Desert camping near Big Bear Lake
Play outside, no matter the season, in this San Bernardino National Forest community.
95% (4958 reviews)
- Big Bear Lake
95% (4958 reviews)
Popular camping styles for Big Bear Lake
Star Hosts in Big Bear Lake
Under $50
12 top desert campgrounds near Big Bear Lake
94%
(613)
Historic Pioneertown Campground
70 sites · RVs, Tents6 acres · Pioneertown, CA
Pioneertown was built in 1946 as a movie set for Western movies, including the movies of Gene Autry, The Cisco Kid, Annie Oakley, Judge Roy Bean, and Buffalo Bill, just to name a few!Wild West re-enactment performances take place along Mane Street in Pioneertown on weekend afternoons, between early spring and late fall.Learn more about this land:Camp under the stars in historic Pioneertown! Pioneertown Corrals provides a unique setting for campers who want to spend their vacations or getaway weekends in this peaceful desert setting. If you like to ride the trails, barbeque, sit around a campfire, and stargaze in the evening, then you've come to the right place!Pioneertown was built in 1946 as a movie set for Western movies, including the movies of Gene Autry, The Cisco Kid, Annie Oakley, Judge Roy Bean, and Buffalo Bill, just to name a few!Wild West re-enactment performances take place along Mane Street in Pioneertown on weekend afternoons, between early spring and late fall.
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$30
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86%
(35)
High Desert Hot Spring Hideout
13 sites · RVs, Tents160 acres · Lake Arrowhead, CA
This property is the perfect place to escape the city and immerse yourself in nature. Nestled in the mountains of the high desert, we invite you to come stay in a peaceful serene setting, where beautiful natural desert scenery and mountain views surround you. The 40 minute hike to the Deep Creek Hot Springs is well worth the effort, and there's so much more natural beauty to see as you explore miles of hiking and OHV trails nearby and right on the property. Weather can be extreme at times, with Winter temps ranging from 20*F to 40* F, and Summer temps peaking at 112F. The cold creek water in the Deep Creek canyon flows all year around, and the 6 creek-side hot spring pools are always full and consistently hot all year around, ranging in temperatures between 90F-108F. The hike to the Deep Creek Hot Springs is fairly steep and can be difficult for some people, especially in warm weather. In order to be prepared with the correct gear to make this hike and know the USFS rules that apply to the area, please educate yourself before coming by visiting the USFS website page for the Deep Creek area and our webpage for the Deep Creek Hot Springs Campground for detailed driving directions to the official trailhead located right on our property. You won't get lost if you park on our property and hike from the trailhead, so make sure you go to the right address. Know before you go!
Generally, reservations are not necessary to set up a tent site, but we have a more private area set aside for hipcamp reservations that has separate facilities from the general camping area. We do not recommend bringing children due to occasional nudity that may be seen in the area and the degree of difficulty for the hike. The hike to the hot springs is fairly difficult and everyone’s physical fitness needs to be considered when deciding to take pets, or have children, elderly people, or out-of-shape/over-weight people in your group.
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$22.99
/ night
85%
(13)
Off the Grid Hot Springs Camping
11 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents180 acres · Lake Arrowhead, CA
Located on a rural off the grid property near the Deep Creek Hot Springs, this 160 acre property is the perfect place to escape the city and immerse yourself in nature. Nestled in the mountains of the high desert, come camp and enjoy yourself in a peaceful setting where beautiful natural desert scenery and mountain views surround you. The natural high desert landscape of junipers, joshua trees, chaparral and sages, combined with the nearby San Bernardino mountains in the background, create an amazing 360* view from just about anywhere on our land. This private homestead property is located 6 miles off the pavement, just far enough to escape the sounds and lights of the city, and is surrounded by 1,000's of acres of undeveloped government managed lands. The natural rural setting creates a serene atmosphere on the property that allows one to easily relax and recharge. You can set up your own tent and campsite or rent one of our furnished glamping tents to stay in when you come to visit. Have a special event coming up or just want to celebrate? Check out our private hot spring pool sites and private cold spring pool sites we have available for up to 300 guests. There is plenty of activities nearby to keep yourself occupied, such as nature watching right on the property, or exploring numerous hiking and ohv trails just off the property. With the trailhead starting on the property, the Deep Creek Hot Springs is just a short hike away, and well worth the effort, with nearby fishing and gold panning along the creek as well. Deep Creek flows all year around, and the 6 creek-side hot spring pools are always full and consistently hot all year around, ranging in temperatures between 90F-108F. The hike to the Deep Creek Hot Springs is steep in places and can be fairly difficult for some people, especially in warm weather. In order to be prepared with the correct gear to make this hike and know the USFS rules that apply to the area, please educate yourself before coming by visiting the USFS website page for the Deep Creek area. Know before you go!
