camping in Big Bear

[Clay_Shooter]

I'd like to go camping in Big Bear in August, but I don't know where to go. I don't want to go to an expensive campground with full hook ups. I just want to dry camp somewhere where we can hike, fish, relax. Has anyone been camping there before and do you have any suggestions. I know they have several campgrounds, but I don't know where to go.

[Kymery]

Oh man...Clay...wish my dad was close..but as you can see by the fish pic on fathers day he is in Baja...he used to live in big bear for several years up until 5 years ago..he could tell you everything. They ran a resort up there and knew everyone etc.

Have you googled or went to reserveamerica.com? That is where I make my camping reservations. We usually camp off the back highway...what is that...the 38 around angeles oak, never camped in big bear. we fish the streams up there a lot too.

[Kymery]

Try this...there is a link towards the bottom with a list of campgrounds..should be beautiful camping right now! Great fishing too

http://www.bigbear.us/campingbigbear.html

[Clay_Shooter]

Kymery, I'm not planning on going until the begginig of Aug. Maybe you can ask your Dad when he gets back.

I've seen Big Bear's web site, but with all the options they have, I was hoping for some real life advice on which campground would be best.
Thanks for the help!

[Rose]

I have e-mailed my friend Joe whom has lived in Big Bear 20+ years now. On Wednesday nights he is the DJ for Country dancing at the Bowling Barn. I will let you know what he suggests.

[Clay_Shooter]

Thanks Rose. I apprecite the help.

[Kymery]

Hey, Doug and I got married at the Bit n Spur bar! had a full western wedding there! it was a blast...great bar Clayshooter to check out while up there.

Hopefully Rose's friend can help..but yes I will also ask my dad. He's definately an avid camper and I know he will know something.

[Clay_Shooter]

Thanks Kymery!

[Kymery]

I have e-mailed my friend Joe whom has lived in Big Bear 20+ years now. On Wednesday nights he is the DJ for Country dancing at the Bowling Barn. I will let you know what he suggests.

Bowled there many a time!! fun place and right in the heart of town.

[Rose]

Kymery,

The Bit n Spur is now....Way back in Nostalgiatoria. They opened a couple of months ago.

The last wedding I went to in Big Bear was at Evergreen Restaurant back in October. Congrads Steve & Rebecca!!!

Kymery's dad may know better camping sights since Joe lives in a house in Big Bear and does not camp.

[Kymery]

Kymery,

The Bit n Spur is now....Way back in Nostalgiatoria. They opened a couple of months ago.

The last wedding I went to in Big Bear was at Evergreen Restaurant back in October. Congrads Steve & Rebecca!!!

Kymery's dad may know better camping sights since Joe lives in a house in Big Bear and does not camp.

its called what????? is that the name?? ughhh what a name...does it have a nickname , like WBN or something and is it still country? I love the mexican food place next door too. My best friend got married at a church up there too..what a beautiful place for weddings.

[Rose]

Big Bear is such a pretty place to get married. I've been going for 20 plus years and have noticed such a change. Hopefully you have seen Joe at the Bowling Barn and have danced to the music he plays. He loves making people dance and loves the tips.

[Kymery]

Big Bear is such a pretty place to get married. I've been going for 20 plus years and have noticed such a change. Hopefully you have seen Joe at the Bowling Barn and have danced to the music he plays. He loves making people dance and loves the tips.

Unfortunately I have never had the pleasure...but now that I know...although tough to be up there on a weds. I also have a time share at Lagunita Lodge (my parents also used to run/manage that lodge) so I need to us it sometime soon. I always transfer my time cuz I have been there soo much...getting bored with it so we go to Hawaii etc instead.

My parents also were partners with others and built the Prestige resort time share place...high end townhomes, right at the entrance to main street on the right...the high end development timeshare. It is right across from that huge beautiful hotel...ughh cant remember the name. but you know it, right at the welcome arch.

I used to ski up there all the darn time! I sure miss that. We spent many a Christmas up there, kinda bumbed they moved to LaQuinta/Indio. Lost all our free contacts for lift tickets when they were no longer involved with all the resorts. soooo sad!! Get so spoiled on some things in life then bammmm gone...sheesh...DAD MOVE BACK!! lol

Sorry Clay...highjacked your thread but hopefully a lot of good info will show up here in the next few days...I was just bored and lonely by the pool, hubby still at work..so chatting away...killing time. Sheesh, build a beautiful pool, and what do the kids do?? uh...playstation..guitar hero upstairs and TV all day and don't do outside! Dang remember the days we stayed out all day till the "street lights came on"

[Rose]

Thanks Rose. I apprecite the help.

As soon as Joe e-mails me the information I will let you know. He is usually busy on Saturdays at the Big Bear Airport working on airplanes at his hanger.

