Council

Star4.84
17 reviews
HWY 38 BARTON FLATS RD, ANGELUS OAKS, CA, 92305, USA
Family FriendlyPeace & Quiet

Quick Facts

6,360 ft

Price

$243/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

1 campsites

Season

Open March 21 to Oct...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly
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Real-Time Availability

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January 2026

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026
Council
$243.00 - $243.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Group Tent Only Area Nonelectric rate: $243/night during peak season (March 21-October 25). Additional holiday surcharge of $10 applies.
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$243.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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Provider
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What Campers Say

4.84

Top-Rated

Based on 17 reviews

18 Google reviews

Most mentioned

cleanspacious

Some mention

noiseroad noise

"User reviews are overwhelmingly positive, highlighting the site's privacy, cleanliness, accessibility, and suitability for group events. It is particularly favored by scouting groups and families."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

HWY 38 BARTON FLATS RD, ANGELUS OAKS, CA, 92305, USA

Council

HWY 38 BARTON FLATS RD, ANGELUS OAKS, CA, 92305, USA

Driving directionsTake I-10 East to Redlands. Take the University Street exit, EXIT 80. Turn left (northbound) on University Street. Turn right onto E. Lugonia Avenue/SR-38. Continue on State Highway 38 for approximately 17 miles to the campground entrance.
Accessible via State Highway 38. Road conditions are generally good, but there is some seasonal road noise. Highway 38 is part of the Rim of the World Scenic Byway.
Nearby places
Redlands (17 miles, approximately 30 minutes drive) and San Bernardino (20 miles, approximately 35 minutes drive).
Nearby supplies
Grocery and camping supplies are located in Angelus Oaks and Redlands. Fuel stations are available along Highway 38.

Best Time to Camp at Council

Mountain weather here dances between invigorating coolness and crisp clarity, with temperatures typically ranging from a brisk 35°F at dawn to comfortable 50°F afternoons. The dry mountain air carries the scent of pine and earth, while moderate breezes whisper through the forest canopy. Winter transforms the landscape into a snow-dusted wonderland, bringing both beauty and the need for cold-weather preparedness as seasonal snowfall blankets the high country.

Best
Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.5 / 5
Top 14% in CA

Open and most active in summer; educational programs and peak-season amenities noted.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.0 / 5

Open through Oct 24; crisp mountain weather and good vistas make fall pleasant while open.

Spring(Mar-May)
4.0 / 5

Opens Mar 21; pleasant spring weather and active season begins.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Closed Oct 25–Mar 27; winter camping not available.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: March 21 to October 25.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Open March 21 to October 24 annually; closed from October 25 to March 27.

About Council

Nestled in the heart of the San Bernardino Mountains, Council Group Campground stands as a haven for large gatherings seeking both connection and solitude. This exclusive-use facility transforms group camping into an intimate mountain retreat, where your party enjoys complete privacy amid towering pines. As visitor Tony Reeves notes, you can "rent the whole site which makes it quite private," creating your own wilderness sanctuary. Beyond your secluded basecamp, adventure beckons with accessible hiking trails threading through the forest, prime fishing spots waiting to be discovered, and a pristine mountain lake shimmering just a short journey away.
Council Group Campground offers a single group campsite suitable for tent and RV camping.
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Reserving a campsite

Check-in
Check-in available from 11:00 AM local time.
Check-out
Check-out by 1:00 PM local time.
Stay Limit
  • Maximum consecutive stay of 14 nights per visit
  • maximum of 14 nights within rolling 30 days.

Amenities available

Potable water
Fire rings
Food storage lockers
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
Group Sites

Activities you can enjoy

The campground is a hub for outdoor activities, including hiking, fishing, biking, boating, and group events. Nearby Jenks Lake offers additional recreational opportunities such as fishing and non-motorized boating.
HikingHiking opportunities include access to the famed Santa Ana River Trail and the Rio Monte Trail. The Santa Ana River Trail provides spectacular views and is popular among hikers, bikers, and horseback riders. The Rio Monte Trail leads to the Rio Monte Panorama, which overlooks the Santa Ana River Valley.
FishingFishing is available at nearby Jenks Lake and the Santa Ana River. Jenks Lake is stocked with rainbow trout, and anglers may also find largemouth bass, bluegill, sunfish, and catfish.
BikingThe Santa Ana River Trail is popular with bikers and provides an opportunity for scenic rides.
BoatingNon-motorized boating, including kayaking and canoeing, is allowed at Jenks Lake.
Cultural and Educational ProgramsSeasonal educational programs are held at the Grayback Amphitheater. These programs, hosted by the San Gorgonio Wilderness Association, cover the area's history and natural features.
Winter Activities
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsBears frequent the area; follow food storage rules. Seasonal snowfall requires precautions. "Don't Move Firewood" campaign to prevent pests.
Food Storage RequiredBear boxes installed. "Bear boxes were installed too" (Cathleen B).

Weather at Council

Reviews

4.8
17 reviews
Top-Rated
Top-Rated
Council is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews are overwhelmingly positive, highlighting the site's privacy, cleanliness, accessibility, and suitability for group events. It is particularly favored by scouting groups and families.
Review Summaries
Based on 17 reviews

What Campers Love

Users praised the campground's cleanliness, spaciousness, and suitability for group activities. One user stated, 'The cleanest pit toilets I have ever seen,' while another mentioned, 'Great site for...
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Based on 17 reviews

Common Concerns

One minor complaint mentioned a 'little bit of road noise.'
Based on 17 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Campers recommend this site for large groups, scouting events, and family gatherings. It is also suggested to explore nearby trails and Jenks Lake.
Based on 17 reviews

Seasonal Insights

The campground is most active during the summer months when educational programs are held at the Grayback Amphitheater. Positive reviews emphasize the site's cleanliness and accessibility during this...
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Based on 17 reviews

Camper Quotes

- 'Great site for Scouting event. Open land for tents, group campsite, clean restrooms (no showers).' - 'This was my 6th trip at this campground with my Girl Scout troop... the cleanest pit toilets I...
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Based on 17 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site 1 in the COUN loop is specifically praised for its cleanliness and spaciousness. One user stated, 'Very enjoyable. Clean. Nice,' while another commented, 'This was my 6th trip at this campground...
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Based on 17 reviews

Accessibility Features

The accessible vault toilets and group site design received positive mentions. One user noted, 'Accessible vault toilets are provided.'
Based on 17 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

No specific reviews mention experiences related to pets.
Based on 17 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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