How much does camping cost at Deer Group Camp?

Camping fees at Deer Group Camp range from $149-$159/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Deer Group Camp first-come first-served or reservation?

Deer Group Camp 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 Deer Group Camp before I book?

Yes! Deer Group Camp has 4 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 Deer Group Camp?

Deer Group Camp is open May 01 to October 02. 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 Deer Group Camp?

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

Can I have a campfire at Deer Group Camp?

Fire policies at Deer Group Camp: 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 Deer Group Camp have?

Deer Group Camp 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 Deer Group Camp?

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

What amenities are available at Deer Group Camp?

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

What activities can I do at Deer Group Camp?

Popular activities at Deer Group Camp include Hiking, Fishing, Swimming, Biking, Boating. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Deer Group Camp

4.16

21 reviews

SAN BERNARDINO

Top 11% in CAFall

Scenic ViewsPeace & Quiet

Featured in:Summer Camping California

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

6,332 ft

Price

$149 - $159/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

1 campsites

Season

Open from May 2, 202...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Book on California Land Management Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

6,332 ft

Price

$149 - $159/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

1 campsites

Season

Open from May 2, 202...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Book on California Land Management Official Website

Get Directions

Deer Group Camp

$149.00 - $159.00 / night

Campsite Fees

GROUP STANDARD NONELECTRIC: $149.00 (+$10.00 holiday). Plus Recreation.gov reservation transaction fee ($8 online / $9 phone / $3 in person).

Group Site Fee$149.00

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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

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

I manage this campground

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Campground Map

SAN BERNARDINO

Deer Group Camp

SAN BERNARDINO

Nearby places

Big Bear Lake Village (approximately 10 miles).

Weather at Deer Group Camp

Current alerts(6)

A rough, dirt road provides access to the campground
Bears frequent the area; use appropriate containers for food and garbage
Click here for more information on the San Bernardino National Forest
Drinking water is not available at the campground

Best Time to Camp at Deer Group Camp

Best season: fall. Early fall (September and the very start of October before the campground closes) delivers the best combination of mild daytime temperatures (roughly 60–75°F) and crisp, clear nights (30–45°F), making hiking, mountain biking, and fishing especially pleasant. Summer crowds thin and late‑season wildflowers and subtle color changes among the conifers make trails more scenic, while stable skies (good for stargazing) reduce chances of afternoon storms. Expect moderate weekend use but noticeably fewer Peak months: September, June, July, August Avoid: October, November, December, January

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.5 / 5

Top 11% in CA

Early fall cited as best conditions; changing foliage and clear views before closure.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: May 01 to October 02. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open from May 2, 2025, to October 3, 2026. Closed from October 4, 2025, to May 1, 2026.

About Deer Group Camp

Deer Group Camp sits in the mid-elevation forest of San Bernardino National Forest, operated by California Land Management for group reservations only. The secluded site accommodates up to 40 people with vault toilets, fire rings, and picnic tables, serving as a base for hiking, fishing, swimming, biking, and boating in the surrounding national forest. Reviewers praise the private setting and spacious layout but note the rough access road and absence of drinking water.

The campground is exclusively a group site designed for tent camping. It accommodates up to 40 people and 8 vehicles. No RV or glamping options are available.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: fall. Early fall (September and the very start of October before the campground closes) delivers the best combination of mild daytime temperatures (roughly 60–75°F) and crisp, clear nights (30–45°F), making hiking, mountain biking, and fishing especially pleasant. Summer crowds thin and late‑season wildflowers and subtle color changes among the conifers make trails more scenic, while stable skies (good for stargazing) reduce chances of afternoon storms. Expect moderate weekend use but noticeably fewer Peak months: September, June, July, August Avoid: October, November, December, January

Elevation6332 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryTowering conifers surround the single group site, creating dense shade and a secluded feel. The forest floor stays cool even on warm afternoons, with filtered sunlight breaking through the canopy. Trails from camp lead to viewpoints of San Gorgonio Peak. The elevation keeps temperatures moderate compared to the desert valleys below.

Lodging & AccommodationsNo additional lodging accommodations like cabins or lodges are available. The site is for tent camping only.

