Cancel

    Open app

    Search

    Serrano Campground

    4.2 (254 reviews)
    Open Open 24 hours

    Serrano Campground Photos

    You might also consider

    Recommended Reviews - Serrano Campground

    Your trust is our priority, so businesses can't pay to alter or remove their reviews. Learn more about reviews.
    Yelp app icon
    Browse more easily on the app
    Review Feed Illustration

    Reviews With Photos

    Jerry T.

    Nice family campground in Fawnskin side of Big Bear lake. Very friendly host and the restrooms were kept clean. Not too many people were camping here on a Monday night in October, so it was quiet and peaceful. We had a secluded spot under the trees and near the restroom. Fires were allowed in fire ring as well. A bear box is included at each site as well as a picnic table. You must back your vehicle into your site. Great place to take the family tent camping or RV too! Dogs must be on leash at all times.

    Jordan F.

    A lovely campground with extensive amenities: bathrooms with toilets sinks and showers. Water spouts. Fire rings, tables. There's lots of nice trails around and areas to walk by the lake. Lady and I came for a night to camp and left impressed with the campgrounds. 4/5 nice campground

    Lot 75
    Juliana B.

    My boyfriend and I came to Serrano campground as a last minute switch after driving all the way up to big bear and finding our intended camp ground closed without warning. What a wonderful campground it was! We got to the campground around 5pm when the person in the payment kiosk was shutting down for the night, and told us they would be back in the morning around 9 and we could pay the 45$/car fee on our way out. There were three main sections for camping, and there were open spots in all section. However, if you want a view of the lake, I recommend making a reservation since those spots were all taken. Regardless, there were lots of very nice spots available without previous reservation. All lots had fire rings and there were quite a few pinecones all over the floor as well as a few water spouts. There were also quite a few handicapped lots that were paved from the car parking spot, around the campfire , and had a paved trail to the bathroom nearby! The handicapped lot also had a water spout. The bathrooms were so clean! Real toilets and sinks with plumbing. There was toilet paper but no paper towels, only air dryers. There were also around 5 showers per bathroom with several bathrooms spread throughout the campground. We didn't use the showers ourselves. Everyone followed the 10pm quiet hour rule, but we could hear the highway from our spot so if that bothers you choose a lot further away from it! From our campground we were able to walk down to the lake and walk around there. There are some bike trails nearby too. Overall it was a fantastic campground that I can't wait to return to! Date of visit: March 25 and 26, 2024

    My C.

    This is a wonderful campground with plenty of shade throughout, making it easy to find a great spot for your tent. We were lucky enough to reserve a group campsite, which offered ample space for our group of 10. They sell firewood on-site, so you never have to worry about that. The campground is within walking distance to a lake, and there's a bike path nearby. Plus, you're just a short drive away from other activities. The restrooms were as clean as you can expect for a campsite, and while the showers could use some improvement, it's camping--no complaints here!

    Great spot to hang out
    Lisa Q.

    Great family friendly campground! We loved our stay here with our 3 and 6 year olds. Our sites were well shaded and we loved hanging out in hammocks amongst the trees. The sites were well maintained and bathrooms were always clean. There's a trail close to the campsites for a nice stroll or bike ride. The Big Bear Discovery Center just half a mile away. They offer guided walking tours at 11am and 1pm on the weekends where they talk about the trees and animals in the area. Both kids and adults enjoyed the walk. Getting there was a little precarious because there's no crosswalks or side walk. Overall highly recommend!

    Denisse M.

    It was my first time visiting the Big Bear area since I was a kid, and my best friend and I planned a three-day group trip with friends. The experience was amazing! The park rangers were incredibly friendly, and the campground was spotless, including the well-stocked and clean restrooms. Huge shoutout to Thomas! We reported a broken tree branch in our campsite that looked like a potential hazard, and the rangers responded immediately. Thomas was not only knowledgeable but also super kind; you can tell the rangers here truly care about the park and their work. On day two, we had a bag of trash that needed to be thrown away at a dumpster farther from our campsite. As we were figuring out how to take it over, a ranger kindly offered to take it for us while he was getting ready to clean the site next to ours after the previous campers had left. It was such a thoughtful gesture! We had such a great time and will definitely be coming back!