[horsephotographer]

I'd like to go camping in Big Bear in August, but I don't know where to go. I don't want to go to an expensive campground with full hook ups. I just want to dry camp somewhere where we can hike, fish, relax. Has anyone been camping there before and do you have any suggestions. I know they have several campgrounds, but I don't know where to go.

I used to camp there in my young years...
It has a great spot on the west side.It is reasonable.I will look it up and PM you...:D

[horsephotographer]

Ok I found it : This site is by far one of the nicest spots.There is another one by the ski resort off a dirt road but never stayed there..
Have a great time and a smore for me....:D

Serrano: $17-$34; $27 with RV hookup. One of the most popular campsites in California. Near marinas, stores, and the Discovery Center. Hiking trails including the popular Alpine Pedal Path (http://www.bigbear.us/advbigbear.html#advent6). Interpretive programs (Fri and Sat). Flush toilets. Fee for second vehicle. Just off Highway 38 on the north shore and only 500 yards from Big Bear Lake.
6,800'; 132 sites; 55' space length; 4/1-11/30. NRRS (http://www.reserveusa.com/nrrs/ca/serr/)


Hanna was the other one and it is closed for 2008

[BlkTib]

We live in the Mountains near Big Bear and camp in Big Bear often. We like to dry camp in Holcomb Valley. Go on the North side of the lake. Stop at the Discovery Center for fire info. Then proceed East to Van Dussen (about 3 miles on your left). This is an asphalt road that turns to dirt. Follow this to the Holcomb Camp ground (don’t camp there) (this is about 4 miles - the road T’s) go to the right. In about 1 mile you will see an open camp area to your left (this is past the meadow and the historical building). That’s good. We like to go past this area to the first left follow that about 1/4 mile and take the next left. Follow that back and you will find a bowl area that is great for dry camping, with lots of rocks and trees. Very secluded and very nice. We have spent many hours cleaning the glass out and picking up trash, so that area should be clean. If you back into my spot on the right, where I dig out for my wheels you will be level and set to go fast. We know a number of folks that use this same area. We all work to keep it clean and safe for the kids. You will need fair ground clearance and not too tall. We see a Raptor out there regularly and it’s enormous, so even the big boys can play out there. Our rigs are smaller so we have no problems. Take it slow and easy through the ruts and you will have no problem. I can send you some pictures of the area if you like.

[BlkTib]

http://i185.photobucket.com/albums/x202/BLKTIB/Holcomb.jpg

[festivalfan]

Hi Clay,
I have a small home in Green Valley Lake...little community off 330 just north of Running Springs, and about 13 south of Big Bear. We were hit hard last year by the wildfires in October, but the little town has come back to life. We have a well stocked lake and a campground that is rustic, woodsy and secluded, and a mile from the lake. here's the link http://www.green-valley-lake.com/index.htm...check the "things to do" tab for camping info. Two great little restaurants in town, with a down home atmosphere. I go up as often as I can when I'm off work..peaceful, relaxing and easy to get to. If you have any questions, PM me

[Kymery]

Clay, I am such a blonde, had my dad on the phone and got carried away with his fishing etc..ughhh I will get those answers.

Great advice on here..Doug was just saying he would like to camp in BigBear to fish. I would hate to have to haul my rig up there on those roads though

[Clay_Shooter]

Thanks all,
A bunch of great ideas. Now I won't know where to go because I have too many options. I like the spot in the pictures BlkTib, I might have to check that out. I have a lifted F-350, w/ a Lance cabover camper(approx. 12 ft. high). Do you think I would have problems w/ low tree branches?

[Rose]

Sorry I couldn't obtain any information from a local about camping. Camping for me is the holiday inn. :D

[horsephotographer]

Sorry I couldn't obtain any information from a local about camping. Camping for me is the holiday inn. :D
That is so funny..
I'm the same way yet did try it long ago.....
5 *****star is my idea of a good vacation.
Yet there is something to say about the peace and quite of the wilderness.....:cool:

[horsephotographer]

Thanks all,
A bunch of great ideas. Now I won't know where to go because I have too many options. I like the spot in the pictures BlkTib, I might have to check that out. I have a lifted F-350, w/ a Lance cabover camper(approx. 12 ft. high). Do you think I would have problems w/ low tree branches?
Yes the photo does look peaceful...
Hope you have a great relaxing time....:D

[Rose]

Here is a websight that might help you out. These are the Big Bear locals. There is also a Rim of the world websight that's very helpful.

http://www.socalmountains.com/e107_plugins/forum/forum.php

http://www.rimoftheworld.net/

[BlkTib]

Clay Shooter,

You should be fine. They have all been trimmed. It really is a great spot.

[Clay_Shooter]

Thanks BlkTib,

I printed your directions. I'm gonna go there in the beggining of Aug.
I'll let you know how it went.

[Kymery]

I wanna camp there next!! heheeh.

