Overview

Grays Peak Group Campground is conveniently located for campers to enjoy all that the Big Bear Lake area has to offer. Many trailheads are nearby, leading visitors through the scenic forest that surrounds the campground.

Recreation

The campground provides access to a variety of hiking and mountain biking trails, including the Grays Peak Trail, which leads to Hanna Flat Campground. The 3.4-mile trail starts with some steep climbing before easing into a gradual incline after a mile. The Butler Park Fire Lookout is a short, 1-mile hike or bike from the campground.

Fishing and boating in nearby Big Bear Lake are 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 and RV camping. It can accommodate up to 40 people and eight vehicles. Parking spurs are gravel and utility hookups are not provided.

The campsite is equipped with several tables, a campfire circle and grills. Vault toilets are provided. Drinking water and trash collection are not available.

Natural Features

The campground is located 45 miles outside San Bernardino at an elevation of 7,132 feet. It is nestled in a mixed conifer forest with a grassy understory. Mature trees provide much shade throughout the area, but open meadows are also available.

Nearby Attractions

The Big Bear Discovery Center is located about 5 miles from the campground. A variety of information regarding the area, a gift shop, educational programs, an interpretive trail and restroom facilities are available.

Nearby Activities

• Biking
• Boating
• Camping
• Interpretive programs
• Fishing
• Hiking
• Fire lookouts/cabins overnight

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Directions

Take I-10 east (State Highway 330) to Running Springs. Turn onto State Highway 18 and continue to Big Bear Lake Dam but do not cross the dam. Drive straight on State Highway 38 to Fawnskin and turn left on Rim of the World Drive (Forest Route 3N14). Continue for just over a mile to Forest Route 2N13. Follow Forest Route 2N13 for a short distance to the campground.

GPS Coordinates

Latitude 34° 16′ 23.9999″ N

Longitude 116° 58′ 14.0002″ W

Overview

The picturesque Fern Basin Campground is a perfect escape from a busy lifestyle. It provides peace and quiet in the mountains of southern California as well as access to countless recreational opportunities.

Recreation

Visitors to the area enjoy hiking on the Marion Mountain Trail, which leads to San Jacinto Peak. 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 is also quite strenuous in areas.

Facilities

The campground offers multiple single-family campsites for both 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 grove of mixed oaks and shrubs. A surrounding mixed conifer forest provides spotty shade for the campground. It is situated at an elevation of about 6,300 feet, in the mountains overlooking California’s desert.

Nearby Attractions

The campground is located approximately 50 miles southeast of San Bernardino, California, and about seven miles north of the small town of Idyllwild, which is known for its shops and restaurants.

Nearby Activities

• Camping
• Fishing
• Hiking
• Horseback riding
• Mountain biking
• Lookout tower

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Directions

From Idyllwild, travel north on State Route 243 about 4 miles. Turn right at the campground sign and continue to Forest Service Road 4S02. Turn left and proceed less than a mile to an intersection. Continue straight on the Forest Service Road and turn left into the campground.

GPS Coordinates

Latitude 33° 47′ 19.0000″ N

Longitude 116° 44′ 16.0001″ W

Overview

Deer Group Campground is a great place to bring an extended family or large group. Its convenient location provides access to all of the area’s greatest recreation opportunities and lets campers relax and enjoy nature in the pine-covered mountains of Southern California.

Recreation

A variety of hiking and mountain biking trails can be accessed from the campground, including the Seven Oaks Trail, which is located west of the Big Bear Lake Village. The 30-year-old trail is overgrown in some areas, but leads to spectacular views of San Gorgonio Peak, the highest point in Southern California.

Fishing and boating at Big Bear Lake are popular activities. Anglers can look forward to 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 site for tent camping. It can accommodate up to 40 people and eight vehicles and is accessed by a dirt road.

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

Natural Features

This group campground is located in the San Bernardino National Forest, south of Big Bear Lake. It is situated in a somewhat secluded stand of conifers. The mature trees provide much shade for the campground.

Nearby Attractions

The Big Bear Discovery Center is located about 10 miles from the campground. It provides a variety area information, a gift shop, accessible educational programs and restroom facilities. An interpretive trail is available near the center.

Nearby Activities

• Biking
• Boating
• Camping
• Fishing
• Hiking
• Water sports
• Swimming site

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Directions

Travel I-10 east (State Highway 330) to Running Springs. Turn onto State Highway 18 and continue to Big Bear Lake Dam. Continue 3 miles on State Highway 18 and turn right on Tulip Lane. Turn right onto Mill Creek Road (Forest Route 2N10) for 1.6 miles, turn left on 2N17 for 2 miles then go straight onto 2N08 for .2 miles, then turn left onto 2N45Y to campground.

GPS Coordinates

Latitude 34° 13′ 30.0000″ N

Longitude 116° 54′ 51.0001″ W

Overview

Buttercup Group Camp is an outdoor oasis nestled in Southern California’s pine-covered mountains. Big Bear Lake is nearby, a popular destination for a variety of recreational activities. The campground offers a great escape from city life and it is one of the best locales for group camping.

