PS - Big Bear (Serrano Campground)

  • Sun, June 09, 2019
  • 2:00 PM
  • Wed, June 12, 2019
  • 12:00 PM
  • Big Bear, CA
  • 16

Registration

  • fee per day

You must be a paid member of one of the GO Chapters in order to register for this event.
Registration is closed

Serrano Campground
San Bernardino National Forest

Big Bear, California

Sunday June 9 thru Wednesday June 12, 2019

Serrano Campground is a beautiful place for campers to come to enjoy beautiful Big Bear Lake. It is a scenic and fairly modern campground that provides access to a variety of outdoor recreational opportunities.

Natural Features: The campground is located in the San Bernardino Mountains, within walking distance of the lake. Accessed by the Rim of the World Scenic Byway, the campground is situated in a mountainous, pine forest setting. Sagebrush grows alongside the paved roads.

Recreation: Visitors enjoy access to a number of hiking and mountain biking trails found within a short distance of the campground. The Alpine Pedal Path takes you around Big Bear Lake, and passes next to the campground. Bring a bike, or rent one locally.  The Cougar Crest Trail is nearby and provides access to the Pacific Crest Trail. The Big Bear Ranger Station is within a mile of the campground. Rangers can provide maps of the area and answer any questions about trails.

Fishing and boating at Big Bear Lake are popular activities. The campground does not provide direct access to the lake, but a boat ramp is available about a mile away. There is lake access across the road from the campground. Anglers can look forward to a possible catch of trout, bass, catfish, carp, bluegill and crappie, among others. You can swim and kayak in Big Bear Lake at various locations, including one a short walk from the campground.  You can visit the Big Bear Discovery Center for many things including educational programs - interpretive trails, maps, etc.

Campground Amenities: Accessible Flush Toilets - Campfire Rings - Drinking Water - Fire Rings - Firewood Vendor - Grills - Picnic Area - Showers (no quarters needed) - Tent Pads - Trash Collection.  There is no WiFi service at the campground. Cell phone coverage provided by major carriers in the Big Bear area yet some phones may not have all the different bandwidth within their 4G service. Two supermarkets and a K-Mart are located a short drive from the campground.

Campsites will be shared between tents and RVs; either an RV and a tent or two tents will share each site. Double sites will be shared by four tents. Carpooling is suggested wherever possible; parking is limited to one extra car per site.

Campground Amenities For RVs: Snowberry loop camp sites have 30 and 50 amp service and water services. Summer Wind loop camp sites have no electrical services, but have water spigots spaced throughout the campground. All of our RV sites have paved entrance pads.  A dump station is located within the campground - bring $10 cash. A fresh water spigot is available at the dump station. Consider driving up the mountain without fresh water to save on fuel (but be aware there could be a line to get water once there...).  

Parking:  Only one vehicle is free on each of our sites. Extra vehicles at a site are charged $7 a night.  We have built extra vehicle costs into our trip pricing and will reimburse our members if they are charged for "extra" parking at the camp out.  Late arrivals may need to park in the overflow area after they drop off and set up their tent, depending on the available space at the site. The overflow parking is located along the roads bordering the campground.

Climate: Low 80’s / Lows Mid 40's

Itinerary

Final itinerary will be sent out the week of the camping event; details may change.

Sunday June 9

  • 2:00 PM Arrival; Site numbers will be provided via email before the event or look for the Great Outdoors banner. Call if needed (Dennis - 760 587-8042)
  • 3:00 PM Gather for trip to Big Bear Historical Museum.
  • 6:00 PM Tea meet and greet. Bring appetizers you would like to share. Take head count for optional Big Bear Lake Boat Tour Monday at 2:00 PM

Monday June 10

  • 9:00 AM Depart for hike
  • 10:00 AM Gather for  4x4 trip* / Buy or pack lunch
  • 1:15 PM Depart for a Big Bear Lake Boat Tour at 2 PM. 2 hour lake tour approximately  $22,  cash or credit card / $2 discount for Seniors/Military. The Tour Boat has a bar and snacks available for sale.
  • 6:30 PM Potluck Dinner
  • Sunset Campfire and 50/50 Raffle. Head count for optional kayaking.

