Juniper Springs Group Camp

Star0
4 reviews
SAN BERNARDINO
Juniper Springs Group Camp
$10.00 - $149.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Group camping fee is $149 per night during the peak season. An additional $10 fee applies during holidays. Fees exclude taxes, discounts, and...
Show more
Standard Site Fee$0.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$149.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
Total Campsite Fees$149.00

Share this campground
Recreation.gov
Provider
909-866-8550clm@clm-services.com

About this campground

Escape to the tranquil heights of Juniper Springs Group Campground, where primitive camping meets mountain serenity just 10 miles from the bustling shores of Big Bear Lake. This secluded retreat welcomes groups of up to 40 adventurers seeking an authentic wilderness experience. Gather around the large communal grill as stories unfold under starlit skies, with picnic tables providing the perfect setting for memorable meals. While you'll find vault toilets for convenience, the campground's primitive nature means you'll need to bring your own water and pack out what you pack in—a small price for such pristine solitude.
Juniper Springs Group Campground is designed for group tent camping and does not support RVs or other forms of camping.
Weather and SeasonsBask in the mountain's generous gift of clear skies, which grace the campground 75% of the time, while gentle breezes averaging 4 mph whisper through the pines. Rain rarely interrupts your adventures, with only 0.07 inches falling weekly. Summer emerges as the crown jewel of camping seasons, offering moderate temperatures perfect for hiking and stargazing. Winter transforms the landscape into a crystalline wonderland, with temperatures dancing between a crisp 46°F during sunny afternoons and a bracing 29°F under star-filled nights. Light snowfall averaging 0.8 inches weekly occasionally dusts the pines, creating magical morning scenes.
ElevationPerched at an impressive 7,739 feet in the majestic San Bernardino Mountains, Juniper Springs offers a true high-altitude escape. This lofty elevation gifts campers with refreshingly cool temperatures even during summer months, while winter visitors might wake to find their tents kissed by fresh snowflakes—a reminder of nature's ever-changing canvas at this mountain sanctuary.
Natural Features and SceneryNestled gracefully between two protective peaks, Juniper Springs reveals itself as a hidden gem in the San Bernardino Mountains' crown. Ancient pinyon pines and weathered junipers stand sentinel around the campground, their twisted branches telling stories of countless seasons. Verdant meadows unfold like nature's carpet, inviting barefoot exploration, while a serene pond mirrors the sky and surrounding peaks. Majestic ponderosa pines punctuate the landscape, their vanilla-scented bark and towering presence creating natural cathedral spaces perfect for quiet contemplation or joyful group gatherings.
Geological RegionRising 7,739 feet into California's azure sky, this remarkable campground occupies a unique ecological niche in the San Bernardino Mountains. Here, the rugged mountain geology has created a diverse tapestry of life zones where stately ponderosa pines mingle with hardy pinyon-juniper woodlands. Mountain meadows bloom between rocky outcrops, while a pristine pond serves as a jewel-like centerpiece, reflecting the surrounding peaks and providing a vital water source for local wildlife.

Campsite details

AccessibilityThere is no mention of ADA-compliant or accessibility-specific features, and the rough access road may make this site challenging to access for individuals with mobility issues.
Sites SizeThe group site accommodates up to 40 people and 8 vehicles.
Sites PrivacyThe site is noted for its secluded location, surrounded by pinyon pine, juniper woodland, and meadow. A user review remarked, 'There’s nothing and no one around for miles.'
Total Campsites1 campsites
Recommended CampsitesGroups should ensure vehicles have high clearance and 4x4 capabilities to navigate dirt roads. Bring toilet paper and pack out all trash.
Best CampsitesThe campground has only one group site accommodating up to 40 people.

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit
You may stay up to 14 nights during a visit at this campground. There is also a rolling 30-day limit for a total of 14 nights.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Up to 40 people and eight vehicles are permitted per group site.
Groups
The group site accommodates up to 40 people and 8 vehicles. A standard SUV, 4x4, or vehicle with higher clearance is required to access the site due to rough dirt roads.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed

Site layoutThe campground consists of one large group site with picnic tables and a campfire circle.
Open and Closed SeasonThe campground is open for reservations from April 18th to October 3rd annually, closed from October to mid-April.
Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made on Recreation.gov or via phone at 1-877-444-6777.
Walk-in AvailabilityNo walk-up availability; reservations are required for all sites.
Cancellation PolicyA $10 cancellation fee applies. Late cancellations (within 14 days or fewer before arrival) also forfeit the first night’s fee. No-shows are charged a $20 fee and forfeit the first night’s fee. Refunds can be requested no later than 14 days after departure.

Accomodation available

GroupGroup campsites are offered for larger parties such as families, schools, or organizations. These sites provide space and facilities to accommodate multiple people camping together.

Amenities available

Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

Visitors to Juniper Springs Group Campground can enjoy a variety of outdoor activities, including hiking, mountain biking, off-road vehicle use, fishing, and boating. Big Bear Lake, located 10 miles away, offers additional recreational opportunities such as fishing, although swimming is discouraged due to cold water and underwater obstacles.
Hiking
The area provides access to multiple trailheads for hiking, with user reviews highlighting scenic views and the opportunity to hike up nearby peaks for commanding views.
Fishing
Fishing opportunities are available at nearby Big Bear Lake. Anglers can expect to catch trout, bluegill, crappie, catfish, and largemouth bass.
Biking
Mountain biking trails are accessible near the campground, providing engaging terrain for cyclists.
Boating
Boating is a popular activity at Big Bear Lake, located nearby. Specific details on the types of boats allowed or docking facilities are not provided.
Wildlife viewing
The secluded location and natural surroundings of the campground offer opportunities for wildlife viewing, although specific species are not mentioned.
Winter Activities
The campground is closed during the winter season, and no specific winter recreation activities are mentioned.
Water Sports
Non-motorized water sports such as kayaking or paddleboarding may be possible at Big Bear Lake, but specific details are not provided.