Recreation

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

Visitors also enjoy the area’s plentiful hiking, mountain biking and climbing opportunities. The campground provides access to a number of trails and points of exploration.

Facilities

The group campground offers one large, accessible site that can accommodate up to 40 people and eight vehicles for tent or RV camping. The site is equipped with tables, grills and a campfire circle. Vault toilets and drinking water are provided.

Natural Features

The group campground is situated at an elevation of about 7,000 feet and is heavily forested with pine trees. The site is relatively shady and secluded. It is about two miles from Big Bear Lake and is accessed by a dirt road.

Nearby Attractions

A general store and restaurants can be found in the city of Big Bear Lake.

Nearby Activities

• Boating
• Camping
• Fishing
• Hiking
• Water sports
• Swimming site

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Directions

From San Bernardino, take I-10 east to Running Springs. Turn onto State Highway 18 and continue to Big Bear Lake Dam. Continue about 6 miles on State Highway 18 and turn right on Summit Boulevard. Turn left at the end of road and go about a half-mile to the second gate on the right.

GPS Coordinates

Latitude 34° 14′ 7.0001″ N

Longitude 116° 52′ 49.0001″ W

Overview

Boulder Group Campground is a great place to bring an extended family or large group for a relaxing camping excursion. Its convenient location provides access to all of the area’s greatest recreation opportunities and lets campers relax and enjoy nature in the pine-covered mountains of Southern California.

Recreation

The campground provides access to a variety of hiking and mountain biking trails, including the Seven Oaks Trail, which is west of Big Bear Lake Village. The 30-year-old trail is overgrown in some areas, but leads to spectacular views of San Gorgonio Peak, the highest point in Southern California.

Fishing, boating and swimming at Big Bear Lake are popular activities. Anglers can look forward to trout, bluegill, crappie, catfish and largemouth bass, among other fish.

Facilities

The campground offers one large group site for tent camping. It can accommodate up to 40 people and eight vehicles and is accessed by a dirt road. The site is equipped with picnic tables, grills and a campfire circle. Vault toilets are provided, but drinking water is not available and there are no trash collection services at the campground.

Natural Features

The group campground is located in the San Bernardino National Forest, south of Big Bear Lake. It is accessed via a dirt road, just off the main highway through the area. The campground is situated in a somewhat secluded stand of mature conifers, which provide much shade.

Nearby Attractions

The Big Bear Discovery Center is located about 10 miles from the campground. It provides a variety information about the area, a gift shop, accessible educational programs and restroom facilities. An interpretive trail is available near the center.

Nearby Activities

• Biking
• Boating
• Camping
• Fishing
• Hiking
• Water sports
• Swimming site

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Directions

From San Bernardino, take I-10 east to Running Springs. Continue on Highway 18 to Big Bear Lake Dam, but do not cross the dam. Go 3 miles and turn right on Tulip Lane. Turn right on Mill Creek Road (Forest Road 2N10) and continue about 2 miles. Turn on Forest Road 2N10B and travel a short distance to the campground.

GPS Coordinates

Latitude 34° 13′ 23.9999″ N

Longitude 116° 58′ 30.0000″ W

Overview

Bluff Mesa Group Campground is conveniently located for campers to enjoy all the beautiful Big Bear Lake area has to offer. A variety of trailheads are nearby, leading visitors through the scenic forest that surrounds the campground.

Recreation

A variety of hiking and mountain biking trails can be accessed from the campground, and rock climbing routes can be found nearby.

Fishing, boating and swimming at Big Bear Lake are popular activities. Anglers can look forward to trout, bluegill, crappie, catfish and largemouth bass, among other fish. The lake is less than 10 miles from the campground.

Facilities

The campground offers one large group site for tents. It can accommodate up to 40 people and eight vehicles and is accessed by a dirt road. The site is equipped with picnic tables, grills and campfire circle.

Vault toilets are provided. Drinking water, utility hookups and trash collection are not available. Parking surfaces are gravel.

Natural Features

The campground is located 45 miles from San Bernardino at an elevation of 6,800 feet. It is accessed via a dirt road, and is nestled in a secluded, mixed conifer forest with a grassy understory. Mature trees provide much shade throughout the area, but open meadows are also available.

Nearby Attractions

The Big Bear Discovery Center is located about 10 miles from the campground, on the other side of Big Bear Lake. A visitor center, interpretive trails and educational programs are available, as well as accessible flush restroom facilities.

Nearby Activities

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

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Directions

Take I-10 east to Running Springs. Turn onto State Highway 18 and continue to Big Bear Lake Dam. Turn right and continue for 3 miles. Turn onto Tulip Lane and turn right on Mill Creek Road (Forest Road 2N10). Continue 4 miles and turn right on Forest Road 2N86 and continue to the campground.

GPS Coordinates

Latitude 34° 13′ 23.9999″ N

Longitude 116° 58′ 30.0000″ W

Overview

Big Pine Equestrian Group Campground is a beautiful place to take the horses on a camping outing. The facility is comfortably equipped for the equestrian camper and is close to a variety of hiking, mountain biking and horseback riding trails. It is also not far from the scenic, year-round recreation destination of Big Bear Lake.

