Buttercup Group Camp

Star4.21
9 reviews
SAN BERNARDINO
Buttercup Group Camp
$149.00 - $149.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Group site nightly rate is $149 during peak season with a $10 holiday surcharge. Rates do not include taxes or incremental charges.
Standard Site Fee$0.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$149.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
Total Campsite Fees$149.00

Share this campground
Recreation Dot Gov
Provider
909-866-8550clm@clm-services.com

About this campground

Tucked away in the pine-scented heights of San Bernardino National Forest, Buttercup Group Camp offers the perfect mountain escape for families and friends seeking connection with nature and each other. This secluded group camping haven combines the tranquility of a private forest retreat with easy access to Big Bear Lake's recreational wonderland. Well-appointed with picnic tables, grills, and gathering spaces around campfire circles, the camp provides everything needed for memorable group adventures, while vault toilets and fresh drinking water ensure comfort in the wilderness.
Buttercup Group Camp is specifically designed for group camping and can accommodate both tents and RVs.
Historical SignificanceButtercup Group Camp stands as part of the storied San Bernardino National Forest, a landscape that has sheltered indigenous peoples, early settlers, and generations of outdoor enthusiasts. This protected wilderness preserves both the ecological treasures and cultural heritage of Southern California's mountain communities, offering visitors a chance to connect with the enduring spirit of the American West.
Weather and SeasonsExperience the full spectrum of mountain seasons at Buttercup, where winter brings a magical blanket of snow and summer offers cool respite from valley heat. The camp welcomes visitors during its prime season from mid-April through early October, when wildflowers paint the forest floor and warm days give way to crisp, star-filled nights perfect for campfire stories.
ElevationPerched at 7,000 feet above sea level, Buttercup Group Camp provides a refreshing alpine atmosphere where the air is crisp and pine trees tower overhead. This elevated paradise offers natural air conditioning during summer months and transforms into a winter wonderland when snow falls, creating a year-round mountain sanctuary far above the bustle of city life.
Natural Features and SceneryImmerse yourself in a cathedral of towering pines that create a natural privacy screen and dappled shade throughout Buttercup Group Camp. This forest sanctuary sits just two miles from the sparkling waters of Big Bear Lake, offering the best of both worlds – intimate woodland camping with easy access to water recreation. At 7,000 feet elevation, the landscape transforms with the seasons, from spring's emerging wildflowers to autumn's golden light filtering through the evergreen canopy.
Geological RegionNestled within the dramatic peaks and valleys of Southern California's San Bernardino Mountains, Buttercup Group Camp occupies a special corner of this ancient geological wonderland. At approximately 7,000 feet elevation, the camp rests among granite formations and volcanic remnants that tell the story of millions of years of mountain building, now clothed in a magnificent pine forest that defines this unique high-country ecosystem.
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Campsite details

AccessibilityThe site is described as accessible and accommodates both tents and RVs.
Sites SizeThe campground is designed to accommodate up to 40 people and eight vehicles, making it suitable for large groups.
Sites PrivacyReviews suggest the site is private and secluded. Pam Maples states, "Nice group site, lots of privacy."
Total Campsites1 campsites
Recommended CampsitesIdeal for groups looking for privacy and proximity to Big Bear Lake for activities such as hiking, fishing, and boating.
Best CampsitesOnly one large group site available, described as spacious and private.

Reserving a campsite

Check-in
14:00
Check-out
12:00
Stay Limit
Maximum stay limit is 14 consecutive nights within a rolling 30-day period.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Maximum of 40 guests allowed per group campsite.
Groups
The site accommodates up to 40 people and eight vehicles, making it suitable for large groups. "The group campground offers one large, accessible site that can accommodate up to 40 people and eight vehicles for tent or RV camping."
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed

Site layoutSingle large group campsite equipped with grills, tables, and a campfire circle.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen season runs from April 18 to October 3 each year. No bookings available during off-season, October 4 to April 17.
Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made through Recreation.gov, either online or via the contact center.
Walk-in AvailabilityWalk-up availability is not explicitly stated for this group campsite; reservations are required.
Cancellation PolicyReservations can be canceled anytime before arrival, subject to a $10 cancellation fee plus forfeiture of the first night's use fee for cancellations within 14 calendar days of check-in. Late cancellations and no-shows incur additional penalties.

Accomodation available

GroupGroup campsites are offered for larger parties such as families, schools, or organizations. These sites provide space and facilities to accommodate multiple people camping together.

