Shady Cove Group Campground

Star4.72
22 reviews
P.O. BOX 290, FAWNSKIN, CA, 92333, USA

Quick Facts

6,000 ft

Price

$114/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

3 campsites

Season

Open: May 02 - Oct 1...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Opens Mountaintop 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
Shady Cove Group Campground
$114.00 - $114.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Group Tent Only Area Nonelectric rate during peak season is $114 per night. An additional $12 fee is charged during holidays.
Standard Site Fee$0.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$114.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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Provider
909-866-8550clm@clm-services.com
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What Campers Say

4.72

Top-Rated

Based on 22 reviews

23 Google reviews

Most mentioned

privacycleanspacioushiking

Some mention

dusty

"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."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

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

Shady Cove Group Campground

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

Driving directionsFrom Running Springs, drive approximately one mile on Highway 18 to the Deerlick Ranger Station/Children's National Forest Visitor Center. Turn right on Keller Peak Road and continue about five miles. Follow signs to the campground.
The campground is easily accessible, just off a paved road.
Nearby places
Running Springs (approx. 6 miles), Arrowbear Lake (approx. 5 miles)
Nearby supplies
Running Springs offers grocery stores, fuel stations, and dining options
Arrowbear Lake is approximately 5 miles from the campground with additional supplies and recreation options.

Best Time to Camp at Shady Cove Group Campground

Summer transforms Shady Cove into a cool mountain retreat, where daytime temperatures hover around a pleasant 72°F before dipping to crisp, sleeping bag-worthy nights at 48°F. These dry months bring crystal-clear skies and gentle mountain breezes perfect for outdoor activities. As autumn arrives, the forest showcases its resilience with changing colors, though winter's snow may temporarily close access to preserve this alpine sanctuary. Plan your visit between late spring and early fall to experience the campground at its most accessible and vibrant.

Best
Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.0 / 5

Open May–Oct; summers ~72°F day/48°F night provide pleasant mountain retreat conditions.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
3.0 / 5

Open through Oct 10 (early fall good), but campground closes mid-fall limiting season length.

Spring(Mar-May)
Not recommended

Closed until May 2 for peak-season bookings; limited spring availability.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Campground closed Oct 11–May 1; winter use not supported on-site.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: May 02 - Oct 10 (2025 and 2026). Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Open: May 02 - Oct 10 (Peak season); Closed: Oct 11 - May 01 (no bookings).
  • Current Alerts: Fire restrictions and water scarcity may occur during summer months; contact the Big Bear Ranger Station for updates.

About Shady Cove Group Campground

Nestled in the heart of the Children's National Forest, Shady Cove Group Campground offers an inspiring basecamp for outdoor enthusiasts seeking mountain adventures. Three spacious group sites await, each thoughtfully equipped with picnic tables, pedestal grills, and inviting campfire circles where stories and s'mores come to life under starlit skies. Modern amenities including accessible vault toilets and fresh drinking water ensure comfort at 6,000 feet elevation. Adventure beckons just beyond your tent, with direct access to scenic hiking and biking trails, including the renowned Trail of the Phoenix. Birdwatchers will delight in the diverse mountain species that call this regenerated forest home.
Shady Cove Group Campground provides group tent camping options. Sites are suitable for large groups but are limited to tent camping.
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Reserving a campsite

Check-in
11:00 AM
Check-out
11:00 AM
Stay Limit
You may stay up to 14 nights during a visit at this campground.

Amenities available

Potable water
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
Group Sites

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.
HikingNumerous trails begin near the campground, including the Trail of the Phoenix, a short, paved interpretive trail located three miles from the campground.
ClimbingClimbing opportunities may be available in nearby natural areas such as rocky outcrops, boulders, or cliff faces. Visitors should bring appropriate gear and check local regulations or park guidelines before attempting any climbs.
FishingFishing opportunities are available at Arrowbear Lake, located five miles from the campground. The lake is stocked annually with rainbow trout in the spring.
BikingBiking trails are located near the campground, and users have positively reviewed them: 'Many trails, trees, rocks, hiking, biking… in beautiful nature.'
Wildlife viewingThe campground's forested setting and surrounding nature make it a good location for wildlife viewing. Specific species or recommended areas are not mentioned.
Cultural and Educational ProgramsThe Trail of the Phoenix is a paved interpretive trail providing educational content about the Children's Forest.
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsDusty conditions noted in reviews; fire restrictions and limited potable water availability during dry spells.
Active AlertsFire restrictions and water scarcity may occur during summer months; contact the Big Bear Ranger Station for updates.

Weather at Shady Cove Group Campground

Reviews

4.7
22 reviews
Top-Rated
Top-Rated
Shady Cove Group Campground is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% 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,...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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