How much does camping cost at Council?

Camping fees at Council are $234 - $244/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Council first-come first-served or reservation?

Council 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 Council before I book?

Yes! Council has 6 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. You can also add your own photos after your trip to help the next family plan theirs.

What is the best time to visit Council?

Council is open April 03 to October 23. 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 Council?

Council does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

Can I have a campfire at Council?

Fire policies at Council: Don't Move Firewood: Protect California's forests from tree-killing pests by buying your firewood locally and burning it on-site. For more information visit firewood.ca.gov.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

How many campsites does Council have?

Council has 1 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Council?

Pets are not allowed at Council. This policy helps protect local wildlife and other campers. Consider nearby pet-friendly campgrounds if traveling with animals.

What amenities are available at Council?

Council offers: Restrooms. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Council?

Popular activities at Council include Hiking, Fishing. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Council

4.40

28 reviews

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

Quick Facts

6,360 ft

Price

$234 - $244/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

1 campsites

Season

Open March 21 to Oct...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Book Online Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

6,360 ft

Price

$234 - $244/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

1 campsites

Season

Open March 21 to Oct...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Book Online Official Website

Get Directions

Council

$234.00 - $244.00 / night

Campsite Fees

GROUP TENT ONLY AREA NONELECTRIC: $234.00 (+$10.00 holiday). Plus Recreation.gov reservation transaction fee ($8 online / $9 phone / $3 in person).

Group Site Fee$243.00

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Provider

clm@clm-services.com

I manage this campground

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Campground Map

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

Council

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

Nearby places

Redlands (17 miles, approximately 30 minutes drive) and San Bernardino (20 miles, approximately 35 minutes drive).

Weather at Council

Current alerts(4)

Bears frequent the area; carefully follow all garbage and food storage regulations
Click here for more information on the San Bernardino National Forest
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.
In accordance with standard industry practices, Mountain Top Recreation will be assessing a $8 additional vehicle fee 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 not joined…

Best Time to Camp at Council

Best season: summer. Summer offers the warmest, most reliable weather and full access to nearby water and trail recreation, making it the best time to book the entire group site for reunions and multi-day outings. Expect daytime highs typically in the mid-60s to low-80s°F with cool nights in the 40s–50s°F, ideal for hiking, boating and evening campfires without deep-winter snow. Water activities (fishing/boating at nearby lakes), long daylight hours, and the campground’s private-group setup all peak in summer, but:— Peak months: July, August, September, June Avoid: November, December, January, February

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Best season: summer; warmest weather and full access to water and trails.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: April 03 to October 23. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open March 21 to October 24 annually; closed from October 25 to March 27.

About Council

Council is a very small San Bernardino National Forest campground near Angelus Oaks, operating seasonally during peak months at mid-elevation. The Forest Service manages this group-focused site with vault toilets, potable water, fire rings, and picnic tables. Visitors use it for multi-day reunions, scouting events, and as a base for hiking and fishing in the surrounding forest.

Council Group Campground offers a single group campsite suitable for tent and RV camping.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: summer. Summer offers the warmest, most reliable weather and full access to nearby water and trail recreation, making it the best time to book the entire group site for reunions and multi-day outings. Expect daytime highs typically in the mid-60s to low-80s°F with cool nights in the 40s–50s°F, ideal for hiking, boating and evening campfires without deep-winter snow. Water activities (fishing/boating at nearby lakes), long daylight hours, and the campground’s private-group setup all peak in summer, but:— Peak months: July, August, September, June Avoid: November, December, January, February

Elevation6360 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryPine forest surrounds the campground at this elevation, with nearby Jenks Lake and the Santa Ana River Trail within reach. The setting delivers fresh mountain air and forest scenery typical of the San Bernardino high country, where granite outcrops meet evergreen forest. Some road noise carries into the site, a tradeoff for the accessibility that makes this campground practical for large groups and varied camping equipment.

Lodging & AccommodationsNo hotel-style lodging accommodations are available at this campground.

Programs & ActivitiesSeasonal 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.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

Maximum consecutive stay of 14 nights per visit
maximum of 14 nights within rolling 30 days.

Guests Allowed Per Site

50 people maximum per group site.

Groups

The group campsite accommodates up to 50 people and 13 vehicles. It is designed for both tent and RV camping.

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 by calling 1-877-444-6777.

AccessibilityThe site is equipped with accessible vault toilets and offers an accessible group campsite.

