8 campgrounds with availability this weekend
Several RV parks operate near Big Bear Lake with full hookup capability. Holloway's Marina & RV Park provides lakefront sites with water, electric (50/30/20 amp), and sewer connections, though some sites have higher sewer inlets requiring manual hose lifting for complete drainage. Big Bear Shores RV Resort accommodates larger motorhomes with electric, water, and sewer hookups, while Serrano Campground offers 50+ full hookup RV sites in a forested setting. Skypark Camp RV Resort features both 30-amp and 50-amp electric service for travel trailers and motorhomes, with level pads spaced throughout the property. "I pulled into this campground with our camper van that had no bathroom. The camp host said they typically only rent to RVs with a bath, but they let us stay anyways!"
Mountain access requires careful planning for RV travelers approaching Big Bear Lake. The back route up the mountain presents significant challenges when towing, with one visitor noting they "had to block one side" of their trailer due to unlevel sites. RV parks in the area generally maintain clean restroom facilities with hot showers, though many charge a small fee (typically 25 cents for 3 minutes). Cell service varies considerably throughout the region, with T-Mobile users reporting spotty but functional connections at some locations. Pet policies allow dogs at most RV parks, though limits typically restrict campers to two pets per site. Summer reservations fill quickly, particularly for waterfront sites, while some parks remain open year-round despite seasonal weather fluctuations.
"This campground is free with 9 camp site on a 5 mile paved road, the site's have fire ring and picnic benches, no water. Bike trail is fun and a challenge. Camp site 1,3 & 6 are very quiet."
"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."
"Very spacious and good for big rigs. LOTS of activities for families (splash pad)."
"The lakeview area has dirt roads, sparse grass and a few spots close to the lake. The Cottonwood campground has concrete pads and well maintained grass throughout."
from $40 - $55 / night
"Had to hang the rear of the trailer over the river bank about 8’. Not a big deal but took the rear stabilizer out of play for the weekend. Good shade and campers were friendly."
"First time at a site with hook ups with our new travel trailer. Hook ups were simple...water, 50/30/&20A electric, sewer. Sewer inlet was a bit high."
"I love the location of this rv resort and, although it’s not perfect for everyone, it was great for our family."
"No wood fires but they do offer gas fire pits in the community area. Nice bathrooms as well. Incredible views. Spots are a little tight if you have a bigger unit. "
from $39 - $299 / night
"A great spot away from the main Joshua Tree strip. We visited for one night during the waning height of COVID and staff was taking all the necessary precautions."
"We did a day trip into Joshua Tree National Park, which was amazing. It was a hot day but the RV park had full hookups so we could run the AC in the RV to escape the heat."
from $15 - $55 / night
"Being reasonably close to our home base, we frequent this park with the family."
"Our campsite had a citrus tree, and it was a nice private area. We arrived right after all the snowbirds had left, so we literally had the whole place to ourself."
"The amenities were well kept, all sites were concrete slabs, and the signal was good, but it was very loud sit to close proximity to major roads and wasn’t very kid friendly."
"Palm Springs Oasis is very small but it was a great place to stay with just a 5-10 minute drive to downtown!"
"Dan was so helpful finding us a pull through spot. Most amazing sunset on a full moon night and incredibly quiet but wonderful bird sounds welcomed us at dusk as we drove into park."
"Russell confirmed our ability to stay on a late arrival and Dan was so helpful in helping us find a pull through spot for one night."
from $58 / night
"Great for long term RV camping with hookups. They have nice hot springs pools, decent cell signal, and reasonable prices for full hookups."
"This place has a great weekly rate ($35 per night) and great amenities. We got a site across from the laundry/pool/bathroom which was also not far from the dog park."
from $22 - $44 / night
TravelerWe liked it a lot. It was our first time there and newbie camper so I didn’t pick the best spot, but it’s a great location, close to the river… I had my dog so we walked the campground quite a bit and it’s good size and I saw a lot of other sites that I would have preferred. The bathroom wasn’t terrible, typical I’d say. The woman working the front was very helpful and nice. Little store close too.
TravelerStaff and facility are great.
TravelerYou’ll hear the freeway but who cares. It’s a super easy place to pull off at and there’s a McDonalds and gas station right down the street to fill up at.
