Camping near Big Bear Lake, California with swimming

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

93% (3880 reviews)

Popular camping styles for Big Bear Lake

Under $50

Star Hosts in Big Bear Lake

12 top campgrounds near Big Bear Lake with swimming

93%
(283)

Deep Creek Hot Springs Campground

27 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents160 acres · Lake Arrowhead, San Bernardino
The Deep Creek Hot Springs Campground is located on a beautiful 160-acre property known as the Bowen Ranch, amidst iconic Joshua Trees and ancient Junipers. Situated on the edge of the San Bernardino Mountains in the Mojave Desert, this rural off-the-grid property is surrounded by thousands of acres of pristine undeveloped land managed by the BLM and USFS, making it the perfect place to escape the city and appreciate nature at it's finest. Not only can you be outgoing and adventurous while staying on our property, but you can relax and recharge with us here, too! Staying on this rural 160 acre slice of nature allows one to escape the sounds and stresses of the city and become one with nature. The desert can be very peaceful and healing to the soul, and our property provides just enough privacy and plenty of nature to help you forget about all of your worries for a brief moment. This privately owned property is the closest in proximity to the Deep Creek Hot Springs and has been used as a camp and access point to the Deep Creek canyon and hot springs for nearly 100 years. The Deep Creek Canyon also offers gold panning, swimming holes and excellent fishing as it winds 12 miles through the canyon. This unique property is the perfect place for friends to gather and celebrate, or hold your special private event, either in our general camping area, glamping and recreation tent area, private group area, or at the private spring pool site located right on the property. We can accommodate approximately 300 people and 90 vehicles.All sites have a picnic table and a fire pit (grills available and firewood for sale on site), and room to set up 3-4 tents and park 3-4 cars. Large private group sites and private event venue rental available for up to 300+. Warnings: Must drive 6-mile dirt road to access, intermittent cell service, very rural area 12 miles from services, possible encounters with wild animals/insect swarms and unhospitable neighbors on occasion.
from 
$45
 / night
93%
(138)

Get Lost Inn - Cabin Rentals

35 sites · Lodging1 acre · Running Springs, San Bernardino
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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$144
 / night
98%
(23)

Mineral Spring Date Farm

3 sites · Lodging10 acres · Desert Hot Springs, Riverside
Get cozy and settle into this rustic space. This place with its own private naturally mineral spring soak tub located in a private 10-acre Date Palm Nursery 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.
from 
$145
 / night
95%
(716)

The Castle House: Estate

12 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents20 acres · Joshua Tree, San Bernardino
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!
from 
$75
 / night
85%
(71)

Sky Ranch in Big Bear

5 sites · Lodging5 acres · Big Bear, San Bernardino
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. -------------------------------- * Yes, dogs can come too! * During holidays, we may ask a 3-night minimum stay. * For special events, see calendar at Big Bear website. -------------------------------- 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. * * * 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. ------------------------------ (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。 ------------------------------ 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. ------------------------------ 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.
from 
$199
 / night
99%
(176)

Mosaic Springs Resort

5 sites · Lodging1 acre · Desert Hot Springs, Riverside
MOSAIC SPRINGS RESORT The perfect getaway in the Coachella Valley sun is waiting for you at Mosaic Springs Resort - a relaxing desert acreage between Palm Springs and Joshua Tree National Park. Our little piece of paradise offers beautiful views of both the San Jacinto and San Gorgonio mountains, a firepit under the stars (s’mores included), 24/7 access to the Coffee Bar next to a trickling waterfall and koi pond, hammocks, yoga areas, outdoor games, our friendly dog, Jessie,and chickens to welcome you to your vacation. Less than a mile away are world-class but affordable mineral spas, or drive a short fifteen minutes to vibrant downtown Palm Springs for shopping and sightseeing. The adventurer in you can be satisfied with nature walks, hiking, and rock climbing in nearby Joshua Tree National Park. Experience the Desert Hot Springs area’s “energy vortex” of mineral springs, the San Andreas fault line, and windmills generating renewable energy. Be sure to keep your own energy renewed in the desert heat with evaporative coolers blowing refreshingly cool, moist air inside each tent and cold water provided in outdoor areas. In the winter months, we provide electric blankets for a cozy, comfortable sleep! A full bath (with complete hot/cold plumbing) plus an additional half bath are provided with easy access from the tents. We hope to see you soon at Mosaic Springs Resort - the hottest spot in Southern California! ABOUT YOUR HOSTS Matt and Diana were raised on Midwestern hospitality, and they enjoy offering it to you in a peaceful desert getaway. Married for 25 years, they both add their own special touches to the retreat. Diana's love for interior decorating flows through the areas with vibrant colors, convenient amenities and comfortable features that help you feel right at home...even in details like special treats for that late-night snack. You'll see Matt's creativity as a writer and producer in some original artwork and his love for unique, custom-made yard games and putting greens. Having launched three children into adulthood, they have looked forward to this time of using their freedom and talents to provide you with a pleasant, private place to rest and relax. Diana's professional background spans business development, real estate and education while Matt's includes marketing, copywriting, producing and business startups. They look forward to hosting you soon!
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$99
 / night
97%
(1113)

