The San Bernardino National Forest surrounding Big Bear Lake sits at elevations between 6,750 and 9,000 feet, creating a four-season camping destination with cool summer temperatures typically ranging from 65-80°F during peak camping season. Winter camping requires preparation for snow conditions, with overnight temperatures frequently dropping below freezing between November and April. Forest regulations require campers to store all food in designated bear-proof containers at most developed campgrounds.
What to do
Hike to meadow viewpoints: Heart Bar Campground offers direct access to a small meadow perfect for wildlife viewing. "There is a beautiful meadow to hike through, and you can drive 10 minutes to Jenks Lake for some fishing and lake views," explains camper Amy B., who appreciates the campground's larger sites that provide privacy from neighbors.
Mountain bike from camp: Pineknot Campground provides excellent mountain biking access directly from the campsite. "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," notes Berton M., who values the convenient location.
Explore free dispersed sites: The Thomas Hunting Grounds Yellow Post Sites offer free camping with more seclusion than developed campgrounds. "I almost want to give this a 1 star review, just to keep it to myself a little longer. We loved this yellow post site, by far one of my favorites. Private but with cell service, tables and fire pits!" shares Chelsea R., who enjoyed both the amenities and wildlife watching opportunities.
What campers like
Spacious, private sites: Heart Bar Campground features well-separated camping areas. "We stayed at double site 23 & 24. This is by far the best campsite we've been to and we've been to a good amount of them. The double sites are a must when going with a group of 10 people. This specific site is very spacious with double of the parking spots (4 cars total), 2 fire pits, and 2 benches," explains Chrystal M.
Clean, well-maintained facilities: San Gorgonio Campground receives regular maintenance. "The bathrooms are flush toilets and really clean for a camp site. Also there is usually toilet paper but if you catch it at a busy time in the evening you might want to bring your own just in case," advises Samantha N., who appreciates the campground's attention to cleanliness.
Bear-proof food storage: Hanna Flat Campground provides secure food storage options. "Each site included a table, fire ring and bear safe locker. Each site was spread out and lots of space for 2-4 tents," notes Manny D., who found the storage lockers essential for safe food management in bear country.
What you should know
Road conditions vary significantly: Access to East Flats dispersed camping requires appropriate vehicles. "There are a lot of spaces and larger rigs will do just fine within the first 1/4 mile, roads are a bit rough with rock and drainage ditches but our 40' trailer had zero issues," shares Mike M., who found the rougher roads worthwhile for the free camping opportunity.
Summer insects can be problematic: Some campers report significant fly activity during summer months. "My only complaint, and this is no fault of the campground, was that there are a ton of flies during the day. They leave at night. Make sure to keep your tents fully zipped up because they will get in there," warns Brian L., who camped at Pineknot Campground.
Campground shade varies by location: Sun exposure differs between sites. "The sites are all a decent size. The upper sites don't seem to have as much shade as they are at the top of the hill," observes Troy L. about Dogwood Campground, noting shade differences between upper and lower campsites.
Tips for camping with families
Look for activity loops: Dogwood Campground offers family-friendly biking opportunities. "Kiddos had a great time riding their bikes around the sites. Also, great trails nearby!" reports Krystal G., who found the paved campground roads ideal for younger cyclists.
Check for educational opportunities: Several campgrounds feature interpretive trails. "There are a lot of great sites to choose from but once the sun begins to set, they're all great. It doesn't have showers so it doesn't get as crowded or overused like Barton Flats," notes Andre V. about Heart Bar Campground, which offers wildlife viewing at dusk.
Reserve well in advance for holidays: Holiday periods fill quickly at popular campgrounds. "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," shares Nicole W. about her experience at Serrano Campground.
Tips from RVers
Check your site dimensions carefully: Holloway's Marina & RV Park offers waterfront sites with some limitations. "We have a 265bh transcend and parked it in a site on the water. Great views and enjoyed watching the fish jump in the evenings. The sight was a little small but made it work. Had to hang the rear of the trailer over the river bank about 8'. Not horrible but took the rear stabilizer out of play for the weekend," explains Kevin B.
Winter hookup limitations: Cold weather affects facilities. "We camped here the last weekend before they closed for the winter, after Thanksgiving. Our sewer outlet was frozen in the morning, so we had to dump when we got out of the mountains," notes Nicole W. about Serrano Campground, highlighting seasonal challenges for RVers.
Electric hookups are limited: Only certain campgrounds offer electrical connections. "The campground has everything a typical campground should have to include restrooms, water, trash bins, and firewood for sale. That's if there's no fire ban in place," explains Berton M. about Pineknot, while Dogwood Campground offers a dedicated electric hookup loop for RVs requiring power.
