Big Bear Camping

Clear nights under a billion stars, the quiet comforting “whoop” of owls, the scent of pine and fresh caught fish sizzling in a pan: picture postcard moments like these can be yours when you pitch a tent at Big Bear. Clean, well kept campgrounds are run by the National Recreation Reserve service, and many are first come first serve. (see below) Stop by the Big Bear Discovery center or the Mill Creek Ranger station to get a free permit for day hiking and camping. To park your car on state land you’ll also need an Adventure Pass, which you can purchase from sporting goods stores. Despite its name, you’re not likely to encounter bears at Big Bear, but there are a few, so remember to keep your picnic basket (or any food) covered and safe from “Yogi.” Quiet campers are more likely to see coyotes, raccoons, squirrels, rabbits and even bald eagles.

One of the unexpected pleasures of California camping is the relative lack of mosquitoes. Still, you’re wise to wear some protection from bugs as well as sun. Summer nights are mostly balmy to cool, but because of its high altitude, you occasionally get freezing temps even mid summer, so bring some warm clothes. The air is seldom muggy, but thunderstorms roll through more often here than they do in the lowlands.

Californians love their wildlife areas and have made some very important rules to protect them. Decades old forests can burst into flames with the slightest spark, so smoking is highly restricted, campfires aren’t allowed and you need a permit for certain cooking equipment. Keep your camp at least 200 feet away from springs, streams and meadows, avoid the South Fork drainage entirely. Pitch your tent clear of trails, and in the really wild areas remember to bury any human waste and take garbage out with you.

National Recreation Reservation Service Toll-Free: (877)444-6777 TDD Assistance: (909)866-3233 Visit www.Recreation.gov

• Big Pine Flat 7 miles north west of Fawnskin on 3N14. Pit toilets, water. Open 5/15 to 10/17. No reservation. $20 vehicle/camp fee.Reserve Online

• Hanna Flat two and a half miles northwest of Fawnskin on 3N14. Flush and pit toilets, water. Open 5/15-10/17 $20 vehicle/camp fee.Reserve Online

• Holcomb Valley. On 3N16 north east of 2N09 No water, no garbage collection, open all year round. $16 vehicle/camp fee.

• Horse Springs 12 miles NW of Fawnskin on Forest Road 3N14. No RVs, no garbage collection, no water, no reservations. Open all year. $10 vehicle/camp fee.

• Pine Knot. Go south on Summit Blvd to Bristlecone, turn left to campground. Water, flush toilets, handicapped facilities. Open 5/1 to 10/17 / $22 vehicle/camp fee. Reserve Online

• Serrano. Off highway 38 about 2 miles E of Fawnskin. Water, showers, dump station, flush toilets, electric hookups, handicapped facilities. For a fee non Serrano campers can use dump station and showers. Open: 4/1 to 11/30 Fee: $28 vehicle/camp fee. (Double $56. RV #38) Reserve Online