The Lovelight Ranch

19 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents5 acres · Desert Hot Springs, Riverside
The Lovelight Ranch is our 5-acre hippie paradise, centrally located in the Coachella Valley. We are near the amazing 1000 Palms Oasis and Coachella Valley Preserve for great day hikes and wildlife viewing, and also near the splendors of Joshua Tree and the high desert. We are happy to offer fun & relaxing activity Experiences such as the Tepee Sound Bath experience, DrumCircle and Didgeridoo experiences, Artistic Endeavor experiences. Sharing makes us Happy and we hope you will choose an Experience or two to enhance your visit and interests. We are within a half hours drive of Palm Springs, recently voted the hippest mid-sized city in the country and Coachella, home of the Coachella and StageCoach Festivals and not so far from the ever amazing Joshua Tree Festival . We are also very near Sam's Hot Water Spa, a chemical free hot springs soaking experience which is the perfect ending to a day of hiking, climbing or just sight-seeing. We have a Pool & Deck , A Horseshoe Pit, Nice Shady Hangouts and plenty to look at in every direction. We offer accommodations ranging from Elevated SkyDecks to SubTerrainian Glamping spots RV spaces as well as Basic Tensite camping . - Please check out our offerings for your Desert camping visits. Guests love staying here: "We had the most amazing time at Mikey’s place. Spiritual, reflective, and beautiful. The dogs and Rocky were the best! Mountain Views didn’t hurt (; we will definitely be back; Mikey was a welcoming and generous host. We stayed in Desert Isle and had a mystical time. You won’t regret staying here!"
from 
$45
 / night
92%
(30)

Constantin A.’s Land

5 sites · Lodging5 acres · Landers, San Bernardino
from 
$90
 / night
95%
(52)

The Engels Nest

1 site · Lodging1 acre · Green Valley Lake, San Bernardino
Been coming to this magical part of the San bernardino mountains since I was a little girl. I learned to ski here when there was an old ski hill and tow ropes! Lots of mountain trails to hit! My Father and Grandfather both spent time here and nothing has changed!
from 
$200
 / night
100%
(19)

JT High desert Hideout

4 sites · Lodging3 acres · Joshua Tree, San Bernardino
This place exemplifies what is magic about Joshua Tree. The sites are fun and electric. We are on 2 5 acres of western style ranch. Views from the pool deck. Fun horseshoes, movie theater, pool table, and stargazing. Close to Joshua Tree Natl Park. Beautiful views of Big Bear Mtn. Dog friendly
from 
$90
 / night
97%
(176)

DragonflyHill Desert Farm

15 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents3 acres · Desert Hot Springs, Riverside
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: In the days leading up to your trip we will send you specific driving directions as gps apps to our location are often wrong. Once in the gate, stay on the driveway and meet you 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 professionally twice a week & is chlorinated. The pool pond is not cleaned daily and is shared with wildlife. 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. 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 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.
from 
$30
 / night
97%
(37)

Lakeshore Retreat

1 site · RV, Tent1 acre · Lake Elsinore, Riverside
Enjoy a private lakefront camping area on Lake Elsinore. You will never get tired of the beautiful sunsets, night sky, or all the water-sports on the lake. Historic downtown is just minutes away where you will find restaurants, and stores all within walking distance. Perfect place for a basecamp for nearby hiking, biking, off-roading. Amenities include private dock, potable water, deluxe porta-potty, fire ring, 2 picnic tables(under a 10' x 10' canopy with water mister), and some shady trees🌴
from 
$80
 / night

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Camping near Big Bear Lake with swimming guide

Looking to go camping near Big Bear Lake, California and take a refreshing swim? Look no further than Hipcamp! With over 860 options specifically in that area, you'll find the perfect campsite to suit your swimming needs. Whether you're looking for a lakeside spot or a secluded swimming hole, Hipcamp has got you covered. Check out top-rated sites like Down-to-Earth Ecoshire (552 reviews), The Lovelight Ranch (532 reviews), and THE PRESERVE (274 reviews) for an unforgettable swimming getaway. Plus, you'll have access to popular amenities like campfires, potable water, and toilets. So dive in and start planning your swimming adventure today!

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