How much does camping cost at Shady Cove Group Campground?

Camping fees at Shady Cove Group Campground range from $114-$126/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Shady Cove Group Campground first-come first-served or reservation?

Shady Cove 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 Shady Cove Group Campground before I book?

Yes! Shady Cove Group Campground has 5 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 Shady Cove Group Campground?

Shady Cove Group Campground is open May 01 to October 09. 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 Shady Cove Group Campground?

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

Can I have a campfire at Shady Cove Group Campground?

Fire policies at Shady Cove Group Campground: 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. Water also may not be available. For current fire or water conditions, contact the Big Bear Ranger Station at 909-382-2790.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

How many campsites does Shady Cove Group Campground have?

Shady Cove Group Campground has 3 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Shady Cove Group Campground?

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

What amenities are available at Shady Cove Group Campground?

Shady Cove Group Campground offers: Restrooms, Potable Water. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Shady Cove Group Campground?

Popular activities at Shady Cove Group Campground include Hiking, Fishing, Biking, Wildlife Viewing. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Shady Cove Group Campground

4.28

22 reviews

P.O. BOX 290, FAWNSKIN, CA, 92333, USA

Featured in:Summer Camping California

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

6,000 ft

Price

$114 - $126/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

3 campsites

Season

Open: May 02 - Oct 1...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Book on Mountaintop Recreation Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

6,000 ft

Price

$114 - $126/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

3 campsites

Season

Open: May 02 - Oct 1...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Book on Mountaintop Recreation Official Website

Get Directions

Shady Cove Group Campground

$114.00 - $126.00 / night

Campsite Fees

GROUP TENT ONLY AREA NONELECTRIC: $114.00 (+$12.00 holiday). Plus Recreation.gov reservation transaction fee ($8 online / $9 phone / $3 in person).

Group Site Fee$114.00

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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

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

I manage this campground

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Campground Map

P.O. BOX 290, FAWNSKIN, CA, 92333, USA

Shady Cove Group Campground

P.O. BOX 290, FAWNSKIN, CA, 92333, USA

Nearby places

Running Springs (approx. 6 miles), Arrowbear Lake (approx. 5 miles)

Weather at Shady Cove Group Campground

Current alerts(2)

Click here for more information on the San Bernardino National Forest
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.

Best Time to Camp at Shady Cove Group Campground

Best season: summer. Summer is the best time to visit for reliably pleasant mountain weather (daytime highs around 68–75°F, nights dropping into the upper 40s) and full access to the group sites and water. Trails, biking routes, and fishing in nearby streams are at their peak, and the forest canopy provides welcome shade and excellent stargazing after crisp nights. Expect moderate to busy weekends during June–August and be prepared for occasional afternoon thunderstorms or seasonal fire restrictions. Peak months: July, August, June, September Avoid: October, November, December, January

Best

Spring(Mar-May)

4.0 / 5

Opens May 2 (late spring); pleasant temps and trail access at season start.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: May 01 to October 09. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open: May 02 - Oct 10 (Peak season); Closed: Oct 11 - May 01 (no bookings).

About Shady Cove Group Campground

Shady Cove Group Campground sits in the mid-elevation forest of San Bernardino National Forest near Running Springs, operated by Mountaintop Recreation. This small group-only site offers vault toilets, potable water, and fire rings under a shaded canopy, with access to nearby trails for hiking and biking. Reviewers praise the spacious layout, clean facilities, and proximity to mountain activities, though dusty conditions and strict fire rules are common notes.

Shady Cove Group Campground provides group tent camping options. Sites are suitable for large groups but are limited to tent camping.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: summer. Summer is the best time to visit for reliably pleasant mountain weather (daytime highs around 68–75°F, nights dropping into the upper 40s) and full access to the group sites and water. Trails, biking routes, and fishing in nearby streams are at their peak, and the forest canopy provides welcome shade and excellent stargazing after crisp nights. Expect moderate to busy weekends during June–August and be prepared for occasional afternoon thunderstorms or seasonal fire restrictions. Peak months: July, August, June, September Avoid: October, November, December, January

Elevation6000 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryThe campground occupies a transition zone where chaparral meets montane forest, creating overlapping plant communities and diverse vegetation. Granite outcroppings dot the landscape, remnants of millions of years of tectonic uplift and erosion. Pines and oaks provide canopy shade across the sites. The surrounding terrain features ridges, valleys, and hidden meadows typical of Southern California's mountain backbone. Decomposed granite soil and rocky terrain characterize the area, which sits well above the desert floors to the east.

Lodging & AccommodationsThe campground provides group tent camping options but does not offer hotel-style lodging or cabins.

