Big Bear Camping

[Unregistered]

Hello all,
I am a newbie here and I am sick and tired or tent camping...I want to move up to the Pop Up world!  I am going to rent a pop up to take up to Big Bear around the end of September..I was wondering what is the best campground up there..also which one allows campfire. (aint camping if there is no fire)  1 more thing..can anyone direct me to a nice place to rent a pop up down here in San Diego?  Any help would be uh...well...helpful!!  Thanks Adams Family

[Dee4j]

I liked serrano...not sure how many spots with hook-ups we were on Strawberry loop? with full hook-ups, bad part with full hook-ups the bathroom was far.

[OC Campers]

I agree, if you want water and power Serrano is a good choice.  We haven't stayed here yet but have driven thru it.  Very Nice.  If you want a campground a little more secluded, I have stayed at Hanna Flat.  It is back a dirt road a couple of miles.  It has pit toilets and water but is off the beaten path and very quiet.  

Unfortunately, I don't know of a place to rent a popup except in Ventura which is a long way from you.
 
Jacqui

[griffsmom]

Unfortunately, I don't know of a place to rent a popup except in Ventura which is a long way from you.
 
Jacqui

Try:
 
Carl's Acres of Trailers
1200 W. Mission Blvd.
Ontario, CA 91761
Sales: 909-983-8411
Rentals: 909-983-2567
Fax: 909-983-0818
Email: [url="mailto:info@CarlsTrailers.com"]info@CarlsTrailers.com ("info@CarlsTrailers.com")[/url]
 
This is where we bought our camper and have had nothing less than wondeful service since.

[Unregistered]

I have looked at 2 different places here in san diego...it for about 400 I will be set for 4 nights.  The place you guys are talking about...can I get to it without 4 wheel drive?  and do you know if they allow campfires?  Thanks once again

[OC Campers]

I have looked at 2 different places here in san diego...it for about 400 I will be set for 4 nights. The place you guys are talking about...can I get to it without 4 wheel drive? and do you know if they allow campfires? Thanks once again

If you are asking about Hanna Flat, no you do not need a 4 wheel drive.  The road is not too bad considering it is dirt for part of the way.  In fact one of our members Mr.Flinders towed his popup back there last year.  As far as fires, when we were there with our girl scout troup we did have a fire but that was before the big fire last year.  You may have to call the ranger station or call Reserve America at (800)444-7275 to find out.
 
Jacqui

[Steve-o-bud]

Off of Hwy 38, going to Big Bear the back way from Redlands, there are some US Forest Service campgrounds in the Barton Flats area, i.e. San Gorgonio. No hookups however.

As for Fires, the Barton Flats area has had the Bark Beetle, so, it is probable that campfires would not be allowed. I would check.

And, to second the recommendation on Carls Acres of Trailers, that is where my PU was sold new, and they have a nice variety of rentals. If you are renting anything but their smallest units, they will require that your Tow Vehicle is set up for electric brakes.

[mrflinders]

If you are asking about Hanna Flat, no you do not need a 4 wheel drive. The road is not too bad considering it is dirt for part of the way. In fact one of our members Mr.Flinders towed his popup back there last year. As far as fires, when we were there with our girl scout troup we did have a fire but that was before the big fire last year. You may have to call the ranger station or call Reserve America at (800)444-7275 to find out.
 
Jacqui

Hanna Flat is a great campground.  Very rustic, with lots of (really) large trees.  It really has a remote feel, even though it is only about 5-10 minutes up the hill from the lake.  You won't need a 4WD, we took our PU there last year with no issues.  There are some photos posted here if you want to take a look.  They say there is no water available at the CG, but when we were there there were a few water faucets for us to fill our tanks with.  The toilets are all vaulted.
 
-Randy

[George Ramsdell]

We just got back form Pineknot campground that is located by Snow Summit - very nice - but no showers or hookups.  We camped Serrano last year and they have hookups and showers.  Over by Lake Arrowhead is Dogwood campground very nice, very clean, and lots of trees - new for this year is several camp sites that have electricity, but no water or sewer hookups.

- George

[George Ramsdell]

One last thing.  We camped in Dogwood this past Memorial Day, and Pineknott July 11th.  No Fires were allowed.  Not even charcoal fires.  They have had 6 years of drought, and it is very dry up there - despite this we had lots of fun.

- George