Overview

The Council Group Campground is a great place to enjoy a large outdoor gathering with just about everything the San Bernardino National Forest has to offer.

Its location provides a great place for visitors to relax, take in the fresh mountain air and enjoy the beautiful scenery.

In addition to a nearby lake and river access, a variety hiking, biking and horseback riding trails can be accessed from the campground.

Recreation

The campground provides access to the famed Santa Ana River Trail, which when completed will travel all the way from the mountains to the pacific ocean, providing spectacular views along the way. It is currently popular with hikers, bikers and horseback riders.

The Rio Monte Trail is also accessible from the campground, leading visitors to the Rio Monte Panorama, which overlooks the deep gorge of the Santa Ana River Valley.

Visitors can also enjoy fishing and non-motorized boating, including kayaking and canoeing at the nearby Jenks Lake, a small mountain lake with a picnic area and access to hiking trails.

The lake is stocked with rainbow trout and there are also some largemouth bass, bluegill, sunfish and catfish available. Fishing is also available in the nearby Santa Ana River.

Facilities

The campground offers one accessible group campsite, available for tent and RV camping. The site can accommodate up to 50 people and 13 vehicles. A campground host is available at nearby Barton Flats Campground if needed for check-in assistance and to answer questions regarding the area.

The site is equipped with tables and campfire rings with grills. Larger campfire circles are available as well. Accessible vault toilets and drinking water are provided.

Natural Features

The campground is located northeast of San Bernardino, just off of Highway 38, in the Barton Flats area of the San Bernardino Mountains. The highway is part of the Rim of the World Scenic Byway. The campground is situated in a pine forest, at an elevation of about 6,360 feet.

Nearby Attractions

The Grayback Amphitheater on State Route 38 provides evening educational programs on most Saturdays and Sundays throughout the summer months. Programs are hosted by the San Gorgonio Wilderness Association and pertain to the area’s background and rich history.

Nearby Activities

• Camping
• Interpretive programs
• Fishing
• Hiking
• Day use area

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Directions

Take I-10 East to Redlands. Take the University Street exit, EXIT 80. Turn left (northbound) on University Street. Turn right onto E. Lugonia Avenue/SR-38. Continue on State Highway 38 for approximately 17 miles to the campground entrance.

GPS Coordinates

Latitude 34° 10′ 17.0000″ N

Longitude 116° 52′ 54.0001″ W

Overview

The Coon Creek Group Campground is located in the pine-covered mountains of Southern California. The unique campground is home to three historic cabins and a stunning view into the Coachella Valley on clear days.

Recreation

The campground is adjacent to a portion of the Pacific Crest Trail, a famous hike that spans more than 2,600 miles from Canada to Mexico. The trail is available for hiking and horseback riding only and offers multiple entry and exit points along its lengthy route, making it ideal for short nature walks or day hikes.

In addition to touring the campground’s three historic cabins, the campground also offers access to mountain stream fishing and bird and wildlife viewing. The San Gorgonio Wilderness is vast and offers a variety of trailheads and points of exploration.

Facilities

The somewhat rustic group campground offers one large-group campsite, available for tent or RV camping. It can accommodate up to 25 people and 10 vehicles. Utility hookups are not available and parking spurs are gravel. Drinking water is also not available at the campground.

The site is equipped with multiple tables, a campfire circle and grills. Vault toilets are provided. Parking is available within the campground and on the adjacent roadway. Camping is prohibited within the log cabins and campfires must be kept outside of the buildings.

Natural Features

The campground is situated at an 8,000-foot elevation, overlooking the San Bernardino mountains. Mature pine trees dot the area, but provide little shade over the rocky terrain.

Nearby Attractions

The campground is less than 20 miles away from Big Bear Lake, which offers a variety of water-related recreation opportunities. The adjoining town provides golf, shopping and restaurant options.

Nearby Activities

• Camping
• Fishing
• Hiking
• Wildlife viewing

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Directions

From San Bernardino, take I-10 to the Alabama exit in Redlands, California. Turn onto Lugonio Avenue (Highway 38). Head northeast on Highway 38 for approximately 31 miles to Forest Route IN02. Continue for approximately 6 miles to the campground.

