How much does camping cost at Serrano?

Camping fees at Serrano are $44 - $91/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Serrano first-come first-served or reservation?

Serrano accepts online reservations. We recommend booking in advance, especially during peak season (typically summer weekends). Use campsite alerts to get notified when spots become available.

Can I see photos of campsites at Serrano before I book?

Yes! Serrano has 14 campsite photos on Outdoorithm, contributed by campers who've stayed there. Browse real photos of individual sites to see what to expect before you reserve.

What is the best time to visit Serrano?

Serrano is open March 27 to November 27. The best time to visit depends on your preferences—summer offers the warmest weather and most activities, while spring and fall provide fewer crowds and milder temperatures. Check current conditions before your trip.

Are there showers at Serrano?

Yes, Serrano has shower facilities available for campers. Check the amenities section for details on hours and any fees.

Is there cell service at Serrano?

Cell phone service at Serrano is generally available. Cell service is available. Coverage may vary by carrier and exact location within the campground.

How many campsites does Serrano have?

Serrano has 100 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Serrano?

Yes, pets are allowed at Serrano. Dogs must typically be kept on a leash (usually 6 feet or shorter) and under control at all times. Be sure to clean up after your pet and check for any breed or size restrictions.

What amenities are available at Serrano?

Serrano offers: Restrooms, Showers, Potable Water, Dump Station, Electrical Hookups, Water Hookups, Sewer Hookups, Pets Allowed. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

Serrano

Q: Can I have a campfire at Serrano?

Fire policies at Serrano: Fire restrictions may be imposed at any time due to hot, dry weather conditions, at which time campfires and charcoal fires may not be allowed. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

4.64

1.8K reviews

40650 North Shore Lane

B+Report Card

Quick Facts

6,749 ft

Price

$44 - $91/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

100 campsites

Season

Open from March 7 th...

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Full HookupsShowers

Book on Recreation.gov Official Website

Get Directions

Elevation by Open-Meteo.com, licensed under CC BY 4.0, processed by Outdoorithm.

Quick Facts

6,749 ft

Price

$44 - $91/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

100 campsites

Season

Open from March 7 th...

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Full HookupsShowers

Book on Recreation.gov Official Website

Get Directions

Elevation by Open-Meteo.com, licensed under CC BY 4.0, processed by Outdoorithm.

Serrano

$44.00 - $91.00 / night

Campsite Fees

MANAGEMENT: $79.00 (+$2.00 holiday); RV ELECTRIC: $56.00 (+$2.00 holiday); STANDARD NONELECTRIC-DOUBLE: $87.00 (+$4.00 holiday); STANDARD...

No campsite fee categories listed.

Get Notified When Available

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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

909-866-8021 OR 909-866-8550clm@clm-services.com

I manage this campground

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Campground Map

40650 North Shore Lane

Serrano

40650 North Shore Lane

Nearby places

Big Bear Lake (approx. 5 miles), Running Springs (approx. 25 miles), Redlands (approx. 45 miles).

Weather at Serrano

Current alerts(7)

Click here for more information on the San Bernardino National Forest
In accordance with standard industry practices, Mountain Top Recreation will be assessing a $8 additional vehicle fee per night on the second vehicle in each single family campsite, and on the third and fourth vehicles in any double family campsite, provided these vehicles are…
Maximum 8 people on a single site, at this time 16 max on a double site.
No more than one rv per single campsite, two per double site. Two vehicles maximum on a single site, four on a double site.

Best Time to Camp at Serrano

Best season: fall. Fall offers the best combination of cool, stable weather and peak mountain scenery — daytime highs typically range from the mid-50s to mid-60s°F (13–18°C) with crisp nights dipping into the 30s°F (0–4°C). This is when aspen and oak around Big Bear and the higher-elevation pines show color, trails are dust-free, and hiking, biking, and wildlife viewing are at their most pleasant with fewer summer crowds (weekends still busy). Expect clear skies for stargazing; check with the ranger station about秋 Peak months: October, September, June, July Avoid: December, January, February

Best

Spring(Mar-May)

4.0 / 5

Positive spring reviews (signal=1.00); pleasant weather and fewer crowds than summer.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: March 27 to November 27. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open from March 7 through November 29. Closed during winter months.

Weather data by Open-Meteo.com, licensed under CC BY 4.0, processed by Outdoorithm.

About Serrano

Serrano sits in mid-elevation forest near Big Bear Lake in San Bernardino National Forest, operated by Mountaintop Recreation/Vista Recreation. This large campground offers full hookups for RVs, tent sites, and group options, with maintained facilities including showers and a dump station. Campers use it as a base for lake access, trail networks, and mountain biking during the seasonal operating window.

