Description

Part of San Bernardino National Forest, Serrano Campground offers lakeside camping on the north shore of Big Bear Lake. This family-friendly campground has 96 campsites, including 16 double-sized group campsites that allow four vehicles and 16 people. Sites are scattered among pine trees and sagebrush, with views of the alpine lake and its surrounding peaks just a short walk away. Serrano Campground is also super close to Big Bear Lake’s famous hiking, biking, fishing, and boating opportunities. With picnic tables, fire rings, food storage lockers, drinking water, showers, a dump station, and the ever-coveted flush toilet, the only thing this campsite is missing is you.

Tips for snagging a campsite reservation

  • Serrano Campground has a mix of reservable and first-come, first-served campsites. 
  • For reservable sites, reservations can be made up to six months in advance online or by calling (877) 444-6777. This campground frequently books out during summer break and weekends, so planning ahead is a must.
  • For walk-in sites, we recommend arriving early in the morning, or shooting for an arrival between Monday and Thursday.
  • A 3-night minimum is required for holiday weekend bookings.
  • When to go

    Serrano Campground is typically open from early March to the end of November. Spring and fall visitors should plan for cold nights with lows in the 30s, but even summer campers can expect lows in the upper 40s, so bring warm layers. Summer highs are in the low 80s. For specific info on the current year’s season, as well as campground and road conditions, contact the San Bernardino National Forest rangers at (909) 382-2790. 

    Campsite area
    Tent or RV sites
    109 sites
    Up to 16 guests per site
    Up to 6 vehicles
    No wheelchair access
    Essentials
    Campfires allowed
    Toilet available
    Pets allowed
    Amenities
    Potable water available
    Showers available
    Picnic table available

    Activities

    Offered near the campground.

    Biking

    The north shore’s Alpine Pedal Path passes through the Serrano Campground. This 3.2-mile, multi-use trail lets bikers access va...Read more

    Boating

    Boaters can utilize the East Public Launch Ramp just 1.5 miles east of Serrano Campground.

    Fishing

    Licensed anglers can fish for catfish, bass, and rainbow trout on Big Bear Lake, which is famous for its annual May Trout Class...Read more

    Hiking

    Just behind Serrano Campground lies the Cougar Crest Trailhead, which climbs into the mountains, intersects the Pacific Crest T...Read more

    Horseback riding

    Horseback riding is allowed on all National Forest trails-- that means you can venture through all of the wilderness areas, inc...Read more

    Paddling

    Canoeing, kayaking, and standup paddleboarding are great ways to spend a day on Big Bear Lake. Various outfitters around the la...Read more

    Off-roading (OHV)

    Get those wheels dirty and head on over to San Bernardino to get away from city traffic. Popular runs include John Bull, Holoco...Read more

    Climbing

    The San Gorgonio Wilderness is the perfect place to go mountain climbing, which must be why it’s so popular! Jepson Peak offers...Read more

    Snow sports

    Your opportunities for national forest fun are endless in the winter. You can find skiing, snowboarding, sledding, tubing, snow...Read more

    Swimming

    Swimmers can jump right into Big Bear Lake and some of the Lake Arrowhead lakes, where you can spend the day in the water or do...Read more

    Wildlife watching

    You can spot wildlife just about everywhere around Serrano Campground, with the usual raccoons and squirrels left and right, al...Read more

    Terrain

    Natural features you'll find at Serrano Campground.

    Cave
    Desert
    Forest
    Hot spring
    Lake
    River, stream, or...
    Swimming hole
    Waterfall
    Hipcamp makes it easy to find unique camping experiences.
    Discover campsites, ranches, vineyards, farms, glamping, public parks and more.

    10 Reviews

    750
    No one? Bueller? Sharing is caring, y'all.
    Drop some Serrano Campground knowledge on us.
    Hipcamper Alex
    Alex E.
    didn't provide a recommendation.
    October 30th, 2017

    Just camped here over the weekend. While it was pretty crowded, I absolutely loved the stay. The forrest and lake are beautiful, there are some fantastic hiking trails, and there are all the amenities you could ask for. 10/10!

    Hipcamper Anna
    Anna P.
    recommends this listing.
    September 12th, 2017

    Nice spot by the water

    Hipcamper Susan
    Susan S.
    recommends this listing.
    July 31st, 2017

    Nice campground. Can accommodate tents and large RVs. Lots of families here.

    Hipcamper Michael
    Michael C.
    recommends this listing.
    July 3rd, 2017

    Stayed here mid June 2017. Sites 5-6 are great. Good shade with flat land.

    Hipcamper Marian
    Marian L.
    didn't provide a recommendation.
    June 6th, 2017

    Serrano is a convenient and comfortable campground, ideal for families and campers who want some nature without roughing it too much. There are a lot of sites and during the summer months it can get pretty full. There are flushing toilets, hot water, and even showers. I really like the location of the campground. There is a paved bike path that goes through the campground and along some pretty views of the lake. It also connects to the Big Bear Discovery Center.

    Hipcamper Mark
    Mark B.
    recommends this listing.
    April 5th, 2017

    Bikes and skateboards could be fun here

    Hipcamper Mark
    Mark B.
    recommends this listing.
    April 5th, 2017

    Bikes and skateboards could be fun here

    Hipcamper Natalia
    Natalia R.
    recommends this listing.
    March 26th, 2017

    Great access to the water's edge of Big Bear Lake, and good views of the town of Big Bear. Nature Center nearby has several trailheads and lots of info!

    Hipcamper Irene
    Irene A.
    didn't provide a recommendation.
    October 5th, 2016

    Serrano Campground is a nice place to get away from the big city. Roughly a 2-hour drive from L.A., Serrano offers scenic hikes, short walks to the shore, and decent-sized campgrounds. Across the lake is the town of Big Bear where you can easily access grocery stores or restaurants. The camp hosts at Serrano are absolutely lovely. They make it super convenient for you to check in and they monitor the campsites routinely throughout the day. The bathrooms have flush-toilets and even sometimes provide hand-soap! All in all, I would say Serrano is a great place to get away and relax- even if it's just for one night! Be sure to make your reservations EARLY because this is one of the more popular campgrounds in Big Bear!

    Park
    San Bernardino National Forest
    State
    California
    Country
    United States
    Phone Number
    909-866-8021 OR 909-866-8550
    Directions
    View on Google Maps
    Official Website
    View Website
    Coordinates
    34.264° N, 116.917° W
    Unknown price
    RV / Trailer: 29 Sites
    (Up to 8 people per site)
    Unknown price
    Tent / RV / Trailer: 80 Sites
    (Up to 16 people per site)