River, stream, or creek camping near Big Bear Lake

Play outside, no matter the season, in this San Bernardino National Forest community.

87% (400 reviews)
87% (400 reviews)

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9 top river, stream, or creek campgrounds near Big Bear Lake

88%
(90)

High Desert Hot Spring Hideout

17 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents160 acres · Lake Arrowhead, CA
Nestled in the mountains of the high desert, we invite you to come stay in a peaceful serene setting, where you can relax & recharge with us here in the desert and release yourself from the burdens currently placed on you for a brief moment. Staying on this rural 160 acre slice of nature allows one to escape the sounds and stresses of the city and immerse yourself in nature, where beautiful natural desert scenery and mountain views surround you. Bordering 1000's of acres of natural undeveloped BLM and USFS land. The property's rural location provides abundant opportunities to view unique and spectacular wildlife right from your campsite or on one of the numerous hiking and OHV trails in the area. 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. Although children are permitted on the property, 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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$44.99
 / night
98%
(102)

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
 / night
93%
(61)

Deep Creek Hot Springs Campground

33 sites · RVs, Tents161 acres · Apple Valley, CA
Rural 160 acre homestead property located in the mountains of the Mojave Desert, next to the Deep Creek Hot Springs. This off the grid property is surrounded by 1,000s of acres of undeveloped BLM and US Forestry land, providing endless views of the San Bernardino mountains and high desert scenery, Numerous hiking and OHV offroad trails right off the property. The 6 mile dirt road can be bumpy, but a 4WD isa not necessary. Low profile vehicles and large trailers Park your car, truck/trailer or RV right at one of our developed campsites that has a patch of turf, picnic tables and fire pits (grills available). Flushing toilets, pits toilets, potable water, and showers on site. *Warning! The hike to the Deep Creek Hot Springs is fairly steep and can be difficult for some people, especially in warm weather, so everyone’s physical fitness needs to be considered when deciding to hike to the hot springs with pets, children, elderly people, or out-of-shape/over-weight people in your group. Even though Deep Creek has never had any known cases of amoeba outbreaks, be advised that the warm waters around hot springs can carry a sometimes fatal amoeba. *Although children are permitted at most sites on the property (children are not permitted at the cabin or spring pool sites), we do not recommend bringing them due to occasional nudity that may be seen in the area and the degree of difficulty for the hike. In order to be prepared with the correct gear to make the hike to the hot springs 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! The Deep Creek Hot Springs Campground is part of the historic Bowen Ranch property that was homesteaded in 1924 and has been the camping and parking area for the Deep Creek Hot Springs for nearly a century. The Bowen Ranch property is under new ownership as of 2020. See our webpage deepcreekhotspringscampground.com for more information and detailed driving directions to our property.
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$54.99
 / night
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
 / night
99%
(136)

Creekside Vintage Cabins w/hot tubs

3 sites · Lodging1 acre · Forest Falls, CA
Two Cabins to choose from, each with its own vintage charm. Both on the same dirt road across the street from each other, separate properties, both with their own private hot tubs, kitchen, claw foot tub in bathroom, heating. Rent separate or rent both and bring your friends! Here are the special additions at each cabin: Creekside Cabin: 468 sq. ft, a beautiful deck backing up to the national forest, with propane fire pit(you supply your own propane tank), and charcoal bbq(you bring your own charcoal), overlooking fresh water creek, outdoor shower, large fireplace, open floor plan, living room with cozy queen bed, open to upstairs loft 2 full beds, and a twin bed. This cabin has the option to add the vintage trailer in the driveway June - October only as an additional space. Does not have electricity, bathroom or heating for $75 per day. Trailer not available other times of the year due to cold night temps. Vintage 1937 Cabin: larger indoor space 1304 sq. ft. , a rock front patio, Wood stove in living room, open to upstairs loft 2 full beds, private large bedroom with another wood stove w/ queen bed and twin fold out couch, laundry room, enclosed patio with gas bbq, and a charcoal bbq on front patio(you supply your own charcoal).. Both cabins: Require 4 wheel drive and chains or two wheel drive and chains during winter storm snow days due to remote location. Big falls waterfall is just a short hike away, as well as the trailhead for Vivian creek Trail. Come spend time nestled in the Coulter Pines, oaks, and maple trees. Your neighbors are raccoons, and bears, property is situated on the edge of the San Bernardino National Forest at the top of the mountain. You truly feel like you're in the high Sierras just 1.5 hours from Los Angeles. Big Bear Lake is a 45 minute drive away. In town you will find Elkhorn General Store and El Mexicano Mexican Restaurant, both close early:). San Bernardino County Short Term Residential Rental Unit Permit CESTRP-2022-00524
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$233.75
 / night
100%
(22)