Scoutupscale Rv resort with pool, hot tub, sauna, laundry, game room.
ScoutSite is clean, many activities on weekends They also add 1000lb or catfish and trout weekly depending on season. Members were friendly. Downside is wifi when the campsite is 75+ full and only about a dozen paved spots. Major are gravel and dirt.
RangerThe first two spots are close together. First one a bit small but better cover from Santa Anna winds. Nicely in the forest and close to the village.
ScoutNice and FREE area , easy to access
TravelerHad a nice stay here twice so far this year. Nice place. Quiet and clean.
GuideNice place, rustic, unpublicized, congenial host. It can accommodate a number of vans and RVs, but I was the only guest. There is water and nothing else that is stated in the blurb. A self-contained rig is recommended.
As I explored the premises, I imagined that a small traveling couple or group could enjoy the camp as a peaceful alternative to Joshua Tree or Desert Hot Springs. There is evidence that guests stayed there before, with ample communal space for a campfire experience possibly with libations.
The camp might not be a priority business for the host, thus a work-in-progress or attempted endeavor. It has potential to be a stellar and successful camp if kempt.
Security was my concern, being solo, so I locked down more than usual when I left during the day for a music festival. No issues. I stayed three nights. The location is four miles from Morongo Valley Covington Park and the Big Morongo Canyon Preserve, a hiking attraction.
A bumpy dirt road to get to camp. Unsure if a large RV can traverse it. Call or text is the only way to book. The cellphone number is on Google Maps.
Non-hookup camping options surround Big Bear Lake at elevations of 6,700 to 7,000 feet in the San Bernardino Mountains. The area experiences four distinct seasons with winter temperatures frequently dropping below freezing. Several yellow post sites provide primitive camping opportunities with limited facilities but more privacy than developed campgrounds.
Hike to lookout towers: Take the Exploration Trail near Keller Peak Yellow Post Campsites for mountain views. "Hike up to the watch tower and check out all the hummingbirds! This is yellow post camping so it's hit or miss if you can get one," notes Kate W., who recommends site #9 for its spectacular vista.
Fish for catfish: The small lake at Rancho Jurupa RV Park offers catfish fishing in a shaded setting. "Fishing for catfish in the little lake which is shaded with trees and plenty of tables to picnic by the lake," says Jody R., who found the natural area with hookups worked well for her camping style.
Play outdoor games: Multiple campgrounds offer recreational activities beyond typical hiking. "Pickleball with daily games, a small and run down mini golf course. There is also shuffle board, cornhole and horseshoes," reports Ashley M. about her extended stay at a Desert Hot Springs resort, showing the variety of activities available when not exploring the mountains.
Secluded sites: The yellow post sites provide privacy rarely found at developed campgrounds. "There are only 9 sites stretched across 5 miles so you will have no neighbors. Each site is decent size and tucked away into the rocks," explains Kristil C. about Keller Peak, adding that these primitive sites fill quickly during summer months.
Dark night skies: The mountain elevation creates excellent stargazing opportunities. "I've camped at the Keller Peak yellow post sites more than two dozen times over the years and, at their best, they're incredible. The scenery and isolation are superb—starry skies, quiet nights, and that deep-woods stillness that's getting harder to find," shares Bruce R.
Temperature variation: The mountain climate offers relief from valley heat. "Weather is definitely colder than in the valley, got snow overnight in mid May," reports Jillian about her stay at Keller Peak Yellow Post Sites, highlighting how even spring camping can bring unexpected weather changes that campers should prepare for.
Fire restrictions: Rules about fires vary significantly between campgrounds. "They have fire rings but fires are not always permitted so be sure to check with the station just at the bottom of Keller Peak road," advises Kristil C. Some campgrounds allow only propane fire pits while others prohibit any open flame.
Variable cell reception: Connectivity depends on exact location and carrier. "Had very bad but there at&t cell reception. Nice and quiet with space between spots," reports Jillian about Keller Peak, a consideration for those needing to stay connected while camping.
Availability challenges: Many sites require advance planning, particularly during peak seasons. "This is basically just sites along a road up to a fire lookout. There are 9 sites in total. Rangers do come by and take down information of the leader of the group," explains David V. about the non-reservable yellow post sites near Skypark Camp RV Resort.
