to do

Fishing access year-round: At Lighthouse Trailer Resort & Marina, campers enjoy easy lake access for fishing despite seasonal water level fluctuations. "The lake with all the blow up toys was a blast! We rented a boat and went out on the lake to do some fishing. We didn't catch anything but we did see some bald eagles which was super cool!" notes Jennifer D.

Mountain biking trails: The area features connected trail systems suitable for various skill levels. "We loved camping here. Beautiful, pristine campground with bike trails/walking paths around the lake. The town is bike friendly," reports Trey T. from Serrano Campground.

Hiking to viewpoints: Take the Exploration Trail near Keller Peak Yellow Post Campsites for panoramic views. "The Children's forest and Keller peak fire lookout are at the top giving you great info and great views," writes Kristil C. "Hike up to the watch tower and check out all the hummingbirds!"

What campers like

Natural hot springs access: The mineral springs at Deep Creek Hot Springs Campground offer a unique attraction near Big Bear. "Went in January with snowfall, hardly any campers and nature all around! Two nights are perfect," shares Kelly Anne M. The springs remain accessible year-round, though winter access requires preparation.

Spacious campsites: Many visitors appreciate the room to spread out. "One of the best campgrounds I've ever been to. Well maintained, clean, and just beautiful! We had a double spot and it was very spacious which is what we were looking for because we had 5 kids, 4 dogs, and 7 adults," reports Brittany N. about her stay at Serrano Campground.

Winter camping experiences: For those seeking luxury glamping close to Big Bear City, California during colder months, some campgrounds remain open. "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. Our sewer outlet was frozen in the morning, so we had to dump when we got out of the mountains," mentions Nicole W.

What you should know

Fire restrictions vary: Yellow post sites have specific fire rules. "They have had issues with drug use and parties so that's why they are strict. Almost every site is secluded so there is privacy beside the occasional car driving by," explains David V. about Keller Peak Yellow Post Campsites.

Weather preparedness essential: Mountain weather changes rapidly. "Weather is definitely colder than in the valley, got snow overnight in mid May. Had very bad but there at&t cell reception. Nice and quiet with space between spots," reports Jillian from Keller Peak.

Campsite occupation patterns: Weekdays typically offer more availability. "Get there earlier to find a spot, people seem to stay for awhile," advises Jillian about the yellow post sites.

Tips for camping with families

Water activities: Lake Hemet Campground offers family-friendly water features. "We had the best time here! The lake with all the blow up toys was a blast! Every site has a picnic table and fire ring," shares Jennifer D.

Recreation amenities: Beyond glamping accommodations near Big Bear City, California, some campgrounds offer extensive activities. "Big spot, shade of trees, walk down to lake. Full hookup. 7 minutes to big bear lake town. Hiking trails out front gate," notes Ashley M. about Lighthouse Trailer Resort.

Wildlife viewing opportunities: Several campgrounds offer chances to see local wildlife. "We didn't catch anything but we did see some bald eagles which was super cool!" remarks Jennifer D. from Lake Hemet.

Tips from RVers

Water line protection: Temperature fluctuations require preparation. "Bring insulation for your water hose or have some type of method that will keep your water lines from freezing. Our water hose froze the first night," advises Donovan from Lake Hemet Campground.

Hookup placement challenges: At Palm Springs-Joshua Tree KOA, which offers luxury glamping accommodation options within driving distance of Big Bear, some sites present drainage issues. "Sites are not level. Our dump hookup ended up being uphill so one has to milk the house to empty (our neighbors had the same situation)," notes Cindy B.

Off-season considerations: Campgrounds operate differently based on season. "During busy season (oct-march I think) they have water volleyball, performances, classes, etc. what a dream!" explains Jordan W. about nearby campground amenities.

Frequently Asked Questions

What seasons offer the best glamping experience in Big Bear?

Summer and early fall (June-October) provide the most comfortable glamping experience in Big Bear with warm days and cool evenings perfect for enjoying outdoor activities and evening campfires. Lighthouse Trailer Resort & Marina near Fawnskin offers year-round access with lakeside views particularly stunning during these months. Winter glamping (December-March) offers a unique snow-covered mountain experience but requires proper heating and winter preparation. Spring (April-May) brings beautiful wildflowers but can be unpredictable with occasional rain showers. Fall delivers spectacular foliage with fewer crowds, making it ideal for a peaceful glamping retreat.

What glamping options are available in Big Bear City?

Big Bear City offers several glamping experiences for those wanting comfort in nature. Deep Creek Hot Springs Campground provides luxury glamping tents with access to private hot springs for those seeking a premium experience. For families, South Fork Family Campground offers comfortable accommodations near Big Bear City with convenient access to water and toilets. The surrounding area also features RV resorts with cabin rentals and amenities like heated pools, spas, and recreational facilities—perfect for glampers who want to enjoy the mountains without sacrificing comfort.

How much does glamping in Big Bear Lake cost compared to other California locations?

Glamping in Big Bear typically ranges from $125-300 per night, positioning it as moderately priced compared to other California locations. Catalina Spa and RV Resort offers luxury accommodations with amenities like pools and spas at more affordable rates than coastal glamping sites. Desert glamping at Palm Springs-Joshua Tree KOA provides clean facilities and spa options at similar price points. Big Bear glamping tends to be more affordable than premium coastal destinations like Big Sur or Santa Barbara, where prices can exceed $400 nightly, but slightly more expensive than more remote mountain locations. Prices typically increase during peak summer and winter seasons.

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