    Campsite 109/110 double
    David M.

    Campground on the North shore. First of all this place is super clean the camp host do a great job. Bathrooms were clean flush toilets plenty of toilet paper but no paper towels bring your own. Trashcans in the bathroom were always empty. The camp host is cleaning the restrooms first thing in the morning. Showers are free here but the shower heads are little crazy because prepared to get wet. The camp host drive around constantly keeping things tidy and in order. This campground holds a lot of people they have hookups. You can walk to the lake. There is a little store you can rent bikes or e-bike take a trip around the lake or the campsites. The trails are nice.

    Beautiful and spacious sites
    Nathalie H.

    A beautiful campsite. Pretty accurate with their online descriptions of shady, partly Shady etc. part of our family enjoyed full hookups while the other part enjoyed very spacious tent sites. Showers were a huge bonus! We look forward to coming back again soon!

    Theresa S.

    We've been car camping and motor home camping here multiple times. It's such a good spot to escape the city and heat! We don't like the heat so we typically come up in the cooler seasons. Next year we'll probably go end of March so it's even colder during the day. The lake was as full as I've ever seen it! Still snow on the south side of the lake. The check in rangers are super friendly! They also have wood for purchase.the bathrooms are super clean. They have showers, but I'm not sure if they require quarters or not, sorry. The campground is dog friendly with plenty of walking path to explore. They have a good amount of potable water stations around. The had nice trees in our spot for two hammocks. We were at site #16. I don't recommend skipping this campground! There's lots to do!

    Campfire
    Collin M.

    Great location and facilities.Very family friendly. Very friendly and knowledgeable staff.

    Tarp to protect us from the rain

    See all

    6 months ago

    Large site, beautiful surroundings. Only problem was that I couldn't get hot water in the shower!

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    25 days ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 1

    11 months ago

    Helpful 7
    Thanks 4
    Love this 6
    Oh no 0

    9 months ago

    Helpful 3
    Thanks 1
    Love this 5
    Oh no 0

    9 months ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 2
    Love this 3
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of My C.
    260
    136
    248

    2 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    This place was super clean and the people were very friendly. I'm so glad I found this little gem of a place to camp

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 1
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Yuki S.
    64
    10
    1

    1 year ago

    Love this camp ground. It's clean, lots of shade, close to the city and not pricey. Warm showers and clean restrooms.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 4
    Thanks 2
    Love this 3
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Collin M.
    342
    16
    10

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Toni T.
    6
    71
    17

    1 year ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 1
    Love this 1
    Oh no 1
    Photo of D L.
    57
    70
    13

    2 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 1
    Love this 1
    Oh no 1

    1 year ago

    I want to make a reservation I would like to go for the day with me and my family today

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 1

    5 years ago

    Helpful 3
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 1
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Jeff C.
    0
    36
    11

    3 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Ana M.
    230
    1
    7

    3 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 1
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    8 years ago

    Helpful 11
    Thanks 0
    Love this 9
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Lacey S.
    152
    45
    38

    6 years ago

    Helpful 8
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    5 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Good place to camp , there's clean restrooms ,showers would recommend have been there a couple times and always had a blast

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Nicest campground I've ever been to! So well maintained and the bathrooms were always clean and smelled good.

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    4 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Back P.
    0
    237
    154

    3 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    Page 1 of 7

    Ask the Community - Serrano Campground

    I booked a reservation for 6 of us only to find out you can only have 2 small tents is this true?

    We had 7 people and 3 tents. Never had an issue.

    Does anyone know if tents are allowed on RV sites as well?

    Yes

    Are the showers now open?

    Yes

    Does anyone know if there is a yellow jacket 🐝 problem here? We are thinking of going early June. Thanks!

    In June when I was here for 4 days I saw a few. Now in Sept I have seen none. Ranger cautioned us upon arrival to watch for rattle snakes 🐍 though, but we didn't see any. Stayed 3 days this time.

    Are showers located at every restroom? The map doesn't show this. We have young children and having a shower nearby would be bonus. Thanks

    I believe so! I walked around the other weekend and most have showers.

