Big Bear in Southern California is a popular outdoor recreation spot where Big Bear Lake and Big Bear Mountain are located. Hiking, mountain biking, birdwatching, fishing and boating are all popular activities that draw travelers and campers here. Campers looking to pitch a tent or set up an RV in the area should consider these top Big Bear camping spots for their next trip in this beautiful part of California.
Pineknot Campground - Big Bear
One of the most popular campgrounds in the Big Bear area is Pineknot Campground, which is found at the base of Snow Summit Ski Resort at 6,900 feet elevation. Ideal for both tents and RVs, this California campground has 48 forested sites, with each site having a table and campfire ring. Although hookups are not available for RVs, there are still flush toilets and potable water on site here. Many outdoor enthusiasts choose Pineknot Campground because of its proximity to hiking and mountain biking trails.
Serrano Campground - Fawnskin
Found on the north side of Big Bear Lake is Serrano Campground. With over 90 single sites and 16 double sites, this campground is the largest campground in Big Bear and a great option for those wanting to explore the Big Bear Lake area. To ensure a spot at Serrano Campground, reservations can be made in advance, which is a good idea during busy weekends and holidays. RV campers will be pleased to know that Serrano Campground does have hookups and a dump station. Mountain bikers will enjoy the fact that the Alpine Pedal Path actually runs through the Serrano Campground.
Holcomb Valley Campground - Big Bear
Holcomb Valley Campground is a smaller campground in the Big Bear area with only 19 single sites, however, its remoteness makes it worthy of this list. Found in Polique Canyon, Holcomb Valley Campground is accessible via a forest road. For tent camping only, this campground is situated at 7,400 feet, one of the highest elevations out of the campgrounds on this list. Although it is more remote than other campgrounds on this list, Holcomb Valley Campground does have a few amenities, like vault toilets, picnic tables, and bear boxes.
Yellow Post Sites - Big Bear Lake
For campers wanting solitude in the Big Bear area, Yellow Post Sites are a great camping option. If you can snag one of the 13 first-come-first-serve sites, you’ll be in luck as these sites are remote and away from other campers. Yellow Post Sites are truly off the beaten path, as a four-wheel-drive or high clearance vehicle is recommended to reach them. Not only will you enjoy a private campsite when you stay at a Yellow Post Site, but you also won’t have to pay a fee as these sites are free.
Big Pine Flat Family Campground - Apple Valley
Big Pine Flat Family Campground is home to tent sites that sit at 6,800 feet elevation. The green, grassy meadow makes for a great place to pitch your tent. This first-come-first-serve campground is farther away from Big Bear Lake than other campgrounds on this list, but its smaller capacity and more remote location make it a popular option for those wanting to escape the crowds of the bigger sites. Drinking water is available at Big Pine Flat, so you won’t have to haul water here after the long drive up to this meadow campground.
Hanna Flat Campground - Fawnskin
Camp under a forest of pine trees at Hanna Flat Campground. This family-friendly campground offers up a number of shady spots to pitch your tent or camping trailer. Reservations can be made for half of the 88 campsites here, while the rest are on a first-come-first-serve basis. Complete with vault toilets, picnic tables, trash receptacles, and access to drinking water, Hanna Flat is a well-established campground in the Big Bear area.
Holloway’s Marina & RV Park - Big Bear Lake
For RV campers wanting to stay on the lake, consider booking a space at Holloway’s Marina & RV Park. RVers will be happy to know that Holloway’s has full hookups on all of its 115 RV sites. Ideal for those wanting to get out on the water, this RV campsite is also home to a marina where campers can rent boats, kayaks and paddleboards. Fishing tours and other boat tours can also be booked here too.
Barton Flats Campground - Angelus Oaks
Snuggled among pine and oak trees within the San Bernardino Mountains, Barton Flats Campground has 51 reservable sites for tents and RVs. Jenks Lake, popular for fishing and kayaking, is nearby. However, if you’d like to visit Big Bear Lake, it is only a 40-minute drive from Barton Flats Campground. Both flush toilets and showers are found at this California campground.
Heart Bar Family Campground - Angelus Oaks
Heart Bar Family Campground, found 30 minutes away from Big Bear Lake, has 89 campsites for both tents and RVs. There are no hookups for RVs here, however, this campground does have vault toilets and drinking water on site. One of the major perks of staying at Heart Bar Family Campground is its close proximity to hiking, biking, and horseback riding trails. Many trails are accessible from the campground, including the Santa Ana River Trail.
Crab Flats Family Campground - Running Springs
Crab Flats Family Campground is a remote campsite that caters to dirt bikers, quad riders, and other OHV enthusiasts since this family campground is near some of the area’s best OHV trails. Beginner and experienced riders alike will find a trail near Crab Flats Family Campground to suit their ability. The campground has 23 reservable sites, and five first-come, first-serve sites. Amenities are fairly basic, as the campground simply has vault toilets and drinking water. However, each site does have a fire pit, picnic table, and parking space. Green Valley Lake is six miles away, and Big Bear Lake is less than an hour’s drive from here.
Green Valley Campground - Green Valley Lake
Just a mile from Green Valley Lake is Green Valley Campground, a perfect spot for trout fishermen wanting to camp close to the lake. Fishing enthusiasts hoping to cast their fly in other fishing holes in the area will be pleased to know that this campground is centered between Lake Arrowhead and Big Bear Lake, with Big Bear Lake a 35-minute drive away. Surrounded by pines, this Southern California campground has 37 sites with many of them reservable. Basic amenities include vault toilets, drinking water, and fire rings at each site.
Dogwood Campground - Lake Arrowhead
Reserve one of the 87 sites at Dogwood Campground, a tent and RV-friendly campground that is close to hiking trails, Lake Gregory, and Lake Arrowhead Village. This large campground regularly hosts interactive nature programs on the weekends, making it a great campground for families. With flush toilets and showers available here, Dogwood Campground is a popular option among San Bernardino National Forest campers.
