Cedar Glen camping options sit at elevations between 5,000 and 6,000 feet in the San Bernardino Mountains. The mountain climate offers summer temperatures averaging 75-85°F during days and dropping to 45-55°F at night. Winter camping requires preparation for snow conditions, with many campgrounds closing between November and April.
What to do
Mountain biking at Snow Summit: Located near Pineknot Campground, this area offers excellent riding options accessible from camp. "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 Berton M.
Hiking the Exploration Trail: The trail network around Keller Peak Yellow Post Campsites provides access to scenic viewpoints. "The Children's forest and Keller peak fire lookout are at the top giving you great info and great views," shares Kristil C. This area features several interconnected trails suitable for different ability levels.
Fishing at Silverwood Lake: Day trips to this fishing spot take about 40 minutes from Cedar Glen. The lake has bass, catfish, and trout stocking during cooler months. "Access to the Silverwood Lake recreation area is a great benefit. Small market is on site at the recreation area," says Ken K., though he notes the beaches aren't smooth sand.
What campers like
Spacious sites with privacy: Hanna Flat Campground offers more room between sites than many nearby options. "The campsites are spaced out quite a bit between site 1 and sites 2-8," reports Mark C. Spencer U. adds that "Campground feels very secluded and the sites are far apart."
Clean bathroom facilities: Many Cedar Glen area campgrounds maintain excellent facilities. "Bathrooms were clean. However, I do wish all campground bathrooms had more benches or shelves for you to place your toiletries. Maybe even hooks to hang your towels would help a lot," shares Paige K. about Dogwood Campground.
Tent camping with lake views: At North Shore Campground, campers enjoy water proximity. "We love that we can tent camp by the water!" says Sandi B. The campground offers lake access with minimal hiking required, though Christian N. notes "Our site wasn't super flat."
What you should know
Reservation timing matters: Most Cedar Glen campgrounds fill quickly during peak season. "We happened to find a great spot here on Labor Day weekend. Total luck shot," reports Gina C. about Hanna Flat Campground. For popular sites like Dogwood, bookings should be made 6 months in advance.
Bear boxes required: Food storage protocols are strictly enforced. "Each campsite has a bear box to store food," notes Shuree F. at Dogwood Campground. These metal storage containers are provided at established sites but not at dispersed yellow post locations.
Fire restrictions vary seasonally: Summer and fall bring heightened fire danger. "The campsites are basic and no campfires are allowed. You will obviously have no amenities and need to pack in food and water and pack out all trash," explains Mark C. about Thomas Hunting Grounds. Check current restrictions before arrival as they change frequently.
Tips for camping with families
Choose sites with amenities: Serrano Campground offers family-friendly facilities near Big Bear Lake. "I love this campground! It's right across from the Discovery Center in Big Bear, which is where a couple fun hiking trails begin. The campground itself is very clean," shares Sarah C.
Look for kid-friendly activities: Some campgrounds have dedicated recreation spaces. "Kiddos had a great time riding their bikes around the sites. Also, great trails nearby!" says Krystal G. about Hanna Flat Campground. Level campground roads provide safe cycling areas for children.
Consider Yellow Post sites for older kids: For families with teenagers seeking more adventure, dispersed sites offer unique experiences. "Excellent place to camp. And free, no less. Need high clearance or 4wd vehicle for a rough road but once you get to the top, the sites are great!" Steve explains about Thomas Hunting Grounds Yellow Post sites.
Tips from RVers
Length restrictions apply: Many dog-friendly campgrounds near Cedar Glen have limited space for larger rigs. "Sites are well placed making a full campground fell spacious. I used an electric site which is integrated with tent and nonelectric sites. I drive a 19 foot RV van which backed up easily into our campsite, and had plenty of room to spare," says Shuree F. about Dogwood Campground.
Consider Skypark Camp RV Resort for full hookups: This newer facility offers modern amenities. "Ultra clean and well maintained, this park sets itself apart. Perfect gateway for your adventures in the area," notes Ken C. Bryan S. adds, "Great park. New clean. Staff is very helpful and friendly. No wood fires but they do offer gas fire pits in the community area."
Dump stations limited: Not all campgrounds provide this service. "We stayed in campsite 108 (which had full hookups) and did not feel that the campsites were too close to one another," shares Bower about Mesa Campground. Plan your water usage if staying at sites without sewer connections, as dump station lines can be long on Sundays.
