Deer Group Campground
00 reviewMountaintop Ranger District and Discovery Center, 40971 North Shore Drive, Highway 38, Fawnskin, CA 92333
Deer Group Campground
$149.00 - $159.00 / night
Campsite Fees
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
The fee structure is $149 for a group site and $159 during holidays. Fees apply per reservation and accommodate up to 40 persons and 8 vehicles.
About this campground
Nestled in the pristine wilderness near Big Bear Lake, Deer Group Campground offers an authentic backcountry experience within the majestic San Bernardino National Forest. This secluded group camping haven provides the perfect setting for families and friends seeking to disconnect from the digital world and reconnect with nature. The campground comes equipped with 5 spacious picnic tables, a convenient double pedestal grill for communal cooking, and a central group fire ring where memories are made under starlit skies. Vault toilets ensure basic comfort while maintaining the site's minimal environmental footprint. As a true wilderness destination, visitors should note that potable water is not available on-site, embracing the pack-in, pack-out philosophy that keeps this natural sanctuary pristine for future generations.
Deer Group Campground caters specifically to group camping. Individual tent or RV sites for small parties are not mentioned.
Weather and SeasonsExperience the dramatic seasonal transformations of the San Bernardino Mountains at Deer Group Campground. Winter blankets the landscape in pristine snow, creating a wonderland that challenges even seasoned adventurers with difficult access roads and crisp, dry air that sparkles with frost. As spring melts into summer, the campground transforms into a temperate mountain retreat where comfortable temperatures and crystal-clear skies create ideal conditions for hiking, stargazing, and outdoor adventures. The elevation ensures refreshing mountain breezes even during the warmest months, making this an excellent escape from the heat of lower elevations.
Natural Features and SceneryImmerse yourself in the breathtaking beauty of dense coniferous forests that surround Deer Group Campground, where towering pines and firs create a natural cathedral of green. The dramatic mountainous terrain of the San Bernardino National Forest unfolds in every direction, offering spectacular vistas and the soothing sounds of wind through ancient trees. Wildlife tracks often crisscross the forest floor, reminding visitors they're sharing this pristine habitat with the area's native inhabitants. The thick forest canopy provides natural shade and shelter, creating an intimate atmosphere that makes even large groups feel embraced by the wilderness.
Geological RegionDeer Group Campground sits within the geological wonderland of the San Bernardino National Forest, where millions of years of tectonic activity have sculpted a dramatic landscape of soaring peaks and deep valleys. This mountainous terrain showcases the powerful forces that shaped Southern California's backbone, with exposed granite formations and ancient forest ecosystems that have adapted to the unique high-elevation environment. The rugged topography creates diverse microclimates and ecosystems, making every hike an opportunity to discover the geological story written in stone and soil throughout this magnificent forest landscape.
Campsite details
Sites SizeGroup Campsite accommodates up to 40 people and 8 vehicles.
Sites PrivacyDetails regarding campsite privacy are not specified.
Total Campsites1 campsites
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
2:00 PM
Stay Limit
Maximum of 40 persons and 8 vehicles.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Maximum of 40 persons per group site.
Groups
The group site accommodates a maximum of 40 people and 8 vehicles. Specific details on the layout or additional facilities are not provided.
Tents
Tents are not allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutGroup site facility with 5 picnic tables, 1 grill, and 1 group fire ring.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen May 3, 2024 - October 5, 2024.
Reservation Platformshttps://www.recreation.gov Widget ID: 231968.
Walk-in AvailabilityWalk-up availability not mentioned explicitly in authoritative sources.
Cancellation PolicyReservations can be canceled up to 24 hours in advance without penalty.
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
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
The activity options available at Deer Group Campground are not specified in the data.
Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Fire ring available, but general fire regulations are not detailed.
Hazards
General hazardsPotential hazards include wildlife encounters and cold weather conditions during the off-season.
Active alertsSite currently closed.
Weather forecast
68
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Strong wind, exercise caution
Humidity: 50%
Moderately humid conditions
Wind: 11.8 mph
Strong wind, exercise caution
Overcast
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Temperature Trends
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Weather Summaries
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Emergency Services
Mountaintop Ranger District and Discovery Center, 40971 North Shore Drive, Highway 38, Fawnskin, CA 92333. Phone: (909) 382-2790. Hours: Thursday-Monday from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM.
Good to know
Peak season datesMay to October.
Trash and recyclingCampers are required to remove all their trash when leaving, as this is a 'Pack it in. Pack it out' facility.
Proximity to water featuresLocated near Big Bear Lake, accessible via Forest Service roads.
Common complaintsNo potable water availability and challenging road navigation are common concerns.
Campground Map
Mountaintop Ranger District and Discovery Center, 40971 North Shore Drive, Highway 38, Fawnskin, CA 92333
Driving directionsTake I-10 East to Redlands. Take the University Street exit, EXIT 80. Turn left (northbound) on University Street. Turn right onto E. Lugonia Avenue/SR-38. Continue on State Highway 38 into Big Bear City, to E. Big Bear Blvd. Turn left on to E. Big Bear Blvd./SR-38. Continue westbound on Big Bear Blvd/SR-18 into the City of Big Bear Lake. From State Highway 18, west of the village, turn left on to Millcreek Road. Proceed past Aspen Glen Picnic Area, 0.4 of a mile and turn left to continue on to Millcreek Road to Forest Road 2N10. Proceed on 2N10 for 0.8 mile to the end of pavement. Continue on 2N10 past Cedar Lake turnoff. Proceed on 2N10 to 2N08 (7.9 miles from the Cedar Lake turnoff). Go left on 2N08 and proceed 0.6 of a mile to 2N45Yk, turn right.
Vehicle access is on a Forest Service road on the south side of Big Bear Lake. The road includes paved and unpaved sections, requiring careful navigation.Nearby places
Big Bear City (approximately 10 miles), Fawnskin (approximately 7 miles), Redlands (approximately 40 miles)
Nearby supplies
Big Bear Lake city center for groceries, camping supplies, and fuel. Fawnskin also provides limited essentials.
Camper Reviews
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Last updated August 10, 2025