Pineknot Campground
Summit Blvd, Big Bear, CA 92314
Overview
Located within San Bernardino National Forest by Big Bear Lake, CA, Pineknot Campground offers 47 mixed-use sites that can accommodate up to 8 people and 2 vehicles. Although RVs are permitted in addition to tent camping, there is a limit of 26 feet due to limited space. There is no group camp.
No hookups are available. Sites have tables and fire rings with grills. The campground provides potable water and flush toilets. Guests may use the dump station at nearby Serrano Campground.
Dogs are allowed within the campground and some parts of the wilderness as long as they’re properly leashed. There is a limit in Pineknot Campground of two pets per reservation.
The campground is closed from late October through late April. Guests must book at least 2 nights to reserve Friday or Saturday, and there is a limit of 14 consecutive nights at a time.
Best Campsites at Pineknot Campground
Below are Power Camper’s recommended sites if you want to have the best experience at Pineknot Campground.
Most Private: Sites #033, #019
- Located at end of the loop with a distance from neighboring sites
- Short distance from restrooms and drinking water
- Downside: #19 is farther from trash
Closest to Amenities: Sites #008–#010
- Next to restrooms, water, and trash
- Centrally located within the campground
- Downsides: less privacy, closer to access road
Best for Groups: Sites #034, #035
- Located nearby at the end of a loop
- Private space when booked together
- Close to restrooms and drinking water
- Downsides: farther from trash
Unique Experiences
- Grab your fishing pole and head to nearby Big Bear Lake for a chance to catch rainbow trout, largemouth bass, and catfish.
- Get ready for some good old-fashioned fun at the Bowling Barn in Big Bear Lake, a family-friendly facility that offers bowling, a Laser Maze, an arcade, and a full-service sports bar.
- Hit the trails on your mountain bike or by foot to take advantage of lift-served trails all over the mountain.
Pineknot Campground Campground Rules
Max Trailer/RV Length
26 FeetMax People per Site
8Max Vehicles per Site
2Fires allowed?
Only in designated fire ringsPets allowed?
YesPineknot Campground Reservation Information
Reservations Allowed?
Reservations Required?
YesReservations are available by phone at 1-877-444-6777 or online at www.recreation.gov. Campsites at Pineknot are $31 per night. All sites can accommodate up to 8 guests and 2 vehicles. An additional charge of $2 per night will apply for holidays.
Ensure you have the following information to make a reservation:
- Park selections
- Date you wish to start camping
- Type and size of camping equipment
- Number of people that will occupy the campsite
- Number of nights you wish to camp
- Alternative park and camping date choices
- Your phone number and area code
- Method of payment/Credit card number and expiration date
- Mailing address
Group Camping Reservations
There is no group campsite at Pineknot Campground. Individual campsites can be reserved to function as shared spaces, but all rules for single reservations will apply.
Campsite Reservation Cancellations
Cancellations may be made through www.recreation.gov or by calling 1-877-444-6777. All cancellations will be charged a $10 fee. Any reservation canceled after midnight the day before the planned date of arrival will also be charged the cost of the first night.
Pineknot Campground Campground Cost
Standard Campsite
$31Activities
Bike Trails
Horseback Riding
Photography
Hiking
Amenities
RV/Trailers
Hookups
Pull Through Spots
Pet Friendly
ADA Sites
Showers
Cell Service
Wifi
Campfire Rings
Grills
Picnic Tables
Amphitheater
Potable Water
Wood for Sale
Directions
FAQs
Nearby Campgrounds to Pineknot Campground
Pineknot Campground offers few amenities, so campers who prefer more luxuries will find a much different experience at other area campgrounds. This campground is also located in a forest instead of a beach, meaning that sites are surrounded by trees and may have varying levels of sun.
Although Pineknot Campground is close to some trails and Big Bear Lake, other nearby campgrounds are more centrally located for hiking or swimming. Furthermore, since there’s no group site, guests traveling with more than 8 people should look elsewhere if planning to stay together.
Serrano Campground
Serrano Campground has 100 mixed-use sites for tents and RVs in a forest environment. Sites include water hookups, and there is an on-site dump station, neither of which is available at Pineknot. Serrano can accommodate RVs of up to 40 feet, making it the better option for longer RVs that can’t fit within the stricter 26-foot limit at Pineknot.
San Gorgonio Campground
San Gorgonio is located within the same forest as Pineknot, so the environments are similar. The campground features 54 mixed-use sites and three double sites that can fit smaller groups of up to 16 guests. There are no hookups available, but San Gorgonio does offer showers. This campground closes approximately one month earlier than Pineknot.
Barton Flats Campground
Barton Flats is located within the same forest and features 51 sites for RVs and tents. A limited number of double sites can fit a maximum of 16 guests. There are no hookups or upgrades, but, unlike Pineknot, the campground does have a dump station, showers, and bear boxes. The campground opens earlier than Pineknot by approximately one month.
South Carlsbad State Beach
South Carlsbad is in a beach setting that’s far different from the trees and forests of Pineknot. This campground is also larger, featuring 200 sites for RVs and tents, some of which have full or double hookups. A dump station is available within the campground.
The cost for ocean sites is much more expensive at $50 per night, and hookups are an additional $25. There is also a group site called Pelican Point that can fit up to 40 people with rates starting at $650 per night.
