Forest camping near Big Bear City

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97% (1563 reviews)
  1. Big Bear City
97% (1563 reviews)

Popular camping styles for Big Bear City

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12 top forest campgrounds near Big Bear City

97%
(276)

DragonflyHill Desert Farm

27 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents3 acres · Desert Hot Springs, CA
About Welcome to DragonflyHill Desert Farm & Wildlife Habitat where you can experience desert magic, starry skies, and natural mineral water from our private well. Remote enough for a quiet retreat yet easy to get to and only a short drive to amenities and outdoor adventures! Please review our rules and read our entire listing description prior to requesting to stay here, to assure we’re the right space for you. Copies of our rules, registration documents, liability waiver and amenities are provided in our photos. Guests must agree to adhere to our rules and honor our cancellation policy to book with us. If you have any questions, please make an inquiry and we will get back to you very quickly. We really do love this work. LOCATION: We are located one mile down a well maintained and navigable dirt road, 20 minutes to Palm Springs, Desert Hot Springs and Palm Desert, and 15 minutes to the 10 freeway. We're near the Cabazon outlets, 2 hours to Los Angeles, San Diego, Disneyland, mountain areas, and beaches. Nearby there are local wildlife preserves, hiking and outdoor activities. We are 45 minutes to Joshua Tree and a half hour to Coachella. We truly are in the middle of nowhere and the center of everything. For folks traveling in winter, we’re considerably warmer than Joshua Tree and the High Desert. In summer we are cooler than Palm Springs. Immediate neighbors are small farmers and ranchers. Local spas and resorts are available for day use and access to their pools and ponds for as little as $10 a day ($5 seniors). We can provide space for events and entertainment for a small fee. ARRIVAL: Upon approving your reservation we'll send you a welcome message with information we need prior to your arrival to process your reservation, prepare for your arrival and provide you with check in information and accurate directions as gps apps to our location are often wrong. Please answer that initial email as soon as possible. We'll follow up with check in information and driving directions. Once in the gate, stay on the driveway and meet us on the patio with the blue shade sails. We will provide you with an approximately 15 minute orientation and tour, register you, check identification and show you to your campsite. Guests are required to fill out a liability waiver and a simple registration form. (See photos for copies of these forms.) OUR SPACE: Our land is 130 feet wide by an eighth of a mile deep in a residential neighborhood with lots 2.5-10 acres. We can see and hear our neighbors. We maintain a very quiet space but occasionally our neighbors have their own activities and events. Let us know if the neighborhood gets too noisy and we'll try to mitigate those situations. We can also provide free earplugs for those very rare occasions. Guests wanting a totally isolated experience may want to book elsewhere. DragonflyHill Desert Farm is a working farm in a wilderness area. Guests should check weather forecasts prior to arrival and assure that they have the right equipment. We have a moderate cancellation policy that allows guests to cancel 3 days prior to their arrival date to receive a refund. This allows enough time to check weather reports. There are occasional heavy rains and frequent high winds. It can get very hot in summer and reach freezing temperatures in winter. Despite our proximity to the freeway and nearby cities, and our location in a residential neighborhood, this is very much a wilderness area. DragonflyHill is not responsible for the weather. We are not a resort. Expect dry plants and patches during summer and into the fall. As a farm, we may be a bit more rustic than your typical farm to allow for shelter for local wildlife. Our cultivation methods encourage biodiversity and though we are growing food, many of our crops resemble landscaping or natural habitat rather than garden patches. Currently we have habitat viewing areas, an herb garden, an orchard, an outdoor classroom, a sheltered social distancing patio, an outdoor kitchen, meditation gardens, our (seasonal) mineral pool, community library, game boards and toys, and a tree bath. Plant varieties, wildlife and presentation may vary by season. Our farm specializes in herbs, fruit trees, desert and native plants, and edible flowers. We also grow some sprouts and microgreens indoors. We cultivate community and share what we grow with our neighbors and our guests. Guests have shared access to the outdoor kitchen and BBQ area, the orchards, gardens, patios, and grounds of the Desert Farm and Wildlife Habitat, and (for safety reasons) limited access to the pool pond and spa -both unheated. The pool pond is filled with local mineral water from our own well. The pool pond is cleaned regularly & is chlorinated. The pool pond is not cleaned daily and is shared with wildlife. including bees and birds who drink water pool side. Debris from high