How much does camping cost at Deer Group Campground?

Camping fees at Deer Group Campground 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 Campground first-come first-served or reservation?

Deer Group Campground 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 Campground before I book?

Yes! Deer Group Campground has 1 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 Campground?

Deer Group Campground is open May to October.. 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 Campground?

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

Can I have a campfire at Deer Group Campground?

Fire policies at Deer Group Campground: Fire ring available, but general fire regulations are not detailed.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

How many campsites does Deer Group Campground have?

Deer Group Campground 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 Campground?

Yes, pets are allowed at Deer Group Campground. 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 Deer Group Campground?

Deer Group Campground offers: Restrooms, Pets Allowed. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

Deer Group Campground

3.47

15 reviews

Mountaintop Ranger District and Discovery Center, 40971 North Shore Drive, Highway 38, Fawnskin, CA 92333

Featured in:Group Camping California

Quick Facts

7,612 ft

Price

$149 - $159/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

1 campsites

Season

05/01/2026 - 10/04/2...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Check Availability Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

7,612 ft

Price

$149 - $159/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

1 campsites

Season

05/01/2026 - 10/04/2...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Check Availability Official Website

Get Directions

Deer Group Campground

$149.00 - $159.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Overnight Use: Group Site: $149 per night Additional Holiday Fee: $10 per night

Group Site Fee$149.00

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USFS

Provider

(909) 382-2790

I manage this campground

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Campground Map

Mountaintop Ranger District and Discovery Center, 40971 North Shore Drive, Highway 38, Fawnskin, CA 92333

Deer Group Campground

Mountaintop Ranger District and Discovery Center, 40971 North Shore Drive, Highway 38, Fawnskin, CA 92333

Nearby places

Big Bear City (approximately 10 miles), Fawnskin (approximately 7 miles), Redlands (approximately 40 miles)

Nearby supplies

Big Bear Lake city center for groceries, camping supplies, and fuel. Fawnskin also provides limited essentials.

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 into Big Bear City, to E. Big Bear Blvd. Turn left on to E. Big Bear Blvd./SR-38. Continue westbound on Big Bear Blvd/SR-18 into the City of Big Bear Lake. From State Highway 18, west of the village, turn left on to Millcreek Road. Proceed past Aspen Glen Picnic Area, 0.4 of a mile and turn left to continue on to Millcreek Road to Forest Road 2N10. Proceed on 2N10 for 0.8 mile to the end of pavement. Continue on 2N10 past Cedar Lake turnoff. Proceed on 2N10 to 2N08 (7.9 miles from the Cedar Lake turnoff). Go left on 2N08 and proceed 0.6 of a mile to 2N45Yk, turn right.

Vehicle access is on a Forest Service road on the south side of Big Bear Lake. The road includes paved and unpaved sections, requiring careful navigation.

Weather at Deer Group Campground

Current alert: Site currently closed.

Best Time to Camp at Deer Group Campground

Summer is the best time to visit. Access roads are clear, and daytime temps at this elevation run mid-60s to low-80s °F, with nights dropping into the 40s and 50s. It's prime season for hiking the surrounding forest trails and using Big Bear Lake for boating, fishing, and swimming. Expect busier weekends and holiday periods. Reserve ahead. Winter brings snow that makes the access road difficult and the campground essentially inaccessible for most groups.

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Summer is best: temps mid-60s to low-80s and campground open (May–Oct peak season).

Planning Tips

Peak Season: May to October.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: 05/01/2026 - 10/04/2026

About Deer Group Campground

Deer Group Campground sits at 7,612 feet in San Bernardino National Forest, a few miles from Big Bear Lake. The single group site accommodates up to 40 people and 8 vehicles for $149-$159 per night. There's no potable water on-site, and reviews mention challenging road navigation on the way in.

Deer Group Campground caters specifically to group camping. Individual tent or RV sites for small parties are not mentioned.

Weather and SeasonsSummer is the best time to visit. Access roads are clear, and daytime temps at this elevation run mid-60s to low-80s °F, with nights dropping into the 40s and 50s. It's prime season for hiking the surrounding forest trails and using Big Bear Lake for boating, fishing, and swimming. Expect busier weekends and holiday periods. Reserve ahead. Winter brings snow that makes the access road difficult and the campground essentially inaccessible for most groups.