    Do they allow campfires in late November? It says they're not allowed right now, but it's getting colder. Can't imagine them not allowing it in cold weather.

    That's up to the Forest Service. We are still under a wood and charcoal ban. It has to do with how dry we are, not how cold it is.

    Is there a flushing toilet?

    Yes

    Is this campsite open all winter?

    Serrano closes the weekend after Thanksgiving, and opens back up early March.

    How close are the campsites that border the main road close to the main road? Can you hear the cars driving by constantly at your site?

    It depends on the site you are on.

    How do they confirm that the people you are with are part of the same residence as requested via alerts?

    They have camp workers constantly driving by in their golf carts multiple times a day observing people on the sites. Also they ask how many people are in your group when you check in

    Can you camp out of your car or does it have to be RV/tent?

    Yes, you may stay in your car.

    What is the max number of cars per single campsite? We called and they said 3 is fine, but I see 2 max on the .com site?

    Two cars on a single site. There is parking outside of the campground for additional vehicles.

    Can you buy wood at the campgrounds?

    Yes, either at the entrance station, or by a camphost.

    If we have a site for 8ppl, and we have 8, but 2 friends want to come up. Can they join at an extra fee?

    People can visit, but there is a $7 daily vehicle fee to park in the campsite and they only allow two cars for a single person site. My suggestion is to have them park across the street in the nature area (small fee) and they can just walk the path… 

    Hi how far is the lake and are kids able to swim in it?

    The lake is walking distance. Swimming you might be more comfortable driving to a more beachy area with small children.

    Are there Cabins here?

    No....

    Does each site have a bear proof storage box for food? I can't find anything on their website about it. Thanks!

    I stayed in the Lake View loop and sites there included a bear box. It was roughly 3' W x 1.5' D x 2.5' H. Located right next to the picnic table.

    Anyone know check in time?

    My check-in time was 2pm!

    Are there bears?

    We were told that there are no bears in this area. We also didn't have any issues with wildlife (raccons, coyotes, chipmunks, etc.) I didn't see any wild animals.

    If you book a dual campsite (space 8/9), is there room for 2 20' trailers and 2 cars?

    Plenty of room for a single trailer and car/truck

    View All 33 Questions

    Review Highlights - Serrano Campground

    I learned later on that there's a quick shortcut to a path that travels straight to the lake, so that's cool!

    Mentioned in 97 reviews

    Read more highlights

    You might also consider

    Verify this business for free

    People searched for Campgrounds 1,424 times last month within 15 miles of this business.

    Verify this business

    Camp Tanda

    Camp Tanda

    5.0(8 reviews)
    1.4 mi

    I meant to post a review of this charming family campground earlier. We had been planning a camping…read moretrip over Labor Day weekend in Los Angeles National Forest, but then we realized there would be a heat wave leading to 100 plus degree weather. Our planned trip was a no-go. Our eight year old son was very disappointed. We brainstormed Big Bear as a place to go, as it would be a relatively balmy 85 degrees. Only problem was, I couldn't find any openings at any of the Big Bear campgrounds for the busy Labor Day weekend. I looked and looked, and finally found Camp Tanda. Before Covid, it was a Christian camp that only catered to large groups and kids' camps. During these times, they adapted for small families. I was happy to find they had one opening left for the holiday weekend. Our trip was saved. Our son was excited. The campground is lovely and clean with lots of trees. It's been around for seventy years, so the cabins have a rustic, vintage feel. We tent camped in a lovely spot near the kitchen building. Everything was very clean. There are restroom facilities, potable water, and hot showers available. There is also a basketball court, volleyball net, ping pong tables, and horse shoe game. The price is very affordable. The lady running the camp was very kind, bending over backwards to make sure we had all we needed. She provided a shade tent at no extra charge, and gave us a s'mores kit our first night there! Things to be aware of: This was and still is a Christian camp. No alcohol, drugs, or weapons of any kind are allowed. Very strict no noise between 10pm and 8am rule, which suited us fine. The camp is located very close to Big Bear Lake, which meant we could hear Air BnB partiers nearby. It's not fancy. Everything is quite old, but it all works fine. We stayed in tents, but they do have cabins available. Bring warm clothes for nighttime. Not everyone wears masks, but even at full capacity, it was never crowded. Easy to social distance. No campfires allowed, but there is a legal gas campfire from 7-10 pm. If you have a family who likes to camp, this is the place for you. Call or e-mail them for a reservation!