Looks so private and fun!...Honey, get the rig cleaned...quick!

[BlkTib]

Clay Shooter,

I didn't previously mention this but you can pick up a free map of the area you're going to at the Discovery Center. They are always nice to have.

[Clay_Shooter]

BlkTib,
ThanKs for the info. I'll stop by and pick up a map for sure.

Kymery,
I'll let you know when we're going, if you want to meet us there.

[Kymery]

BlkTib,
Thanjs for the info. I'll stop by and pick up a map for sure.

Kymery,
I'll let you know when we're going, if you want to meet us there.

Thank you!! might consider that!

[festivalfan]

clay.. you might be hosting the next shin dig....I may be in Green Valley Lake (not camping, tho) the same weekend...I may show up ready for the weenie roast....That campground will never be the same.....

[Kymery]

BLK is gonna regret this I think!

Pack it in, pack it out people!

[Clay_Shooter]

Pack it in, pack it out people!

Wouldn't have it any other way!

[Clay_Shooter]

Well, unless there were dumpsters of course!

[Kymery]

Well, unless there were dumpsters of course!

That would be the bed of my truck:D

[Kymery]

Clay you still going? haven't seen you in a while...miss your perkiness

[Clay_Shooter]

Clay you still going? haven't seen you in a while...miss your perkiness

Here I am Kymery. Yes I plan on still going, but not until Aug. I've been busy with kids and work and what not.

[Clay_Shooter]

Hey BlkTib,
Do you have to pay to camp @ your spot?
Or just have an Adventure Pass?

[Kymery]

Here I am Kymery. Yes I plan on still going, but not until Aug. I've been busy with kids and work and what not.

Dang thought we lost you...:p phewwwww.

Maybe I should of used a larger hook, and not barbless!! hehehehehe

[Clay_Shooter]

Dang thought we lost you...:p phewwwww.

Maybe I should of used a larger hook, and not barbless!! hehehehehe

Naw, I'm still here. Just been busy @ work.
Went camping last weekend. It was only about 107 degrees.(crap) Who knew 3 months ago when we made the reservations? Wife had to work. So it was me and 6 kids.(3 of my own and each with a friend) YIKES, that was tough.
Well I had other family and friends with us, but YIKES.

[Kymery]

Naw, I'm still here. Just been busy @ work.
Went camping last weekend. It was only about 107 degrees.(crap) Who knew 3 months ago when we made the reservations? Wife had to work. So it was me and 6 kids.(3 of my own and each with a friend) YIKES, that was tough.
Well I had other family and friends with us, but YIKES.

You are a brave man!!! I can barely handle my 5! Luckily all old enough to handle themselves!

Yikes...107 where did you camp? We were in the pool all weekend! nanny nanny nanny!

[Clay_Shooter]

We were just camping in Ramona(Dos Picos campground). We ran into some old friends a while back and planned a get together. Nothing big, just a small reuinion. It was fun considering the heat and the kids driving me crazy. Kids stayed inside in the a/c most of the time. Couldn't not let em,(6 kids inside a cab-over-camper). We did get some fishing in, there was a little pond, caught(and released) a bunch of bluegills. Kids had a blast.

Less than two weeks until Camp Pendleton, can't wait!!!!!!!!!

[Kymery]

Hehe...reminds me of being a little kids...many, many moons ago. My dad had a 5-star camper over an old (well new back then) ford pick up.

Take all six of us kids to Glamis...towing an open trailer, with our buggy, three two wheelers, and the 50 mini in the camper, in the walking isle. You could see us kids heads all lined up in the upper bed, watching as dad drove us to the fun! Our best friends were the same way, they had 5 kids peeking up there! What fun...only bad part was the sleeping arrangements..mainly slept on the darn buggy trailer, freezing cold, heads laying on the runners for the wheels of the buggy, waking up to snake skins on our bags, stink bugs, etc etc. Sometimes we got lucky (if it was really toooo cold) and we could sleep on the converted table and the bed above the table, and one or two kids on the floor in the isle. Hey we didn't care, all we cared about was riding the next day.

I remember the fridges..had to buy a block ice to keep em cold, and I remember the step mom yelling "stay out of the damn fridge! your melting the ice!" I remember dad having vodka tonics and sardines, and me stealing some each (hell..what was I thinking? vokda good, sardines...NOT)

Lining up to get our next ride in on each bike, we would stand there, 6-10 of us and wait our turn, some bikes had odometers on them otherwise, it would be "ok...you can go to that 3rd bush, then around that big tree, over the sand dune, then back here...three times, then it is MY turn!"

Listening to Johnny Cash via 8-track tape! Whoo hooo!!

NO RED CUPS back then, just those darn little juice plastic things..remember those? ugghhh I can still taste the sugar and not the flavor!

