Pine Knot Campground, near Big Bear Lake, California, is a lively spot that caters to both adventure seekers and those looking to unwind. With its close proximity to the mountain bike park and easy access to town, it’s a prime location for those wanting to mix nature with a bit of local flair.

The campground offers a variety of sites, many equipped with picnic tables and fire pits, perfect for evening gatherings. Visitors have noted the clean restrooms and the friendly staff, making it a comfortable place to set up camp. One camper mentioned, “This campground is always clean, it is well maintained,” which speaks to the care taken in keeping the area inviting.

For outdoor enthusiasts, the surrounding area boasts stunning views and numerous hiking trails. Campers have enjoyed the peaceful sounds of nature, even on busy weekends, with one noting, “We had nothing but the sounds of nature to enjoy.” Plus, if you’re traveling with a furry friend, you’ll be glad to know that pets are welcome here.

While the campground can get crowded, especially on weekends, the vibrant atmosphere and the chance to meet fellow campers add to the experience. Whether you’re here for a quick getaway or a longer stay, Pine Knot Campground has plenty to offer for a memorable outdoor adventure.

Pine Knot Campground

Big Bear Lake, CA is a great camping destination for adventurers of all types. There are tons of hikes and other fun activities to partake in, as well as sights to see and explore. You're sure to find the perfect campground for your Big Bear Lake camping trip.

Big Bear Lake

The Best Camping Near Big Bear Lake, California

This campground is always clean, it is well maintained, the camposter very helpful, you can buy firewood, and there is a 7-Eleven just at the bottom of the street that sells firewood ice and pretty much anything else you would need. I love hearing the coyotes in the camp at night they really come right into the campgrounds and they're very loud. Some sites don't have very good areas to put a tent they're very uneven small and sometimes Rocky but there are quite a few sites that are good but I'd say overall void 20,21,22

Amazing, one of my favorites

Honestly for its proximity to town, you’d never know. We love Big Bear and usually spend several weekends a month up here but this was our first trip to Pine Knot. I camp exclusively with my pup, and we usually default to dispersed since we go to the mountains to get away from people. My original trepidation with the distance to town and houses even was immediately dispelled. We camped on site 003 on a fully booked weekend and had nothing but the sounds of nature to enjoy, it was absolutely lovely. For the amenities at the tip of your fingers it’s insanely well priced and the campsites are very well tended, loved and patrolled. Honestly we’ll definitely stay here again.

Great views and peaceful seclusion

Landed here on a Thursday night to kick the weekend in Bear off early. Spacious campsite, was on a hill though so not sure how great it would have been sleeping on the ground. Restrooms are clean, and reception was stellar if you’re the remote working type…

Solid location

I stayed in Pine Knot with my boyfriend &amp; dog, we camped only for a day before moving on, but the area was easy to navigate and there were quite a few spots to choose from. There are lots of mountain bikers around up &amp; down the mountain so you do have to be very careful. Lots of great views &amp; hiking spots nearby and isn’t too far away from nearby stores &amp; gas. I would recommend staying here even as a first time camper. I will be returning!

Cute Area & Friendly Staff

We booked for a weekend, in spot 37. This campground is basically in town.  You enter its access road through the Snow Summit parking lot, and the chair lifts border it.  That's a pro if you are looking to access the mountain bike park, but a con if you are trying to get out of town.  The campground was packed when we were there, seemed every site had 6 to 8 people.  It was a real party scene, again, a pro if that's what you are looking for.  Lots of people with string lights up that they kept on all night.  

The site itself, 37, was terrible.  Most trees had been removed, and it's on the corner of two camp roads with no screening at all. The only flat tent pad was next to the road and dumpsters.  We actually didn't stay or second night 

Pros: close to town and mountain bike park.  You could walk to both, or the free trolley. 
Cons: crowded, many sites have no privacy.  On some weekends loud and lots of lights 

Photos of Pine Knot Campground

Real photos from real campers