How much does camping cost at Ironwood Group Camp?

Camping fees at Ironwood Group Camp are $127 - $137/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

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

Ironwood 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 Ironwood Group Camp before I book?

Yes! Ironwood Group Camp has 7 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 Ironwood Group Camp?

Ironwood Group Camp is open April 17 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 Ironwood Group Camp?

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

Can I have a campfire at Ironwood Group Camp?

Fire policies at Ironwood 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.

Is there cell service at Ironwood Group Camp?

Cell phone service at Ironwood Group Camp is generally available. Cell service is available. Coverage may vary by carrier and exact location within the campground.

How many campsites does Ironwood Group Camp have?

Ironwood 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 Ironwood Group Camp?

Yes, pets are allowed at Ironwood Group Camp. 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 Ironwood Group Camp?

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

Ironwood Group Camp

4.03

18 reviews

SAN BERNARDINO, CA, USA

Quick Facts

6,637 ft

Price

$127 - $137/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

1 campsites

Season

Open April 18th - Oc...

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Book on California Land Management Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

6,637 ft

Price

$127 - $137/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

1 campsites

Season

Open April 18th - Oc...

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Book on California Land Management Official Website

Get Directions

Ironwood Group Camp

$127.00 - $137.00 / night

Campsite Fees

GROUP TENT ONLY AREA NONELECTRIC: $127.00 (+$10.00 holiday). Plus Recreation.gov reservation transaction fee ($8 online / $9 phone / $3 in person).

Group Site Fee$127.00

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Provider

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

I manage this campground

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Campground Map

SAN BERNARDINO, CA, USA

Ironwood Group Camp

SAN BERNARDINO, CA, USA

Nearby places

Fawnskin - 7 miles (approximately 15 minutes)

Weather at Ironwood Group Camp

Current alerts(5)

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.
If you need assistance during your stay, please see the Host at the nearby Big Pine Flat Family Campground.
No water available at the Campground

Best Time to Camp at Ironwood Group Camp

Best season: summer. Summer offers the most reliable warm weather and full access to Ironwood Group Camp's lake-based activities — expect daytime highs around 70–85°F and cool nights in the 40s–50s at 6,637 ft. Boating and fishing on Big Bear Lake, mountain biking, and long alpine hikes are at their peak, while trails and campground facilities are fully open. Weekends and holiday weeks (especially July–August) are busiest, so book early for large groups and consider weekdays for a quieter visit; be aware of late-sum Peak months: July, August, September, June Avoid: November, December, January, February

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Best season: summer; full access to lake activities and reliable warm weather.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: April 17 to October 02. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open April 18th - October 4th annually; closed outside of this range.

About Ironwood Group Camp

Ironwood Group Camp sits in San Bernardino National Forest near Big Bear Lake, operated by California Land Management for groups seeking a secluded mid-elevation forest experience. The campground borders a meadow at trail's end, offering vault toilets, fire rings, and a communal campfire circle. Visitors hike alpine trails, fish and boat on Big Bear Lake, and bike mountain routes during the seasonal operating window.

Ironwood Group Camp is specifically designed for large group tent camping. It provides a single group site that accommodates up to 25 people.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: summer. Summer offers the most reliable warm weather and full access to Ironwood Group Camp's lake-based activities — expect daytime highs around 70–85°F and cool nights in the 40s–50s at 6,637 ft. Boating and fishing on Big Bear Lake, mountain biking, and long alpine hikes are at their peak, while trails and campground facilities are fully open. Weekends and holiday weeks (especially July–August) are busiest, so book early for large groups and consider weekdays for a quieter visit; be aware of late-sum Peak months: July, August, September, June Avoid: November, December, January, February

Elevation6637 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryMature pines surround the camp, creating shade over a grassy meadow that borders the site. The setting feels secluded despite being a single-site campground. Visitors describe waking up next to the meadow with views of surrounding forest. At this elevation, the air is noticeably cooler than the valleys below, and the tree canopy filters afternoon light across the clearing.

Lodging & AccommodationsThere are no hotel-style lodging accommodations or cabins available at this campground. The facilities are limited to group tent camping.

Programs & ActivitiesThere is no mention of cultural or educational programs being offered at this campground.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

Maximum stay is 14 consecutive nights per 30 days.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Up to 25 guests are permitted for the group site.

Groups

The single group site at Ironwood accommodates up to 25 people and six vehicles. It comes equipped with picnic tables, a campfire circle, and grills. Some tent pitch areas are on slight slopes, according to reviews.

