Big Bear Lake Southern California

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Big Bear California is a year round mountain playground located in the San Bernardino mountains of Southern California. During the summer visitors enjoy camping, swimming, fishing, mountain biking and hiking. Winter time, when Big Bear is covered in snow, skiing, snow boarding and family snow fun are the main attractions. Big Bear Lake is the middle San Bernardino National Forest with miles of tree covered mountains in all directions. The lake was formed way back in 1884 when the Bear Valley Land and Water Company built a dam across the valleys creek. Today the reservoir is capable of holding 73,000 acre feet of water although it rarely ever gets that full. Big Bear Lake is perfect for boating and fishing and also boasts the Miss Liberty paddlewheel boat which takes visitors on a cruise around the lake. One of the most popular summer time activities at Big Bear is camping. The San Bernardino National Forest is perfect for a weekend or summer vacation camping trip. Camping is very affordable with rates starting at just $20.00 a night. If your looking for more comfort there are plenty of hotels with a rooms to fit every budget. Another option for staying in Big Bear is to rent a Cabin. Cabin rentals come in all sizes and run from bare essentials to extravagant mountain homes.

Things to and see Big Bear. One of your first stops if you have not been to Big Bear before is the visitor center, located at 630 Bartlett Road in the Village. The center has information, maps and activities in the Big Bear Valley. The main shopping district is Pine Knott Village which has art galleries, shops, restaurants and even a movie theatre. Pine Knot Marina is just a short walk away where you can get take a trip on the Miss Liberty paddle wheeler and tour Big Bear Lake. The marina also has boat rentals for fishing and sightseeing on the lake. You can also take the Snow Summit Scenic Sky Chair to the top of the mountain to enjoy the view or ride mountain bikes back down the hill. Winter when the mountains are covered with snow (natural of man made) Big Bear Valley is the best place to ski or snow board in Southern California. Any time of the year is a good time to visit Big Bear. A two hour drive from just about anywhere in Southern California take you from the smog and traffic to a clean mountain alpine valley. Big Bear is perfect for a day trip or a close to home vacation.

Big Bear Campgrounds

Pineknot Campground - Pineknot Campground is located in the San Bernardino mountains near Big Bear Lake. At an elevation of 6,900 feet the campground is situated in a fir, pine and oak forest setting. Popular activities include sight-seeing, shopping, mountain biking, hiking and fishing. A marina and water recreation areas are five miles from the campground.

Crab Flats Campground - Primitive campground is an off roaders paradise, with miles of off road trails for the beginner or the experienced rider. Located 8 miles from Green Valley Lake in the San Bernardino National Forest. Located in the San Bernardino Mountains, near the town of Arrowbear. Campground is situated in tall pine, oak and cedar trees on a dirt road. Valley Lake is approximately six miles away.

Green Valley Campground - Located near Arrowbear, the midway point between Lake Arrowhead and Big Bear. Green Valley lake, known for it's exceptional trout fishing, is located only blocks from this beautiful mountain campground. Great fishing at Green Valley Lake. This facility is operated by California Land Management.

Hanna Flat Campground - Hanna Flat Campground is located in the San Bernardino mountains, three miles from Big Bear Lake and situated in a pine forest. Popular activities in the area are hiking, mountain biking, boating and fishing. Markets and restaurants are within convenient driving distance.

Heart Bar Campground - Located near the San Gorgonio Wilderness in the pine trees. Firewood is for sale at the campground. Some campsites are available on a first come, first serve basis.

North Shore Arrowhead - North Shore campground is located 23 miles northeast of San Bernardino in the San Bernardino National Forest, 3 miles from Lake Arrowhead Viggage. Lake Gregory is 20 minutes away and offer fishing, boat rentals and a water slide park.

Big Pine Flats Campground - Located in the mountains in a pine forest at an elevation of 6820 feet. Accessible portable toilets, trash collection, water, and 4 horse corrals are provided. Nearest showers are at Serrano Campground. There are markets and restaurants in Fawnskin 7 miles away. Popular activities are hiking, biking, target shooting, and OHV trails nearby.

There are three ways to get to the lake: Option 1. State Hwy 330- Hwy 18 through Running Springs, the fastest and easiest route. Option 2. Highway 38 through Redlands longer rout but more scenic. Option 3. Highway 18 through the Lucerne Valley, less snow during storms and only has one steep climb to get to Big Bear.