Big Bear Campgrounds

The rustic setting of Big Bear makes it a favorite for campers. The area offers several types of camping, depending on how rough a time you're looking for, but any camping will require a permit from the USDA Forest Service. Permits fees are modest and can be obtained same day from the National Recreation Reservation System. Camping is available May to October, and is generally more crowded on holidays and weekends, so plan accordingly.

Big Bear is home to 23 "family" and 23 "group" campgrounds. Some operate on a "first come, first serve" basis, while others are reservation only. It depends on the particular site.

Beyond that, the differences come in the form of amenities. The family-friendly sites will have parking, picnic tables, fire rings, cleared areas, flush toilets and possibly showers and electrical hook-ups, while the group campgrounds may only have tables and fire rings. But all areas are maintained by the Forest Service.

To Roam with Bigfoot

For the true mountain man or woman there are also "Yellow Post" sites. While they will have tables and fire rings, they are located in remote areas, on back roads and trails, usually out of sight of other campers and vehicle traffic. These areas are not maintained and many of these sites can only be reached on foot or horseback. Permits may or may not be required, but it always best to check. Be advised, however, these sites may offer a true get-away, but they are not for the uninitiated.