Site SizeThe group campsite can accommodate up to 50 people and 13 vehicles.

PrivacyThe site is private, as it is a single group-use area. A review noted, 'Rent the whole site which makes it quite private.

Total Campsites1 campsites

Recommended SitesIdeal for groups up to 50 people. Recommended activities: geocaching, hiking, and fishing.

Best CampsitesThere's only one site. It's a large, open area with space for multiple tents and vehicles. Reviewers note it works well for scouting events and group gatherings. One camper called the pit toilets 'the cleanest I have ever seen.

Need help booking Council?

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

The Council Group Campground is equipped with a single group campsite for up to 50 people and 13 vehicles. Facilities include tables, campfire rings with grills, larger campfire circles, accessible vault toilets, and drinking water. A campground host is available at the nearby Barton Flats Campground for check-in and assistance.

Fire rings

Food storage lockers

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

Group Sites

I manage this campground

RV details

Things to do at Council

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.

Hiking4.0/5

Access to Santa Ana River Trail and Rio Monte Trail; trails described as a local draw.

Fishing4.0/5

Nearby Jenks Lake is stocked with rainbow trout; Santa Ana River fishing also accessible.

Water Sports3.5/5

Non-motorized boating at Jenks Lake includes kayaking/canoeing opportunities.

Cultural and Educational Programs

Winter Activities

Signature experiences

Stargazing3.5/5Mid-elevation (6,360 ft) pine setting suggests good night skies; no direct mentions.

Photography3.5/5Santa Ana River Trail, granite outcrops and pine forest offer photo opportunities.

Not sure what to pack?Our complete camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

No Flush ToiletsThere are no flush toilets available; vault toilets are provided instead.

Food Storage RequiredBear boxes installed. "Bear boxes were installed too" (Cathleen B).

No Electric HookupsElectric hookups are not available at this campground. RV campers should arrive with a full battery and plan for off-grid power (generator hours/quiet rules permitting).

No Water HookupsSite-level water hookups are not available. RV campers should fill freshwater tanks before arrival; check the No Potable Water note above if applicable for drinking water.

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.

Tips from campers

Short heads-ups about the road in, gear quirks, timing, and more. You don't have to have been here to share what you know.

Reviews

Rate Council

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From Booking Sources

4.4

28 reviews

Recommended

Council is recommended, placing it in the top 40% 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 28 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...

Based on 28 reviews

Common Concerns

One minor complaint mentioned a 'little bit of road noise.'

Based on 28 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...

Based on 28 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 28 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...

Based on 28 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...

Based on 28 reviews

Accessibility Features

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

Based on 28 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

No specific reviews mention experiences related to pets.

Based on 28 reviews

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Council

$234.00 - $244.00 / night

Campsite Fees

GROUP TENT ONLY AREA NONELECTRIC: $234.00 (+$10.00 holiday). Plus Recreation.gov reservation transaction fee ($8 online / $9 phone / $3 in person).

Group Site Fee$243.00

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

clm@clm-services.com

Go if

You're booking a group event or scouting trip and want a dedicated site with potable water and room to spread out.

Skip if

You need individual sites, want to avoid road noise, or prefer camping outside peak season.

Nearby Campgrounds

Barton Flats sits in the San Bernardino National Forest near Jenks Lake and the Santa Ana River, offering tent and RV sites with full amenities including showers and a dump station. California Land Management operates this mid-elevation forest campground seasonally during peak months. Visitors come for hiking, fishing, boating on Jenks Lake, and biking along mountain trails.

Council

Quick Facts

Quick Facts

Get Notified When Available

Ask Camp Sage about Council

Campground Map

Weather at Council

Current alerts(4)

Best Time to Camp at Council

Planning Tips

About Council

Best Campsites

Reserving a campsite

Need help booking Council?

Amenities available

RV details

Things to do at Council

Policies & Safety

Trip Planning Tools

Reviews

What Campers Love

Common Concerns

Site-Specific Reviews

Get Notified When Available

Go if

Skip if

Overview

Ask Camp Sage about Council

Current alerts(4)

Best Time to Camp at Council

Planning Tips

Best Campsites

Reserving a campsite

Need help booking Council?

Amenities available

Things to do at Council

Policies & Safety

Trip Planning Tools

Reviews

What Campers Love

Common Concerns

Site-Specific Reviews