BIG BEAR AREA

Big Bear is a great place to go all summer long. The weather never gets too hot, and there are always things to do. There is a lot to do here, but if you want a more intimate nature experience, I would recommend staying at Barton Flats or Green Valley Lake.

Serrano Campground

Serrano Campground is perfect for RV campers who want full hookups and tent campers who want to be close to the many attractions of Big Bear Lake. This campground would not be my first pick if you want a full nature experience, but if you have an RV, need hookups, and want to explore Big Bear, then this is a great place to stay.

Amenities: flush toilets, drinking water, gated, showers, RV hookups, wheelchair friendly

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Barton Flats Campground

Barton Flats Campground is very large and spread out. I recommend this campground if you are looking for an intimate, crowd free nature experience. Most of the campsites are large and private, so you don’t have to worry about booking the wrong one. The best sites are on the northern edge of the campground. It is a 40-minute drive to Big Bear, but with all the nearby attractions, you probably won’t mind. I would recommend the 3 mile hike to Jenks Lake that starts at the campground.

Amenities: flush toilets, drinking water, wheelchair friendly

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Green Valley Lake Campground

This small, quiet campground is near pretty Green Valley Lake, about 20 minutes west of Big Bear. This one is at the highest elevation of all the Big Bear area campgrounds, so you can enjoy cooler temperatures. Also, most campsites are super big, so you have lots of space.

Amenities: flush toilets, drinking water, wheelchair friendly

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Campsite Photos

What to do in Big Bear

Sights and hikes

Jenks Lake

This is a small, pretty lake near Barton Flats Campground. There is a short trail that circles around it. You can drive right up to the lake, or hike the 3 mile trail from Barton Flats Campground.

Big Bear Alpine Slide

This is a fun bobsled ride in Big Bear. It costs $5 per person to ride.

Scenic Chairlift

This is a fun way to see great views of Big Bear Lake.

Woodland Trail

The Woodland Trail is an easy, 1.5 mile hike that takes you through the forest. There are many signs telling you about the native plants and trees.

Gray's Peak Trail

This diffucult, 7-mile hike takes you to the top of Gray's Peak, with great views. When I went, it was very long and tiring

Note: this trail is closed every year from December to July to protect bald eagle nesting

Alpine Pedal Path

This is an easy, wheelchair accessible, 4 mile walk along the shore of Big Bear Lake. You can even bring your bike or scooter!

Castle Rock Trail

This was a great hike with views of the lake. Althouh a bit steep, it was short and had a bench at the end to take in the view.

Bluff lake

This pretty lake can be accessed by driving on a dirt road, or by the Castle rock trail, which makes a 4-mile hike.

Champion Lodgpole Pine

This hike takes you to the largest lodgepole pine tree in the world. The short hike starts at Bluff Lake.

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