Escape to the Cool Mountain Forest Under the Stars
Join us for a peaceful midweek getaway at 6,500 feet, where the night sky sparkles above a quiet conifer forest. Nestled in the San Bernardino Mountains, this serene campground offers a refreshing break from the summer heat and the crowds.
Spend three relaxing nights surrounded by towering pines, fresh mountain air, and the natural beauty of the area. Enjoy nearby Jenks Lake, hike along the scenic Santa Ana River, or explore further adventures with Big Bear Lake just 25 miles away.
Whether you’re looking to hike, unwind, or simply take in the starlit sky, this is the perfect mountain escape.
Monday, August 11
- 2:00 pm - Check-in - go directly to your site
- 5:30 pm - Meet and greet BYOB, dinner on your own
- 7:00 pm - Group campfire activities
- Stargazing -
Tuesday, Aug. 12
- 7:00 am - Peet’s coffee and breakfast items
- 9:00 am - Hike to Jenks Lake (3 to 4 miles round trip)*
- 6:00 pm - Potluck dinner
- 7:30 pm - Group campfire activities
Wednesday, Aug. 13
7:00 am - Coffee and pastries
Hike* or 4x4 trip
- 1:00 pm - Big Bear town*
- 6:30 pm - Check white board*
- 7:30 pm - Group campfire
Thursday, Aug. 14
*Check campground white board for updates and hike/outing details.
Amenities and Notes:.JPG)
- Tents will be on the large spacious double sites separate from RV's
- Flush toilets, picnic tables, grill/fire rings, and drinking water. Showers may be be available.
- Bears frequent the area; follow all food and garbage disposal regulations. Food storage lockers on site.
- 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. - 'Buy It Where Your Burn It' Available on site at $8-10 a bundle, cash only.
- 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. Campfires must be kept small and in the fire ring.
- Quiet hours are from 10 pm to 8 am.
- Each "tent first person" registration includes parking for 1 vehicle. Second person sharing a tent must arrive with first person in same vehicle. No extra parking available. Tent sites will not be shared with RV's.
- Back into your site - safety requirement for emergency evacuation.
- Park all tires on pavement - environmental issues - strictly enforced.
- Specific campsite assignments will be sent a week before the event.
Notes/conditions for RVs: This is a dry camping. Fresh water spigots available throughout camp and at the dump station. The dump site is located nearby ($10 fee). Generators may be operated between 7 am and 10 pm. Maximum site size is 35 feet. Maximum of 2 vehicles per site. RV with tow vehicle attached upon arrival counts as 1 vehicle. If tow vehicle is not attached upon arrival, occupant is responsible for extra parking fees $8 per day. Your tow vehicle must fit on your site with all tires on the pavement.
What to Bring: Ten Essentials, camp chair, daypack for hiking, camping/cooking gear, food, warm/cool weather clothing, some cash, and your name tag. Bring your senior Golden Age Park pass if you have one.
GOING GREEN! Please bring your own plates, cups, mugs, eating utensils, napkins, paper towels, camp soap, etc. There are water spigots located in the camp or in the nearby restroom for washing dishes.
Location/Directions: Latitude 34.171955, Longitude -116.875098
Distance is approx. 70 miles from Palm Springs via Interstate10.
From I-10 take SR-38 North. From the Mill Creek Ranger Station. The campground is approximately 18.8 to the entrance. Turn left into the campground. From the Big Bear Discovery Center take SR-38 towards Redlands for 25.8 miles and turn right into the campground. Google Map
Hazard Warning!! - Dangerous intersection at entrance to camp from Highway 38 - limited visibility. Use extra caution when exiting the camp back on to the highway.
Nearby Trails:
- Ponderosa Vista Nature Trail, 0.6-mile length
- Whispering Pines Trail, 0.5 mile
- Rio Monte Trail, 2.5 miles
- Big Falls Trail, 0.3 mile
- Jenks Lake Trail,1 mile
- Wild Horse Creek, 5 miles
Website: San Bernardino National Forest. Campground map click here
Climate: Ave Temps: 77° / 44° Current Weather click here
Refunds: Cancellation for a refund, minus any service fee, must be received by August 1, 2024.
Payment: You can pay with the following credit cards: Visa, MasterCard, Discover and American Express.
Pets: Are welcomed. Must be kept on leash. Please pick up after your pet.
Photos: click here
Prices are based upon you being a GO paid member. If not currently a GO member, you will have the option of joining at an additional $25 per person for a one (1) year club membership prior to registration. Each person going must complete a separate registration. You can click here to join.
Contact Leaders:
Health Problems/Allergies: Discuss any medical concerns with the trip leader that may affect your ability to complete the event.
