Pineknot

Star4.52
850 reviews
P O Box 365, Fawnskin, CA, 92333, USA

Quick Facts

6,900 ft

Price

$34/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

42 campsites

Season

Open from April 18 t...

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Opens Mountaintop Recreation / Vista Recreation site

Official Website
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Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026
Pineknot
$34.00 - $34.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard nonelectric sites cost $34 per night during peak season, with an additional $2 fee for holidays. No group sites or premium site fees are...
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Standard Site Fee$34.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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Provider
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What Campers Say

4.52

Top-Rated

Based on 850 reviews

234 Google reviews

Most mentioned

cleanrestroomslakewell-maintained

Some mention

noise

"Pineknot Campground is highly praised for its cleanliness, proximity to Big Bear Lake, and friendly camp hosts. It is a popular choice for families, mountain bikers, and hikers. However, some reviewers noted issues with noise, sloped campsites, and the lack of shower facilities."

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Campground Map

P O Box 365, Fawnskin, CA, 92333, USA

Pineknot

P O Box 365, Fawnskin, CA, 92333, USA

Driving directionsFrom I-10 in Redlands, take Highway 330 to Highway 18 in Running Springs. Continue east on Highway 18 at Big Bear Lake Dam, go straight at the dam and follow Highway 18. Turn onto Summit Boulevard and continue to a block wall. Turn left into the campground.
The campground is accessible via paved roads throughout the year. Access may be impacted by seasonal weather conditions such as snow.
Nearby places
Big Bear Lake (~2 miles), Redlands (~45 miles), Fawnskin (~5 miles)
Nearby supplies
Groceries and camping supplies can be obtained in Big Bear Lake, about five miles from Pineknot Campground.

Best Time to Camp at Pineknot

Summer brings a delightful respite from valley heat, with daytime temperatures hovering in the comfortable 70s—perfect for outdoor adventures without breaking a sweat. As darkness falls, the mountain air brings a refreshing coolness that makes for ideal sleeping weather under the stars. Come October, Mother Nature adds a touch of drama as nighttime temperatures can plunge to freezing, creating crystalline mornings where your breath forms clouds and frost decorates the pine needles like nature's own glitter.

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

Summer temps in the 70s; peak season for biking and hiking though can be crowded/noisy.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.0 / 5

Fall is quieter and pleasant for hiking and scenery; trails remain accessible.

Spring(Mar-May)
4.0 / 5

Open from Apr 18; spring offers cooler temps and fewer crowds as season begins.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Campground is closed outside Apr 18–Oct 25, so winter stays are not available.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: April 18 to October 25 annually.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Open from April 18 to October 25 during peak season; closed outside these dates.
  • Current Alerts: Active bear presence reported; visitors are required to use bear-proof lockers.

About Pineknot

Where alpine adventure meets peaceful retreat, Pineknot Campground beckons from its perch at the foot of Snow Summit Ski Resort. Here, towering firs, pines, and ancient oaks create a natural cathedral of shade, their branches whispering stories of mountain seasons past. While thoughtfully designed with tent campers in mind, this mountain haven also welcomes small RVs and trailers under 25 feet, making it an ideal basecamp for families and solo adventurers alike. Mountain bikers will find themselves at the gateway to legendary trails, while hikers can set off on foot to explore the surrounding wilderness. Just moments away, the sparkling waters of Big Bear Lake promise endless summer days filled with boating, fishing, and lakeside relaxation.
Pineknot Campground caters primarily to traditional tent and small RV camping. It does not provide group or luxury camping options.
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Reserving a campsite

Check-in
2:00 PM
Check-out
12:00 PM
Stay Limit
Up to 14 nights within a rolling 30-day period.

Amenities available

Potable water
Flush toilets
Fire rings
Food storage lockers
Picnic tables
Firewood available

Activities you can enjoy

Pineknot Campground offers a variety of outdoor activities, including hiking, mountain biking, and water sports at nearby Big Bear Lake. The proximity to Snow Summit makes it particularly popular for mountain biking enthusiasts.
HikingSeveral hiking trails are accessible from the campground, ranging in difficulty. "The trails near Snow Summit are a highlight for hikers," remarked one reviewer.
FishingFishing is permitted at Big Bear Lake, located about five miles from the campground. Specific details on fish species or quality are not provided.
BikingMountain biking is a standout activity, with lift-served trails at Snow Summit nearby. "This campground is a dream for mountain bikers," mentioned one user.
BoatingBoating opportunities are available at Big Bear Lake, including canoeing and sailing. A marina is located approximately five miles away.
Wildlife viewingWildlife such as bears and coyotes have been observed. Bear-proof lockers are provided, and campers are advised to store food securely.
Winter Activities
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsWildlife hazards include coyotes and bears. Coyotes have reportedly taken pets, and bears have been sighted rummaging in campsites.
Active AlertsActive bear presence reported; visitors are required to use bear-proof lockers.
Food Storage RequiredBear-proof lockers are provided at each campsite and are mandatory for storing food due to active bear presence.

Weather at Pineknot

Reviews

4.5
850 reviews
Top-Rated
Top-Rated
Pineknot is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews
Pineknot Campground is highly praised for its cleanliness, proximity to Big Bear Lake, and friendly camp hosts. It is a popular choice for families, mountain bikers, and hikers. However, some reviewers noted issues with noise, sloped campsites, and the lack of shower facilities.
Review Summaries
Based on 850 reviews

What Campers Love

Campers appreciated the clean restrooms, well-maintained campsites, and the accommodating camp host, Sean. Proximity to Snow Summit and Big Bear Lake is a significant advantage.
Based on 850 reviews

Common Concerns

Frequent complaints include the lack of showers, sloped campsites, and occasional noise from neighboring campers and nearby roads.
Based on 850 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Campers recommend bringing allergy medication due to pollen, securing food in bear-proof lockers, and selecting campsites carefully to avoid steep slopes.
Based on 850 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer is the most popular season, with activities like mountain biking and hiking in full swing. However, it can get crowded, and noise levels may rise. Cooler months offer a quieter experience.
Based on 850 reviews

Camper Quotes

"Sean, the host, deserves a raise! He goes above and beyond to make campers feel welcome," said one reviewer. Another mentioned, "The proximity to Snow Summit is unbeatable for mountain biking...
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Based on 850 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Sites #19 and #45 are highly recommended for their privacy and spaciousness, while sites near the entrance are noted to be less private and noisier.
Based on 850 reviews

Accessibility Features

Some reviewers noted that the slopes and uneven terrain of certain campsites might pose challenges for individuals with mobility issues.
Based on 850 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

The campground is pet-friendly, but campers are advised to keep pets leashed and watch out for wildlife such as bears and coyotes.
Based on 850 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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