Deer Group Camp
Open for the 2026 season from May 1 through October 4. Reservations available via Recreation.gov up to 12 months in advance. Fire restrictions may be in effect due to seasonal conditions; check current fire orders before arrival. Bears are active in the area; proper food storage required.
Fireworks and Explosives are always Prohibited
Fireworks and explosives (including explosive targets) are always prohibited on national forest lands. The prohibition of fireworks and exploding targets on national forest system lands is part of a set of permanent fire safety regulations in the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), listed below.…
Fire Danger Level Downgraded to "Moderate"
Effective January 23, 2025, the Angeles National Forest fire danger level and associated restrictions are moving to MODERATE. Visitors to the forest, including recreational cabin owners and concessionaires, are advised of the following updates: All stoves and campfires require a valid California…
Eaton Fire Area Closure
In effort to protect the public and to facilitate natural recovery of the resources affected by the Eaton Fire, this closure extends the Eaton Fire Area Closure through December 31, 2027.The following roads and trails remain closed:RoadsMount Wilson Toll Road (below Mt Wilson Trail) Mount Wilson…
Forest Order No. 05-01-25-13, Camping Equipment Prohibition
Pursuant to 16 U.S.C. § 551 and 36 C.F.R. § 261.50(a), and to provide for public safety, the following acts are prohibited within the Angeles National Forest and San Gabriel Mountains National Monument. This Order is effective from August 15, 2025, through August 1, 2027.Possessing personal…
Office & Visitor Center Updates - Need Info or Passes?
The information below provides updates to existing information on our webpage about Angeles National Forest offices and visitor centers. Check this alert regularly. Hours and pass availability may change with limited or no notice.When one office is closed, please contact another forest…
Williamson Rock Area and Trail Closure
Hikers and equestrians along the Pacific Crest Trail may be affected by a temporary closure of the Williamson Rock area of the Angeles National Forest. This closure (Forest Order No. 05-01-24-04), in effect through December 31, 2026, is for the protection of natural resources, specifically the…
Planning to Camp? (Stay Limits/Dispersed Camping Restrictions) til Dec. 15, 2026
The following is prohibited within the Angeles National Forest and San Gabriel Mountains National Monument from Dec. 16, 2022, through Dec. 15, 2026: 1. Camping outside of a Forest Service developed campground for > 7 consecutive days in a calendar year. 2. Camping outside of a Forest Service…
About
Deer Group Camp offers a secluded group camping experience in the San Bernardino National Forest, situated in a mature conifer stand south of Big Bear Lake. The campground sits at 7,625 feet elevation, where tall pines provide extensive shade throughout the day. The single group site can accommodate up to 40 people with a maximum of 8 vehicles, making it ideal for extended families, scout troops, or organized groups seeking a mountain retreat. The site is equipped with 5 picnic tables, a double pedestal grill, a group fire ring for evening gatherings, and vault toilets. There is no potable water on-site, so all drinking water must be packed in. This is also a pack-in/pack-out facility with no trash collection services. Access requires travel on a rough Forest Service road; high-clearance or 4WD vehicles are strongly recommended. Recreation opportunities abound nearby. Big Bear Lake is just north of the campground, offering fishing for trout, bluegill, crappie, catfish, and largemouth bass, along with boating and designated swimming areas. The Seven Oaks Trail provides hiking and mountain biking access to spectacular views of San Gorgonio Peak, Southern California's highest point. The Big Bear Discovery Center is approximately 10 miles away with visitor information and interpretive programs.
Directions
From I-10, take State Highway 330 to Running Springs. Turn onto State Highway 18 and continue to Big Bear Lake Dam. Continue 3 miles on Highway 18 and turn right on Tulip Lane. Turn right onto Mill Creek Road (Forest Route 2N10) for 1.6 miles, turn left on 2N17 for 2 miles, then go straight onto 2N08 for 0.2 miles, then turn left onto 2N45Y to the campground. High-clearance or 4WD vehicle recommended.
Amenities
| Water | No |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | — |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | Yes |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | — |
| Water Hookups | — |
| Sewer Hookups | — |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $149 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | 30ft |
| Max Trailer Length | — |
| Big Rig Friendly | No |
| Pull Through Sites | No |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (909) 382-2790 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | None |
| Verizon | Yes |
| T-Mobile | None |
Availability
Photos
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