Serrano Campground San Bernardino National Forest California
Serrano Overview
Serrano Campground is about 1/4 mile from Bear Lake’s north shore and has 116 spacious campsites set in a beautiful pine forest setting. The campground is located across the road from Big Bear Lake but none of the sites have water views. The campground has four loops: Summer Wind – sites 1 to 34, Snowberry – 35 to 64 (all with full hookups), Evening Star – 65 to 100, and Lake View – 101 to 132.
There are 30 campsites with full hookups (30 amp) in the Snowberry loop. Sixteen of the sites are designated as “double-family” (up to 16 people) including 8/9, 14/15, 19/20, 25/26, 32/33, 69/70, 73/74, 76/77, 81/82, 84/85, 92/93, 109/110, 112/113, 115/116, 125/126 and 127/128. Each campsite also has a paved parking spur, table, food storage locker (bear box) fire ring and grate.
Campground amenities include drinking water, restrooms with flush toilets and sinks, hot-water showers and a dump station. A boat launch ramp is also located nearby the campground. The camp hosts sell firewood, or you can run to town to pick up a few bundles. Cell service is good. Overflow parking is not available within Serrano Campground but you can park a vehicle on the dirt shoulder of North Shore Lane (just outside the campground).
Serrano Campground – Area Recreation
Popular outdoor activities include boating and fishing on Big Bear Lake, as well as canoeing, kayaking, paddle-boarding, swimming, water sports, driving the Gold Fever Trail, hiking, mountain biking and wildlife viewing. The Big Bear Discovery Center is also nearby, as are the towns of Big Bear Lake and Big Bear City. Meadows Edge Picnic Area is also right across the street.
A few other campgrounds in the area are: Pine Knot, Holcomb Valley and Hanna Flat. Group campgrounds in the area include Gray’s Peak Group, Buttercup Group, Boulder Group, Shady Cove Group, Tanglewood Group, Bluff Mesa Group and Green Spot Equestrian Group.
Make a Reservation for Serrano
Amenities
- BBQ Grills
- Boat Launch/Ramp
- Boat Ramp
- Campground Host
- Campsite Tables
- Cell Service - Good
- Comfort Station
- Drinking Water
- Dump Station
- Electrical Hookup
- Fire Pit
- Fire Rings
- Firewood Available
- Food Storage Locker
- Golden Age & Access Passports accepted
- Grills
- Group Camping
- Overflow Parking
- Pets OK
- Picnic Tables
- Recycling Center
- Restrooms (Flush Toilets)
- RV Hookups (Full Hookups)
- Showers
- Trash Collection
Activities
- Biking
- Bird Watching
- Boating
- Boating (non motorized)
- Canoeing
- Fishing
- Hiking
- Historic Sites
- Horseback riding
- Jet Skiing
- Kayaking
- Lake
- Mountain Biking
- Nature Trails
- Paddle boarding (SUP)
- Photography
- Picnicking
- Stargazing
- Swimming
- Walking Trails
- Water Skiing
- Water Sports
- Wildlife Viewing
- Wind Surfing
Fawnskin, California 92333
909 866-8021
Lat / Long:
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Campsite Types
- ADA
- Camper Van
- Full Hookup
- Group
- RV
- Tent
- Trailer
# of Campsites:
132
# of RV Hookup Campsites:
30
Campsite Vehicle Size:
Up to 55 feet.
Season:
April 1 – November 30
Elevation:
6,900
Serrano Comments & Reviews
Visited Serrano Campground lately? We'd love to hear about your adventure. Did you find us useful? Did we forget something? Anything our community should know before heading out to Serrano?
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Serrano is separated and named into different sections. Do any of these campsites have a lake view because there’s a section called Lakeview and that can be deceiving if none of them actually have a lake view.
Hi Desirre,
If you click on the Campground Map you’ll see that the sites in the Lake View Loop are closer to the lake and some do have views of the water. Campsites 109 to 122 are your best bet for water views.
How far is the lake from campsite 117?
Serrano campsite #17 is about 1/4 mile from the lake/water (across North Shore Lane).
do you need an RV to be in snowberry ??//
Hi America,
You don’t have to have an RV in the Snowberry loop/campsites at Serrano campground.
I would add that the Snowberry loop doesn’t have any bathrooms or showers(which would currently be closed anyway due to Covid). It is possible to walk to another nearby loop to use the restrooms there.
Hi Gordon,
Yes you can use bathrooms in other loops at Serrano campground.
3/2/2021
are showers still closed at Serrano campground? If so is there a tentative “for how long”?