Campground rules

  • Pets are allowed
  • Campfires are permitted only in the designated campfire circle.
  • Quiet hours are enforced, but specific times are not listed.

Hazards

General hazardsPotential hazards include rattlesnakes and bears. The dirt road access can be hazardous for passenger vehicles due to ruts and rocks. Swimming in nearby Big Bear Lake is discouraged due to cold water and underwater obstacles.
Active alertsThe road leading to the campground suffered damage in a recent storm, creating ruts and challenging access.

Weather forecast

64
°F
Oct 10
Friday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%

Very strong wind, outdoor activities may be affected

Humidity: 54%

Moderately humid conditions

Wind: 13.5 mph

Very strong wind, outdoor activities may be affected

Clear sky
7-Day Forecast

Access to 7-day forecasts tailored to each campground—covering temperature, precipitation, wind, and sky conditions.

Daily & Hourly Insights

View hourly forecasts with expected weather patterns throughout the day.

Temperature Trends

Visualize how temperatures shift over the month to help pick the most comfortable days for your trip.

Precipitation Trends

Plan around rain or snow with monthly visualizations of expected precipitation patterns.

Weather Summaries

Assess conditions with visuals for easier decision-making on when and where to camp.

Subscribe to unlock detailed weather insights

Weather data powered by Open-Meteo

Emergency Services

Emergency services are located in San Bernardino, approximately 50 miles from the campground. Additional services such as showers are available 15 miles away at Serrano Campground.

Good to know

Peak season datesApril 18th – October 3rd annually.
Trash and recyclingTrash collection is not available on-site, and visitors are required to pack out all their trash.
Proximity to water featuresA small pond is on-site, and Big Bear Lake is located 10 miles away, offering fishing and boating opportunities.
Common complaintsUsers commonly complain about difficult road access, including ruts and rocks requiring high-clearance vehicles. Vault toilets reportedly lacked toilet paper during some visits (e.g., September 2023).
HostThe campground is operated by Mountaintop Recreation, a division of Vista Recreation. Contact them at 909-866-8550.

Campground Map

SAN BERNARDINO
Driving directionsFrom San Bernardino, merge onto I-10 and travel east toward Redlands/Indio, about 8 miles. Exit at University Street and turn left. Turn right onto Lugonia Avenue and continue to Mentone Boulevard. Continue onto Highway 38 and drive about 35 miles. Turn right onto Forest Route 2N01 and travel about 2.5 miles. Turn right onto Forest Route 2N64Y and continue less than a mile to the campground. The dirt road prevents low-clearance vehicles from accessing the campground.
The campground is accessible via dirt roads that are challenging for low-clearance vehicles. "A standard SUV, a 4x4 or a vehicle with higher clearance is required to access the site." User reviews echo this, noting the road has "lots of ruts and rocks" and requires "high clearance 4x4." One reviewer also mentioned, "The adjacent field was full of water from the storm."
Nearby places
Big Bear Lake (10 miles, approximately 20-min drive), Serrano Campground with showers (15 miles), San Bernardino (50 miles)
Nearby supplies
A grocery store, general store, and restaurants are 11 miles away in Big Bear Lake.

Camper Reviews

0.0
4 reviews
Limited Reviews
Limited Reviews
Juniper Springs Group Camp has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews highlight the campground's remote and scenic location, suitability for off-road enthusiasts, and the challenge of accessing the site due to rough roads. The natural surroundings and seclusion are frequently praised, while the lack of amenities such as potable water and trash collection is noted.
Review Summaries
Based on 4 reviews

What Campers Love

Positive aspects include the scenic beauty, seclusion, and suitability for group camping. Users also appreciated the hiking opportunities and the off-road vehicle trails.
Based on 4 reviews

Common Concerns

Common complaints include the rough access road requiring high-clearance or 4x4 vehicles, the lack of provided toilet paper in vault toilets, and the absence of basic amenities such as potable water...
Show more
Based on 4 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Visitors recommend bringing high-clearance or 4x4 vehicles, sufficient supplies, and toilet paper due to the lack of amenities. One user mentioned managing to access the site with a Harley and a...
Show more
Based on 4 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Reviews indicate that the campground is most suitable for use during its open season from April to October. The road conditions are reportedly more challenging following storms, as noted in a...
Show more
Based on 4 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'Awesome group camp ground that you have to 4x4 to get to. 2N01 took a beating in the last storm. High clearance 4x4 are needed.' - Michelle Blair, Sept 2023. 2. 'The site was amazing. Resting...
Show more
Based on 4 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site-specific reviews mention that the group site (campsite: 1, Loop: JUNI) offers commanding views and is highly secluded. Users recommend it for group use but warn of challenging access.
Based on 4 reviews

Accessibility Features

No reviews specifically address accessibility features. The rough terrain may pose challenges for individuals with mobility issues.
Based on 4 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are allowed, but no specific reviews are provided about the pet-friendly aspects of the campground.
Based on 4 reviews

Last updated August 10, 2025

Nearby Campgrounds

Campgrounds you may also like

Popular campgrounds in California

Campgrounds
Juniper Springs Group Camp