winds and wildlife may contribute to the pool pond environment. Currently neither the pool pond nor the spa is heated. We also have wheelchair accessible hot water outdoor showers and wheelchair accessible porta potties. The pool area is accessible to guests year round but the pool itself is winterized and unavailable from mid October through mid to late April. We work hard to keep the home well maintained & clean; we're vigilant & do due diligence with professional quarterly visits from Truly Nolen 4 Season Pest Prevention (a green company.) We doubt you'll see any unwanted critters inside or near the house or other structures during your stay, but if you do, please advise us & we will promptly address the situation. DragonflyHill Desert Farm and Wildlife Habitat is in a remote area of the desert with lots of wildlife. To help us keep wildlife OUT of the house and campsites, please keep food out of reach of critters & clean up after every meal. We affirmatively welcome children, but as this is a working farm in a wilderness area, parents will need to be vigilant of their child's safety and activity while here. We are constantly adding activities and features for children and adults. We are child friendly and we are a good location for groups. (Just message us with your details and we can tailor your stay to meet your needs.) We have 1 cat and 1 service dog. Other guests may have pets or assistance animals. Neighbors have chickens, farm animals and pets. There are a few feral cats in the vicinity as well as a variety of desert wildlife. At night you can hear the coyotes though we’ve never seen them or their tracks on our land. Common sightings of road runners, rabbits, hares, lizards, snakes, hawks, doves, desert wrens, migrating ducks (in the Spring), scorpions, mantises, crickets, mockingbirds, insects and spiders. WHO WE ARE: DragonflyHill is a community of artisans, activists, craftspeople and farmers, working together to cultivate community, develop methodologies for living and working together in ever increasing paradigms of social justice and sustainability. We are a safe and sober space that is disability and LGBTQIA affirmative, anti-racist, anti-sexist, anti-imperialist and de-colonialist, because anything else is just a bandaid. Core values of our work include attention to detail, fine craftwork and cultivating community. Some members of the Dragonfly Team live on the premises at all times and will be here for the duration of your stay. The rest of the team are community members. All Team members work at DragonflyHill Desert Farm and Wildlife Habitat in different capacities, in cooperation and collaboration with each other. It should be noted that we are not a museum community and our collective is not on display. Only 2-3 members of the community are currently responsible for hosting guests. Community members are autonomous and, much of our community functions virtually. There are also occasional community events at the farm, including farming, though many activities are just coming back after the pandemic. We hope to offer activities in the Fall. All activities will continue to be held outdoors and social distancing is required. We speak: English and Spanish. We can communicate somewhat in French, Italian and Portuguese. DRAGONFLYHILL CONSEIRGE We love to hear about your travels and share our knowledge of our community and Southern California with our guests. Our library, located on the Blue Patio, offers children’s books, local history including indigenous history, farming and gardening, wildlife guides, hiking trails, entertainment and tourist attractions. We can recommend activities on and off site including places to go with children, local hiking, museums, restaurants and shopping. In addition to campsites, for additional fees, we offer reiki, a private jacuzzi hot water mineral bath, farm tours, firewood, tutoring, tax preparation, vehicle storage, event and space rental, and classes. Three of us are licensed to officiate weddings. RULES, DOCUMENTS & AMENITIES Carefully read our listing description and our rules to determine if we're the right space for you. We know we have excellent reviews but take the time to assure that we offer what you are looking for. Each Hipcamp host is autonomous and has their own rules, amenities and features. Hipcamp does not provide guests a copy of the house rules until after you have selected a location and then requires you to agree to the house rules before finalizing your decision. There is not enough space in the listing description to include the rules so guests can see them prior to booking. If you would like to see our rules, registration documents or a list of amenities please find them in our photos or message us prior to booking and we will send you a copy. We welcome guests new to Hipcamp but please take the time to familiarize yourself with the Hipcamp platform. Hipcamp travel is very different from public campgrounds. At DragonflyHill Desert Farm and Wildlife Habitat you will be guests in our home. We welcome and encourage guests with service and support animals to stay with us. All animals must have current vaccination records.
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$20
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98%
(111)