*Although children are permitted to be on the property, we do not recommend bringing them due to occasional nudity that may be seen in the area and the degree of difficulty of the hike. The hike to the hot springs is fairly difficult and everyone’s physical fitness needs to be considered when deciding to take children, elderly people, or over-weight people.
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$23.99
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98%
(1085)
Desert Rose Collective
19 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents5 acres · Morongo Valley, CA
The Desert Rose Collective is a work in progress and is ever-changing!
This unique property is being transformed into a truly 'hip' camp.
It features a sun shade structure with a bar, an outdoor kitchen, a semi-outdoor bathroom, a shower room, and plenty of seating and shaded areas to relax and enjoy the fabulous views.
Both days and nights are amazing from the location of this unforgettable property in the canyon.
Check out additional information under our Camping, RV, and Tent Cabin listings.
We look forward to your booking and to meeting you at the Desert Rose Collective!
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$20
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95%
(760)
The Castle House: Estate
12 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents20 acres · Joshua Tree, CA
Units designed to make the everyday extraordinary.
Step into a realm where luxury meets rugged beauty at The Castle House: Estate, your gateway to the ULTIMATE "GLAMPING" experience! As seen on HGTV, our tiny home oasis in Joshua Tree redefines accommodation with a unique medieval twist, seamlessly blending indoor-outdoor living and exceptional entertainment. Nestled in the heart of Joshua Tree and just minutes away from the awe-inspiring Joshua Tree National Park, The Castle House: Estate stands as a testament to opulence in the desert.
Set on 12 picturesque acres, surrounded by vast private undeveloped land, our estate offers an unparalleled sense of tranquility and exclusivity. Experience a stay like no other in our award-winning haven, recognized with The BNB's prestigious Traveler Best Reviewed Property.
But the enchantment doesn't end there—immerse yourself in the rejuvenating embrace of our tiered hexagonal aqua blue cowboy pool, strategically placed on a stunning IPE wood deck. This artistic oasis is a visual masterpiece, inviting you to bask in the sun or stargaze by night. Indulge in the luxury of our room service, available until midnight, offering a curated selection of local fare to tantalize your taste buds. At The Castle House: Estate, we redefine glamping by marrying comfort and adventure, creating an unforgettable escape that transcends the ordinary. Elevate your stay, reinvent yourself, and make memories that last a lifetime at The Castle House: Estate—where every moment is a masterpiece waiting to unfold. Book your extraordinary desert retreat now and be a part of an experience that's truly fit for royalty!
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$75
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97%
(29)
Joshua Tree Lake RV & Campground
107 sites · RVs, Tents20 acres · Joshua Tree, CA
Welcome to Joshua Tree Lake RV & Campground, your go-to destination for a unique and memorable camping experience in Joshua Tree. This family-owned and operated park offers breathtaking views from its 2,300 ft elevation, showcasing the beauty of the Mojave Desert and the surrounding mountains.
Whether you're an outdoor enthusiast looking to explore the area or simply seeking a peaceful retreat, Joshua Tree Lake RV and Campground has something for everyone. With panoramic views of the North face of Joshua Tree National Park, the ancient Copper Mountain Hills to the North and East, and exceptional desert vistas, you'll be surrounded by breathtaking landscapes wherever you look.
Office Hours: 8:30 - 8 Sunday - Thursday
8:30 - 9 Friday and Saturday
Check-in Begins at 12 PM. Checkout is at 11 AM.
