If you are planning a road trip to southern California, consider RV camping at Big Bear Lake.
History of Big Bear Lake
Big Bear Lake, located in the San Bernardino Mountains, is a unique mountain resort community 100 miles northeast of Los Angeles. There are 21,000 full time residents, with many more people visiting both summer and winter. Winter boasts snow activities such as skiing and snowboarding. Summer boasts water activities such as boating and fishing, along with hiking, and horseback riding. The lake is actually a man-made lake, which originated from the smaller Baldwin Lake at the east end of the valley. Big Bear Lake has 22 miles of shoreline.
The name Big Bear Lake originated when Benjamin Davis Wilson and company rode into the valley and found it swarming with bears. The men divided into teams and went out and roped as many bears at they could and brought them back to camp. Story has it, that they had 11 bears roped and tied in camp at one time.
RV Traveling to Big Bear Lake
There are three routes to travel when RV camping at Big Bear Lake. The fastest and easiest route to the take is Highway 330/18 through Running Springs. The downside to this route is the traffic is heavy on weekends and holidays. The second option for travel is Highway 38 through Redlands. This route takes a bit longer, but is the most scenic and has less traffic. Highway 18 through Lucerne Valley has less snowfall and is the best option during a winter storm. This route also has less mountain travel and may be the best when driving an RV. Check the road conditions before you travel to plan the route you will take.
RV Camping at Big Bear Lake
Sleeping in the beautiful pine forest in the comfort of your RV is one of the best ways to enjoy RV camping at Big Bear Lake. Big Bear has two main RV parks to choose from, and according to their official website, "Big Bear Lake has the perfect accommodations for you." The U.S. Forest Service operates the two campgrounds in the area.
Holloway's Marina and RV
If you want to spend time boating and fishing, then camping at Holloways marina on the North shore of the lake is for you. The lake is an average of 70 degree Fahrenheit in the summer, but nearly frozen near the shoreline in the winter. Holloway's RV Park and Marina offers:
- Large level sites
- Full hook-ups
- Grills
- TV cable
- Convenience store
- Restrooms and showers
- Laundry room
- Propane
- Dump station
- Group camping
- Playgrounds
- Horseshoe pits
- Basketball court
- Trailer storage
- Party patio
- Boat slips
- Water sport rentals such as kayaks, jet skis, fishing boats etc
- Bait and tackle shop
- Launch ramp
Big Bear Discovery Center
There are several developed campgrounds within the Big Bear Discovery Center. Reservations are handled through the National Recreations Reservation Service. Reservations can be made 240 days in advance. Prices are reasonable at approximately between $10.00 and $38.00 a night. Camping is permitted seasonally. Campgrounds and details in the Big Bear Discovery Center are as follows:
- Big Pine Flat- water hookups, trash receptacles and pit toilets
- Hanna Flat-water hookup, flush toilets, must pack out your trash
- Holcomb Valley-No water, pit toilets, must pack out your trash
- Pine Knot: water hookup, handicap facilities, flush toilets
- Serrano: water hookup, handicap facilities, dump station, flush toilets and showers, electric hookups
Final Tips
- Bears are a common sight in Big Bear Lake.
- Store your food, beverages and toiletries in your car or a metal bear proof locker.
- When hiking, look for signs of bears and know how to react if you see one.
- Big Bear Lake has an online calendar of events so you can plan your trip around one of their annual activities.