GPS Coordinates

Latitude 34° 8′ 56.0000″ N

Longitude 116° 42′ 33.9998″ W

Overview

The Boulder Basin Campground offers solitude and primitive camping in a scenic mountain landscape. The area provides ample recreational opportunities, including hiking, mountain biking, climbing and more.

Recreation

The campground provides access to a number of trailheads, including the Black Mountain Trail, a 3.6-mile, moderately strenuous hiking, mountain biking and horseback riding trail that travels through the forested slopes of Black Mountain.

The trail provides excellent views of the Banning Pass and Mt. San Gorgonio. The trail provides access to the famed Pacific Crest National Scenic Trail, which begins at the Mexico border in Southern California and leads to Washington border of Canada.

Facilities

The campground offers multiple single-family campsites, available for tent and RV camping. Each site is equipped with tables and campfire rings with grills. Vault toilets are also provided.

Natural Features

The campground is located in a mixed conifer forest, which provides ample shade throughout the day. It is situated at an elevation of about 7,300 feet. Roads to and within the campground are not paved.

Nearby Attractions

This group site is located approximately 50 miles southeast of San Bernardino, California, and 14 miles north of Idyllwild, where fuel and a variety of small town shops and restaurants are available.

Nearby Activities

• Biking
• Camping
• Fishing
• Hiking
• Horseback riding
• Picnicking
• Wildlife viewing
• Mountain biking
• Backpacking

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Directions

From Idyllwild, travel north for about 8 miles on State Route 243. Turn right onto Black Mountain Road/Forest Route 4S01 and continue about 5 miles to the campground. Black Mountain Road is an unpaved forest road, not recommended for low clearance vehicles or trailers.

GPS Coordinates

Latitude 33° 49′ 35.0000″ N

Longitude 116° 45′ 14.0000″ W

Overview

The Black Mountain Group Campground provides a picturesque camping location for large groups. Views from the campground encompass the desert divide, San Jacinto Mountains and, on a clear day, as far north as the San Gabriel Mountains.

The surrounding area provides a variety of outdoor recreation opportunities, including hiking, climbing, fishing, biking and wilderness exploration.

Recreation

The Fuller Ridge Trail, which serves as part of the famous Pacific Crest Trail, is located just steps away from the campground. Starting at 7,600 feet, the trail follows the high, timbered ridge above Snow Creek, offering spectacular views of the desert. From there, it joins Deer Springs Trail and a strenuous climb to San Jacinto Peak, at 10,804 feet in elevation.

Facilities

The campground provides one large group campsite that can accommodate up to 100 guests for tent camping. A parking area can accommodate up to 50 vehicles, but rough roads to the site are not recommended for trailers of any kind.

The site is equipped with multiple tables and campfire circles with grills. Vault toilets are provided. Drinking water is not available in the campground, but can be found at the Cinco Posa Spring tap, along Black Mountain Road, about two miles from the campground.

Natural Features

The campground is located in a heavily forested area of the mountains in southern California at an elevation of about 7,500 feet. The roads to and within the campground are not paved and much of the area is part of classified wilderness area.

Nearby Attractions

This group site is located approximately 50 miles southeast of San Bernardino, California, and 16 miles north of the small town of Idyllwild, which offers locally owned shops and restaurants.

Nearby Activities

• Climbing
• Camping
• Fishing
• Hiking
• Picnicking
• Fire lookouts/cabins overnight

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Directions

From Idyllwild, California, travel north on Highway 243 about 9 miles. Take a sharp right turn onto Black Mountain Trail/Forest Route 4S01 and continue just over 2 miles. Forest Route 4S01 turns slightly left and becomes Black Mountain Truck Trail, which leads to the campground.

GPS Coordinates

Latitude 33° 50′ 3.0001″ N

Longitude 116° 44′ 20.0000″ W

Overview

The San Gorgonio Campground provides access to a variety of recreational opportunities, as well as a beautiful location in which to enjoy nature. Its proximity to scenic trails and nearby mountain lakes and streams make the campground a great place to bring the family to relax and get away from it all.