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.

AccessibilityAccessibility specific descriptions for campers with disabilities were not provided in the source.

Site SizeThe group site can accommodate up to 25 people and six vehicles. Tent sites are described as decent, though some areas are sloped.

PrivacyThe campsite is relatively secluded, surrounded by mature trees and a grassy meadow that provides shade. Privacy levels beyond this description are not detailed.

Total Campsites1 campsites

Recommended SitesArrive with a high-clearance vehicle due to rugged terrain; pitch tents strategically to avoid sloped areas.

Best CampsitesThere's only one site. It sits right next to the meadow at the end of a trail, which campers consistently call beautiful. The tent areas are decent but some spots are sloped, so scout for level ground when you arrive. The site holds four medium-sized tents comfortably.

Need help booking Ironwood 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

Free alerts for this campground

Amenities available

No water available at the Campground

Fire rings

Food storage lockers

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

Group Sites

I manage this campground

Things to do at Ironwood Group Camp

The campground offers a variety of outdoor recreational activities suitable for groups and families. These include hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, target shooting, fishing, and boating.

Hiking4.0/5

Biking3.5/5

Mountain biking trails are available in the surrounding area.

Boating3.5/5

Fishing3.0/5

Fishing available at nearby Big Bear Lake (trout, bluegill, crappie, catfish, largemouth).

Water Sports3.0/5

Kayaking possible on nearby Big Bear Lake (boating supported) but not onsite.

Winter Activities

Signature experiences

Stargazing3.5/5Secluded, mid-elevation site with cool nights suggests decent stargazing; limited direct mentions.

Photography3.5/5Meadow at trail's end, mature pines, and mountain vistas offer good photo subjects.

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.

Food Storage RequiredThree bear boxes are available, strategically placed near picnic tables.

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 Ironwood Group Camp

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From Booking Sources

4.0

18 reviews

Satisfactory

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

Reviews are mixed with an average sentiment of 3 out of 5 specifically for campgrounds. Complaints focus on the cost and sloped tent sites, while positive comments highlight the natural beauty and group-oriented facilities.

Review Summaries

Based on 18 reviews

What Campers Love

Users praised the scenic location, proximity to a meadow, and on-site amenities like grills and a campfire circle. One user described it as a "beautiful campsite right next to a meadow at the end of...

Based on 18 reviews

Common Concerns

Criticism includes the perceived high cost of $115 per night for the group site and the sloped tent areas. One review commented, "It is a group site, so you can split it 5 or 6 ways, but it is...

Based on 18 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site 1 in Loop IRON received a rating of 3 stars with a comment that the site "only holds 4 tents medium."

Based on 18 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Bring your own drinking water as none is available on-site. Use a high-clearance vehicle to access the site due to rough dirt roads.

Based on 18 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer reviews are more common and highlight outdoor activities like hiking and fishing. There are no reviews specifically addressing winter conditions.

Based on 18 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. "There were four tables, three bear boxes, and a vaulted toilet covered by 4 wooden walls." 2. "This was great, but expensive as hell at $115 per night." 3. "Beautiful campsite right next to a...

Based on 18 reviews

Accessibility Features

No reviews specifically address accessibility features for campers with disabilities.

Based on 18 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are allowed at the campground, but user reviews did not include specific comments about pet-related experiences.

Based on 18 reviews

Outdoorithm Community

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Ironwood Group Camp

$127.00 - $137.00 / night

Campsite Fees

GROUP TENT ONLY AREA NONELECTRIC: $127.00 (+$10.00 holiday). Plus Recreation.gov reservation transaction fee ($8 online / $9 phone / $3 in person).

Group Site Fee$127.00

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

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

Go if

You're booking a group retreat and want forest seclusion near Big Bear Lake with dedicated campfire space.

Skip if

You need individual sites or lack a high-clearance vehicle for the rough access road.

Nearby Campgrounds

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(11)

Big Pine Equestrian Group Campground

SAN BERNARDINO

Big Pine Equestrian Group Campground sits in the San Bernardino National Forest at 6,820 feet, designed specifically for horse-based group trips with corrals and hitching racks. California Land Management operates this small, seasonal site near Big Bear Lake, where riders and their stock can access mountain trails, fishing spots, and reservoir boating. The spacious layout and shaded setting appeal to equestrian groups planning multi-day backcountry excursions.