Hi Angela,
We have not heard about the shower status at Serrano campground. Might be best if you try calling up there to check: 909 866-8021
I have reservations for this weekend. (3/16 to 3/18) Are the sites cleared of snow in the Lakeview loop?
Hi Barbara,
Big Bear did just receive 12-18 inches of snow the other day. I’d recommend calling Serrano Campground directly to see if they’ve clear the campsites of snow. The phone number is: 909 866-8021
Can you visit Camp Serrano just did the day. Thinking of drive up there to have a picnic with my husband
Hi Beatrice,
Parking in Serrano campground is only for registered/paid campers. You can park in areas close to the campground and walk through it.
Is a discount allowed for this campground with a Golden Age pass?
Hi Julie,
Yes, the Golden Age pass discount can be used at Serrano campground.
Can I walk my kayak and SUP from site 120 to the water for launching? Also, how long is the bike path and where does it go? Thank you!
Hi Lisa,
You can walk your SUP from Serrano campsite #120 across the road (North Shore Drive) and down a dirt trail to the lake for launching. It is about 250 yards from campsite #120 to the lake. You can access the Alpine Pedal Path (Trail 1E50) from the east end of the campground and it goes about a mile (east) along the north shore of Big Bear Lake. It ends at the Sanfield Cutofff.
Hope this helps!
can you ride side by sides from this campground to riding areas
Hi Lidia,
I’m not sure I understand your question. What are “side-by-sides”? And I’m also not sure what you’re referring to on the ‘riding areas’.
We booked this campsite Serrano snowberry Loop site 51 can we also do tent camping there as well
Hi Elias,
Yes – you can also have a tent in Serrano campsite #51.
Is the lake within walking distance from the Lake View and Evening Star Loops?
HI Allie,
Yes both of those loops at Serrano campground are a short walk to the lake (about 2/3 of a mile), and it’s mostly flat.
are the showers there just cold water or hot?
Hi Jessica,
The showers at Serrano campground have hot water and there is a charge to use the showers.
Am I able to set up my tent and camp out during the pandemic?
Serrano campground is open – for tents, trailer and RV camping. You can camp in a tent. Currently showers are not available (due to Covid 19 restrictions).
We reserved camp #129 originally to tent camp. Can we bring an RV if it’s open in August?
Hi F Sam,
Yes – you fan park a trailer (up to 34 feet), or RV (up to 40 feet) in Serrano campsite #129
Am I able to set up my tent and camp out during the pandemic?
Serrano campground is open – for tents, trailer and RV camping. You can camp in a tent. Currently showers are not available (due to Covid 19 restrictions).
Do the double campsites accommodate two trailers (plus two tow vehicles)?
HI Tom,
Yes, the double campsites at Serrano accommodate a trailer and tow vehicle each.
Hi! Am I able to have 2 tents on site 18? We have 8 people.
Hi James, Yes – two tens are allowed at Serrano campsites, including site 18. They just need to fit within your campsite area.
Is there I place to fill my trailer with potable water so I do not have to haul it up the mountain?
Hi Gil,
I don’t believe you can fill up your water tank at Serrano campground.
Hi there I just reserved campsite 125/126, what’s the maximum amount of people for those two campsites?
Hi Monica,
Eight people are allowed per single-family campsite and 10 people in double campsites at Serrano campground.
Hi, I see that there are BBQs and fire pits – but there are only fire pits at each site – so are the BBQs communal? Do we need to bring charcoal for the BBQs? And are the grates for cooking over the fire pit? How much is the firewood for the fire pit at the campground? We are in #99.
thanks!
Hi Martin,
The fire pit/ring has a grate, but there are not pedestal BBQs at Serrano campground. You’d either need to bring your own portable BBQ or try over the fire. Firewood is sold by the camp host. Not sure the cost, but bundles are usually around $7. Have a great time!
We have campsite 61 in the snowberry loop. We plan to put our pop up trailer there, but was wondering if we can also put up a small tent as well.
Hi Brett,
Yes, you can also put up a small tent at Serrano campsite #61. Have a great time!
Hi Camp Ranger, is a RV required for Snowberry Loop? Is it okay just to camp in a tent? Thank you.
Hi Vincent,
Yes you can pitch a tent in the Snowberry Loop campsites at Serrano Campground (campsites 35-64). The tent just needs to be within your campsite boundary/area.
Just wondering if there is cell service at Serrano Campground? Thank you!
Hi Z,
Serrano campground has pretty good cell service/reception (Verizon).
We’re camping in Serrano with two vehicles and a pop-up trailer. Is there overflow parking in the campground for the third vehicle, and what is the fee?
