Four group sites tucked into pine and oak forest along Deep Creek, accessible only by a 2.5-mile hike. This is semi-primitive camping at 7,000 feet — no water, no hookups, pack-it-out rules. Each site holds eight people, making it ideal for organized groups willing to work for their solitude.
Campground Details
- ⛺Type
- Group
- 💵Fee per Night
- Free
- 📍GPS
- 34.24671, -117.11082
- 🐾Pets Allowed
- No
- 📞Phone
- 909-382-2600
- 🗺️Address
- CA
The Camp
Deep Creek runs right past camp, providing the soundtrack and water source (filter or boil required) for your stay. The sites sit in mixed forest of pine, oak, and cedar — actual shade at elevation, which matters in southern California's mountains. Each of the four sites comes with a table and fire ring with grill, plus vault toilet access.
The 2.5-mile approach keeps the casual crowd away. It's dirt road walking rather than technical hiking, but you're carrying everything in, so pack smart. Horses are allowed, though there's no infrastructure for them.
What to Know
This is group camping only — eight people per site maximum. The bear-proof container handles trash, but you pack out everything else. No drinking water means planning your carry-in carefully, especially if you're not comfortable with stream treatment.
The elevation puts you in different weather than the desert floor. At 7,000 feet, expect cooler nights even in summer. Winter access depends on snow conditions along the approach route.
Nearby
Multiple trailheads branch out from the area, giving hiking and riding access deeper into the San Bernardino backcountry. The creek offers mountain stream fishing for those with proper licenses. Wildlife viewing and birding are reliable activities — the isolated location and water source draw animals through camp.
Big Bear Lake sits 21 miles away when you're ready to return to civilization. The Big Bear Discovery Center there covers local natural history and trail information, plus restrooms and a gift shop for resupply needs.