Ironwood Group Camp

Star0
4 reviews
SAN BERNARDINO, CA, USA
Ironwood Group Camp
$127.00 - $127.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Group site fees are $127 per night during peak season, with an additional $10 fee for holidays. Fees do not include discounts, taxes, or incremental...
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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$127.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
Total Campsite Fees$127.00

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

About this campground

Escape to the serene sanctuary of Ironwood Group Campground, where towering pines whisper secrets and sprawling meadows invite exploration. This hidden gem in the mountains beckons large groups seeking authentic outdoor adventures—from heart-pumping mountain bike trails that wind through the forest to peaceful fishing spots where time seems to slow. Whether you're perfecting your aim at nearby target shooting areas or launching your boat for a day on the water, Ironwood serves as your basecamp for unforgettable memories under the canopy of ancient evergreens.
Ironwood Group Camp is specifically designed for large group tent camping. It provides a single group site that accommodates up to 25 people.
Weather and SeasonsCrystal-clear mountain skies and crisp, dry air define the camping experience at Ironwood, where peak season brings refreshingly cool temperatures that offer sweet relief from valley heat. Spring and fall adventurers might wake to a delicate dusting of snow on pine boughs—nature's reminder of the elevation—while occasional gusty winds add their voice to the forest symphony. The most coveted camping weeks deliver that perfect mountain recipe: gentle breezes, comfortable temperatures, and endless blue skies that make every outdoor activity a pleasure.
ElevationPerched at 6,637 feet above sea level, Ironwood offers that authentic high-country experience where the air feels lighter and the stars shine brighter. This elevated paradise requires a bit of adjustment—you'll feel the altitude in your first deep breaths of pine-scented air—but rewards visitors with naturally cooler temperatures that transform summer camping into a refreshing retreat.
Natural Features and SceneryStep into a living postcard where stately pines create nature's own cathedral, their branches forming a protective canopy overhead while soft needles carpet the forest floor. The campground's crown jewel—a sun-dappled meadow bordered by woodland—offers the perfect contrast of open sky and sheltered forest. Previous visitors can't stop raving about this picturesque setting, where morning mist dances across the grassland and evening light filters through the trees, creating an ever-changing tableau of mountain beauty.
Geological RegionNestled within the majestic pine forest ecosystem surrounding Big Bear Lake, Ironwood sits proudly at 6,637 feet in California's stunning mountain country. This elevated wonderland showcases the best of montane forest ecology, where granite peaks meet evergreen slopes and alpine meadows paint splashes of color across the rugged landscape.
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Campsite details

AccessibilityAccessibility specific descriptions for campers with disabilities were not provided in the source.
Sites SizeThe group site can accommodate up to 25 people and six vehicles. Tent sites are described as decent, though some areas are sloped.
Sites PrivacyThe campsite is relatively secluded, surrounded by mature trees and a grassy meadow that provides shade. Privacy levels beyond this description are not detailed.
Total Campsites1 campsites
Recommended CampsitesArrive with a high-clearance vehicle due to rugged terrain; pitch tents strategically to avoid sloped areas.
Best CampsitesUser reviews describe the only campsite as beautiful and secluded, next to a meadow.

Reserving a campsite

Check-in
Check-in allowed from 3:00 PM.
Check-out
Check-out required by 11:00 AM.
Stay Limit
Maximum stay is 14 consecutive nights per 30 days.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Up to 25 guests are permitted for the group site.
Groups
The single group site at Ironwood accommodates up to 25 people and six vehicles. It comes equipped with picnic tables, a campfire circle, and grills. Some tent pitch areas are on slight slopes, according to reviews.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed

Site layoutThe group site includes gravel parking, four picnic tables, three bear boxes, and a campfire circle.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen April 18th - October 4th annually; closed outside of this range.
Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made through Recreation.gov or by calling 1-877-444-6777.
Walk-in AvailabilityNo mention of walk-up availability; reservations appear mandatory for group site use.
Cancellation PolicyCancellations 14 days or fewer prior to check-in will incur a $10 fee and forfeit the first night's fee. Fees are non-refundable for cancellations on or after the check-in date.