Serrano Campground provides a variety of camping options, including tent sites, RV sites with full hookups, and double sites for larger groups.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: fall. Fall offers the best combination of cool, stable weather and peak mountain scenery — daytime highs typically range from the mid-50s to mid-60s°F (13–18°C) with crisp nights dipping into the 30s°F (0–4°C). This is when aspen and oak around Big Bear and the higher-elevation pines show color, trails are dust-free, and hiking, biking, and wildlife viewing are at their most pleasant with fewer summer crowds (weekends still busy). Expect clear skies for stargazing; check with the ranger station about秋 Peak months: October, September, June, July Avoid: December, January, February

Elevation6749 ft above sea level

Weather data by Open-Meteo.com, licensed under CC BY 4.0, processed by Outdoorithm.

Natural Features and SceneryPine forests rise around the campground, interrupted by patches of sagebrush that mark the transition between mountain and high desert ecosystems. The San Bernardino Mountains formed through tectonic uplift, creating a range that climbs sharply from surrounding desert valleys. Big Bear Lake is a short walk from many sites. Paved roads wind through stands of conifers, and some campsites offer tree shade while others sit in more open terrain. The elevation keeps the air cool and dry.

Lodging & AccommodationsThere are no hotel-style accommodations, but the campground offers diverse campsite options, including RV sites with full hookups.

Programs & ActivitiesThe nearby Big Bear Discovery Center offers interpretive trails and educational programs, making it a cultural highlight for visitors.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Check-in

2:00 PM

Stay Limit

Maximum 14 nights during rolling 30-day periods.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Maximum 8 people per single site
16 people for double sites.

Groups

Group sites can accommodate up to 16 people and are equipped with multiple picnic tables and fire pits. They offer ample space for tents and vehicles.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsReservations available through Recreation.gov and phone at 1-877-444-6777.

AccessibilityThe campground includes accessible campsites, showers, grills, and parking areas. Paved walkways and roads enhance accessibility for visitors with disabilities.

Site SizeCampsites are spacious, with some large and double sites accommodating up to 16 people.

PrivacyPrivacy varies by site, with some sites offering good spacing and tree shade, while others are more open. Double sites provide ample space.

Total Campsites100 campsites

Recommended SitesAvoid site 111 due to lack of shade. Lake View loop offers partial views but limited privacy.

Best CampsitesSite 105 gets praise for proximity to the lake and cleanliness. Snowberry Loop is popular with RV campers for its spacious sites. Double sites accommodate up to 16 people. Some sites offer better tree cover and spacing than others.

Need help booking Serrano?

Reservation tips, booking windows, and free cancellation alerts.

Recreation.gov Guide

Booking tips & windows

When to Book

Find your booking window

Cancellation Alerts

Free alerts for this campground

Amenities available

Snowberry RV Loop is for RV camping. Electricity can be limited during high capacity usage. We do not have 50 amp electrical for electric cars. Do not book an RV electric for this usage.

Showers

Potable water

Electricity hookups

Water hookups

Sewer hookups

Flush toilets

I manage this campground

RV details

Things to do at Serrano

Serrano Campground offers an array of outdoor activities, including hiking, biking, fishing, and wildlife viewing. Its proximity to Big Bear Lake and nearby trails makes it a hotspot for recreation.

Hiking4.0/5

Fishing4.0/5

Biking4.0/5Top 13% in California

Boating4.0/5

Water Sports3.0/5

Lake nearby with rentals and boat launch makes kayaking feasible though not emphasized.

Cultural and Educational Programs

Signature experiences

Photography4.0/5Lake views, pine forests and vibrant fall colors offer strong photo opportunities.

Not sure what to pack?Our complete camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

Food Storage RequiredBear-proof lockers available at each site for food storage.

Fire PolicyFire restrictions may be imposed at any time due to hot, dry weather conditions, at which time campfires and charcoal fires may not be allowed

Trash & RecyclingTrash is managed with centralized dumpsters, and recycling facilities may not be explicitly mentioned but are implied in the general cleanliness and maintenance of the campground.

Cell CoverageCell phone service is available, though coverage can vary by carrier and location within the campground. Verizon Wireless was noted as having inconsistent service in some areas.

Trip Planning Tools

Set an AlertGet notified when sites open up Check WeatherHistorical weather data Gear for This TripMatched gear recommendations Packing ListCustomizable checklist

Questions & answers

Researching this campground? Ask anything — other campers and our team will weigh in. No visit required.

Good to know

Short heads-ups about the road in, gear quirks, and timing, compiled by Outdoorithm from public reviews and operator information.

Reviews

Rate Serrano

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From Booking Sources

4.6

1.8K reviews

Top-Rated

Serrano is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews

Serrano Campground consistently garners positive reviews for its cleanliness, amenities, and proximity to recreation. While most reviewers praise the friendly staff and well-maintained facilities, some mention the lack of privacy and occasional noise issues.