Camp Durrwood

9 sites · Tents29 acres · Big Bear City, CA
Camp Durrwood is a 29-acre pristine wilderness nestled in the San Bernardino National Forest, offering an unforgettable outdoor experience. Your group will have exclusive access to all of our amenities, including a comfortable RV for lounging, picnic tables, hammocks, horseshoes, corn hole, and numerous hiking trails starting from the campground. Our property includes a porta potty, but no showers. Camp Durrwood has over 10 possible dispersed campsites for tents and ample room for overlanders, RVs, and campervans. We are conveniently located just 2 miles from the Santa Ana River, 5 miles from Jenks Lake, and only a 25-minute drive to Big Bear, making Durrwood the perfect private retreat for your group. Durrwood is the ideal destination for families, company retreats, club meetups, church groups, girls and boy scouts, and any other groups looking to reconnect with nature. Our beautiful surroundings and wide range of activities make us the perfect choice for your next group gathering. Please note there is no water on the property so make sure to bring your own.
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$300
 / night
100%
(1)

Wild Wash Regenerative Ranch

1 site · Tent5 acres · Silver Lakes, CA
Escape to a living oasis on our family land lab in the middle of the Great Mojave Desert! Located right off Historic Route 66, Wild Wash Ranch is situated at the top of a hill boasting 360 degree views of the Mojave River to the West, The San Bernardino Mountains to the South, Silver Lakes to the North, and the vast open desert to the East. THIS IS A WORKING REGENERATIVE FARM. We harvest rainwater from our farm structures, produce our own energy, grow and raise fruit trees, fodder trees, native plants, chickens, rabbits, and dogs. Our farm is carefully managed every day in order to ensure a regenerative future of local ecological resilience. We welcome anyone interested in learning about and participating in protecting our desert and working with nature to produce abundance for all! Less than 5 miles away from the farm is the community of Silver Lakes, with grocery stores, restaurants, beaches, and parks. Very close by you’ll find famous Route 66 attractions such as Elmers Bottle Ranch, Cross Eyed Cow Pizza, and Antique Station. Locals in this area also frequent nearby attractions such as Palisades Ranch, Deep Creek Hot Springs, and Silverwood Lake. Immerse yourself in the future of farming at our evolving, experimental ranch, where dryland innovation meets off-grid charm. Unplug, unwind, and witness the beauty of dynamic desert resilience as you explore our rolling landscape. Watch the sunset over the Mojave River, camp under the stars and join us on a journey to redefine sustainable living – a unique adventure awaits on this eco-friendly retreat! Wild Wash Ranch is a working regenerative farm serving as the flagship demonstration site for Seeds Of Succession, a permaculture nonprofit working to empower local communities through land stewardship practices aimed toward reversing desertification, and promoting food sovereignty. Fire pit, firewood, and outdoor seating provided, as well as a rocket stove for quick, fuel efficient outdoor cooking so you won’t have to miss the sunset to prepare dinner!
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$25
 / night

Arrowhead Tree Top Lodge

20 sites · Lodging2 acres · Lake Arrowhead, CA
Located on the heart of the forest, surrounded by the scent of pine, cedar and dogwood trees and fresh, pure air at an altitude of 5,100 feet, Arrowhead Tree Top Lodge offers our guests an opportunity to rejuvenate and relax away from the everyday routine. The serenity and beauty of the natural environment here is unparalleled. Our quaint Lodge is an excellent choice for your perfect getaway from the city, but not from modern conveniences. Our architecture is sensitive to the topography and integrates seamlessly into the existing natural environment. With the stunning scenery and wildlife comes a natural peacefulness. Whether you are looking for rest, relaxation, a romantic getaway from “the flatlands”or the thrill of being at one with Mother Nature and all she has to offer in our Nature Trail, you are sure to find it here at Arrowhead Tree Top Lodge. Our promise to our guests: Our rustic alpine rooms are both comfortable and spacious. A true home away from home. Your stay will be extraordinary and relaxing. We will provide you with old-fashioned personal service. The beautiful Lake Arrowhead Village community offers countless recreational activities, such as hiking, backpacking, bicycling, lake tours, water and snow skiing, fishing, horseback riding, performing arts, galleries, fine dining, golf, and so much more!
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$118.30
 / night
Value Prop
Value Prop
Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field
Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

River, stream, or creek camping near Big Bear Lake guide

Overview

Welcome to Hipcamp, your go-to website for camping adventures in the United States! Whether you're an experienced outdoors enthusiast or a first-time camper, we've got you covered. With over 620 options near Big Bear Lake, California that offer a river experience, you're sure to find the perfect spot to relax and reconnect with nature. Looking for top-rated campsites? Check out Splitrock Farm and Retreat (320 reviews), Bailes Farm (209 reviews), and Diana's Descanso Camp (138 reviews). Plus, with popular amenities like potable water, showers, and toilets, you can enjoy the comforts of home while immersing yourself in the great outdoors. Get ready for an unforgettable camping experience filled with boating, paddling, and climbing. Average price per night is $55, with options as low as $17. Start planning your trip now and book your dream camping spot on Hipcamp!

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