Camp In California's Mountains Right By A Lake At This Outdoor Lover's Scenic Paradise

Southern California is home to stunning coastal campsites, including beachfront campgrounds that' are pure paradise with warm ocean waters. However, when the mountains call, Big Bear Lake is the perfect getaway. Only an hour and 15 minutes from San Bernardino, Big Bear Lake boasts numerous campgrounds and RV parks, yet for ultra-clean facilities, refreshing alpine air, and a family-friendly atmosphere, Serrano Campground is the best choice.

Choose from 93 single sites (maximum eight guests) and 16 double sites (maximum 16 guests), offering a picnic table, a fire pit-grill combo, and access to potable water, flush toilets, and showers. All sites accommodate tents, RVs, and trailers; however, only 26 sites provide water, electric, and sewer hookups. To be fair, the sites are slightly close together, but it's a fair tradeoff considering the cleanliness and well-maintained yet rustic grounds. The campground also includes bear boxes that come in very handy, firewood for sale, a dump station, and pet-friendly policies.

Situated on the north side of Big Bear Lake, at an elevation of 6,800 feet, Serrano Campground is part of Big Bear Valley's alpine forest ecosystem, dotted with towering pines and fragrant tuffs of sage. Although the campground closes in winter, the dry summer months bring sunshine and an average daytime temperature of 80 degrees Fahrenheit. 

Although Serrano Campground may not be a remote wilderness destination, it's a prime jumping-off point for your alpine mountain adventure. Walk a few minutes from camp and rent kayaks, standup paddleboards, e-bikes, and bicycles at Paddles and Pedals. With a lakeside location, you don't have to throw out your back wrangling your kayak into the water. However, if you want to rent a pontoon, head to Captain John's Fawn Harbor & Marina for a selection of crafts at a reasonable price. Wakeboarding, fishing, swimming, and sailing are also popular activities; however, we recommend checking the algae report before entering the water. 

Serrano Campground is directly across from one of the must-hike trailheads in Big Bear Valley – Cougar Crest Trail. This moderate 5.6-mile-long trail winds through the alpine forest, revealing panoramic views of the lake and surrounding mountains. Depending on your fitness level, the hike takes between three and four hours, reaching an elevation of 8,201 feet. For a beginner-friendly trail, try the 1.5-mile Woodland Trail 1E23 Loop. Don't forget to stop at the nearby Big Bear Discovery Center for brochures, area information, and interactive exhibits. 

For an adrenaline-pumping experience, take the chairlift up Magic Mountain and ride the Alpine Slide. Alternatively, the Mineshaft Coaster and the double waterslides are equally thrilling. However, for shopping, entertainment, and the joy of not cooking dinner, visit The Village. This lifestyle complex offers bowling, breweries, and over 120 local businesses. 

Serrano Campground doesn't provide waterfront sites, and most sites don't offer lake views — the water is incredibly close, though. Tiny North Shore Lake and the North Shore Biking and Walking Trail separate the campsites from the water, and there's also an RV park blocking the view. In practice, it takes two to three minutes to walk to the lake via designated trails. 

For a tiny glimpse of Big Bear Lake, choose individual sites 106 and 107, or group sites 112 and 113. These sites are extra shady and further away from the Rim of the World Bypass, so the road noise is minimal. If you're looking for a little more privacy and don't want to see your neighbors, reserve site 103. Our favorite full hook-up site is 64 because it's shady, accessible, and has a little more space to walk around. 

It's worth noting that finding a campground in Southern California with lakefront sites is difficult. However, if you're willing to drive a little further north, you can enjoy large lakefront campsites at this scenic California lake famed for its fishing scene or camp directly on the shore at this California lake that's the perfect family-friendly spot for an outdoor weekend in the sun.