Big Bear Camping Sites in Southern California

Tucked away in the magnificent San Bernardino Mountains, the Big Bear camping sites in California provide a backdrop for many outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers. This site has proved to be a preferred RV camping location owing to its pure alpine Lake, breathtaking view, and extensive and dense forests.

The major tourist attraction is the Big Bear Lake, a tranquil alpine escape that attracts all the nature enthusiasts! Surrounded by pine forests and towering peaks, the Lake offers a stunning backdrop for an array of interesting and fun-filled activities.

Fishing enthusiasts delight in bass, catfish, and trout; on the other hand, the kayakers love gliding across its calm waters.

Adventure galore

The Big Bear Lake is a paradise for all outdoor enthusiasts seeking thrilling experiences. This region completely transcends into an absolute utopia for mountain bikers and hikers during summer.

Spanning from Mexico to Canada, the Pacific Crest Trail passes close and allows all the hikers to experience this long-distance route. The area near the Lake becomes a hub for winter sports during winter.

RV Camping facilities

The Big Bear Lake offers a range of RV camping facilities that cater to everyone’s needs. There are many RV parks and campgrounds, whether you choose a basic campsite or desire more amenities.

Some of the most famous campgrounds are the Pine Knot Campground, the Big Bear Shores RV resort, and the Serrano Campground. The campgrounds are impeccable and well-maintained, and one can also get access to the outdoor activities.

There is a trail for everyone from hikers to outdoor enthusiasts. Pine Knot Trail, Castle Rock Trail, and the Cougar Crest trail are some of the most notable trails.

Castle rock trail

The Big Bear Lake encapsulates an abundance of hiking trails in the area, leading to mesmerizing views. The Castle Rock Trail is one of the most famous trails in Big Bear. However, it is advised to be mindful that it is steep, and hence one needs to be prepared to face the hurdles that come along the way!

However, you should not let this fact intimidate you, as you will be rewarded for this hard climb with the panoramic view of Big Bear Lake.

San Gorgonio Mountain

Standing at an elevation of 11,000 feet high, the San Gorgonio Mountain is a unique sub-alpine landscape that is surrounded by desert to the east. It is known for its incredible sightseeing, and the people who visit these mountains are swept off their feet by their alluring beauty.

The stark contrast of the desert flora on one side and the mountainous terrain on the other maintains a striking balance to its aesthetic appeal!

To visit the San Gorgonio Mountains, you should expect a proper workout. However, all in all, it is a rewarding experience as the view is breathtaking!

Big Bear Lake

The most astonishing fact about Big Bear Lake is that it is only fed with snow for maintaining its water levels. Its rich history appeals to many visitors and makes them inquisitive! It was populated by the Serrano Indian Tribe over 2000 years ago, and they used this Lake as their freshwater source.

This water body also helped the local flora produce food such as nuts, acorns and berries for the tribe. A quick trip to Big Bear Lake is a rewarding experience!

San Bernardino Forest

The San Bernardino Forest is the largest natural attraction surrounding Big Bear. This forest stretches over 823,000 acres. You can enjoy hiking and camping near the campground and also observe the incredible wildlife in the area.

It includes animals such as bald eagles, falcons, and yellow-legged frogs. This forest hosts 71 threatened species of animals. It features 85 different species of Flora, oak trees and pine trees.

Weather in Big Bear

The weather in Big Bear is mostly sunny, with an average of around 300 days per year. One can witness clouds meandering above the alpine mountains. However, the mountains are mostly bright and sunny. Big bear has mountainous terrain and hence it can develop storms unexpectedly.

Before you make up your mind to pay a visit here, it is recommended to look up the weather forecast. Camping in Big Bear is economical, and it allows you to get into nature’s lap.

Types of camping in Big Bear

The Yellow Post camping site in Big Bear is the one where access is on a first-come, first-serve basis. However, it is only available from May to October or November depending on weather conditions.

The yellow post campsite has a picnic table for and fire rings. There are 12 yellow post sites, and the camping areas can accommodate eight guests. One need not pay anything to and can stay here for up to two weeks.

Dispersed camping

There are people who like to set their own rules and follow an unconventional path while camping. For the people who enjoy the solitude and primitive experience of camping away from the developed campgrounds are the ones who go for dispersed camping.

Dispersed camping means camping anywhere in the national forest outside of the designated campground. It also means that one will not avail of any services or amenities such as tables, fire pits or trash removal.

There are many additional responsibilities which are necessary for dispersed camping. You should know everything before you try out dispersed camping.

Rules for dispersed camping

• You need to be self-contained and prepared, as no amenities are provided.
• If more than 75 people wish to go for a camp, a special permit is needed for the same.
• You may camp in a dispersed area for at the most 16 days.
• Place your tent at least 100 feet away from any water body.

How to pick a campsite?

Whenever a person decides to narrow down an area for camping, it is ideal to use the one that has been already used before by other campers. One also needs to be environment-friendly while camping.

The plants, soil, and other natural resources are impacted by the new people visiting the place. Hence, you should visit the existing one as it will automatically minimize your impact on the environment.

Final words

Camping at Big Bear can be an enriching experience. Whether you want to take a leisurely walk around the Big Bear Lake or go for dispersed camping, the experience you will gain while going for either will stay with you for the rest of your life!