Serrano Campground
A clean, amenity-rich campground on Big Bear Lake's north shore, perfect for families and outdoor adventures.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Cooler temps, fewer crowds
Serrano Campground
Best Time
Cooler temps, fewer crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A clean, amenity-rich campground on Big Bear Lake's north shore, perfect for families and outdoor adventures.
"The campgrounds were clean and in great shape, with surprisingly clean restrooms and free showers."
🎯 Book on Recreation.gov
Secure your spot early, especially for popular weekends.
👟 Comfortable Walking Shoes
Essential for exploring trails and the bike path to the lake.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Lakeside Proximity
North Shore of Big Bear Lake
Enjoy easy access to the lake for water activities and scenic views. A bike path leads directly to the water's edge.
+1Spacious & Clean Campsites
Various sites, including double sites
Find well-maintained, clean sites with amenities like fire rings and picnic tables. Some sites are large enough for groups.
Free Hot Showers & Flush Toilets
Comfort Station
Enjoy the convenience of clean, free hot showers and flushable toilets, a welcome amenity for campers.
Nearby Hiking Trails
Walking distance
Access popular trails like Cougar Crest Trail for stunning mountain and lake vistas.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Ahead for Peak Season
Bear Safety & Food Storage
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Book on Recreation.gov
Secure your spot early, especially for popular weekends.
👟 Comfortable Walking Shoes
Essential for exploring trails and the bike path to the lake.
📱 Cell Signal Available
Stay connected with decent signal strength throughout the campground.
🐻 Bear Safety Basics
Store food properly; bears are rarely an issue here.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Book on Recreation.gov
Secure your spot early, especially for popular weekends.
👟 Comfortable Walking Shoes
Essential for exploring trails and the bike path to the lake.
📱 Cell Signal Available
Stay connected with decent signal strength throughout the campground.
🐻 Bear Safety Basics
Store food properly; bears are rarely an issue here.
💧 Bring Extra Water
No dishwashing sinks; bring water for cleaning.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Serrano Campground is highly praised for its cleanliness, convenient amenities like free hot showers, and excellent location near Big Bear Lake and hiking trails. Visitors enjoy the peaceful atmosphere and the accessibility of outdoor activities. A minor drawback mentioned by some is the occasional presence of mice, though this doesn't deter many from returning.
"I had the BEST time at Serrano Campground. The site is located on the north shore (10 min drive from Big Bear). Cougar Crest Trail is in walking distance from the campgrounds (highly recommend if you are looking for a nice hike), and there is a walking/biking path that takes you all the way to the lake.
The campgrounds were clean and in great shape. I was shocked with with how clean the restrooms and showers were. A small win is that the showers are free to use so you don't need to lug around a heavy coin purse.
Fire wood is available for sale on the grounds if needed and there are park rangers that monitor the entrances which made me feel safe. There are pumps around the sites with water that can be used for drinking or to wash your dishes. The campground is at a distance where it feels like you are out of the city, but there is still cell reception. I will definitely be coming back."
Liv Alexandria
"This is a really nice campground. The people are friendly and the place is clean and well maintained. They have free hot showers and they even sell wood at the camp entrance which is really convenient. The campground is very peaceful. Some large groups were a little loud and allowed to have fun without being bothered. It was a very chill atmosphere which is what you want when camping."
Shannon C
"Beautiful campground. Spacious and very clean, great toilets and hot showers. There is a gorgeous bike path that leads to the lake, campground was very busy but everyone was quiet and respectful. I gave it 4 stars because we saw mice running around our tent few times and it’s the only thing that might stop me from returning unfortunately:("
Luna Viola
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Serrano Campground is located on the north shore of Big Bear Lake, approximately a 2-hour drive from Los Angeles. Take the CA-38 E highway towards Big Bear.
Public transport options to Serrano Campground are limited. Driving is the most common and convenient way to reach the campground.
It's about a 2-hour drive from Los Angeles and a shorter drive from cities like San Bernardino.
Yes, Serrano Campground offers full hookups for RVs, making it a convenient option for RV campers.
The CA-38 highway is the primary route to reach Serrano Campground. Be prepared for winding mountain roads.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Campsites at Serrano Campground can be booked online through Recreation.gov. It's highly recommended to book in advance, especially for peak season.
Campgrounds are typically open year-round, but it's best to check the specific operating dates and times on Recreation.gov when booking.
Yes, there is a nightly fee for campsites at Serrano Campground. Prices can vary based on the site type and season.
While some campgrounds allow walk-ins, it's strongly advised to book in advance online as Serrano Campground is very popular and often fills up.
Information on discounts is not widely available, but check Recreation.gov for any potential offers or passes that might apply.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
Serrano Campground offers flushable toilets, free hot showers, fire rings, picnic tables, and water pumps. RV sites have full hookups.
Yes, there are clean and free hot showers available for campers at the comfort station.
You can expect decent cell signal throughout the campground, allowing you to stay connected.
Yes, Serrano Campground is pet-friendly, making it a great option for those traveling with their furry companions.
Nearby activities include hiking popular trails like Cougar Crest, biking along the lake path, and enjoying water sports on Big Bear Lake.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Absolutely! Each campsite is equipped with a fire ring, perfect for campfire cooking and enjoying meals outdoors.
Yes, firewood is available for sale at the camp entrance, which is very convenient for campers.
The campground is a short drive from Big Bear Village, where you can find various restaurants and grocery stores for supplies.
No, it is not allowed to wash dishes in the restroom sinks. You'll need to bring your own water for cleaning.
Campfire cooking like carne asada and rice is a popular choice among visitors.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture stunning shots of the lake, surrounding forest, and campfire moments. Early mornings and late afternoons offer beautiful light.
Drone usage regulations can vary. It's best to check with campground management or local authorities before flying a drone.
The 'golden hours' around sunrise and sunset provide the most dramatic and beautiful lighting for photography.
The bike path to the lake and viewpoints along the Cougar Crest Trail offer excellent photographic potential.
A wide-angle lens is great for landscapes, while a telephoto lens can be useful for wildlife. A tripod is helpful for low-light conditions.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
and offers easy access to the lake via a walking/biking path, perfect for little legs. +1 While bears are present in the area, they are generally not a concern for campers who follow basic food storage guidelines. 🚗 RV Campers
This means easy access to water, electricity, and sewer, making your stay more comfortable. The campground's location on the north shore provides a scenic backdrop for your RV adventure. Remember to book your RV site in advance, as they are popular. 🚶 Hikers & Outdoor Enthusiasts
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating Campsite Options
For larger groups or families, double sites are available, providing extra space and privacy. Some sites are specifically noted as being accommodating for disabilities, featuring paved surfaces and proximity to restrooms. When choosing a site, consider proximity to amenities like water spigots and restrooms. While most sites are well-treed and offer a good balance of seclusion and access, it's worth noting that some visitors have reported occasional noise from larger groups.
Embracing the Outdoors: Activities & Vibe
Many visitors highlight the convenient access to Big Bear Lake, with a walking/biking path that leads directly to the water. For those who love to hike, the Cougar Crest Trail is within walking distance and offers rewarding views.
The campground itself fosters a chill and respectful atmosphere, even when busy, allowing campers to relax and enjoy their surroundings. Campground Amenities & Practicalities
Practical considerations include the availability of water pumps scattered throughout the sites for drinking and basic washing.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit