Description

When the mercury rises, soothe that summer sizzle and get outa town. Head up to the South Fork Family campground for your next summer outing and beat the heat at 6400-feet elevation to surround yourself with cooling trees and mountain air. This first-come, first-served campground is perfect for a not too far outdoor getaway from the metropolis of Los Angeles and Riverside Counties. It is nearby the towns of Angeles Oaks and Big Bear City, so you can stock up on last minute supplies once you are there. Just be sure to get there early to score the best spot.

Campsite area
Tent or motorhome pitches
24 sites
Up to guests per site
Up to 6 vehicles
No wheelchair access
Essentials
Campfires allowed
Toilet available
Pets allowed
Amenities
Potable water available
Picnic table available

Activities

Offered near the campground.

Biking

Bikers can hit all the roads in this forest. We recommend the Arctic Canyon Overlook for the experienced cyclists looking for a...Read more

Boating

When the weather just gets too hot, there’s no better place to take refuge than in the San Bernardino National Forest. There ar...Read more

Fishing

Looking to cast a line? You can, in several lakes and many of the streams! Big Bear Lake is famous for the annual May Trout Cla...Read more

Hiking

With all of the high peaks and mountain ranges here, there are many moderate and difficult hikes in this forest. Hiking the San...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

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, with the usual raccoons and squirrels, woodland creatures left and right, along wi...Read more

Terrain

Natural features you'll find at South Fork Family Campground.

Cave
Desert
Forest
Hot spring
Lake
River, stream, or...
Swimming hole
Waterfall
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3 Reviews

750
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Drop some South Fork Family Campground knowledge on us.
Hipcamper Megan
Megan G.
didn't provide a recommendation.
August 7th, 2018

My friend and I decided, on a Saturday morning in the summer, to camp in Big Bear for the weekend. We had hoped to get a first come, first serve site at our go to, Heartbar Campground, but they were booked. Luckily, this campsite had openings. Most of the sites are pretty spread out so you're not right up next to other campers and there is a pretty little creek along one side of the campsite. The only negative would be that it is right next to a highway so there is that constant traffic noise. BUT, loved the site and will be camping there again on our next last minute mountain trip!

Hipcamper Nick
Nick L.
didn't provide a recommendation.
December 5th, 2016

I grew up in the campground and still love it today! South fork sits along side the head waters of the Santa Ana River and connects back packers to the south fork trail to San Gorgonio.

The sites are perfect for those looking to relax, and has excellent shade coverage thanks to the Incense cedars that flourish in the Santa Ana river's water. Choose a site that sits outward along the loop and you'll get more privacy. Those sitting further back and facing towards the highway (west) will also get the river to themselves.

Great campground, 8/10!

Hipcamper Nick L.
has mixed feelings towards this listing.
December 5th, 2016
Park
San Bernardino National Forest
Nation
California
Country
United States
Phone Number
909-382-2600
Directions
View on Google Maps
Official Website
View Website
Coordinates
34.17° N, 116.827° W
$22/night
Tent / RV / Trailer: 24 Sites
(Up to people per site)