Natural Features and SceneryDense coniferous forest surrounds the campground, with towering pines and firs creating thick shade throughout the site. The terrain is classic high-elevation San Bernardino Mountains: exposed granite formations, steep slopes, and the kind of rugged topography shaped by millions of years of tectonic uplift. From the campground, you're looking at forested ridges and valleys carved into Southern California's mountainous backbone. Wildlife tracks cross the forest floor regularly.

Geological RegionDeer Group Campground sits within the geological wonderland of the San Bernardino National Forest, where millions of years of tectonic activity have sculpted a dramatic landscape of soaring peaks and deep valleys. This mountainous terrain showcases the powerful forces that shaped Southern California's backbone, with exposed granite formations and ancient forest ecosystems that have adapted to the unique high-elevation environment. The rugged topography creates diverse microclimates and ecosystems, making every hike an opportunity to discover the geological story written in stone and soil throughout this magnificent forest landscape.

Scenic ViewsSurrounding views include forested areas and proximity to Big Bear Lake.

Lodging & AccommodationsThere are no hotel-style lodges or similar accommodations available at this campground.

Programs & ActivitiesNo information is available regarding cultural or educational programs.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Check-in

2:00 PM

Stay Limit

Maximum of 40 persons and 8 vehicles.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Maximum of 40 persons per group site.

Groups

The group site accommodates a maximum of 40 people and 8 vehicles. Specific details on the layout or additional facilities are not provided.

Tents

Tents are not allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Site layoutOne group site with 5 picnic tables, a double pedestal grill, and a central fire ring. Vault toilets are on-site. The thick forest canopy keeps things shaded, but specific layout details for the 40-person, 8-vehicle capacity aren't described in available data.

Reservation Platformshttps://www.recreation.gov Widget ID: 231968.

Walk-in AvailabilityWalk-up availability not mentioned explicitly in authoritative sources.

Cancellation PolicyReservations can be canceled up to 24 hours in advance without penalty.

Site SizeGroup Campsite accommodates up to 40 people and 8 vehicles.

PrivacyDetails regarding campsite privacy are not specified.

Total Campsites1 campsites

Need help booking Deer Group Campground?

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When to Book

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Cancellation Alerts

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Amenities available

The Deer Group Campground offers minimal amenities to cater to group campers. Key features include 5 picnic tables, 1 double pedestal grill, 1 group fire ring, and vault toilets. This site is designated as 'Pack it in. Pack it out,' meaning visitors must take all trash with them. Potable water is not available on-site, so campers must bring their own drinking water. All pets must be leashed during the stay.

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

Group Sites

I manage this campground

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsPotential hazards include wildlife encounters and cold weather conditions during the off-season.

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 provided at this site. Only vault toilets are available.

Fire PolicyFire ring available, but general fire regulations are not detailed.

Emergency ServicesMountaintop Ranger District and Discovery Center, 40971 North Shore Drive, Highway 38, Fawnskin, CA 92333. Phone: (909) 382-2790. Hours: Thursday-Monday from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM.

Trash & RecyclingCampers are required to remove all their trash when leaving, as this is a 'Pack it in. Pack it out' facility.

Water FeaturesLocated near Big Bear Lake, accessible via Forest Service roads.

Cell CoverageNo mention of cell phone reception suggests that service availability is uncertain. Campers should prepare for limited connectivity.

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

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Tips from campers

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Reviews

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From Booking Sources

3.5

15 reviews

Mixed Reviews

Deer Group Campground has mixed reviews, placing it in the bottom 85% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews were not provided in the source materials; no aggregated feedback is available.

Review Summaries

No review summaries available for this campground yet.

Check back later as we continuously analyze new reviews.

Outdoorithm Community

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Go if

Groups of 20-plus who want a shaded, high-elevation forest base near Big Bear Lake in summer. Mid-60s to low-80s days and 40s nights are ideal for group hiking and campfire nights, and the $149 flat rate splits well across a big crew.

Skip if

No potable water means hauling every drop for 40 people, and the access road navigation is a real logistical problem. Smaller parties or anyone expecting basic conveniences will find the price and the effort hard to justify.

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