Grays Peak Group Camp
00 reviewSAN BERNARDINO, CA, USA
Grays Peak Group Camp
$149.00 - $149.00 / 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 for the group site is $149 per night during the peak season, with an additional $10 charge for holiday nights. Rates exclude discounts, taxes, and other incremental charges.
About this campground
Perched high in the San Bernardino Mountains, Grays Peak Group Campground serves as an ideal basecamp for families, friends, and outdoor enthusiasts gathering to explore Big Bear's wilderness together. This spacious group site welcomes up to 40 adventurers with room for 8 vehicles, offering both tent and RV camping options. Whether you're planning a multi-generational family reunion or organizing a weekend retreat with your hiking club, Grays Peak provides the perfect blend of mountain solitude and easy access to the region's most beloved trails and the sparkling waters of Big Bear Lake.
Grays Peak Group Campground provides a single large group site suitable for tent and RV camping. Primitive camping characteristics are implied due to the lack of drinking water and utility hookups.
Historical SignificanceWhile the recorded history of Grays Peak Group Camp remains to be documented, the surrounding San Bernardino National Forest holds centuries of stories within its ancient pines and mountain meadows, from Native American heritage to the logging and recreation history that shaped modern Big Bear.
Weather and SeasonsAt over 7,000 feet, Grays Peak enjoys the crisp, clear mountain air that makes the San Bernardino high country so inviting. Peak season runs from mid-April through mid-September, when temperatures create perfect conditions for outdoor adventures—cool mornings in the 30s give way to comfortable afternoons reaching the mid-40s. The remarkably dry climate means you'll wake to brilliant blue skies more often than not, with stars filling the night sky undimmed by clouds or precipitation. This reliable weather pattern makes Grays Peak an excellent choice for groups planning outdoor activities.
ElevationAt 7,132 feet above sea level, Grays Peak Group Campground offers that sweet spot of mountain camping—high enough to escape the heat of the valleys below, yet still accessible and comfortable for camping. This elevation gifts visitors with noticeably cooler temperatures, thinner air that makes the stars seem closer, and that distinctive pine-scented breeze that only comes with true mountain camping. The altitude creates an alpine environment where morning mist often drifts through the trees and afternoon shadows bring welcome relief from the sun.
Natural Features and SceneryImagine waking to sunlight filtering through a canopy of towering pines, firs, and cedars, their branches creating a natural cathedral above your campsite. Grays Peak sits within a stunning mixed conifer forest where tall trees give way to sun-dappled meadows carpeted with native grasses. This beautiful interplay of forest and open space provides both shaded retreat and sunny gathering spots for your group. The understory of soft grasses invites barefoot morning walks, while the surrounding forest frames spectacular views of the San Bernardino Mountains. Just beyond the campground, Big Bear Lake shimmers in the distance, promising aquatic adventures to complement your mountain experience.
Geological RegionGrays Peak Group Campground rests within the ancient geological wonderland of the San Bernardino National Forest, where millions of years of tectonic activity have sculpted a dramatic landscape of peaks, valleys, and meadows. The campground itself occupies a gentle slope within this mountainous terrain, surrounded by the mixed conifer forests that characterize this elevation. The interplay between dense forest groves and open meadowlands creates diverse microclimates and habitats, while the underlying granite bedrock of the San Bernardino Mountains provides the stable foundation for this high-altitude retreat. This unique geological setting offers visitors a chance to experience the raw beauty of Southern California's mountain country.
Campsite details
AccessibilityAccessibility features are not detailed in the authoritative content.
Sites SizeThe group site accommodates up to 40 people and allows for eight vehicles.
Sites PrivacyPrivacy levels are not explicitly mentioned, but the authoritative description suggests ample shade from mature trees and open meadows in the area.
Total Campsites1 campsites
Recommended CampsitesSite is recommended for groups due to its spaciousness and amenities like picnic tables and grills.
Best CampsitesOnly one group site is available.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
Official arrival time not specified.
Check-out
Official departure time not specified.
Stay Limit
You may stay a maximum of 14 consecutive nights, or 14 nights total within a rolling 30-day period.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Up to 40 guests are allowed at the group site.
Groups
The group site accommodates up to 40 people and eight vehicles. Parking spurs are gravel, and no utility hookups are provided.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutOne large group site equipped with several tables, grills, fire circle, and gravel parking spurs.
Open and Closed SeasonThe campground operates during peak season from April 18 to September 19. It is closed outside these dates.
Reservation PlatformsReservations available through Recreation.gov website and contact center.