Recreation

Fishing and boating at Big Bear Lake are popular activities. Anglers can look forward to 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.

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

Facilities

The campground offers one group equestrian site, available for tent and RV camping. It can accommodate up to 25 people and five vehicles. Utility hookups are not available and parking surfaces are gravel.

The site is equipped with horse corrals, hitching racks and a horse staging area, as well as watering stations. The campsite has multiple tables, grills and a campfire circle. Accessible vault toilets and drinking water are provided.

Natural Features

The campground is located in the San Bernardino Mountains at an elevation of 6,820 feet. It is situated in a hilly area dotted with mature evergreens. Wide open meadows exist throughout the area. The trees provide ample shade within the campground, however, there are some sunny spots.

Nearby Attractions

Markets and restaurants are available in Fawnskin, about 7 miles from the campground.

Nearby Activities

• Biking
• Boating
• Camping
• Fishing
• Hiking

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Directions

Take Highway 330 to Running Springs, then head northeast on Highway 18 to Highway 38. Do not cross the Big Bear Lake Dam. Continue on Highway 38 to Fawnskin. Turn onto Forest Road 3N14 and continue about 6 miles to Forest Road 3N16. Turn left and continue less than a mile, then turn right and continue to the campground.

GPS Coordinates

Latitude 34° 19′ 0.9998″ N

Longitude 116° 41′ 8.0002″ W

Temporary Closure of Developed Recreation Sites

This location is closed (Affected reservations have been cancelled and refunds have been issued.)  Local managers are committed to the health and safety of recreational visitors and our staff.  We are following the guidelines from our department and the CDC regarding COVID-19, closely monitoring the situation and responding to current conditions.

Spanish Creek Group Campground has 3 sites that accomodate 25 people per site; it is located off of State Highway 70, just 8 miles west of Quincy.  Supplies are available in Quincy. 

The campground includes Bear Boxes and Lanternposts at campsites.

Nearby Activities

• Wildlife viewing

Directions

 Spanish Creek Group Campground is located off of State Highway 70, just 8 miles west of Quincy.  Supplies are available in Quincy. 

GPS Coordinates

Latitude 40° 2′ 18.2400″ N

Longitude 120° 59′ 0.6108″ W

There are thousands of acres of Forest Service managed rangeland available for visitors to explore on horseback or on foot in the Beckwourth Ranger District. This is public land, your land, and it is open for you to visit. Most visitors are concerned about barbed wire fences, closed gates and locating rangeland managed by the Forest Service. Hopefully the following information will ease those concerns and help you access these wonderful areas.

How to determine Public Land from Private Property; 

• Use a map. The Plumas National Forest Map is available at forest visitor centers or on line at the National Forest Map Store . USGS Maps are also available on line.

• Usually, boundaries of Forest Service managed property are posted. Sometimes, red colored blazes are cut into the bark of boundary trees.

• Private property is usually posted as being private property. A short walk along a fence line can determine if what is inside the fence is posted.

• When you’re not sure about boundaries, use GPS to find out exactly where you are on your map.

About Fences and Gates;

Okay, now you know the area is public land. Let’s talk about why there are fences and gates on public land. Just after National Forests were formed and placed under the U.S. Forest Service, a 1907 attempt by the Forest Service to levy fees for grazing permits was litigated to the Supreme Court. With favorable rulings, the Forest Service began issuing fee based grazing permits in 1917. The decision also gave stockmen the right to graze livestock on public lands. The grazing permit does not limit public access to public land.  

How do you get in the fenced area? Though most barriers between grazing lots are natural features, oftentimes fences and gates are required when terrain and vegetation do not form sufficient barriers. Gates are almost always near roads, loading chutes and /or corrals. There is always the exception to that rule. For example, getting from one grazing allotment to the next may require riding the fenceline to find a gate.

• If you find a gate closed, make sure you close it after entering or leaving.

• If you find a gate open, make sure to leave it open after entering or leaving.

Some Notes on Rangeland;

• If cattle are present, do not herd, harass or hassle them.

• Before camping on rangeland, know how to do it.

  • Besides knowing about corralling or hobbling also know about campfire restrictions and permits.

  • Riding clubs have members who can be a wealth of information. High Mountain Riders is located in Quincy, CA and volunteer to help maintain the Meadowview Equestrian Campground.

• Don’t expect to find a trail other than trails made by cattle and game.

• Wet conditions may persist into late summer. The ground is usually drier and more firm on the boarders and near timber surrounding the range.

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Directions

GPS Coordinates

Latitude 0° 0′ 0.0000″ S

Longitude 0° 0′ 0.0000″ W

Trailhead is located approximately 1/2 mile west of Whitehorse Campground off the Bucks Lake Road near the Bucks Creek parking area.  Trail follows the northeast shore of Bucks Lake.

Length – 5.5 miles

Difficulty – Moderate

Approximate hiking time – 3 hours

RECOMMENDED FOR HORSES.  Motor vehicles PROHIBITED.

Directions

GPS Coordinates

Latitude 0° 0′ 0.0000″ S

Longitude 0° 0′ 0.0000″ W