Bluff Mesa Group Camp

Star4.43
22 reviews
SAN BERNARDINO, CA, USA

Quick Facts

6,800 ft

Price

$149/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

1 campsites

Season

Open from April 18 t...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Opens California Land Management site

Official Website
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Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026
Bluff Mesa Group Camp
$149.00 - $149.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Facility rates are $149.00 per night during peak season (April 18 - October 4), with an additional $10.00 fee on holidays. Rates exclude taxes and...
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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

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Provider
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What Campers Say

4.43

Recommended

Based on 22 reviews

14 Google reviews

Most mentioned

spaciouslake

"User reviews are generally positive, highlighting the remote and spacious nature of the site. Common themes include its seclusion, proximity to natural attractions, and the basic but functional amenities."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

SAN BERNARDINO, CA, USA

Bluff Mesa Group Camp

SAN BERNARDINO, CA, USA

Driving directionsTake I-10 east to Running Springs. Turn onto State Highway 18 and continue to Big Bear Lake Dam. Turn right and continue for 3 miles. Turn onto Tulip Lane and turn right on Mill Creek Road (Forest Road 2N10). Continue 4 miles and turn right on Forest Road 2N86 and continue to the campground.
The campground is accessed via a dirt road. It requires a standard SUV, a 4x4, or a vehicle with higher clearance. Drinking water and utility hookups are not available.
Nearby places
Big Bear Lake (10 miles, approximately 20 minutes)
Nearby supplies
Big Bear Lake area (about 10 miles) includes grocery stores, camping supplies, and fuel stations.

Best Time to Camp at Bluff Mesa Group Camp

From April through October, Bluff Mesa welcomes visitors with crisp mountain air and comfortable camping conditions. Days typically reach a refreshing 47°F—perfect for hiking and outdoor activities—while evenings cool to around 31°F, ideal for gathering around the campfire with warm drinks and good company. The mountain climate brings gentle breezes and occasional light snow or rain that only adds to the forest's mystique, creating that authentic high-country camping experience seasoned adventurers crave.

Best
Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.0 / 5

Open through summer; users report enjoying outdoor activities and comfortable mountain days.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
3.5 / 5

Crisp mountain air and scenic trails make fall pleasant, though campground closes early Oct.

Spring(Mar-May)
3.5 / 5

Open starting Apr 18; cool spring days suit hiking and early-season camping.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Campground is closed in winter (open Apr 18–Oct 4).

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: April 18 to October 4 annually.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Open from April 18 to October 4 annually, with no reservations available during the off-season.
  • Current Alerts: Alerts include no drinking water and the requirement to carry out all trash. Firewood must be sourced locally to prevent invasive pests.

About Bluff Mesa Group Camp

Escape to Bluff Mesa Group Campground, where towering conifers create a natural cathedral perfect for memorable group gatherings. This secluded mountain retreat offers everything your crew needs for an unforgettable outdoor experience—from sturdy picnic tables and grills for camp feasts to a dedicated campfire circle where stories and laughter echo through the forest. Well-maintained vault toilets and thoughtfully spaced amenities ensure comfort without compromising the authentic wilderness atmosphere that makes this hidden gem so special.
Bluff Mesa Group Camp is designed for group camping with a single large site accommodating up to 40 people and 8 vehicles. The site is tent-only and accessed via a dirt road.
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Reserving a campsite

Check-in
Check-in begins at 2:00 PM.
Check-out
Check-out is at 12:00 PM.
Stay Limit
Maximum stay of 14 nights within any rolling 30-day period.

Amenities available

Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
Group Sites

Activities you can enjoy

The campground offers access to hiking and mountain biking trails, opportunities for rock climbing, and proximity to Big Bear Lake, which supports fishing, boating, and swimming. "So much to explore and very remote," one reviewer noted, highlighting the natural setting.
HikingVarious hiking trails are accessible from the campground. These trails offer routes through the scenic surroundings and are suitable for exploration.
ClimbingClimbing opportunities may be available in nearby natural areas such as rocky outcrops, boulders, or cliff faces. Visitors should bring appropriate gear and check local regulations or park guidelines before attempting any climbs.
FishingFishing is available at Big Bear Lake, which is less than 10 miles from the campground. Anglers can expect species such as trout, bluegill, crappie, catfish, and largemouth bass.
SwimmingSwimming is available at Big Bear Lake, a short drive from the campground.
BikingMountain biking trails are accessible directly from the campground, allowing for exploration of the surrounding forest.
BoatingBoating is a popular activity at Big Bear Lake, which is less than 10 miles away.
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsPotential hazards include trespassing by day visitors, as noted in user reviews. The dirt road access may pose challenges for low-clearance vehicles.
Active AlertsAlerts include no drinking water and the requirement to carry out all trash. Firewood must be sourced locally to prevent invasive pests.
No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

Weather at Bluff Mesa Group Camp

Reviews

4.4
22 reviews
Recommended
Recommended
Bluff Mesa Group Camp is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews are generally positive, highlighting the remote and spacious nature of the site. Common themes include its seclusion, proximity to natural attractions, and the basic but functional amenities.
Review Summaries
Based on 22 reviews

What Campers Love

Users praised the spaciousness and seclusion of the site, as well as its proximity to Bluff Lake and Big Bear Lake. One reviewer said, "Wonderful place to stay! Huge fire pit, lots of parking and...
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Based on 22 reviews

Common Concerns

Some users reported issues with unauthorized visitors accessing the site. One user mentioned, "Multiple groups of people came to use the pit toilet who also did not acknowledge my group or seem to...
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Based on 22 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Ensure you bring your own drinking water as none is provided on-site. A vehicle with higher clearance is recommended due to the dirt road access. Carry out all trash as there is no trash collection.
Based on 22 reviews

Seasonal Insights

The campground operates primarily during warmer months (April to October). During this time, users report enjoying the outdoor activities and natural beauty. No specific seasonal drawbacks are...
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Based on 22 reviews

Camper Quotes

"So much to explore and very remote," "The campsite was a large secluded area that provided enough space for everyone to space out comfortably."
Based on 22 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

The single group site (001) received positive feedback for its spaciousness and seclusion. However, some users noted the presence of unauthorized visitors.
Based on 22 reviews

Accessibility Features

No specific reviews on accessibility were provided. The dirt road access may pose challenges for visitors with mobility concerns.
Based on 22 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

No specific reviews addressing pet policies or experiences are available.
Based on 22 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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