Council
Closed — Closed for the season. Opens March 21, 2025 and operates through October 25, 2025. Reservations available up to 12 months in advance via Recreation.gov. Fire restrictions currently prohibit wood and charcoal fires; only gas, kerosene, jellied petroleum or pressurized liquid fuel stoves and lanterns are permitted.
Wind Advisory issued December 29 at 7:47PM PST until December 30 at 1:00PM PST by NWS San Diego CA
* WHAT...Northeast winds 15 to 30 mph with gusts up to 50 mph expected. Isolated gusts to 65 mph possible below the passes. * WHERE...San Bernardino County Mountains, San Bernardino and Riverside County Valleys-The Inland Empire, San Gorgonio Pass near Banning, and Santa Ana Mountains and Foothills. * WHEN...Until 1 PM PST Tuesday. * IMPACTS...Gusty winds will blow around unsecured objects. Tree limbs could be blown down and a few power outages may result. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Strongest winds will occur through and below the Cajon Pass and adjacent foothills, below the San Gorgonio Pass, and through the canyons of the Santa Ana Mountains.
From Recreation.gov
**Fire restrictions are currently in effect at this campground that prohibit wood fires, charcoal fires, wood-burning camp stoves, and charcoal grills. **Persons with a valid California Campfire Permit may use a portable campfire ring/pit, stove, or lantern in an area at least five feet from any flammable materials provided that the portable campfire ring/pit, stove, or lantern only burns gas, kerosene, jellied petroleum or pressurized liquid fuel, with a shut-off valve. [Forest Order No. 05-12-00-25-05][1] [Forest Order No. 05-12-00-25-05 - Exhibit A][2] [1]: https://www.fs.usda.gov/sites/nfs/files/r05/sanbernardino/publication/alerts/Forest%20Order%20No.%2005-12-00-25-05%20-%20Fire%20Restrictions.pdf [2]: https://www.fs.usda.gov/sites/nfs/files/r05/sanbernardino/publication/alerts/Forest%20Order%20No.%2005-12-00-25-05%20-%20Exhibit%20A%20%26%20B.pdf
About
Council Group Campground is situated in the heart of the Barton Flats Recreation Area along the Rim of the World Scenic Byway in San Bernardino National Forest. The campground offers one group site that can accommodate up to 50 people and 10 vehicles, making it ideal for large outdoor gatherings. At an elevation of 6,360 feet, the site is nestled in a pine forest with mountain views. The Rio Monte Trail departs directly from the campground entrance, connecting to other area campgrounds and leading to the Rio Monte Panorama, which overlooks the deep gorge of the Santa Ana River Valley. The trail also connects to the famed Santa Ana River Trail, popular with hikers, bikers and equestrians. Nearby Jenks Lake provides fishing for stocked rainbow trout, largemouth bass, bluegill, sunfish and catfish, plus opportunities for non-motorized boating including kayaking and canoeing. The group site includes 6 picnic tables, 3 double-pedestal grills, 2 single-pedestal grills, and 2 fire rings. Bear boxes are provided for food storage. Note that this facility has no restrooms or potable water, so visitors must bring adequate water and plan accordingly.
Directions
Take I-10 East to Redlands. Take the University Street exit (Exit 80). Turn left northbound on University Street, then right onto E. Lugonia Avenue/SR-38. Continue on Highway 38 approximately 17 miles past Mill Creek Work Station to the campground entrance on Camp Arbolado Road.
Nearby Campgrounds
Amenities
| Water | No |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | No |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | Yes |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | — |
| Water Hookups | — |
| Sewer Hookups | — |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $234 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | — |
| Max Trailer Length | — |
| Big Rig Friendly | No |
| Pull Through Sites | No |
Contact
| clm@clm-services.com | |
| Phone | +1 (877) 444-6777 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | Yes |
| Verizon | Yes |
| T-Mobile | None |
Availability
Photos
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