Campgrounds in Big Bear, CA
Big Bear is a great year-round destination for families, and the campgrounds in Big Bear offer a nice break from the city life. In the summer months, you can hang out at the lake all day, soaking up the sunshine. In the winter months, you can grab a sled or hit the slopes. And in the spring and fall seasons, you can enjoy some great hiking weather or take your mountain bike to the local trails. If you’re looking to camp in Big Bear, these are the top campgrounds you’ll want to choose from.
If you’re looking for a place to stay in Big Bear, you have lots of Airbnb and hotel options, but there are also several great campgrounds in Big Bear as well. You can camp in a tent, in an RV or even with your horses when you camp in Big Bear. There are campgrounds to meet whatever your needs may be.
Here’s a list of the Big Bear campgrounds you can pick from. And be sure to check out my post for all the fun things to do in Big Bear other than the ski resorts.
Once you have all your camping essentials purchased and ready to go, head out to one of these awesome Big Bear campgrounds.
Serrano Campground – One of the most popular places to camp in Big Bear
The Serrano Campground in Big Bear is probably the most well-known campground in the area. It’s also one of the best campgrounds in SoCal for families.
It is located on the north side of Big Bear Lake and offers a variety of camping options. There are 93 single sites and 16 double sites at this campground, some of which have hook ups available. Other amenities include a fire ring and picnic table on each site, a dump station, showers and restrooms, and interpretive programs.
The campground is open from early March until late November, and campsites start at $40/ night. You can make reservations online here.
Pineknot Campground – Popular spot to tent camp in Big Bear
Located near Snow Summit Ski Resort, Pineknot campground is a popular choice for tent campers. While RVs can camp here, this campground does not have any hookups and tends to be better situated for tent camping. Each campsite has a picnic table and fire ring, but there is no dump station here and no showers on site.
This campground’s location makes it a popular choice for mountain bikers and hikers. You’re also five minutes away from the marina when you stay here. This Big Bear campground is open from mid-April until late October, and campsites cost $40/night. Make reservations online here.
Holcomb Valley Campground – One of the first-come, first-served campgrounds in Big Bear
The Holcomb Valley Campground is a great option for those who want to camp in Big Bear but don’t have reservations. first-come, first-served tent campground located about 5 miles north of Big Bear Lake. It’s situated in a large pine grove, which provides lots of shade during the warm summer months.
Unlike others in the area, this campground is open year-round, but vehicle access is subject to road conditions. Amenities include a fire ring, picnic table, bear boxes and vault toilets. There is no water available.
Holcomb Valley Ranch
The Holcomb Valley Ranch is a 400-acre private ranch. It’s surrounded by thousands of acres of San Bernardino National Forest. And, it’s just a few miles away from Big Bear Lake. Here you’ll find 40 RV or tent campsites nestled among rolling hills, tall pines, and a meadow of roaming horses. In fact, campsites range from 1 to 5 acres in size and can accommodate up to 20 people.
Between the months of May and October, you will have access to showers and flush toilets. The rest of the year, there are portable toilets.
Yellow Post Sites – An alternative to campgrounds in Big Bear
Not a lot of people know that there are 13 sporadic campsites distinguished by a yellow post throughout the Big Bear area. They are free to use on a first-come, first-served basis, and can accommodate up to 8 people and two vehicles.
Guests can use these sites to camp in Big Bear for up to two weeks at a time. You won’t find restrooms or water available at these. However guests are welcome to use the fire pit with the proper permit.
Holloway’s Marina & RV Park
Holloway’s Marina & RV Park is an excellent option for those looking for camping with all the conveniences. This RV park consists of 115 full hook-up campsites right on the shore of Big Bear Lake. Other amenities include showers, a convenience store, a playground and a dump station. You can also rent boats and kayaks at the park’s marina for some fun on the lake.
Hanna Flat Campground
Hanna Flat Campground has 85 campsites, most of which can be reserved ahead of time. Some are first-come, first-served. These campsites can accommodate tents or small RVs. The campground consists of vault toilets and water, and each site has a fire ring and picnic table. There are no hook ups here, and the max vehicle length is 26 feet.
When you stay here, you are three miles away from Big Bear Lake, and close to a number of trails for hiking or mountain biking.
Make your reservations online here.
Big Pine Flat Campground – A way to camp in Big Bear without reservations
Big Pine Flat Family Campground is a first-come, first-served campground that has 19 campsites and one group equestrian camping area. Most sites can accommodate tents or RVs less than 30 feet. However, the roads to access the campground can be tricky to maneuver with larger vehicles. Campsites consist of fire rings, picnic tables and drinking water.
The campground has many trails nearby that are great for hiking, mountain-biking or horse-riding on.
Horse Springs Campground
This entire Big Bear campground is a first-come, first-served campground. There are 11 sites in total at Horse Springs Campground, as well as vault toilets and picnic tables. It’s located 12 miles north of Big Bear Lake, and is very well known to off-road and dirty-biking enthusiasts. The location is very remote and surrounded by green-sticker trails for off-roading.
Green Valley Campground
The Green Valley Campground is located between Lake Arrowhead and Big Bear Lake, and about a mile from Green Valley Lake, which is known for its exceptional trout fishing. There is also a nice beach area for swimming at Green Valley Lake.
The Green Valley campground offers campsites for tent camping or RV camping, flush toilets and drinking water. There are no hook-up sites here. Some sites are first-come, first-served, but most sites can be reserved ahead of time by clicking here.
Looking for more camping resources? Check out these easy camping meals to help make mealtime a breeze on your next adventure. And check out these fun family things to do in Lake Arrowhead while you’re in the area.
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Jaime
Thanks for reading my post. My name is Jaime and I am a mom to three busy children. When we're not at the soccer and football fields, we try to get away as often as possible. I'm a teacher and my husband is a firefighter, so we mostly get away for long weekends or over the school breaks. I hope to inspire busy families to take time to recoup and relax while making memories on camping trips or cruise ships, or at the fancy resort pool--we love it all! Follow me on Instagram for real-time inspiration.
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