Council Group Campground
San Bernardino National Forest

Barton Flats, San Bernardino National Forest, CA
Barton Flats, San Bernardino National Forest, CA

Council Group Campground
San Bernardino National Forest


Council Group Campground

Council Group Campground is off Highway 38 in the San Bernardino National Forest, 35 miles east of the city of San Bernardino. Campers in the area have a variety of interesting trails to explore, including the Santa Ana River Trail and trails leading to nearby Jenks Lake. Anglers enjoy fishing at Jenks Lake while paddlers appreciate the still waters. Only non-motorized boats are permitted on the lake.

Council Group Campground is a single tent-camping site for up to 50 people and 10 vehicles in a mature pine forest. Amenities include 6 tables, 3 double pedestal grills, 2 single pedestal grills, and 2 camp fire rings. The campground requires a 2-day minimum stay on weekends and 3 days on holiday weekends.

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Council Group Campground Basics
Council Group Campground Location: 27 miles northeast of Redlands on Highway 38
Elevation: 6,360 feet
Mileage/Driving Time: Redlands - 27 miles; 39 minutes
Big Bear Lake - 27 miles; 37 minutes
Number of Campsites: 1
Campground Open: Late March - mid-November
Max. People per Site: 50 (including children)
Vehicles per Site: 10
Pets: On leash, always attended
Operated by Mountaintop Recreation for San Bernardino National Forest
Big Bear Discovery Center: (909) 382-2790

Reservations for Council Group Campground
Reservations required: Reservations are available whenever campground is open, from 24 hours to 12 months in advance of arrival date.
Maximum RV/Trailer Length: 20 feet
Accessible Sites: Entire facility is accessible.
Fees: $243 per night ($10 more on holiday weekends)
Reservations: Council Group Campground Reservations
Check-in, check-out: 2:00 PM, Noon

Council Group Campground Amenities
Campsites: Picnic tables, fire rings, pedestal grills, no hook-ups
Campground: Restrooms with vault toilets, tap water
Showers: No
Dump station: No, available at Barton Flats Campground, $10
Attractions near Council Group Campground:
  • Spend some time at the nearby Barton Flats Visitor Center.
  • Hike the 2½-mile Rio Monte Trail from the campground up to Rio Monte Panorama, overlooking the deep gorge of the Santa Ana River Valley.
  • Hike the short Jenks Lake Trail.
  • Enjoy non-motorized boating at Jenks Lake.
  • Fish at Jenks Lake for bass, bluegill, sunfish, and catfish.

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General Camping Information

Not all campsites can accommodate trailers or RVs of all lengths. Check carefully on the reservation site when you make your reservation to be sure your vehicle will fit your campsite.

Accessible Sites

Designated Accessible sites are usually reserved for people with disabilities who have a vehicle displaying an accessible parking placard or license plate.




Council Group Campground, San Bernardino National Forest, CA

Council Group Campground

San Bernardino National Forest
Attractions and Activities

Campers staying at Council Group Campground are close to many of the national forest's great attractions.

  • Make the ½-mile hike to Jenks Lake for fishing for bass, catfish, bluegill, and rainbow trout.
  • Set up at the Jenks Lake Day Use Area with restrooms, picnic sites, shore and dock fishing, and hiking.
  • Spend time at the nearby Barton Flats Visitor Center and participate in nature walks, interpretive programs, and an astronomy program. Attend the annual Forest Festival held in mid-August.
  • Pick fresh apples in the fall at nearby Stenson Creek Ranch.
  • Make the half-hour drive to popular Big Bear Lake and take advantage of boat rentals and get out on the lake for fishing, wakeboarding, and waterskiing.
  • Paddle along the lake's shoreline by paddleboard, canoe, or kayak.
  • Find out about everything around the Big Bear Lake area at the Big Bear Discovery Center
  • Enjoy excellent mountain biking and road cycling opportunities in the area.
  • During the summer Snow Summit has scenic Sky Chairlift rides, sight-seeing, hiking, mountain biking, and golf.
  • Join in the excitement at Alpine Slide. They have an alpine slide, a water slide, go-karts, and miniature golf.
  • Set out on a trail ride at Baldwin Lake Stables
  • Tour the interesting Big Bear Historical Museum.
  • Play a set or two of tennis or a round of golf.
  • For even more excitement, head out to Action Zipline Tours.

Key Council Group Campground Regulations

  1. Avoid problems with bears by securing food bear-proof containers or in your trunk or RV.
  2. Prevent the spread of invasive insects by obtaining firewood locally.
  3. Campfires are only permitted in provided fire rings.
  4. Quiet Hours run from 10:00 PM to 6:00 AM.
  5. Dogs are required to be on leash and always attended.

    Check San Bernardino National Forest - Council Group Campground for any campground updates.