    A group of us from church went to camp here and it was a comfortable stay, the gentleman Christian…read moretook care of us. He gave us a tour of the property and took us for a walk to show us how to get to the shore because a couple of the guys wanted to kayak. We really enjoyed out time here at Camp Tanda.

    Photos
    Camp Tanda
    Camp Tanda
    Camp Tanda

    See all

    Buttercup Group Campground

    Buttercup Group Campground

    3.5(2 reviews)
    1.4 mi

    Buttercup is one of ten group campsites in the Big Bear Lake Recreation Area. It is located on the…read moresouth side of Big Bear Lake near Pineknot Family Campground and Snow Summit Ski Resort. It accommodates up to 40 people and 8 vehicles. Access is via dirt road, which we still managed to access in a BMW sedan (drive really slow and watch out for ditches). Amenities include 5 picnic tables, 1 double pedestal grill, 1 group fire ring and vault toilets (it wasn't too bad...even had toilet paper!). Drinking water is available (one spigot). I didn't know these types of campgrounds existed! Your group is the ONLY group on this campsite. Hence, these campgrounds book fast. They are pricier than your typical campgrounds at $120 a night. It is near Pineknot campgrounds, so we did see people occasionally exploring the forest. But, for the most part, we were pretty isolated. There was no sharing of the water spigots or vault toilets with any other group. We had a group of 20 people and it was perfect for us. Lots of places to set up a tent. Lots of shade...but I still recommend a canopy for during the day when hanging out near the campfire and picnic tables. I don't recall ever seeing the camp host. We had four dogs and they were pretty content on the site. There were mosquitoes, so bring your bug spray. There was no storage box for the food which seemed odd. But, we did try to store all the food at night in coolers, bags, or our cars. We had an open trash can which didn't even attract a furry critter during the night to our surprise. Overall, we really enjoyed our stay here!

    Recently came here with a large group for a few nights. Nice campground, reasonably clean. Large…read morefire pit. Only thing of note that happened: on our first morning at the site, a ranger stopped by to check up on us. He threatened us repeatedly, for several minutes, with a $10,000 fine because the fire pit was "half dry." Not hot or warm. Not unattended. Dry. With people in camp. We had poured gallons of water on it and stirred it repeatedly the night before. We turned our headlamps on and off to ensure that there were no remaining embers, and kept pouring water into the pit until it ran out of all four corners. I poked around the pit at 8am with my bare hands, hours before the inspection, and could find zero discernible hot spots. The ash was still thoroughly soaked at the time. Some of the ash apparently dried out before ~11 am, when he stopped by. Not at all surprising, given that the fire pit is on a slope. And we were threatened, at length, with a $10,000 fine. I still don't understand it. Hell, if we'd had a fire going when he showed up, it would have been "dry." Fires were permitted. Dry fire pits apparently weren't? Still confused. Forest fires are no joke, but the ranger here can be very unpleasant about it. If you plan to camp here, you need to go above and beyond the posted fire regulations to keep the ranger off your back. Soak the embers and pile ice onto the pit if you have it. That will keep the ash wet until late morning, when he makes his rounds. Other things to note: all but one or two tent sites were on a slope. The trash can mentioned in the 2014 review is gone: trash must be disposed of at dumpsters in the nearby Pine Knot campground. There are still no bear boxes, so food must be stored ~in vehicles. This seemed odd, since all of the individual sites at the Pine Knot campground had bear boxes. Everything else mentioned in that review (double pedestal grill, 5 tables, vault toilets) is still operational. No mosquitoes by September -- too cold.

    Photos
    Buttercup Group Campground
    Buttercup Group Campground
    Buttercup Group Campground

    See all

    Serrano Campground - campgrounds - Updated July 2026

    Loading...
    Loading...
    Loading...