Hidden Falls Preserve

16 sites · Tents80 acres · Winchester, CA
This secret off-grid getaway on 56 acres gives stunning views at private tent sites with hiking, bird-watching, and wildflower-spotting. Relax in the shade of a eucalyptus grove, enjoy the sun shining over the sage scrub, enjoy the dark night, and find the hidden seasonal waterfalls. A short drive to Temecula, Diamond Valley Lake, and Lake Skinner, our private, scenic campsites offer both serenity and nearby activities including wine tasting, restaurants, hot air balloons, and paragliding. We are 100% off-grid with no hookups or potable water sources (yet), no showers (yet) in the middle of a conservation area. A significant portion of our proceeds goes directly to a local non-profit for habitat restoration efforts and other bird study projects. We hope to attract campers that want an off-the-beaten-path type experience without having to go to the mountains.
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$35
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99%
(71)

Idyllwild Camp

2 sites · Tents1 acre · Idyllwild, CA
Join us in beautiful Idyllwild in the mountains of southern California! We are within easy reach of San Diego, Los Angeles, and Palm Springs for a peaceful get-away to escape the valley heat and immerse in the pine forests of this peaceful mountain town. Idyllwild is filled with hiking trails and is one of the main stopping points on the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT). Our quaint downtown area is filled with Native American artwork, restaurants, pubs, and coffee shops, an ice cream shop, souvenir and supply shops. Our property is our one acre private home with multiple campsites and facilities for campers. Indoor accommodations will be offered soon! We are located within walking distance of many trailheads, and approximately two miles off of the PCT at the South Ridge Trailhead. Make yourself at home on our friendly family property equipped for tent camping. (Indoor accommodations coming soon! Feel free to inquire for advance bookings.) Access to meticulously cleaned toilets and warm showers inside of the main house or trailer. Additional services available at certain times include laundry service, home-cooked vegan meals, trail pick-up/drop-off. We love supporting hikers and giving travelers a sanctuary in the beautiful forests of Idyllwild. We have two loving big dogs who will be eager to welcome you as well!
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$45
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98%
(973)

Holcomb Valley Ranch

45 sites · RVs, Tents411 acres · Fawnskin, CA
Holcomb Valley Ranch invites you to kick back and relax on our private, 400+ acre ranch in the San Bernardino Mountains. Centered around a 100+ acre meadow, filled with horses in summer months and surrounded by thousands of acres of mountainous National Forest. Just 15 minutes from Big Bear Lake - a large recreational, fresh-water lake for summer swimming, boating, skiing, fishing and other super fun water activities. The Ranch feels remote and private. Yet is only four miles to the town of Big Bear with shopping and restaurants. Also in close proximity to incredible rock climbing at the Pinnacles, seemingly endless hiking and biking and some pretty epic off-roading 4x4 trails. Each campsite is approximately one acre, and generously-distanced from neighboring campers. Amenities include its own fire ring with grilling grate and picnic table(s). The campsites are both cozy enough for 2 or spacious enough for large groups and can easily accommodate a mix of RVs, camper vans and tents. From June to October the 100+ area open meadow is filled with horses grazing and galloping about (please don't pet or feed!) A four-seasons destination, the Ranch has year-round experiences with warm summers and snowy winters. An excellent basecamp, within close proximity to the lake, ski slopes, Pinnacles, hiking/biking and off-roading trails. After a day filled with adventure or ultimate relaxation, be sure to enjoy the breath-taking sunsets over the meadow. The evenings blanket guests with a sea of stars. Toast up some s’mores and warm up some hot-coco over a beautiful, crackling campfire. Remember the s’mores and always follow the “Leave No Trace” principles. There are large trash bins by the entrance. We look forward to hosting you at the Ranch! Please note: OHV’s are allowed. They count as one of the allowed vehicles per campsite and must adhere to the speed limit (10mph) and remain on established camp roads while on the property. They may not be driven from 8pm to 8am. It is strictly forbidden to ride your vehicles through the forest, meadow or off any established roads on or off property. Please research which of the surrounding forestry roads allow for your vehicle type to be driven on.  Campsites on the west side of the meadow (F, G & H sites) are partially accessed by a forestry road that does not allow dirt bikes. Horses: The horses which may be roaming the meadow during your stay are not property of Holcomb Valley Ranch. When horses are present, guests and their pets are prohibited from entering the meadow. Please do not approach, interact, feed or touch the horses. This is for your safety and the safety of the horses. Do, however, take lots of photos! They make a perfect backdrop:)
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$85
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81%
(8)