Walk-in AvailabilityThe campground operates exclusively via advance reservations; walk-up availability is not mentioned in the official sources.
Cancellation PolicyReservations can be canceled anytime before scheduled arrival, with a $10 cancellation fee. Late cancellations (less than 14 days for group sites) also forfeit the first night's recreation use fee.
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
Grays Peak Group Campground offers a range of outdoor recreational activities suitable for groups and individuals. Hiking and mountain biking trails are prominent. "The campground provides access to a variety of hiking and mountain biking trails, including the Grays Peak Trail," notes the official source. Fishing and boating activities are facilitated by the nearby Big Bear Lake. Swimming is discouraged due to underwater obstacles and cold water temperatures, unless carried out in designated areas.
Hiking
Hiking opportunities include the 3.4-mile Grays Peak Trail, which features steep climbs and gradual inclines. Additionally, the Butler Park Fire Lookout is accessible via a 1-mile hike or bike ride from the campground.Fishing
Fishing in Big Bear Lake offers opportunities to catch trout, bluegill, crappie, catfish, and largemouth bass. As per authoritative sources, fishing is popular among campers in the area.Swimming
Swimming is discouraged in Big Bear Lake due to cold water temperatures and underwater obstacles. Nonetheless, swimming is permitted in designated areas.Biking
Mountain biking trails, including the Grays Peak Trail and Butler Park Fire Lookout trail, offer varied terrain and moderate difficulty levels.Boating
Boating is available at Big Bear Lake, although specific types of boats or docking facilities are not detailed.Cultural and Educational Programs
Educational programs are available at the nearby Big Bear Discovery Center, which is located approximately 5 miles away.Winter Activities
No specific winter activities are mentioned, but the campground's elevation and surrounding forest may support activities like snowshoeing during appropriate seasons.Water Sports
Non-motorized water sports are not explicitly mentioned in the authoritative content.Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- Campfires are allowed but must use locally sourced firewood to protect forests.
- Quiet hours not specified.
Hazards
General hazards"Drinking water is not available, and precautions against pests in firewood are recommended."
Weather forecast
70
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Strong wind, exercise caution
Humidity: 49%
Comfortable humidity levels
Wind: 11.6 mph
Strong wind, exercise caution
Overcast
7-Day Forecast
Access to 7-day forecasts tailored to each campground—covering temperature, precipitation, wind, and sky conditions.
Daily & Hourly Insights
View hourly forecasts with expected weather patterns throughout the day.
Temperature Trends
Visualize how temperatures shift over the month to help pick the most comfortable days for your trip.
Precipitation Trends
Plan around rain or snow with monthly visualizations of expected precipitation patterns.
Weather Summaries
Assess conditions with visuals for easier decision-making on when and where to camp.
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Emergency Services
Closest emergency services are located in Big Bear Lake, including medical facilities and police stations.
Good to know
Peak season datesApril 18, 2025 - September 19, 2025; April 17, 2026 - September 19, 2026.
Trash and recyclingTrash collection is explicitly stated as unavailable, requiring campers to manage their own waste disposal.
Proximity to water featuresBig Bear Lake is located nearby, offering fishing and boating but discouraging swimming due to cold temperatures and underwater obstacles.
Common complaintsLimited facilities such as no drinking water or trash collection.
Campground Map
SAN BERNARDINO, CA, USA
Driving directionsTake I-10 east (State Highway 330) to Running Springs. Turn onto State Highway 18 and continue to Big Bear Lake Dam but do not cross the dam. Drive straight on State Highway 38 to Fawnskin and turn left on Rim of the World Drive (Forest Route 3N14). Continue for just over a mile to Forest Route 2N13. Follow Forest Route 2N13 for a short distance to the campground.
The campground is accessible via paved highways and gravel roads. It is located on Forest Route 2N13 and requires navigating gravel roads for the final stretch.Nearby places
San Bernardino (45 miles, approximately 1 hour), Big Bear Lake (approximately 5 miles, 15 minutes), Fawnskin (approximately 1 mile, 5 minutes).
Nearby supplies
Essential supplies including groceries, camping gear, and fuel can be found in Big Bear Lake, approximately 5 miles from the campground.
Camper Reviews
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0 reviews
Grays Peak Group Camp has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews
No user reviews are provided in the authoritative content.
Review Summaries
What Campers Love
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Common Concerns
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Pro Tips & Recommendations
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Seasonal Insights
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Camper Quotes
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Site-Specific Reviews
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Accessibility Features
No accessibility-focused reviews are provided.
Pet-Friendly Features
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Last updated August 10, 2025