Recreation

The campground provides access to the famed Santa Ana River Trail, which when completed will run from the mountains all the way to the Pacific Ocean, providing spectacular views along the way. It is currently popular for hiking, biking and horseback riding.

The Rio Monte Trail is also accessed from the campground, taking hikers to the Rio Monte Panorama, which overlooks the deep gorge of the Santa Ana River Valley.

Visitors to the area also enjoy fishing in nearby mountain streams, as well as bird and wildlife viewing, as a variety of species make their home in the forest. A nearby amphitheater also provides weekend evening educational programs for the public during summer months.

Facilities

The campground offers dozens of single, double and accessible sites, available for tent and RV camping. Some sites are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Utility hookups are not available, however, the parking spurs are paved and provide a level surface. A dump station with potable water is available at a nearby campground.

Each site is equipped with tables and campfire rings with grills. Accessible flush toilets, showers and drinking water are provided. A campground host is available on-site and firewood is available for purchase at the facility.

Natural Features

The campground is located about 36 miles northeast of San Bernardino, at an elevation of 6,600 feet. It is situated in a mixed forest of oak and mature pine trees.

The campground is composed of two loops, one loop has sites that are closer together, providing less privacy than the other. Both loops are relatively shaded by Black oak, Jeffrey and Ponderosa pine.

Nearby Attractions

The Big Bear Lake and its adjoining town are located approximately 25 miles from the campground, offering a variety of water-related recreation opportunities, as well as golf, shopping and restaurant options.

Nearby Activities

• Biking
• Camping
• Interpretive programs
• Fishing
• Hiking
• Wildlife viewing
• Day use area

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Directions

Take I-10 East to Redlands. Take the University Street exit, EXIT 80. Turn left (northbound) on University Street. Turn right onto E. Lugonia Avenue/SR-38. Continue on State Highway 38 for approximately 20 miles to the campground entrance.

GPS Coordinates

Latitude 34° 10′ 27.9998″ N

Longitude 116° 51′ 59.0000″ W

Overview

The Barton Flats Campground provides a taste of just about everything the San Bernardino National Forest has to offer. In addition to a nearby lake and river access, a variety hiking, biking and horseback riding trails can be accessed from the campground. Its location also provides a great place for visitors to relax, take in the fresh, mountain air, and enjoy the beautiful scenery.

Recreation

The campground provides access to the famed Santa Ana River Trail, which will someday run from the mountains to the seaside, providing spectacular views along the way. It is currently popular for hiking, biking and horseback riding.

The 2.5-mile Rio Monte Trail is also accessed from the campground and ends at the Rio Monte Panorama, which overlooks the deep gorge of the Santa Ana River Valley.

The Jenks Lake Trail begins at the Barton Flats Visitor Center on the Rio Monte Trail. It then follows Barton Road to an old logging road to Jenks Lake.

At nearby Jenks Lake visitors can enjoy fishing and non-motorized boating, including canoeing and kayaking.
The lake is stocked with rainbow trout and there are also some largemouth bass, bluegill, sunfish and catfish available. Fishing is also available in the nearby Santa Ana River.

Facilities

The campground offers dozens of single and double campsites, available for tent and RV camping. Some accessible sites are available as well. There are no hookups at the campground, however, the parking aprons are paved and a dump station is available.

Each site is equipped with tables and campfire rings with grills. Accessible flush toilets, showers and drinking water are provided. Firewood is sold at the campground.

Natural Features

Located 36 miles northeast of San Bernardino, this campground is nestled in the San Bernardino Mountains, just off the Rim of the World Scenic Byway. The level campsites are tucked among a variety of pine and oak trees, at an elevation of 6,360 feet.

Nearby Attractions

The Grayback Amphitheater on State Route 38 provides evening educational programs throughout the summer months.

Nearby Activities

• Biking
• Boating
• Camping
• Interpretive programs
• Fishing
• Hiking
• Water sports

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Directions

Take I-10 East to Redlands. Take the University Street exit, EXIT 80. Turn left (northbound) on University Street. Turn right onto E. Lugonia Avenue/SR-38. Continue on State Highway 38 for approximately 18 miles to the campground entrance.

