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Best Campgrounds near Big Bear Lake, CA

1,524 Reviews

Campgrounds near Big Bear Lake in Southern California's San Bernardino National Forest range from developed facilities to primitive sites. The area includes established campgrounds like Serrano, which offers full hookups and proximity to the lake, and more remote options such as Holcomb Valley Campground, which provides a more secluded forest experience. Most campgrounds accommodate both tent and RV camping, with sites like Pineknot and Hanna Flat offering picnic tables, fire rings, and vault toilets. Several locations feature bear boxes for food storage, reflecting the active wildlife in this mountain region.

Seasonal operation affects most campgrounds in the Big Bear area, with many facilities closing during winter months. Serrano operates from March through November, while Hanna Flat is typically open May through October. "The campground is much smaller than many others in the area, some close together, and the whole campground has been recently renovated," noted one visitor about South Fork Campground. Road conditions vary significantly, with some campgrounds accessible via paved roads while others require travel on rough forest roads. Heart Bar Campground, located about 20 minutes from Big Bear Lake, provides a more isolated experience with multiple camping loops and basic amenities including water spigots, toilets, and bear boxes.

Campers consistently mention the natural beauty and relative seclusion as highlights of the Big Bear Lake camping experience. The higher elevation (around 6,750 feet) provides cooler temperatures even during summer months, making it a popular escape from Southern California heat. According to one visitor, "Heart Bar Campground is one of my favorites. The back of the campground faces west where the rolling mountains seem to part in a way that showcases the beautiful California sunset." Many campgrounds provide access to hiking trails, including Cougar Crest Trail near Serrano Campground. Cell service varies throughout the region, with reception generally better at campgrounds closer to town. During peak summer weekends and holidays, reservations are strongly recommended as sites fill quickly, particularly at campgrounds with water access or those offering electrical hookups.

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Detours Nearby

Barton Flats Campground

Barton Flats Campground

31 min away

Big Bear Recreation

Big Bear Recreation

36 min away

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Best Camping Sites Near Big Bear Lake, California (339)

    1. Serrano

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

    $44 - $91 / night

    "Good location. Close to Big Bear Lake. Not much road noise for being located between two roads. Access to Cougar Crest Trail is super easy and safely cross under the road via tunnel."

    "Big Bear Lake near by, lake level appears to be receding. Bears and coyotes in the area, recommended not to let small dogs or cats roam unattended."

    2. Hanna Flat Campground

    25 Reviews
    Fawnskin, CA
    5 miles
    Website
    +1 (909) 382-2790

    $33 - $67 / night

    "This is a great campground near Big Bear lake. It's down a fun dirt road that my Explorer had no problem with. My 11 year old son was beside me holding on for dear life as I cracked up with joy!"

    "The draw for this campground even with pit and chemical toilets and little shade in the Westernmost loop, is access to the hiking trail (camp near the #50-60 sites to get closer to trailhead."

    3. San Gorgonio Campground

    21 Reviews
    Big Bear Lake, CA
    5 miles
    Website
    +1 (909) 866-8550

    $34 - $69 / night

    "San Gorgonio, aptly named for the famed crown peak near by, is a nice mix of family friendly and weekend escape."

    "If you live in Southern California and haven't climbed the highest peak, you need to get out there and experience nature."

    4. Pineknot

    18 Reviews
    Big Bear Lake, CA
    1 mile
    Website
    +1 (909) 866-8550

    $34 - $36 / night

    "Pineknot is perfectly situated in Big Bear where you're in the woods but only a short walk to Snow Summit. "

    "The last few times we have gone we have stayed in 19 because of its location and layout."

    5. Barton Flats Family Campground

    19 Reviews
    Big Bear Lake, CA
    5 miles
    Website

    $36 - $73 / night

    "Came here for a weekend, good spot for tent camping, I went on an off trail hike, cool, fun area. Some views. Drove over to the lake but couldn’t find parking. Very quiet and clean as well."

    "mountain just a short hike away from our site, #23. "

    6. Heart Bar Campground

    20 Reviews
    Big Bear City, CA
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (909) 866-8550

    $29 - $58 / night

    "second reason; there are many many sites to choose from. this camp ground has several loops that each contain roughly 20 campsites, sometimes more. on any given day you should be able to drive up, though"

    "The first thing to mention is the location. The back of the campground faces west where the rolling mountains seem to part in a way that showcases the beautiful California sunset."

    7. Holcomb Valley Campground

    17 Reviews
    Fawnskin, CA
    4 miles
    Website

    $27 / night

    "Lots of great trails and off trail hiking for all levels of experience plus climbing locations for the rockers out there."

    "Though this campground doesn’t have spectacular views, it is located in the historic Holcomb Valley and surrounded by tons of hiking and offroad trails to explore. Tall trees with plenty of shade!"

