Camping In Big Bear

Big Bear Camp Sites Around Big Bear Lake

Camping in Big Bear and the nearby San Bernardino National Forest. Before heading into the Forest, it's always advisable to stop in at the Discovery Center on the North Shore of Big Bear and pickup the necessary maps, permits, current fire regulations and a Adventure Pass.

The Closest Campground in Big Bear Lake

The Pine Knot Campground

is located across the street from Snow Summit Ski Resort. The campground has 52 site's for tent camping and Motor Homes. This is an excellent location and close to everything. All the roads are paved and we'll maintained. Pine Knot Campground is located just 6 blocks South of Big Bear Blvd. and Summit Blvd. Turn left just before entering the Snow Summit parking lot. $20/Night.

The Serrano Campground

is located on the North Shore right on Big Bear Lake. This National Forest Campground is also the largest place to camp on the Lake with a total of 132 Camp Sites including 29 RV sites with electrical, water and sewer hookups. Running water with bathrooms and hot shower's can be found throughout the Campground.
Serrano Campground is located at:
40533 North Shore Dr
1 (909) 866-3437

Hanna Flat Campground

The Hanna Flat Campground is located less then 3 miles from Fawnskin. From the main Y ( Fire Station) in Fawnskin, head straight North past the old Peterson Saw Mill. The pavement ends in less then a mile and sometimes known to be a little rough, so it's always a good idea to take it a little slow. Large Tow Trailers and RVs over 26' are to big for this campground. Water may not be a guarantee, so be sure to bring plenty with you.

Unfortunately the Hanna Flat Campground was directly involved in the Forest Fire that threatened Fawnskin last year and is still closed until further notice. I will update this blog after they open back up and I have a chance to drive up there and see what it now looks like. You can check for updates by calling the Discovery Center at 1 (909) 382-2781.

Big Pine Flat Campground

The Big Pine Flat Campground is located on the same road you would take to go to Hanna Flat Campground. Keep going for approx. 4 more miles. Services include water, portable toilets and trash collection. Four Horse Corrals are also available. This campground is operated by the American Land and Leisure with a permit by the National Forest. All 19 camping sites are available on a first come- first serve basis upon reserving a camping site. For More Information Call 1 (909) 866-6717.

Holcomb Valley Campground

The Holcomb Valley Campground is in the middle of Big Bear's Most Treasured History that helped developed what we now know as the Big Bear Valley. In 1862 a Hunter by the name of Bill Holcomb went Bear Hunting farther then he had ever hunted before when he came across this Majestic Valley filled with Undiscovered Gold and singlehandedly started the Biggest Gold Rush in Southern California's History. There still remains a lot of History around the campground and always a chance of finding some more Gold missed by the earlier Gold Miners.

The Campground only has 19 camping spaces and all are on a first come- first serve basis. NO RESERVATIONS HERE! All vehicles must have an Adventure Pass (as with most campgrounds) prior to getting your camping spot. There is NO Water so bring plenty with you. Only $14/Night.

The easiest way to get there is to get on North Shore Dr. and turn North on Van Dusen Dr. (corner of the Landscape Rock Shop) follow that road which soon turns into a dirt road for 4 miles. Turn left at the T in the road and you will see it on the right hand side.