Tuesday June 11

  • 9:00 AM Gather for kayaking on your own.  1 or 2 hr. Kayak rental rates for 2019 for 2 hour trip are approximately $35 for a 1-person kayak, $45 for a 2-person kayak.  Bring cash or credit card. Dress appropriately.
  • 1:00 PM Gather for 4x4 trip, hiking and/or going into town. *
  • 6:00 PM Dinner on your own
  • 7:00 PM Campfire.

Wednesday June 12

● 12 Noon Check out

* Check campground white board for updates and hike/outing details.

What to Bring:Ten Essentials, camping/cooking gear, swimsuit and/or water shoes if you plan on going kayaking or swimming, hat and sunscreen, food, warm/cool/wet weather clothing, potluck item for Saturday night, 1-2 bundles of local firewood for the group campfire - no particle board, old furniture, plywood or construction materials. These cause the release of toxic gases when burned. Firewood is for sale at the campground. Read about the Buy It Where You Burn It firewood program - click here.  Bring cash (or credit card) for optional events. Bring a bike if you have one - a bike path around the Lake passes through the campground.

FS Adventure Pass:  No pass is required for camping at the Serrano campground.  An Adventure Pass is required for off-road vehicle use and for hiking on these 4 trails: Grays (currently closed, due to eagle nesting), Woodlands, Cougar Crest & Pine Knot. The Adventure Pass is for the car, and covers all occupants of the car. The Senior Pass substitutes for the Adventure Pass. When used, the Senior Pass is left on the dash with signature side facing upwards. The Adventure Pass costs $30 per year, or $5 per day. It can be purchased at most 7-Eleven's, and online.

If someone comes to the campground for day use, they purchase a day use pass at the campground kiosk for $7, and do not need a FS Adventure Pass.

Pets: Dogs are allowed, but must be kept on 6' leash. Please pick up after your pet and dispose of waste properly. Please be aware there are rattlesnakes at this location.

Note: You must be a paid member of one of the five Great Outdoor (GO) Chapters to register for this event. If not currently a member, you can join at registration. Each member must individually sign into their own account in order to register for this event.

Address: Serrano Campground, 40800 N Shore Dr, Fawnskin, CA 92333; (909) 866-8021.  Google map link - click here.  

Directions

Directions from San Bernardino Via Hwy. 330/Hwy.18:

From I-10 East. Take exit 77B to merge onto CA-210 W/Foothill Fwy toward Highland/Running Springs/CA-330. Take exit 81 to merge onto CA-330 N. CA-330 N transitions into Hwy 18 in the town of Running Springs. Continue onto CA-18 N/Blvd.  When you arrive at the Big Bear Lake, there is a signal light at the bridge/dam. Turn left onto CA-38 to Fawnskin. Go approximately 3 miles to Fawnskin. Driving through Fawnskin, continue approximately another 3 miles. Continue onto CA-38/N Shore Drive. Turn right onto North Shore Lane. Turn left into Serrano Campground.

Directions from Redlands via 1-10 to Hwy.38:

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/CA-38. Continue on State Highway 38 into Big Bear City, to E. Big Bear Blvd. Turn left onto E. Big Bear Blvd./SR-38. Turn right onto Greenway Drive/SR-18/SR-38. Turn left onto North Shore Drive, CA-38. Continue on North Shore Drive/Hwy 38, approximately 2 miles west of the Stanfield Cutoff. You will go past the Big Bear Discovery Center. Make a left hand turn onto North Shore Lane. Turn right into Serrano Campground.

Payments: Payments may be made online at registration using your credit card.

Refunds: Cancellation for a refund minus service fee of $5.00 must be received by May 26th.  You must email the Trip Leader if you need to cancel.

Children: There may be children present. Parents or guardians will need to complete a special liability release form for minors before attending this event.  Contact the Trip Leader below for further information.

Trip Leader/Contact: Dennis - President-PS@GreatOutdoors.org

Health Problems/Allergies: It is the responsibility of participants to carry on their person a record of significant allergies, medications and medical history in the event of a medical emergency. Discuss any medical concerns with the camp out leader if you wish.





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