Diamonds Ranch

12 sites · RVs, Tents2 acres · Idyllwild, CA
Escape to Nature's Paradise: Stunning Views in Idyllwild, California! Discover the ultimate retreat nestled in the serene beauty of Idyllwild, California. Our exclusive property offers unparalleled panoramic views that will take your breath away. Whether you're looking to park your RV, camper, or simply camp under the stars, this idyllic location promises an unforgettable experience. Key Features: Spectacular Views: Wake up to awe-inspiring sunrises and unwind with mesmerizing sunsets, all from the comfort of your RV, camper, or campsite. Spacious Grounds: Ample space to accommodate your RV or camper, with well-maintained grounds perfect for pitching a tent and enjoying the great outdoors. Secluded Serenity: Immerse yourself in the tranquility of nature, with the peace and privacy you desire. Outdoor Activities: Explore nearby hiking trails, mountain biking paths, and nature walks, or simply relax and take in the stunning surroundings. Convenient Amenities: Easy access to essential amenities while still feeling miles away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Why Choose Idyllwild? Idyllwild is a charming mountain town known for its artistic community, vibrant culture, and breathtaking landscapes. Experience the best of both worlds: the comforts of modern living and the untouched beauty of nature. Perfect for: RV Enthusiasts: Enjoy a picturesque spot to park your RV with all the comforts of home. Camping Lovers: Set up your tent and immerse yourself in the natural beauty and star-filled skies. Adventure Seekers: Use our property as a basecamp for your outdoor adventures, from hiking and rock climbing to wildlife spotting. Don't miss out on this unique opportunity to escape to your own slice of paradise in Idyllwild. Book now and start making memories that will last a lifetime!
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$25
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94%
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Get Lost Inn - Cabin Rentals

37 sites · Lodging1 acre · Running Springs, CA
Escape to the San Bernardino mountains and experience the ultimate mountain retreat! Whether you're looking for a cozy cabin for a romantic getaway, or a spacious lodge for a family vacation, we've got you covered. With a dozen stunning cabins to choose from, we offer the perfect accommodation for all seasons and activities. Embrace the winter wonderland with skiing and snowboarding, or explore the great outdoors with hiking, rock climbing, and fishing. Or simply unwind and relax in the serene mountain surroundings. Our cabins are conveniently located in Green Valley Lake, Big Bear, Running Springs, and Lake Arrowhead, each offering its own unique charm and adventure. Let us be your host and create unforgettable memories that will last a lifetime. Book your stay with us today and discover the magic of the San Bernardino mountains!
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$152
 / night
100%
(8)

Bear Hollow Camp Site

3 sites · Tents3 acres · Sugarloaf, CA
Property is located in an idyllic canyon among ponderosa and Jeffrey pine forest. We are surrounded by national forest offering unparalleled privacy and serenity. There is absolutely no smoking on property. The area is surrounded by trees and wildlife and susceptible to spark. Again, absolutely no smoking. Propane ONLY firepit and grill access - please bring your own propane or you can purchase from us thru "extras". Please note: 1. This is also a working farm/homestead with chickens, some ducks, a cat and a well trained GSP dog. We do get the occasional wild burro. 2. If you are bringing a pet please let us know - our acreage is NOT fenced in and there are wild animals (coyotes bears burros etc).. 3. There is absolutely no smoking on property. The area is surrounded by trees and wildlife and susceptible to spark. Again, absolutely no smoking.
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$65
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100%
(41)

