Pineknot Campground is 1 mile from Big Bear Lake and near the town of Big Bear. Its convenient location makes it a popular destination for campers. Big Bear's picturesque setting is hard to match.
Big Bear Lake abounds with recreational activities and outstanding amenities. Virtually all kinds of boating are enjoyed on the lake from waterskiing and wakeboarding to kayaks and standup paddleboards. Around the lake marinas are plentiful, with boat rentals, launch ramps, and slips. Fishing is excellent for trout, bass, catfish, and carp. Several tour boats carry visitors around the lake.
On shore recreation activities are available to meet nearly everyone's interests, including hiking trails, golf courses, OHV adventures, and cycling. Local ski resorts set up for mountain bikers in the summer, while single-track rides are everywhere around the lake. The annual cycling Tour de Big Bear draw riders of all skill levels. Action Tours offers zipline fun. Head to the Big Bear Discovery Center for information about forest activities.
Pineknot Campground campsites are spread through a mixed fir, pine, and oak forest. The 47 sites at Pineknot are best suited for tents, although some can accommodate trailers and RVs 25 feet or less. Each campsite has a picnic table, fire ring with grill, and a bear-proof food storage locker. Drinking water is available. Nearby are restrooms with flush toilets. Pineknot Campground sites must be reserved ahead time; there are no first-come, first-served sites. The campground is located at the base of Snow Summit Ski Resort.
| Campground Basics | |
|---|---|
| Pineknot Campground Location: | Immediately south of the town of Big Bear, off Summit Boulevard near the base of Snow Summit Ski Resort's main lift. |
| Elevation: | 6,900 feet |
| Mileage/Driving Time: | 105 miles east of Los Angeles - 2:10 |
| Number of Campsites: | 47 |
| Open - Closed: | Late April - October |
| Max. People per Site: | 8 (including children) |
| Vehicles per Site: | 2 vehicles, 2nd vehicle $7 |
| Pets: | On leash, always attended |
| Operated by | California Land Management for San Bernardino National Forest |
| Big Bear Discovery Center: | (909) 382-2790 |
| Reservations | |
|---|---|
| Reservations required: | Pineknot Campground reservations are required; there are no first-come, first-served sites available. |
| Booking Window: | Reservations can be made from 1 day up to 6 months in advance of arrival. |
| Maximum RV/Trailer Length: | 26 feet |
| Wheelchair Accessible Sites: | None designated |
| Favorite Campsites: | #16, 19, 26, 31, 45, 47 |
| Fees: | standard sites $34 ($2 more on holiday weekends) |
| Campground Map: | Pineknot Campground Map |
| Reservations: | Pineknot Campground Reservations |
| Check-in, check-out: | Check-in: 2:00 PM Check-out: Noon |
| Pineknot Campground Amenities | |
|---|---|
| Campsites: | Picnic table, fire ring, - no hook-ups |
| Campground: | restrooms with flush toilets, tap water |
| Showers: | at Serrano Campground |
| Dump station: | at Serrano Campground, $10 |
| Attractions near Pineknot Campground: |
Trout Fishing Best Sellers |
| Updates | Last Updated April 2025 |
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.
Designated Accessible sites are usually reserved for people with disabilities who have a vehicle displaying an accessible parking placard or license plate.
Pineknot Campground
Big Bear Lake is a popular mountain destination for those in the greater Los Angeles area and around the state. Those who camp at Pineknot Campground are close to the lake and to Snow Summit Ski Area.
Check for any campground updates:
Reviews from Previous Campers
2023 - 2024