Hi SR,
Serrano campground has overflow parking on North Shore Lane (next to the campground). The extra vehicle fee is $7 per night at Serrano.
Hi! How far of a walk is the lake access from site #86 at Serrano? We have a toddler so just want to plan accordingly. And we can bring our own kayak?
Hi Z,
It is about 1,500 feet from Serrano campsite #86 to the water. You can walk from your site via a path/trail in the campground, then cross the road and walk the rest of the way to the water’s edge. You can also bring your own kayak and there are many places to launch including the East and West Public Launch Ramps. However, Lake Management charges $15 for a one-day permit, $25 for a two-day permit. If you don’t own a kayak you can rent kayaks and canoes at one of the Marinas in Big Bear Lake for about $20 an hour.
Thank you! So what is that like a 10min walk?
Can we launch the kayak from the lake access at the campground or do we have to go somewhere special?
Also, where can we purchase the permit? At the campground or online prior somewhere? Thanks!!
Hi Z,
I’d say 10-15 minutes is about right for the walk from your site to the water. I’m pretty sure can launch from the lake access at the campground, but not positive. I do know you’d need to carry the kayak quite a ways to the water though. Here’s a link for more information about boating permits on Big Bear Lake: https://www.bbmwd.com/lake-use-permit-fees
Are campfires allowed right now?
Thank you
I checked the US Forest Service page, as well as the fire restrictions, and didn’t find any restrictions for Serrano campground. It appears (as of today / 11:25am) you can have fires in the campfire rings at Serrano Campground.
is there a ton of algae at the lake’s edge by Serrano campground?
At least a ton. Like pea soup. Might be able to walk across it in a few spots. They do use an algae skimming boat, but usually around the popular beach areas and expensive waterfront homes. If you fall in – close your mouth 😉
Oh bummer! Where do you recommend close by we can drive to to get in the lake without massive amounts of algae?
Sorry, can’t help you there. Our office isn’t located in Big Bear so not able to check.
can you buy firewood at campground?
Yes, the camp host usually sells firewood at Serrano campground. The town is close by and also has a few stores that sell firewood.
can you buy firewood at the campground? thanks!
The camp host usually sells firewood, or you can run to town to pick up a few bundles.
Thanks for all the great answers.
Are the showers currently still closed? It says they are closed on rec.gov, but the state parks also said theirs were closed, but they weren’t. Thank you.
Hello, we will be coming to stay at Serrano at the end of September. I see there is drinking water available. Is it possible to fill the tank in our camper van from this spigot if we bring a hose? We will be staying in a tent spot, not an RV spot. Thanks!
Hi Heather,
I’m not positive, but I do not think it is permitted. You may try calling the phone number to check: 909-866-8021.
Hello,
Is campfire allowed right now in Serrano campground? We are going next week. And are showers still not available due to COVID?
Hi Sarah,
Unfortunately Serrano and all campgrounds in the San Bernardino National Forest are closed due to extreme fire conditions. No date has been set as to whether they will reopen this year.
https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/sbnf/recarea/?recid=26253
Are there pontoon boats available to rent at the north shore marina next to the campground?
Hi Barrett,
The North Shore (Big Bear Lake) Marina over by Fawnskin does rent pontoon and other boats, but you call them to confirm availability: 909-878-4386. The South Shore Marina also rents pontoon and other boats. I’d call them to check as well (909=866-3218). Not sure when they close for the season.
Hello,
I noticed some of the campsites note that they can accommodate a large tent (over 9’x12′). (For Example: Campsite 32/33 Summer Wind DBL say this). We have an 12’x17′- 11 person tent. Does that mean that our family tent won’t fit on other sites that don’t specify Large Tent?
Also, what is the weather like in early April?
Any tips or insight would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!
Fred J
Hi Fred,
Not knowing all of the sites Rec.gov has designated as ‘large tent’, I’m not positive that the sites NOT designated as ‘large tent’ will not fit a large tent. For example, site 18 and 22 don’t have the ‘large tent’ designation, but those sites will definitely fit a tent 12×17. And I’m sure there are others. Hope this helps!
Looking to reserve a pod of campsites for socially distant family camping. Are there any three sites close enough to each other and on the same side of trails/roads that you recommend? We were thinking 122/119/118 or 67/68/69. Thanks ahead of time for your help 😀
Hi Chris,
The ones you selected are good. A few other combos (that match your criteria) I recommend include: 41-42-43 and 88-89-91. Have a great time!
Hi! We are coming in June and have site 78. We have three children and I’m wondering if there’s a beach nearby we can take them to? I know the lake is close – wondering if the shoreline is good for kids to play along/swim in or if we’d need to go elsewhere.