Amenities available

Potable water
Fire rings
Food storage lockers
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
Water hookups

Activities you can enjoy

Buttercup Group Camp offers diverse recreational opportunities. Fishing, boating, hiking, mountain biking, and climbing are popular activities. Big Bear Lake, located two miles away, is a focal point for outdoor recreation.
Hiking
Hiking is a significant activity at Buttercup Group Camp with access to numerous trails. Specific details about trail lengths and difficulty are not provided.
Climbing
Climbing opportunities may be available in nearby natural areas such as rocky outcrops, boulders, or cliff faces. Visitors should bring appropriate gear and check local regulations or park guidelines before attempting any climbs.
Fishing
Fishing at Big Bear Lake includes species such as trout, bluegill, crappie, catfish, and largemouth bass. User reviews or official sources do not provide further specifics on fishing conditions.
Biking
Mountain biking is noted as a popular activity, though specific trails or levels of difficulty are not detailed.
Boating
Boating at Big Bear Lake is highlighted as an available activity. Specifics on the types of boats allowed or docking facilities are not detailed.
Winter Activities
One user remarked that the campground is a great spot to play in the snow, suggesting possible winter activities, but no official details are provided.
Water Sports
Water sports activities such as fishing and boating are available at Big Bear Lake, which is located two miles from the campsite.
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Campground rules

  • Pets are not allowed
  • Current prohibition on campfires, except for propane-based alternatives. California Campfire Permit required for portable stoves and lanterns.
  • Quiet hours are Quiet area mentioned in user reviews, though specific hours are not provided.

Hazards

General hazardsCold water and underwater obstacles near Big Bear Lake may pose hazards for swimming.
Active alertsNo campfires allowed at this time; propane fires are permitted.

Weather forecast

53
°F
Nov 25
Tuesday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%

Moderate wind, may affect light items

Humidity: 19%

Very dry conditions, stay hydrated

Wind: 6.5 mph

Moderate wind, may affect light items

Clear sky

7 day forecast

Weather History
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo

Emergency Services

Emergency services available in Big Bear Lake, including hospitals and police stations.

Good to know

Peak season datesApril 18 to October 3 annually.
Trash and recyclingThere are concerns about trash disposal options. According to one review, "Since it's a group campsite I wish they had more space to lock away trash at night. We ran out of room for all of our bags." Another user mentioned, "We end up having to take our trash bags to the trash cans in Pineknot campground."
Proximity to water featuresLocated two miles from Big Bear Lake, popular for fishing and boating.
Common complaintsRecurring comments mention limited trash storage and lack of plumbing in restrooms.
HostCamp host Seann is noted as helpful and attentive in reviews.

Campground Map

SAN BERNARDINO
Driving directionsFrom San Bernardino, take I-10 east to Running Springs. Turn onto State Highway 18 and continue to Big Bear Lake Dam. Continue about 6 miles on State Highway 18 and turn right on Summit Boulevard. Turn left at the end of the road and go about a half-mile to the second gate on the right.
Accessible via dirt road, two miles from Big Bear Lake. The route requires navigating State Highway 18 and Summit Boulevard.
Nearby places
Big Bear Lake, approximately 2 miles.
Nearby supplies
General store and restaurants available in the city of Big Bear Lake.

Camper Reviews

4.2
9 reviews
Satisfactory
Satisfactory
Buttercup Group Camp is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews highlight the campground's privacy, cleanliness, and suitability for group activities. However, there are recurring concerns about trash disposal options.
Review Summaries
Based on 9 reviews

What Campers Love

Reviewers praised the campground's spaciousness, privacy, cleanliness, and natural setting. Common sentiments include: "Nice group site, lots of privacy" and "safe, quiet and lots of evergreen trees."
Based on 9 reviews

Common Concerns

Key complaints include limited trash disposal options and the lack of flush toilets. One user stated, "Since it's a group campsite I wish they had more space to lock away trash at night." Another...
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Based on 9 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Users recommend bringing trash disposal solutions and taking advantage of the clean vault toilets. One user mentioned using the water faucet to wash pots and utensils.
Based on 9 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Winter use is mentioned for snow play. Summer reviews frequently highlight the quiet and privacy of the site.
Based on 9 reviews

Camper Quotes

"Nice spacious space, clean 2 restrooms, water faucet that we used to connect our hose to wash our pots, utensils near our picnic benches." - CHICPAUL M B."Bathrooms were clean, site was clean. Camp...
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Based on 9 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Reviews suggest this site is well-suited for group use. One specific review highlights campsite 001 and loop BUTT as clean and well-maintained.
Based on 9 reviews

Accessibility Features

The site is described as accessible, but no specific user feedback on accessibility for disabilities is provided.
Based on 9 reviews

Last updated November 24, 2025
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