The campground is situated on the southern edge of the Mojave Desert and boasts some of the best stargazing opportunities in the region. With clear, unpolluted skies, you can enjoy the magnificent night skies and immerse yourself in the beauty of the stars.
We want to make your stay as comfortable and enjoyable as possible, so please take note of the following guidelines: Swimming is not permitted in the fishing lake and there is no swimming pool available. Pet owners will be pleased to know that their furry friends are welcome, but there may be an additional fee added to the reservation. Wi-Fi is provided by a third-party company and a separate service fee applies. Please note that we cannot guarantee the speed, rate, or troubleshooting of the Wi-Fi service. For your convenience, a wash station for dishes is available on-site, and the Joshua Tree Laundromat is located 9 miles away in downtown Joshua Tree. For campfires, it is important to keep them contained inside the designated burn barrels and never leave them unattended. In the event of high winds, campfire, and BBQ use may be suspended for safety reasons.
So, pack your gear and head to Joshua Tree Lake RV & Campground, your favorite place to stay while you play in Joshua Tree. Experience the magic of the Mojave Desert and all its natural wonders, and create memories that will last a lifetime!
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$15
/ night
Lucerne Valley Yacht Club
2 sites · RVs, Tents8 acres · Lucerne Valley, CA
Desert/Mountain w/pond (Lucerne Valley/ Big Bear foothill) 3700 ft elev. 15 minute drive to top of pass Big Bear valley, 30 minutes to Big Bear village, overlooking Lucerne Valley. Desert flora , Joshua Tree landscape with cotton wood trees around campsite and pond. WiFi accessibility onsite. Swim-float in spring fed rustic Goldfish pond (no fishing). Potable Spring water on hose available. Adjoins Government land open to off-road trails and beautiful desert landscape hiking under mountains. Grocery-hardware-deli-ice cream Market/counter & restaurants, gas 6 miles down the road. Big Bear village 30 minutes Up the road! Dark starry night skies with wildlife visitors possible (roadrunners, woodpeckers, coyotes, donkeys, bobcats, snakes, tarantula possible). Fire-pit on site with wood, no toilet or trash collection, what you bring in you take/carry out. A very unique special location!
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$50
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85%
(71)
Sky Ranch in Big Bear
5 sites · Lodging5 acres · Big Bear, CA
This is a truly unique piece of land, for travelers who want to experience pure nature and the spirit of a bygone age.
The ranch sits at 7,000 feet, surrounded by towering old-growth Jeffrey pines. While nearly all the other camping spots in Big Bear Valley are packed tightly together, as soon as you enter our private five-acre Sky Ranch, you can discover true seclusion.
This land was homesteaded by a Swiss woman, who called it home from 1915 until 1988.
Step onto the broad wooden Star Deck, and you're looking at an alpine forest which has changed little since the Serrano Indians first arrived here 3,000 years ago. There are no homes visible -- and immediately adjacent to your camping spot, you'll find the trails of the San Bernardino National Forest, winding through hundreds of square miles of pure nature.
This property is quiet night and day, the perfect break from harried city life. The only sounds you're likely to hear are wind through the trees, and birds which glide from tree to tree. And when the brilliant colors of sunset subside, thousands of stars emerge to remind you of why the Milky Way got its name.
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* Yes, dogs can come too!
* During holidays, we may ask a 3-night minimum stay.
* For special events, see calendar at Big Bear website.
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The Sky Ranch is adjacent to hundreds of square miles of forest. The famous Pacific Crest Trail, which stretches 2,663 miles from Canada to Mexico, passes just east of us.
This land is a perfect retreat — whether you’re escaping the city or taking a break from a PCT trek. Even on big holiday weekends, you'll be completely isolated from traffic and crowds.
In the Summer, Big Bear Valley offers countless hiking trails, boating and fishing in the lake, mountain and road biking, horseback riding, golf, ziplining, the zoo, and many other outdoor activities. In Winter, there's skiing/boarding, snowshoeing, sledding, and more.