Programs & ActivitiesThe Big Bear Discovery Center, located approximately 10 miles away, offers educational programs, an interpretive trail, and additional amenities for visitors.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

You may stay up to 14 nights during a visit at this campground and a maximum of 14 nights total within rolling 30 days.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Up to 40 people per group site.

Groups

The group campsite can accommodate up to 40 people and 8 vehicles. Multiple picnic tables, grills, and a campfire circle are provided.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made through Recreation.gov or by calling 1-877-444-6777.

Site SizeThe group campsite can accommodate up to 40 people and 8 vehicles.

PrivacyThe campsite is described as private and secluded, surrounded by mature conifers providing substantial shade.

Total Campsites1 campsites

Recommended SitesReviews suggest bringing enough food and water, as facilities lack potable water and trash services. "Definitely bring all of your food and water for the night/weekend, you won't want to leave once you arrive.

Best CampsitesThe single group site (site 001, loop DEER) accommodates 40 people comfortably. Reviews note it could handle the maximum capacity with room to spare. The spacing and tree cover make it feel private despite the size.

Need help booking Deer Group Camp?

Reservation tips, booking windows, and free cancellation alerts.

Recreation.gov Guide

Booking tips & windows

When to Book

Find your booking window

Cancellation Alerts

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Amenities available

Deer Group Camp provides a single large group campsite equipped with basic amenities like picnic tables, grills, and a campfire circle. Vault toilets are available, but the campground lacks drinking water and trash collection services. Reviewers emphasize that visitors must bring their own water and be prepared to pack out all waste. "The pit toilet was beautiful, open to the sky," said one reviewer, while others noted the site's cleanliness and the need for high-clearance vehicles to navigate the rough dirt road leading to the campground.

Fire rings

Food storage lockers

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

Group Sites

I manage this campground

Activities you can enjoy

Deer Group Camp offers a variety of recreational activities. Hiking and biking are popular due to the proximity to trails like Seven Oaks Trail, which provides views of San Gorgonio Peak. Fishing and boating are accessible at nearby Big Bear Lake, and while swimming is possible, it is discouraged outside designated areas due to cold temperatures and underwater obstacles.

Hiking

Fishing

Swimming

Biking

Boating

Cultural and Educational Programs

Planning your trip?Check out our 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 ToiletsFlush toilets are not available at the campground.

Food Storage Required"Only 3 bear boxes for food storage." This may be insufficient for the maximum group size of 40 people.

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

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From Booking Sources

4.2

21 reviews

Satisfactory

Deer Group Camp is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews

Reviews consistently highlight the secluded nature of the campground, its suitability for large groups, and the challenges posed by the dirt road leading to the site. Visitors appreciate the ample space, shade, and proximity to hiking trails, but note the absence of drinking water and trash services.

Review Summaries

Based on 21 reviews

What Campers Love

Many reviewers praised the 'secluded' and 'private' setting of the campsite. The spacious layout was also complimented: 'Our group was 20 people, but the space could easily accommodate the maximum...

Based on 21 reviews

Common Concerns

The road leading to the campground is a commonly mentioned issue, described as 'treacherous' and 'quite bumpy,' requiring high-clearance vehicles. Another recurring complaint is the lack of drinking...

Based on 21 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

All reviews pertain to the single group site available. The site's privacy, spaciousness, and proximity to trails are frequently noted.

Based on 21 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Bring sufficient water and food, as well as warm clothing for cooler nights. A high-clearance vehicle is recommended, although some users managed with smaller cars. Obtain a campfire permit if...

Based on 21 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer reviews highlight the cooler mountain temperatures as a relief from the Southern California heat. Fall reviews emphasize the beauty of the changing foliage. Winter and early spring reviews are...

Based on 21 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'An awesome group campsite. Very secluded and can fit up to 40, we had about 15 people and there was plenty of space.' 2. 'The ascent to the camp takes 13 minutes and it is a difficult dirt road,...

Based on 21 reviews

Outdoorithm Community

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Go if

You want a private group site with space for large gatherings and don't mind hauling water or navigating a challenging access road.

Skip if

You need drinking water on-site, easy vehicle access, or individual campsites rather than group-only reservations.

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