California / San Bernardino County / San Bernardino National Forest

Bluff Mesa Group Camp

Closed — Closed for the entire 2025 season due to a Forest Closure Order.

About

Bluff Mesa Group Campground is nestled in a secluded mixed conifer forest at 6,800 feet elevation in San Bernardino National Forest, approximately 45 miles from San Bernardino and about 10 miles from Big Bear Lake. The campground offers one large group site that can accommodate up to 40 people and eight vehicles, making it ideal for large gatherings in a natural setting. Mature trees provide ample shade throughout the site, while open meadows offer sunny areas for recreation and relaxation. The campground is accessed via a dirt road requiring a standard SUV, 4x4, or vehicle with higher clearance. The site is equipped with picnic tables, grills, and a campfire circle, with vault toilets provided. This is a pack-in, pack-out facility with no drinking water, utility hookups, or trash collection available. Visitors must bring their own water and carry out all waste. The location provides excellent access to outdoor recreation throughout the Big Bear area. Hiking and mountain biking trails can be accessed directly from the campground, and rock climbing routes are available nearby. Big Bear Lake offers year-round fishing for trout, bluegill, crappie, catfish, and largemouth bass, along with boating and swimming opportunities. The Big Bear Discovery Center, located about 10 miles away, provides visitor information, interpretive trails, educational programs, and accessible flush restroom facilities.

Directions

Take I-10 east to Running Springs. Turn onto State Highway 18 and continue to Big Bear Lake Dam. Turn right and continue for 3 miles. Turn onto Tulip Lane and turn right on Mill Creek Road (Forest Road 2N10). Continue 4 miles and turn right on Forest Road 2N86 and continue to the campground.

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