For kids, there's a "fort," swings, and a huge sandbox in a boat. They're also welcome to help feed our chickens. That's always a big hit! And we have a telescope for stargazing.
Some guests swear they can feel the spirits of the Native Americans and others who lived here. Is it real? You tell us.
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About Town:
The nearest stores and restaurants are within five minutes by car or bus. The center of Big Bear Lake is 10 to 20 minutes away, and offer scores of restaurants, boutiques, and galleries.
There are also two supermarkets, multiple drug stores, and a hospital.
Also within minutes by car/bus are...
> Two ski and snowboard resorts, Snow Summit and Bear Mountain, offering 26 lifts and 55 runs. There are excellent schools and family areas, as well as serious terrain parks and an Olympic-size halfpipe. This is where Shaun White learned to fly!
> Big Bear's famous alpine lake, which offers fishing, all forms of boating, and other water sports.
> Stanfield Marsh Boardwalk & Wildlife Preserve, where you can stroll the boardwalk, have a picnic in the gazebo, or just sit and enjoy the lake and mountain views.
> The U.S. Forest Service Discovery Center, which offers a variety of nature programs.
> A truly remarkable animal park -- one of only two alpine zoos in the U.S. -- housing grizzlies, wood bison, cougars, timber wolves, eagles, and much more.
> Big Bear Valley Museum. Although you're staying in one of the rarest historical homes in California, the museum has some great exhibits as well, including an example of a stamp mill which was used to crush gold ore in the era when this cabin was built.
> Bear Mountain Golf Course. At 7,000 feet, it's an entirely different game.
For those seeking a true wilderness adventure, the San Bernardino Mountains offer spectacular terrain. While the Serranos have called these mountains home for many centuries, Europeans didn't venture into this rugged land till 1850. It's one of the youngest mountain ranges in the world (in geological terms) and features scores of steep, challenging peaks, which stretch from the natural hot springs of Deep Creek in the west, to huge Yucca forests in the east.
11,500-foot Mount San Gorgonio, named by Spanish missionaries in the early 17th century, is at the center of the first designated wilderness area in America. Also known as "Old Greyback," San Gorgonio and the 11 surrounding peaks over 10,000 feet are home to an extremely rare herd of bighorn sheep.
The headwaters of the Santa Ana and Mojave rivers offer premier wild trout streams such as Bear Creek, accessible only by foot.
Hundreds of miles of unpaved National Forest roads offer every type of off-road experience -- ranging from an easy drive to Pioneertown, to the most radical 4WD trails imaginable (11 Difficults, six Most Difficults). The Cabin is right in the middle of the major routes.
After a day here, you may find it hard to believe that you're just 100 miles (and perhaps a century) away from Downtown Los Angeles.
Welcome.
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(See additional info below the Japanese.)
ロスアンゼルスから車で２時間、青い空と自然にかこまれ、静かでゆったりした時間を過ごすことができます。春、夏は美しいビッグベア湖でカイヤッキングや魚釣り、または数あるハイキングコースにチャレンジ。冬は、サミットとベアマウンテン、２つのスキー場でスキーやスノーボードを楽しんだ後、満天の星を見ながらジャクジーで疲れをいやすのはいかがですか？
ロスアンゼルス空港からの送迎も可能です。
その他、ご質問等ございましたら日本語でお気軽にお問い合わせ下さい。
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Useful Notes:
Dogs are always welcome, and a spacious dog corral is available. We do ask guests to pay an added fee of $5 per pup per day.
Propane stoves are OK, and we have a natural-gas BBQ grill available for use. Outdoor wood fires and/or lighter fluid are never allowed.
There is easy parking for any number of cars. RVs and trailers are no problem either. Total charges will depend of the number of guests and vehicles.
Cell phones on Verizon and Sprint will have coverage. The AT&T and T-Mobile networks still do not cover this area, however the wifi near our home enables calls/texts on most phones.
The public bus stop is a short walk. Surprisingly, it is possible to take public transit from any train station in SoCal all the way to our bus stop (and vice
versa). Cheaper than driving, and no worries about weather. Ask us for details.