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
Food storage lockers
Picnic tables
Cell phone service
Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

The campground offers a variety of outdoor recreational activities suitable for groups and families. These include hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, target shooting, fishing, and boating.
Hiking
Hiking opportunities are abundant, with trails available near the campground. One reviewer mentioned, "You can walk off in many directions to explore. There is a trail from this site leaving down somewhere but we didn't check it out."
Fishing
Fishing is available at nearby Big Bear Lake, which offers catches such as trout, bluegill, crappie, catfish, and largemouth bass.
Biking
Mountain biking trails are available in the surrounding area.
Boating
Boating activities are supported at Big Bear Lake, which is a nearby attraction.
Winter Activities
Winter-specific activities are not mentioned in the source materials.
Water Sports
Boating opportunities suggest non-motorized water sports might be possible at Big Bear Lake, but specifics like kayaking or paddleboarding are not detailed.
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Campground rules

  • Pets are allowed
  • Campfires are allowed with restrictions; portable pits burning gas or kerosene are recommended during dry seasons.
  • Quiet hours are enforced during nighttime hours.

Hazards

General hazardsPotential hazards include cold water temperatures at nearby Big Bear Lake and rugged terrain requiring caution during access.

Weather forecast

54
°F
Nov 25
Tuesday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%

Strong wind, exercise caution

Humidity: 26%

Very dry conditions, stay hydrated

Wind: 10.6 mph

Strong wind, exercise caution

Clear sky

7 day forecast

Weather History
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo

Emergency Services

Emergency services such as hospitals and police stations are in Big Bear Lake, which is approximately 7 miles away.

Good to know

Peak season datesApril 18th - October 4th annually
Trash and recyclingNo specific information is provided about trash and recycling facilities at this campground.
Proximity to water featuresBig Bear Lake is a few miles away, offering fishing and boating opportunities. Swimming is discouraged due to cold temperatures and underwater obstacles.
Common complaintsUser reviews frequently mention high group site fees ($115 - $127 per night) and the need for high-clearance vehicles for rough road access.
HostNo specific host information is provided.

Campground Map

SAN BERNARDINO, CA, USA
Driving directionsFrom San Bernardino, travel east on I-10 to Running Springs. Turn onto Highway 18 to Big Bear Lake Dam but don't cross the dam. Go straight on Highway 38 to Fawnskin. Turn left on Rim of the World Drive (Forest Route 3N14) and continue for about 6 miles. Turn left and then right on Forest Route 3N97. Continue for a short distance to the campground.
Access is via gravel and dirt roads requiring high-clearance vehicles. The route is not paved, and rugged terrain could be challenging for standard cars.
Nearby places
Fawnskin - 7 miles (approximately 15 minutes)
Nearby supplies
Groceries and camping supplies can be found at the general store in Fawnskin, 7 miles away.

Camper Reviews

0.0
4 reviews
Limited Reviews
Limited Reviews
Ironwood Group Camp has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews
Reviews are mixed with an average sentiment of 3 out of 5 specifically for campgrounds. Complaints focus on the cost and sloped tent sites, while positive comments highlight the natural beauty and group-oriented facilities.
Review Summaries
Based on 4 reviews

What Campers Love

Users praised the scenic location, proximity to a meadow, and on-site amenities like grills and a campfire circle. One user described it as a "beautiful campsite right next to a meadow at the end of...
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Based on 4 reviews

Common Concerns

Criticism includes the perceived high cost of $115 per night for the group site and the sloped tent areas. One review commented, "It is a group site, so you can split it 5 or 6 ways, but it is...
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Based on 4 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Bring your own drinking water as none is available on-site. Use a high-clearance vehicle to access the site due to rough dirt roads.
Based on 4 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer reviews are more common and highlight outdoor activities like hiking and fishing. There are no reviews specifically addressing winter conditions.
Based on 4 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. "There were four tables, three bear boxes, and a vaulted toilet covered by 4 wooden walls." 2. "This was great, but expensive as hell at $115 per night." 3. "Beautiful campsite right next to a...
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Based on 4 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site 1 in Loop IRON received a rating of 3 stars with a comment that the site "only holds 4 tents medium."
Based on 4 reviews

Accessibility Features

No reviews specifically address accessibility features for campers with disabilities.
Based on 4 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are allowed at the campground, but user reviews did not include specific comments about pet-related experiences.
Based on 4 reviews

Last updated November 24, 2025
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