    8. Holloway's Marina & RV Park

    13 Reviews
    Fawnskin, CA
    2 miles
    Website
    +1 (909) 866-5706

    "It was Memorial Day weekend pretty busy but camp site was nice rented pontoon boat just a walk from park all in all good time"

    "We rented a boat on Saturday and was great just to walk out on the dock with the kids. 4 hr rental was just enough. Make reservations for they sell out on the weekends. Super easy."

    9. Dogwood

    33 Reviews
    Rimforest, CA
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (909) 336-6717

    $40 - $81 / night

    "The main road is near, and you will hear some road noise but only noticed it when a loud truck or motorcycles was driving by."

    "The trees are massive and plenty and make you feel like you are a million miles away from the hustle and bustle of California."

    10. East Flats

    11 Reviews
    San Bernardino National Forest, CA
    6 miles
    Website

    "What more can you ask for a few hours away from LA proper…"

    "Saw multiple deer walking by our site.

    Easy to drag in dust and very annoying. We easily found a spot for our van."

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Showing results 1-10 of 339 campgrounds

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Recent Camping Photos near Big Bear Lake, CA

606 Photos of 339 Big Bear Lake Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Big Bear Lake, CA

1524 Reviews of 339 Big Bear Lake Campgrounds

  • B
    Sep. 4, 2025

    Keller Peak Yellow Post Campsites

    Stunning but Safety Concerns

    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. For years this was my go-to spot. 

    Unfortunately, I’ve also watched trash and waste increase. Please, pack it out—these sites only stay special if we treat them with care. 

    My last trip was frightening enough that I haven’t returned. Late at night a group of locals came to the edge of my site, yelling and using threatening language. They assumed I was homeless despite my SUV and proper camping setup. I was using a portable propane fire pit—which is allowed—and I calmly explained that. I can understand why fire is an issue to locals.  I only felt safe because my small dog has a very loud bark, which kept them from coming closer. They said they were calling a ranger. I left the next morning, shaken. On my way out, I spoke with a park ranger who confirmed propane fire pits are permitted and told me they don’t patrol up there at night because of recurring issues like this. She also mentioned they were trying to move the site to a reservation system to deter homeless use; I’m not sure if that has happened yet. 

    It’s a shame, because this area is one of the best around. I’m sharing this so others can make an informed choice.  

    Pros - Spectacular views and true solitude Cool nights, dark skies, classic forest feel

    Cons -  Rising litter and human waste Nighttime safety concerns due to occasional rowdy visitors Limited ranger presence after dark

     I hope increased stewardship and enforcement can restore the magic here.

  • Kyle K.
    Aug. 28, 2025

    Stoddard Valley OHV

    Nothing special, low expectations and an open mind!

    This spot isn't anything special, but desert camping under the stars is never a bad time. Once the wind settled in the evening, I made some tea and read a book. I saw a shooting star when I laid down in my tent. I really could not have asked for a better nights rest. There is a vault toilet and some rock fire pits scattered around the area. I was there on a Wednesday, didn't see another soul except for the couple that pulled off the highway for a quicky, LOL! The highway isn't too far but the noise is pretty minimal. It was pretty sandy, but not too bad for a street motorcycle

  • AThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 23, 2025

    East Flats

    Nice Peaceful Area

    Wasn’t hard to find a little rough but fairly easy to reach with our Sedan. Couldn’t find too much to do but if you’re looking for a weekend getaway to relax it’s a nice spot.

  • Nickchris G.
    Aug. 18, 2025

    Horsemen's Center

    Horseman's center!

    Beautiful views of the entire city and never bothered by anyone, can do bonfires, and even camp right out my car.

  • DeWayne G.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 17, 2025

    Giant Rock Dispersed

    Big Rock camping

    Came out to Big Rock for the meteor shower in August. Yes, it was hot, but I like the heat. We set up our two-day camp along the ridge about 300 yards past Big Rock. Verizon Cell service was non-existent at our site, but we would get 5G at the Rock.

    Other than some graffiti the area was clean and well-kept.

  • Missy R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 17, 2025

    Barstow-Calico KOA

    Great stop on a cross country journey

    I’m just stopping to sleep, but this campground has friendly staff and good amenities. I’m parked under a canopy of trees, which must help on hot summer days.

    They had a general store, bath houses, cabins, dog park and more.

  • Julie
    Aug. 12, 2025

    Bogart County Park

    Bogart Regional park

    It was okay for a last minute camping idea.

  • Julie
    Aug. 12, 2025

    Bogart County Park

    Yucaipa Regional park

    Great customer service, easy access, restrooms, fishing, swimming and paddle boats.

Guide to Big Bear Lake

Camping near Big Bear Lake, California, offers a fantastic escape into nature with stunning views and plenty of outdoor activities. Whether you're looking to hike, fish, or just relax by the lake, there’s something for everyone.

