Pineknot Campground

Big Bear Lake

 Big Bear Lake, CA
 Big Bear Lake, CA

Pineknot Campground

Big Bear Lake


Pineknot Campground

Pineknot Campground is in the San Bernardino National Forest, near the town of Big Bear, about 1 mile from Big Bear Lake. Campsites are spread through a mixed fir, pine, and oak forest. Pineknot Campground is best suited for tents, although it can accommodate trailers and RVs.

Pineknot Campground is popular with mountain bikers who take advantage of the chairlifts at nearby Snow Summit Ski Resort. Boating, waterskiing, swimming, and fishing are all favorite activities at Big Bear Lake. Restaurants and shopping area nearby in Big Bear.

Pineknot Campground sites must be reserved ahead time; there are no first-come, first-served sites.

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Pineknot 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 at Pineknot Campground
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:
  • Take advantage of Big Bear Lake for wakeboarding, fishing, and swimming.
  • Visit the Big Bear Discover Center.
  • Ride up the Snow Summit Ski Lift for mountain biking, sight-seeing, to jump-start hiking trips.







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.



Pineknot Campground, Big Bear Lake, CA

Pineknot Campground

Reviews from Previous Campers

2023 - 2024

  • Bathrooms and campground were very clean.
  • Campsites well-spaced apart.
  • Some sites not very level.
  • Camp host was great.
  • Quiet hours not well-enforced.

Big Bear Lake
Attractions and Activities

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.

  • Visit the Big Bear Discovery Center for complete information about forest activities.
  • Find hiking trails to various destinations in the area and connect to the Pacific Crest Trail.
  • Set out for an adventure mountain biking or road cycling.
  • Find plenty of boat rentals for fishing and water skiing.
  • Head out on the lake paddleboarding, canoeing, and kayaking.
  • Summer at Snow Summit has scenic Sky Chairlift rides, sight-seeing, hiking, mountain biking, and golf.
  • Get some thrills at Alpine Slide. They have an alpine slide, a water slide, go-karts, and miniature golf.
  • Trail rides at Baldwin Lake Stables
  • Tour the fascinating Big Bear Historical Museum.
  • Play tennis and golf.
  • For even more excitement, head out to Action Zipline Tours.

Key Pineknot Campground Regulations

  1. Dogs must be on leash and always attended.
  2. To avoid problems with bears, secure food in bear-proof lockers.
  3. Help prevent the spread of invasive insects by obtaining firewood locally.
  4. Campfires may only be lit in provided fire rings.
  5. Quiet Hours extend from 10:00 PM to 6:00 AM.

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