GPS Coordinates

Latitude 34° 10′ 19.9999″ N

Longitude 116° 52′ 27.9998″ W

Overview

The Tanglewood Group Campground provides a picturesque spot for an extended family or large group getaway. It is nestled in the pine-covered mountains of Southern California, providing a variety of recreational opportunities for visitors of any age.

Recreation

A variety of hiking, mountain biking and off-road vehicle trails are nearby, including the scenic Gold Fever Trail. Climbing is also a popular activity.

Fishing and boating in the nearby Big Bear Lake are also popular activities enjoyed by visitors to the campground. Anglers can look forward to a catch of trout, bluegill, crappie, catfish and largemouth bass, among other fish. Because of cold water temperatures and the presence of underwater obstacles near the shorelines, swimming at the lake is somewhat discouraged, unless done in designated areas.

Facilities

The campground offers one large-group campsite, available for tent and RV camping. It can accommodate up to 40 people and eight vehicles. The access road to the campground is dirt and gravel.

The campsite is equipped with multiple tables, a campfire circle and grills. Vault toilets are provided, but drinking water is not available and there are no trash collection services at the campground.

Natural Features

The campground is located northeast of Big Bear Lake at an elevation of 7,542 feet. It is situated in a dense pine forest along the Gold Fever Auto Tour Trail, which provides a variety of interpretive sites that highlight the rich gold mining history of the area.

Nearby Attractions

A general store and restaurants are available about eight miles southwest of the campground in Fawnskin. The closest available showers are at Serrano Campground, east of Fawnskin.

Nearby Activities

• Biking
• Boating
• Camping
• Fishing
• Hiking
• Wildlife viewing
• Swimming site

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Directions

Take I-10 (Highway 330) to Running Springs. Turn onto Highway 18 and continue to Big Bear Lake Dam. Continue on Highway 38 for 8 miles. Turn left on Van Dusen Canyon Road (Forest Route 3N09) and drive for 4 miles. Turn right onto Forest Route 3N16 and travel approximately 2 miles. Take a right on Forest Route 3N79 and continue approximately 0.8 miles to the campground.

GPS Coordinates

Latitude 34° 17′ 31.9999″ N

Longitude 116° 51′ 51.9998″ W

Overview

The Marion Mountain Campground offers a beautiful retreat in the San Bernardino National Forest. It provides access to a number of hiking trails that lead to some of the most spectacular views of Southern California.

Recreation

Visitors enjoy sport climbing on rocks within the campground. Hiking on the nearby Marion Mountain Trail, which leads to San Jacinto Peak, is also available. Views from the peak extend to the ocean and across the Palm Desert, as well as the San Bernardino and San Gabriel mountains on a clear day.

The 11.8-mile Marion Mountain Trail is the shortest route up the mountain, but also quite strenuous in areas. Shorter hikes can be enjoyed on other nearby trails.

Facilities

The campground offers about two dozen campsites for both tent and RV camping. All campsites are equipped with tables and campfire rings with grills. Vault toilets and drinking water are also provided.

Natural Features

The campground is located in a forested area at an elevation of 6,400 feet. Mature cedar and pine trees provide ample shade and privacy between campsites.

Nearby Attractions

The campground is located approximately 50 miles from San Bernardino, California, and seven miles north of Idyllwild, which is popular for its small-town atmosphere and variety of shops and restaurants.

Nearby Activities

• Biking
• Camping
• Fishing
• Hiking
• Horseback riding
• Fire lookouts/cabins overnight

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Directions

From Interstate 10 in Banning, take Highway 243 south for about 20 miles to Alandale. Travel east on Stone Creek Campground Road for about 2 miles to Marion Mountain Campground.

GPS Coordinates

Latitude 33° 47′ 30.0001″ N

Longitude 116° 43′ 54.9998″ W

Overview

Juniper Springs Group Campground is a primitive facility located about 10 miles from Big Bear Lake, a scenic, year-round recreation destination. The camp offers a great location from which to explore the mountains of Southern California.