If you're bringing kids, let us know the ages. You may get a discount. :)
For equestrians, we have a two-acre horse corral, plus hay barn and covered stall.
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Legal Note: Upon booking, you will gain access to a Ranch Manual, which includes the rental contract for your stay. Be sure to familiarize yourself with all terms in advance.
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$199
/ night
97%
(120)
Mineral Springs Date Farm
7 sites · Lodging20 acres · Desert Hot Springs, CA
Get cozy and settle into this rustic space. This is a working Date Farm that is above an aquifer with a natural mineral spring water well with soak tubs at each site located in a private 20-acre Date Farm with Mineral Springs. ~18 minutes from Downtown Palm Springs. * **Perfect late-night check in**
If you love traveling, nature, and adventure this place has features to help you maximize your travel experiences. Comfortable and right in the middle of the desert. Experience the best of both worlds.
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$99
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99%
(1787)
Down-to-Earth Ecoshire
248 sites · RVs, Tents35 acres · CA
Private 35 acre Private Land Restoration Project surrounded by rolling hills, mountain views and open sky.
The sunsets and sunrises are spectacular year round.
Stars and open skies that you'd be hard pressed to find anywhere else in southern California.
Just 15 minutes from Temecula wineries, 40 minutes from the alpine, artsy town of Idyllwild in the San Jacinto Mountains, and just 15 minutes from the 215 in Menifee toward Hemet.
Best to visit from early autumn to lush springtime where we have great wildflower blooms.
Cooperative managers Jim and Dawn host visitors who want to enjoy nature, participate in regenerative gardening all while off-setting their travel footprint. Fees go to our not for profit land restoration which includes planting trees, improving aquifers and enriching the soil.
The property is a owned by a restorative co-op (turning a former illegal dump into an oasis of hope) where we invite you to participate in creative local solutions to our larger global problems. * If your group is larger than six adults, pease visit our group listings page. If your group needs special privacy and sound requirements and you'd like to reserve the entirer property, you will need to contact us directly. * Spaces are available on a first come, first serve basis.
* Our visitor support pricing is $20 for the first person and $15 for all additional adults. Kids 6 - 12 are $5 per night. We don't want to charge for kids 6 and under, so do not include them in your booking. Thanks!
* Campfire rings are only in common clearing, designated and permitted areas. Please check for seasonal fire restrictions.
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$10
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98%
(61)
Sahara House
1 site · Lodging5 acres · Joshua Tree, CA
Relaxation awaits you at this 100% off the grid solar Sahara House. Watch the sun rise and set from your private deck equipped with lounge chairs . Stargaze while getting close to nature in the outdoor shower, or curl up on the couch and watch your favorite on demand movies in this modern desert home.
Enjoy the seclusion that 5 acres has to offer with just a short drive to the beauties of Joshua Tree and the surrounding cities. Enjoy the outdoors but all the amenities of home.
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$79
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100%
(4)
Cozy Corral RV Hook-ups
1 site · RV, Tent5 acres · Lucerne Valley, CA
Serene RV Hook-up with Full Amenities in Lucerne Valley.
Welcome to our tranquil retreat in Lucerne Valley, offering the perfect RV hook-up experience for off-roaders and adventurers seeking a peaceful oasis. Nestled amidst the picturesque desert landscape, our property provides a serene getaway with essential amenities, including water, electricity, and a convenient sewer dump station. Prepare to unwind and rejuvenate while enjoying the beauty of the Mojave Desert.
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$45
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Available this weekend
Dog-friendly getaways
Desert camping near Big Bear Lake guide
Overview
Looking to go camping near Big Bear Lake, California and explore the desert terrain? Hipcamp has over 2940 options available just for you! With options as low as $5 per night and an average price of $39 per night, you're sure to find the perfect campsite. Check out top campsites like The Desert Rose Collective (378 reviews), The Lovelight Ranch (532 reviews), and Down-to-Earth Ecoshire (552 reviews) for a great camping experience. Enjoy popular amenities such as showers, trash, and toilets, and engage in activities like wildlife watching, hiking, and horseback riding. Happy camping!
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