Programs & ActivitiesThe Trail of the Phoenix is a paved interpretive trail providing educational content about the Children's Forest.

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.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Each group campsite can accommodate up to 30 guests.

Groups

Each site accommodates up to 30 people and 8 vehicles. Sites are equipped with picnic tables, pedestal grills, and campfire circles.

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 via Recreation.gov online, app, or contact center.

AccessibilityOne of the three group sites is accessible. The campground itself is easily accessible, located off a paved road.

Site SizeEach group site can accommodate a maximum of 30 people and 8 vehicles.

PrivacyUser reviews highlight the spaciousness and privacy between sites: 'Plenty of space both for large groups and between sites so you don't have to worry about bothering neighbors.

Total Campsites3 campsites

Recommended SitesSite C is recommended for privacy but beware of dusty conditions; Site B has confusing signage; Site A praised for cleanliness and access.

Best CampsitesReviews mention Campsite C has its own vault toilet and water spigot, though it shares the dusty conditions common across all sites. Parking proves tight: "Realistically 4 cars fit unless you park further away," despite the 8-vehicle maximum. Sites offer good separation from each other, with "plenty of space both for large groups and between sites so you don't have to worry about bothering neighbors.

Need help booking Shady Cove Group Campground?

Reservation tips, booking windows, and free cancellation alerts.

Recreation.gov Guide

Booking tips & windows

When to Book

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Cancellation Alerts

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Amenities available

Shady Cove Group Campground offers three group sites for tent camping, one of which is accessible. Each site accommodates up to 30 people and eight vehicles. Amenities include picnic tables, pedestal grills, a campfire circle, accessible vault toilets, and drinking water. The campground is situated at an elevation of approximately 6,000 feet and is easily accessible via a paved road through Southern California's mountainous terrain.

Potable water

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

Group Sites

I manage this campground

Activities you can enjoy

The campground offers a variety of activities including hiking, biking, birding, and wildlife viewing. Nearby attractions include Arrowbear Lake and the Trail of the Phoenix interpretive trail.

Hiking

Fishing

Biking

Wildlife viewing

Cultural and Educational Programs

Winter Activities

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

No Flush ToiletsFlush toilets are not available; accessible vault toilets are provided.

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

4.3

22 reviews

Satisfactory

Shady Cove Group Campground is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews

The campground receives positive reviews for its spacious group sites, cleanliness, and proximity to outdoor activities. Complaints include confusing signage and restrictions on fire and generator use.

Review Summaries

Based on 22 reviews

What Campers Love

1. Spacious sites with good privacy: 'Plenty of space both for large groups and between sites.' 2. Clean facilities: 'Bathrooms were well kept.' 3. Proximity to activities: 'Many trails, trees,...

Based on 22 reviews

Common Concerns

1. Confusing signage: 'The signs are confusing to get to site B. The map you see doesn’t really match when you get there.' 2. Restrictions on fires and generators: 'Strict fire restrictions (we...

Based on 22 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site C: Positive reviews for its private vault toilets and spigot, but noted as dusty. Site B: Confusing signage and limited vehicle space but recommended overall. Site A: Praised for cleanliness and...

Based on 22 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

1. Group size and parking tips: 'Realistically 4 cars fit unless you park further away.' 2. Be prepared for cold nights: 'Beautiful skies, cold nights in June.' 3. Check fire restrictions before...

Based on 22 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Cold nights are noted during the summer (June) season. The campground is generally favored for its spaciousness and cleanliness, irrespective of season.

Based on 22 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'Site C is a great one. You have your own set of vaulted toilets and a spigot.' - Raymond Estrada Jr. 2. 'Plenty of space both for large groups and between sites.' - Jon H. 3. 'This is one of the...

Based on 22 reviews

Accessibility Features

Accessibility features include an accessible group site and vault toilets. No specific user reviews regarding accessibility experiences.

Based on 22 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

No reviews specifically addressing pet policies or experiences.

Based on 22 reviews

Outdoorithm Community

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Go if

You're booking a group outing and want forested privacy with easy access to mountain trails and fishing.

Skip if

You need individual sites, RV hookups, or want to avoid dusty forest roads and seasonal fire restrictions.

Nearby Campgrounds

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Keller Peak Yellow Post Sites

San Bernardino National Forest

Keller Peak Yellow Post Sites sits at 6,588 feet in San Bernardino National Forest, offering nine primitive, first-come, first-served camping spots. Each site includes a picnic table and fire ring but no water or restrooms. The campground is free, though you'll need a valid California Campfire Permit before arriving.