Activities beyond swimming: Look for campgrounds with multiple recreation options. "Great sense of community and great placement of the gates for safety purposes. Lots of food spots within 10 minutes," notes Troy A. about Rancho Jurupa Park, which also offers a playground and plenty of grassy areas for children.
Kid-friendly mountain biking: The area offers trails for various skill levels. "Bike trail is fun and a challenge. Camp site 1,3 & 6 are very quiet," shares Sam H. about Keller Peak, where mountain biking opportunities draw families looking for outdoor adventures.
Water play alternatives: During warm months, water features provide cooling options. "It's hot but a fire haze has blocked the sun a bit also the water pad is so fun even for grown ups," says Sara H. about Catalina Spa and RV Resort, which offers splash pads and swimming pools suitable for families.
Site leveling challenges: Many mountain campsites require blocking for proper leveling. "Sites are a little off level. Had to block one side," reports Jesse C. about his stay at Holloway's Marina & RV Park, a consideration when selecting sites for larger trailers.
Elevated sewer connections: Some rv parks Big Bear Lake require manual assistance for complete drainage. "It was difficult to use the dump hookups as they're elevated about a foot off the ground so I had to lift the hose off my support snake many times," notes Mike R., highlighting a practical consideration for those using sewer hookups.
Size restrictions: Some Big Bear Lake RV resorts limit smaller trailers. At Big Bear Shores RV Resort, "Make sure your unit is long enough and not too old or they will turn you away," cautions Bryan S., explaining the 26-foot minimum length requirement that affects which campgrounds accept smaller RVs and trailers.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best RV parks and campgrounds at Big Bear Lake?
Big Bear Lake offers several excellent RV camping options. Lighthouse Trailer Resort & Marina is a family-owned spot with full hookups, shaded sites, and lake access just 7 minutes from town. While it may not accommodate big rigs, its proximity to hiking trails makes it popular. For those seeking a more upscale experience, Big Bear Shores RV Resort provides premium amenities and is big-rig friendly. Other options include Holloway's Marina & RV Park, which offers convenient lake access, and Pineknot Campground for a more rustic experience near the ski resort area. Each location offers unique advantages depending on whether you prioritize lake access, proximity to town, or a quiet forest setting.
What amenities are available at Big Bear Lake RV resorts?
RV resorts around Big Bear Lake typically offer a range of amenities to enhance your stay. Crane Lakeside Mobile Home Park & RV Resort provides full utility hookups, patios with privacy fences, storage sheds, two-vehicle driveways, and individual mailboxes. Some sites even offer lakefront views. Mountain Lakes Resort is known for being particularly family-friendly with activities and facilities suited for children. Most Big Bear resorts include standard amenities like water hookups, electric service, and dump stations. Some premium locations offer cable TV, WiFi, laundry facilities, and community gathering spaces. Public campgrounds near Big Bear tend to offer more basic amenities, generally providing vault toilets and potable water but fewer hookup options.
How much does RV camping cost at Big Bear Lake?
RV camping costs at Big Bear Lake vary based on amenities, location, and season. Public campgrounds like Heart Bar Campground offer more affordable options at around $21 per night for basic sites without hookups or dump stations. For full-service RV resorts, prices typically range from $50-$120 per night depending on the season and amenities. Holloway's Marina & RV Park and other lakefront properties generally command premium rates, especially during summer and holiday weekends. Many resorts offer discounted weekly and monthly rates for extended stays. Winter rates can be lower except during peak ski season. Reservation fees may apply, and some locations require minimum stays during high-demand periods. Always book well in advance for summer and holiday weekends.
Can you rent RVs in Big Bear California?
Yes, you can rent RVs in and around Big Bear California, though options are somewhat limited in the immediate area. Several nationwide RV rental services operate in Southern California with delivery options to Big Bear Lake campgrounds. Local outdoor recreation companies occasionally offer RV rentals, particularly during peak summer and winter seasons. For those staying at Pineknot or other campgrounds without renting locally, many visitors rent from companies in San Bernardino or Riverside and drive up to Big Bear. Rates typically range from $150-$300 per night depending on the RV size and amenities, with minimum rental periods of 2-3 nights common. Advance reservations are strongly recommended, especially for summer weekends and winter holidays when demand is highest.
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