Deer Group Campground serves one purpose well: getting large groups into the San Bernardino Mountains without the chaos of trying to coordinate multiple standard sites. The single group site handles up to 40 people and sits in a secluded grove of mature conifers south of Big Bear Lake.
Campground Details
- ⛺Type
- Group
- 💵Fee per Night
- $10
- 📍GPS
- 34.33268, -117.83927
- 🐾Pets Allowed
- No
- 📞Phone
- 909-866-8550
- 🗺️Address
- CA
The Camp
The campground consists of one large group site accessed by dirt road, set in a stand of mature conifers that provide considerable shade. The site comes equipped with picnic tables, grills, and a campfire circle designed for group gatherings. Vault toilets are on-site, but you'll need to bring all your water and pack out all trash.
The setting feels more secluded than developed — think family reunion in the woods rather than RV resort. Eight vehicles can access the site, which works for most extended family or group camping scenarios.
What to Know
At $10 per night, this is bargain-rate group camping, but the lack of amenities explains the price. No water means hauling in everything you need for 40 people. No trash service means designating someone to handle waste management for the entire group.
Group sites can be reserved up to 12 months in advance, and given the limited supply of affordable group camping in Southern California, booking early makes sense. Standard Recreation.gov cancellation policies apply, with a $10 service fee and potential forfeiture of the first night's fee for late changes.
Nearby
The Seven Oaks Trail starts west of Big Bear Lake Village and offers access to views of San Gorgonio Peak — Southern California's highest point. The 30-year-old trail shows its age with overgrown sections, so expect some bushwhacking. Multiple hiking and mountain biking trails branch out from the area.
Big Bear Lake provides the obvious water recreation option, with trout, bluegill, crappie, catfish, and largemouth bass drawing anglers. Swimming is discouraged due to cold water and underwater obstacles, though designated swimming areas exist.
The Big Bear Discovery Center sits about 10 miles away and offers area information, educational programs, and an interpretive trail — useful for groups looking to add some structure to their mountain experience.