What to do

  • Hiking: Explore the numerous trails around the area. Many campers rave about the hiking opportunities, with one reviewer noting, "The campground is very nice. The roads could use some work and if you have a RV/Trailer/Van you may want some block to help get you level."
  • Fishing: Big Bear Lake is known for its fishing. A visitor shared, "The campground is clean and the fishing is good, most of the time. They stock the lake regularly so you have a good chance of catching trout, even from the shore."
  • Stargazing: The dark skies around the campgrounds provide excellent stargazing opportunities. One camper mentioned, "DARK DARK DARK sky.....wonderful," highlighting the beauty of the night sky.

What campers like

  • Clean facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained restrooms and clean campsites. A review stated, "The place is clean and quiet. Our camp site was very spacious," which is a common sentiment among visitors.
  • Spacious sites: Many campgrounds offer ample space between sites, making it feel less crowded. One camper noted, "The campground was clean, quiet, and had a decent amount of space between sites."
  • Friendly staff: Campers often mention the helpfulness of campground staff. A visitor remarked, "The staff were friendly and helpful most of the time," which adds to the overall positive experience.

What you should know

  • Limited amenities: Some campgrounds, like Hidden Valley Campground, do not have drinking water or showers. A camper pointed out, "The Campground offers the most basic accommodations as toilets; no water or showers."
  • First-come, first-served: Many sites operate on a first-come, first-served basis. One reviewer advised, "Once you claim your site, you now have to travel back to an entrance station to pay."
  • Wildlife: Be cautious of wildlife in the area. A camper shared, "The campground was very family friendly and I felt safe even though I was alone," but also noted the presence of coyotes.

Tips for camping with families

  • Choose family-friendly campgrounds: Look for sites that are known for being family-friendly, like Indian Cove Campground. A visitor mentioned, "You could easily spend a week in this park and enjoy yourself."
  • Plan for activities: Bring games and outdoor activities to keep kids entertained. One camper suggested, "The campground itself was well-maintained, and the surrounding natural beauty made for a peaceful retreat."
  • Safety first: Always keep an eye on children, especially around water. A parent noted, "The sites are very close together so privacy was hard," emphasizing the need for supervision.

Tips from RVers

  • Check site suitability: Make sure your RV can fit in the designated spots. One reviewer advised, "The roads in are narrow and absolutely terrible," which is something to keep in mind when booking.
  • Bring leveling blocks: Many RVers recommend bringing leveling blocks for uneven sites. A camper shared, "If you have a RV/Trailer/Van you may want some block to help get you level."
  • Cell service can be spotty: Be prepared for limited cell service in some areas. A visitor mentioned, "Cell service was okay," which can be a concern for those needing to stay connected.

Camping near Big Bear Lake, California, is a great way to enjoy the outdoors, but it’s essential to be prepared and informed about what to expect. Whether you're in a tent or an RV, the area has something to offer everyone.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best campgrounds at Big Bear Lake?

Serrano is a standout option with clean facilities, spacious sites, and full hookups. Located close to Big Bear Lake, it offers easy access to Cougar Crest Trail and is near town amenities. For those seeking a more secluded experience, Hanna Flat Campground is accessible via a dirt road and provides a peaceful forest setting despite being a short drive from the lake. Other excellent options include Heart Bar Campground (great value), Pineknot (convenient lake access), and Lighthouse Trailer Resort & Marina for RV campers wanting lakeside accommodations.

How do I make camping reservations for Big Bear Lake?

Most Big Bear Lake campgrounds require reservations, especially during peak summer months. For national forest campgrounds like Pineknot and Barton Flats Family Campground, book through Recreation.gov up to six months in advance. Private campgrounds such as Holloway's Marina & RV Park accept reservations directly through their websites or by phone. Some campgrounds offer first-come, first-served sites, particularly during off-peak seasons. Reservation fees typically range from $21-35 per night for public campgrounds, while private RV parks with full hookups charge more. Holiday weekends and summer dates fill quickly, so booking 3-6 months ahead is recommended.

When is the best time of year to camp at Big Bear Lake?

Summer (June-August) is peak camping season at Big Bear Lake with mild temperatures ideal for water activities and hiking. Spring (April-May) offers beautiful wildflowers and fewer crowds, though some higher elevation areas may still have snow. Fall (September-October) brings gorgeous foliage and cooler temperatures, making it perfect for hiking. At Heart Bar Campground, the summer season provides comfortable temperatures and access to outdoor activities. South Fork Campground is particularly popular during fishing season when visitors can enjoy the Santa Ana River. Winter camping is limited as many campgrounds close due to snow.

What types of campsites are available at Big Bear Lake?

Big Bear Lake offers diverse camping options for all preferences. RV campers can enjoy full hookup sites at Lighthouse Trailer Resort & Marina, which provides lakeside access and is family-owned with a friendly atmosphere. For tent campers, San Bernardino National Forest Green Valley Campground features well-spaced sites with real toilets and running water. The area also offers group camping facilities, primitive backcountry sites along hiking trails, and yellow post sites for dispersed camping. Most developed campgrounds provide picnic tables, fire rings, and access to toilets, while amenities like showers and hookups vary by location.

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