Review Summaries

Based on 1804 reviews

What Campers Love

Reviewers appreciated the clean restrooms, free showers, spacious campsites, and proximity to Big Bear Lake and trails. The campground's maintenance and staff were highly praised.

Based on 1804 reviews

Common Concerns

Issues include noise from nearby roads, crowded campsites, and occasional enforcement inconsistencies by camp hosts. A few users noted cold showers, and some were disappointed by the lack of lake...

Based on 1804 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site 59 in the Snowberry Loop is noted for its spaciousness and privacy; Site 94 in Evening Star Loop has proximity to restrooms but is affected by bathroom light at night.

Based on 1804 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Bring extra layers for cold nights, as temperatures can drop significantly. Reserve early for peak seasons, and consider group sites for larger parties. Firewood can be purchased on-site for...

Based on 1804 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer months are busiest, with families and groups taking advantage of warm weather and lake access. Winter conditions bring fewer visitors but require preparedness for cold temperatures.

Based on 1804 reviews

Camper Quotes

"The cleanest campground I've ever stayed at! The bathrooms were spotless, and the staff was incredibly friendly." - User Review "Coyotes howled at night, which added to the wilderness experience,...

Based on 1804 reviews

Accessibility Features

Accessible sites include paved pathways, showers, and parking. Guests noted the campground's overall accessibility as a strong feature.

Based on 1804 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

The campground is pet-friendly, but visitors are reminded to keep pets leashed and supervise them due to active wildlife, including coyotes.

Based on 1804 reviews

Reviews on Outdoorithm

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Serrano

$44.00 - $91.00 / night

Campsite Fees

MANAGEMENT: $79.00 (+$2.00 holiday); RV ELECTRIC: $56.00 (+$2.00 holiday); STANDARD NONELECTRIC-DOUBLE: $87.00 (+$4.00 holiday); STANDARD...

No campsite fee categories listed.

Get Notified When Available

We'll monitor this campground and alert you the moment sites become available.

Free to start · paid plans add 2-min scans

263,000+ sites monitored · Email alerts to start; SMS and in-app with an account

Learn more about alerts →

Share this campground

Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

909-866-8021 OR 909-866-8550clm@clm-services.com

Go if

you want reliable facilities, friendly staff, and easy access to nearby recreation, and don't mind neighbors being within earshot

Skip if

you need real privacy or dark, quiet nights, especially near restroom-adjacent sites like 94 where bathroom light spills in

Nearby alternatives

Three hand-reasoned picks from nearby campgrounds — one per reason you might prefer it over this spot.

Campgrounds you may also like

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Juniper Springs Group Camp

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Juniper Springs Group Camp sits at 7,739 feet in San Bernardino National Forest near Big Bear Lake, operated by Mountaintop Recreation. This secluded alpine group site offers primitive camping with vault toilets, fire rings, and picnic tables, appealing to groups seeking a backcountry feel with lake access nearby. The rough access road requires high-clearance vehicles, reinforcing the campground's remote character.

$149.00 - $159.00 / night

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Old Mesa Campground

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Old Mesa Campground sits at 3,350 feet in Silverwood Lake State Recreation Area, where high desert chaparral meets Ponderosa pine forests in the San Bernardino Mountains. The campground has 95 sites with fire rings, picnic tables, flush toilets, and hot showers. Fees range from $10 to $50 per night, and the park stays open year-round with some sections closing in winter.

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Green Valley

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Heart Bar Campground

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Heart Bar Campground sits in the San Bernardino National Forest near Big Bear Lake, operated by Mountaintop Recreation. The mid-elevation forest setting offers spacious sites for tents and RVs, with vault toilets, potable water, and a dump station. Visitors come for hiking, fishing, and mountain biking on nearby trails, and the campground operates seasonally during peak months with a 14-day stay limit.

$29.00 - $58.00 / night

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Sage Hill

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Sage Hill is a small, premium-priced campground in the Los Padres National Forest foothills near Santa Barbara, operated by PMC Parks during peak season. The site offers flush toilets, potable water, and access to hiking, fishing, and swimming. Reviewers praise clean facilities, attentive hosts, and spacious group sites, though limited shade and insects are common complaints.

10 campsites

Reservable

265.959 km

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Campgrounds

San Bernardino National Forest

Serrano

B+

Camper Report Card

How campers graded it

Rated higher than 90% of graded campgrounds

Graded on what 1,288 campers actually wrote - graded on 14 things that make or break a trip. Each topic is graded against every other campground on it - A is among the best, C about average. No star ratings.