Serene forest privacy for 4WD

3 sites · RVs, Tents12 acres · Idyllwild, CA
Learn more about this land: Beautiful private land. Mostly undeveloped, rugged, forest. 4WD accessible cleared areas for tent sites or Jeep-top tents. Canvas tent available. Container cabin for those looking for a little less rugged accomodations. You can relax, and hike nearby trails during the day (some walking distance, some driving distance), mountain bike, or hit nearby climbing spots. Maybe you want to go into town 2 miles away and enjoy local art, music, or just the eclectic vibe of Idyllwild. Come back and star gaze in the evening. Fires are NOT allowed under ANY circumstances. Propane backpacking stoves or self contained camp stoves only. Quiet hours enforced after 8pm. Guests who are making loud noise may be asked to leave and not refunded. Composting toilet available in camping area. Bring your own tent or stay in our canvas tent (bring your own bedding). Host on-site or nearby. Wi-Fi not reliable in area.
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$45
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94%
(17)

Idyllwild Geodesic Dome Experience

2 sites · Lodging1 acre · Idyllwild Pine Cove, CA
Pine Cove is nestled just above the town of Idyllwild. Only a mile and a half away, Pine Cove boasts considerably more snow in the winter because of its almost thousand foot rise in elevation in that short distance. Moon Pine Cabin is nestled on a quiet street, just off the beaten-path, but oh-so-worth-it. Join us in the forest for a beautiful, unique experience. Our 16-foot geodesic dome was built on a secluded portion of the property. This is a studio with a queen bed and a sofa bed that folds out to a full size bed. Please note this is truly a glamping experience but we have done our best to offer some amenities and make it as comfortable as possible. This is perfect for a couple or small family looking for a luxury camping experience. We are a short 5-minute drive to downtown Idyllwild. There are hiking trails within walking distance from the property. Or choose to get away from it all with a peaceful visit to Moon Pine Cabin. Immerse yourself amongst the trees in this cozy cabin with multi-level views that can be enjoyed from the sweeping deck perched in the trees or the elevated yoga deck, off of the master bedroom. Relish the quiet seclusion where you and your loved ones can soak up the forest without ever having to leave the property. Glamp Site Offerings: Grill and grill utensils, sink with running water, shower with hot water, composting toilet, cups, plates and basic silverware, small yeti cooler. ***This stay is non-refundable. By booking you understand all the risks involved with a camping experience. Including but not limited to: weather, snow, ice, insects, animals and so on.*** Be sure to check the weather in advance and dress accordingly. We’d like to draw your attention to the 4-WHEEL DRIVE REQUIREMENT for all guests at Moon Pine for the months between November and March. Moon Pine Cabin is located on an unpaved, unplowed, unmaintained mountain road. Moon Pine and its affiliates are not responsible for any stuck or damaged vehicles due to road or weather conditions. BOOK AT YOUR OWN RISK in the WINTER months! EXPERIENCED CAMPERS ONLY. There will be NO running water from November until March due to freezing temperatures. Please plan on bringing your own water in throughout these months! A note on the composting toilet: this is a bucket toilet system with sawdust as a cover material. The toilet is outside and in the elements. Small dogs are allowed. We do have some restrictions so please provide the size and breed before booking! ($50 pet fee will apply) Please feel free to message us with any additional questions!
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$180
 / night

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Other options near Big Bear City

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Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field
Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

Forest camping near Big Bear City guide

Overview

Welcome to Hipcamp, your go-to website for camping adventures in the United States! If you're looking to escape to the forest near Big Bear City, California, we've got you covered with over 999 options tailored to your activity and terrain preference. Whether you're into horseback riding, boating, or snow sports, you'll find the perfect campsite for your outdoor pursuits. Check out some of our top campsites like Magical Harrison Serenity Ranch (518 reviews), Holcomb Valley Ranch (470 reviews), and Splitrock Farm and Retreat (320 reviews) for some tried-and-true camping experiences. And with popular amenities like campfires, showers, and toilets, you'll have all the comforts of home while immersing yourself in nature. So pack your bags and get ready for an unforgettable camping trip starting at just $17 per night!