THANKS DAD!! ok...it made us all stronger...no showers (so spoiled we and our kids are) and came home with an inch of sand everywhere...and I mean everywhere...took two baths each to wash it out.

AWWWWWW the good ole days, wouldn't trade them for anything.

[BlkTib]

Clay Shooter,

You can pick up an adventure pass at the Discovery Center. Living up here most of us don't believe in the Adventure pass crap. We rarely get checked for adventure passes where you are going to camp (and as locals we can usually talk our way out of the ticket. Those are for flat-landers and are issued by locals). If you don't have one they give you a $5 ticket.

There is no charge for the spot. It's free to all Stagecoach folks.

I did tell the friends we camp with at the location that I disclosed our favorite spot. So here is the 1 rule. If we show up, we camp together. We don't plan on camping that weekend, but we may just come by to have a beer. We would be in a blue Dodge 4 x 4 or gray Ford 4 x 4.

Take a swing to hang in the tree up in the bowl area. Last time we were there we set up a ball field with bases, that is around the corner of the bowl to the North. If you walk around to the South, at the end of the road is an old gold mining operation, dry pond and rock dam. If you go back out to the road and go North there is a large open field on the right. Most of the time hunters are out there training hunting dogs. They use blanks and run the dogs. Kind of fun to watch and safe since no live ammo. Go down to the Historic building you pass on your way in (in the meadow) it has a plaque that explains it. We often see rock climbing motorcyclists on the rocks. These guys are fun to watch and do some crazy stuff. If you go back behind the tree for the swing you will find some small caves really cool. Don’t be surprised to see wild life. This area is active with Bears, Mountain lions and Bobcats. We don’t go on evening walks without at least 1 - 9mm. That’s your call, but help is a long way away. That said, we haven’t had any problems with wild life, but you can see them.


Enjoy.

[abra]

blktib... that is a beautiful pic. = )

[Clay_Shooter]

Clay Shooter,

You can pick up an adventure pass at the Discovery Center. Living up here most of us don't believe in the Adventure pass crap. We rarely get checked for adventure passes where you are going to camp (and as locals we can usually talk our way out of the ticket. Those are for flat-landers and are issued by locals). If you don't have one they give you a $5 ticket.

There is no charge for the spot. It's free to all Stagecoach folks.

I did tell the friends we camp with at the location that I disclosed our favorite spot. So here is the 1 rule. If we show up, we camp together. We don't plan on camping that weekend, but we may just come by to have a beer. We would be in a blue Dodge 4 x 4 or gray Ford 4 x 4.

Take a swing to hang in the tree up in the bowl area. Last time we were there we set up a ball field with bases, that is around the corner of the bowl to the North. If you walk around to the South, at the end of the road is an old gold mining operation, dry pond and rock dam. If you go back out to the road and go North there is a large open field on the right. Most of the time hunters are out there training hunting dogs. They use blanks and run the dogs. Kind of fun to watch and safe since no live ammo. Go down to the Historic building you pass on your way in (in the meadow) it has a plaque that explains it. We often see rock climbing motorcyclists on the rocks. These guys are fun to watch and do some crazy stuff. If you go back behind the tree for the swing you will find some small caves really cool. Don’t be surprised to see wild life. This area is active with Bears, Mountain lions and Bobcats. We don’t go on evening walks without at least 1 - 9mm. That’s your call, but help is a long way away. That said, we haven’t had any problems with wild life, but you can see them.


Enjoy.

BlkTib,
Thanks for the "no charge". Sounds like a great place with lots to do and see. I love exploring old mines, caves,etc. I like the swing idea, the kids would get a kick out of that.

Don't worry about your spot, I'll take good care of it. Feel free to come by for a beer. I have no problem with company or sharing a camping spot.

As you can guess by my screenname, I have the protection part covered. That being said, we'll be sure to watch out for wildlife. I'm not nailed down on an exact date, but I'll keep you posted when I figure it out. Thanks again for all the info and help.

[Rose]

Posted on Rim of the World Websight. Just an FYI

After doing some digging around, I found a VERY reliable source that told me the whole story. Apparently, the sewage treatment plant in San Bernardino was closed down because a stray golf ball from the adjacent municipal course had somehow become lodged in one of the outflow pipes. As the effluent began to back up, one of the plant engineers remembered that Carp can consume up to 5 times their weight in sewage every day. After canvassing local bodies of water for high concentrations of carp, it was decided that Lake Gregory presented to optimum conditions. Several tractor-trailers disguised as gravel trucks were dispatched up the hill to the West end of the lake, where they dumped their loads in the wee hours of the morning. The golf ball has since been removed and the sewage is again flowing into the water hazards on the golf course, as it has been for some time. The levels of coliform bacteria are back down to acceptable levels in Lake Gregory and there is no reason to keep your kids out of the water. Don't eat any carp, though.