Strengths

Grade A+.Cleanliness
Grade A-.Staff & hosts
Grade B+.Facilities

Watch-outs

Grade F.Belonging
Grade C.Scenery
Grade C+.Rules & policies

Every grade - tap to see what campers said

Each topic is graded against every other campground on it; a topic campers liked never grades below C−. ± shows the 95% confidence range from the sample size.

How we grade →See how California grades overall

From the U.S. Forest Service

Reference information about Serrano sourced from official USFS records and forestcamping.com. View official recreation.gov page →

Overview

<p>This family campground is located in the San Bernardino mountains. Serrano is located on the north side of Big Bear Lake, 2 miles east of Fawnskin. There are 93 single sites and 16 double sites. Popular activities include hiking, mountain biking, boating and fishing. Amenities and services include camp host, comfort station, dump station, RV hookups, fire rings, firewood sales, interpretive programs, interpretive trails, picnic tables, showers and restrooms. Bear Boxes. Accessible.</p><p>Reservations can be placed as late as 24 hours in advance based upon availability. For example, reservations could be made on a Thursday before 2pm for an arrival the next day, Friday for a 2pm check-in if there is site availability.</p><p><iframe allowfullscreen="" aria-label="Serrano Family Campground" frameborder="0" height="800" src="https://cdn.recreation.gov/widget/fs/camping/index.html?id=232250" width="100%"></iframe></p>

About the campground

The elevation is 7,000 ft. The campground, located within sight of and across the road from Big Bear Lake, is composed of four loops - Summer Wind, Snowberry, Evening Star, and Lake View. The primary vegetation in the campground is Ponderosa and Jeffery pine, and juniper. The ground is sand/dirt with sagebrush on the roadsides. Snowberry Loop has full hookups. Except for some "handicap" camp sites that have a water hookup, the remaining loops have no hookups. A few camp sites in the Lake View Loop do have a marginal view of the lake. Summer Wind Loop has the most variety in topography while Evening Star has the most shade. Privacy ranges from minimal to fair. The Alpine Pedal Path, a paved walkway, just outside the campground, provides for a pleasant morning and evening stroll; mountain bikes are also permitted. The nearby Big Bear Discovery Center has a wealth of information; the weekend interpretive programs are excellent and fun for the whole family. The campground is convenient to the towns of Big Bear Lake and Big Bear City for exploring, shopping and a cook's night out. Across from the campground is the Lighthouse Trailer Resort and Marina with limited groceries and boat rentals. Considered an "all reservation" campground, reservations can be made at the campground's entrance if sites are available, as well as on-line.

Seasons & access

Open February 28 through November 30. Visitor Centers come in all shapes and size. One of the more impressive is the Big Bear Discovery Center (www.bigbeardiscoverycenter.com) San Bernardino National Forest 235

Facilities

Individual family style bathrooms are available and the showers are wheelchair friendly.

RV information

The parking aprons are paved.

Directions

In Big Bear Lake, CA, at the intersection of Stanfield Cutoff and Big Bear Blvd. (State Rt. 18 - on the east end of Big Bear Lake), take Stanfield Cutoff 0.4 miles to a "T" intersection (State Rt. 38). Turn left onto Rt. 38 and go 1.4 miles to campground sign. Turn left at sign and go 0.1 miles to another campground sign. Turn right at sign into campground.

National Forest: Bernardino National Forest
Ranger District: Big Bear
Elevation: 7,000
Rate: $30 per day - no hookups $38 per day - hookups $60 per day - double
Maximum Stay: 14
Open Season: 03/08/2024 – 11/30/2024

Serrano

Quick Facts

Quick Facts

Get Notified When Available

Ask Camp Sage about Serrano

Campground Map

Weather at Serrano

Current alerts(7)

Best Time to Camp at Serrano

Planning Tips

About Serrano

Best Campsites

Reserving a campsite

Need help booking Serrano?

Amenities available

RV details

Things to do at Serrano

Policies & Safety

Trip Planning Tools

Reviews

What Campers Love

Common Concerns

Site-Specific Reviews

Get Notified When Available

Go if

Skip if

Nearby alternatives

Holcomb Valley Campground

Hanna Flat

San Gorgonio

How campers graded it

Every grade - tap to see what campers said

Overview

About the campground

Seasons & access

Facilities

RV information

Directions

Ask Camp Sage about Serrano

Current alerts(7)

Best Time to Camp at Serrano

Planning Tips

Best Campsites

Reserving a campsite

Need help booking Serrano?

Amenities available

Things to do at Serrano

Policies & Safety

Trip Planning Tools

Reviews

What Campers Love

Common Concerns

Site-Specific Reviews

Nearby alternatives

Holcomb Valley Campground

Hanna Flat

San Gorgonio