Pineknot Campground is in the San Bernardino National Forest, a short distance outside the southern limits of the town of Big Bear, about 1 mile from Big Bear Lake. Campsites are set in a mixed fir, pine, and oak forest. Pineknot Campground is best suited for tents, although it can accommodate trailers and RVs.
Sites must be reserved ahead time; there are no first-come, first-served sites. 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.
| 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: | Yes, whenever open |
| 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: | 2:00 PM, 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 |
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 San Bernardino National Forest - Pineknot Campground for any campground updates.