Recreation

Visitors enjoy hiking and mountain biking from a variety of trailheads that can be accessed near the campground. Off-road vehicle use is popular as well. Nearby Cactus Flats contains approximately 68 miles of off-road vehicle trails. A picnic area is also available at Cactus Flats.

Fishing and boating are popular activities at nearby Big Bear Lake. Anglers can look forward to a catch of trout, bluegill, crappie, catfish and largemouth bass, among other species. Because of the very cold water and the presence of underwater obstacles near the shorelines, swimming at the lake is discouraged.

Facilities

The campground offers a large group site for tent or RV camping. It can accommodate up to 40 people and eight vehicles. Standard SUVs or vehicles with four-wheel drive and/or higher clearance are required to access the campground.

The site is equipped with picnic tables and a campfire circle. A large grill is also available. Vault toilets and non-potable water are provided. Trash collection and drinking water are not available.

Natural Features

The campground is located in the San Bernardino Mountains at an elevation of 7,739 feet, where ponderosa pines dot the site. A pinyon pine and juniper woodland and meadow surround the area and a small pond is on-site.

Nearby Attractions

A grocery store, general store and restaurants can be found 11 miles away in Big Bear Lake. Showers are available at Serrano Campground, 15 miles from Juniper Springs. San Bernardino is about 50 miles away.

Charges & Cancellations

A $10.00 service fee will apply if you change or cancel your reservation. Late cancellations are subject to additional fees. For full details see NRRS Reservation Policy.

Nearby Activities

• Boating
• Camping
• Fishing
• Wildlife viewing

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Directions

From San Bernardino, merge onto I-10 and travel east toward Redlands/Indio, about 8 miles. Exit at University Street and turn left. Turn right onto Lugonia Avenue and continue to Mentone Boulevard. Continue onto Highway 38 and drive about 35 miles. Turn right onto Forest Route 2N01 and travel about 2.5 miles. Turn right onto Forest Route 2N64Y and continue less than a mile to the campground. The dirt road prevents low-clearance vehicles from accessing the campground.

GPS Coordinates

Latitude 34° 13′ 10.9999″ N

Longitude 116° 42′ 59.0000″ W

Overview

Ironwood Group Campground offers a secluded place for an extended family or large group getaway in the mountains of Southern California. A variety of outdoor recreational opportunities, including hiking, mountain biking, target shooting, fishing and boating, can be found in the surrounding area.

Recreation

The campground is not far from the Big Pine Flat Recreational Shooting Range, where designated target shooting is available. A variety of hiking, horseback riding and mountain biking trails are in the area.

Fishing and boating at nearby Big Bear Lake are also popular activities. Anglers can look forward to a catch of trout, bluegill, crappie, catfish and largemouth bass. Because of cold water temperatures and the presence of underwater obstacles near the shorelines, swimming at the lake is somewhat discouraged, unless done in designated areas.

Facilities

The campground offers one large group site for tent camping. It can accommodate up to 25 people and six vehicles. The campsite is equipped with picnic tables, a campfire circle and grills.

Vault toilets are provided, but hookups and drinking water are not available. The parking surface within the campground is gravel.

Natural Features

The campground is located near the town of Fawnskin, a few miles north of Big Bear Lake, at an elevation of 6,637 feet. It is situated in a pine forest with a grassy meadow. Mature trees provide ample shade in the campground.

Nearby Attractions

A general store and restaurants are available in Fawnskin, 7 miles from the campground.

Nearby Activities

• Biking
• Boating
• Camping
• Fishing
• Hiking

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Directions

From San Bernardino, travel east on I-10 to Running Springs. Turn onto Highway 18 to Big Bear Lake Dam but don’t cross the dam. Go straight on Highway 38 to Fawnskin. Turn left on Rim of the World Drive (Forest Route 3N14) and continue for about 6 miles. Turn left and then right on Forest Route 3N97. Continue for a short distance to the campground.

GPS Coordinates

Latitude 34° 18′ 14.0000″ N

Longitude 117° 0′ 42.9998″ W