HI Darcy,
You can access the shoreline of Big Bear Lake from Serrano Campground (about a 1/2 mile walk), but there really isn’t much of a beach there. Boulder Bay Park (across the lake) has a nice beach. Ski Beach Park (close to Boulder Bay) is another good option.
Can I bring a small Rv or trailer to sleep in at the lake view site, campsite 117?
Hi Denise,
Yes, Serrano campsite can accommodate up to 2 vehicles (up to 40 feet) and 8 people. If you have the campsite reserved, you can have an RV (40 feet or less) park in that site.
If we book for May 2021, is there a chance no campfires will be allowed?
Is there overflow parking for a 3rd or 4th car?
ty!
Hi Alison,
In May (2022), campfires should be allowed . . . unless the Big Bear Area has received no rain/snow over the winter. Then, the USFS may have fire restrictions in place. And, unfortunately, there is not any overflow parking at Serrano campground.
What about in April of 2022. Planning to book for April 2020. Is there a chance no campfires will be allowed? Thank you
I would think chances are good that fires will be okay/allowed in April.
Can you walk to the lake from site 5? How far is it?
HI Sharlene,
You can walk from your campsite/Serrano campground across the road and down to the lake. There are trails in the area. I’d say it’s about 3/4 of a mile from your campsite to the water.
Hi! We are coming in April and have double site 109/110. We have 15 adults and 4 kids under 5 years old. Is this site will be enough for all of us?
Hi Eugene,
Serrano campsite 109/110 is a double site and you can have up to 4 vehicles and 16 people. It sounds like you have a total of 19 (with the 4 kids). You probably can fit everyone okay, but keep in mind that the ranger/camp host may not allow you to exceed 16 people. Generally they are okay with it if the extra ‘people’ are infants, but not sure what they’ll say about toddlers.
Hello, I will be coming to run a race this weekend June 11,2022.
It looks like the campground is full.
I just have a small Toyota RAV 4 SUV that I sleep in. I was wondering if there is space in the grounds for me to park overnight. I dont mind paying. Thank you kindly.
Hi Robert,
Unfortunately the campground won’t allow you to stay in the campground (overnight) without a campsite reservation. Holcomb Valley Campground is a possible option. It’s first-come, first-serve, and is about 7 miles away. However, you’d drive about 4 miles of that on a dirt road. Pineknot campground (across the lake over by ski resort) is another option – but sites are reservable and may be sold out.
Hello, we will be staying at a double campsite 112/113. Does anyone know if there are bear boxes and if so what their size is. Wondering if our cooler will fit. If not, who’s do people handle food overnight considering bears? I’m used to Yosemite where we were instructed to not leave any food or things with a scent outside the bear boxes. We were lucky our coolers fit but others were not so lucky (so trying to plan ahead). Thank you!
Hi Kate,
Yes, Serrano Campground does have bear boxes (food storage lockers) at the campsites – including your double site 112/113. I believe the bear box dimensions are 17 inches deep by 49 inches wide by 17 inches high. Have a great time up at Big Bear!
Hi Kate,
Serrano Campground does have bear boxes (food storage lockers) at the campsites – including your double site 112/113. I believe the bear box dimensions are 17 inches deep by 49 inches wide by 17 inches high. Have a great time up at Big Bear!
If I book an RV site, am I able to tent camp without an RV? There used to be an option to choose a Tent as my camping equipment but I see that option is no longer available and I’m required to choose from an RV, Popup Camper, etc.
Hi Jeanie,
Yes, you can tent camp in an RV site at Serrano campground.
Hi there!
I have a single site booked for a 3 night trip. I know there is only 2 vehicles allowance on the site area but is there an overflow parking for a 3rd vehicle at Serrano campground? I see conflicting info online and am unable to reach the local site for more details.
Thanks in advance,
Tina
Hi Tina,
Overflow parking is not available within Serrano Campground but you can park a vehicle on the dirt shoulder of North Shore Lane (just outside the campground). FYI – there is a temporary (5-6 space) parking lot near the entrance (inside the campground), but this is for short-term (check-in) parking.
Hello how many tents are allow per site? We booked a double.
You can have as many tents as will fit in your campsite – dirt camping area. You can have a maximum of 4 vehicles and 16 people per double site.
Can I park my car next to my tent in Serrano 119 Lakeview? If not, how far is the walk?
Hi Joe,
Yes, Campsite #119 (Lakeview) as a parking space and you can pitch your tent close to your vehicle (10 to 40 feet).
When were the pictures last updated for Serrano?
Hi Carrie,
Thanks for asking. We took the photos in 2010 and will be taking new photos this fall (posting soon after).