In Southern California lies a recreational playground called Big Bear Lake. This small town is known for its stunning lake, the Bear Mountain ski resort, terrain parks, boutiques, restaurants, and easy access to the rugged San Bernardino National Forest mountain trails. Big Bear is the perfect place to pitch a tent, hook up the RV, or enjoy a rustic rental. However, if this is your first time planning a Big Bear camping trip, finding suitable lodgings can be tricky. So to help, here are ten easy-to-find campsites in California's Big Bear.
10 Serrano Campground
One of the nice things about Big Bear Lake is that there is no shortage of campsites or campgrounds. Take the popular Serrano Campground, for instance. Not only does this particular campground boast 109 sites, but it is also just steps from the lake. So if you are looking for a well-maintained campsite in Big Bear with a prime waterfront location for your RV or tent, then Serrano Campground is for you.
Cost: Nightly rates start at $47, but overall prices vary.
Contact: (909) 866-8550.
Amenities: Electric is available on select sites, fire rings, and more.
Attractions: Alpine Pedal Path runs right through the campground, and bike rentals are also available. What's more, Serrano is close to the Big Bear Discovery Center, hiking trails, and other family fun activities.
9 Pineknot Campground
Pineknot Campground is an excellent choice for those looking for forest adventures. This campground has a grand total of 48 tent and RV campsites and is nestled in a densely forested area of the San Bernardino Mountains at Big Bear Lake. Here, outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy a much-needed respite from busy city living.
Cost: Nightly rates start at $31 and go up from there.
Contact: (909) 866-8550.
Amenities: Campground has fire rings, picnic tables, and bear boxes.
Attractions: Summit Bike Park & Adventure Academy is just around the corner from these campsites.
8 Holcomb Valley Campground
Just a few miles up from Polique Canyon, campers will find Holcomb Valley Campground. Here, there are roughly 19 campsites—all of which are ideal for hikers, bikers, and rock climbers.
Cost: Nightly rates for a single site start at $24 (on holiday, rates are $26 a night).
Contact: (909) 382-2790.
Amenities: Include tent camping, fire rings, nearby picnic tables with bear boxes, pit toilets (but no showers), and ample parking.
Attractions: This campground offers visitors easy access to trails and great areas for climbing.
7 Big Pine Flat Family Campground
Located only 30 minutes north of Big Bear Lake, Big Pine Flat Family Campground is a fantastic spot for carefree camping with a view. There are roughly 19 campsites available on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Cost: Rates for a single site start at $24 (on holiday, rates are $26 a night).
Contact: (909)382-2790.
Amenities: Include an onsite campground house, picnic tables, a fire ring, drinking water, and nearby showers.
Attractions: Located in the mountains at an elevation of 6820 feet, there's OHV road riding and trail riding available.
6 Doble Pacific Crest Trail Camp
One of the many available hike-in-only camping grounds, Doble PCT Trail Camp welcomes explorers and horseback riders alike. So if you have always wanted to get the whole outdoorsy experience, try out this site surrounded by the beautiful great outdoors.
Cost: Nightly rates vary but generally start somewhere around $20.
Contact: (909) 382-2682.
Amenities: There is a single picnic table, a fire ring along with corrals, a vault toilet, seasonal non-portable water, and a water trough for equestrian use.
Attractions: Campers can enjoy several hiking trails, serene surroundings, and more.
5 Hanna Flat Family Campground
Yet another northern forest gem near Big Bear Lake is Hanna Flat Campground. Here, visitors will find a gorgeous escape with many camping amenities. This is an excellent campsite for new campers, hikers, and families.
Cost: Nightly rates for a single site are approximately $30 and $32 on holidays.
Contact: (909) 382-2790.
Amenities: Each campsite has one fire ring and a picnic table with a bear box.
Attractions: Nearby hikers can enjoy the Flat Trail, the Top of Gray's Peak, and the PCT close to the Holcomb Creek Crossing. There are also three recreational target shooting areas and Big Pine Flat OHV staging areas for green sticker vehicles and dirt bikes.
4 Deer Springs Pacific Crest Trail Camp
Deer Springs PCT Trail Camp is surrounded by lush green forest land and is another hike-in-only campsite that offers campers most of the essentials (there are no restrooms). This site is ideal for those looking to go off the grid and reconnect with nature in Big Bear Lake.
Cost: Nightly rates vary depending on the season but start around $20.
Contact: (909) 382-2790.
Amenities: Include a wooded canyon, two picnic tables, a fire ring, non-potable water, and one water trough for equestrian use.
Attractions: This site is just around the corner from the famed Pacific Crest Trail and is near Onyx Summit.
3 Big Bear Yellow Post Sites
Big Bear Lake also has several Yellow Post Sites available on a first-come-first-serve basis. Here, campers have 13 yellow post sites to choose from, each of which is an individual camping site and has access to several hiking/biking trails.
Cost: Sites with limited amenities are often free, but contact the number below to confirm.
Contact: (909) 382-2790.
Amenities: Include one picnic table and one fire ring per campsite. There are no restroom facilities or available drinking water here, so make sure to bring your own water.
Attractions: Big Bear hiking trails include the Knot Trail, Castle Rock Trail, Cougar Crest Trail, and Bertha Peak Trail.
2 Big Pine Flat Equestrian Group Campground
Several camping grounds are available for equestrian groups, like Big Pine Flat. Surrounded by a lush hilly area with mature evergreens, campers can enjoy the wide-open spaces, nearby meadows, and camping with their horses.
Cost: $115.00 per night.
Contact: (877) 444-6777.
Amenities: Include several picnic tables, two double pedestal grills, one large group fire ring, vault toilets, potable water, and a total of four horse corrals.
Attractions: This campsite is close to Big Bear Discovery Center. Plus, there are ample outdoor activities, including hiking, fishing, nearby boating, and mountain biking.
1 Little Bear Springs Pacific Crest Trail Camp
Little Bear Springs is also a PCT Trail Camp that offers visitors a chance to take in the stunning outdoor scenery. Here, campers have access to all the essentials. So try it out and make it a camping trip to remember with outdoor activities and nearby attractions.
Cost: Nightly rates vary depending on the season but start around $20.
Contact: (909) 382-2790.
Amenities: Include picnic tables, a fire ring, and a vault restroom. There's also non-potable water, a water trough, plus pipe horse corrals for equestrian use.
Attractions: Campers have easy access to the Pacific Crest Trail. Plus, this campground is not too far from family-friendly activities like the Alpine Slide at Magic Mountain and Gold Rush Mining Adventures.