Tanglewood Group Camp

Star4.19
6 reviews
SAN BERNARDINO, SAN BERNADINO, CA, USA
Tanglewood Group Camp
$149.00 - $149.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Peak-season nightly rate is $149.00 for the group tent-only area. An additional $10 holiday fee applies. No discounts, taxes, or incremental charges...
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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$149.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
Total Campsite Fees$149.00

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Recreation Dot Gov
Provider
909-866-3437clm@clm-services.com

About this campground

Escape to Tanglewood Group Campground, where towering pines create a natural cathedral for your next family reunion or group adventure. Nestled deep in the San Bernardino National Forest, this spacious retreat welcomes large gatherings with multiple picnic tables scattered beneath the canopy, a central campfire circle perfect for evening storytelling, and grills ready for memorable outdoor feasts. Here, the forest becomes your private sanctuary, offering the perfect blend of wilderness tranquility and group-friendly amenities.
The campground offers a single group campsite specifically for tent camping.
Historical SignificanceFollow in the footsteps of fortune seekers along the Gold Fever Auto Tour Trail, where interpretive sites reveal tales of prospectors who once scoured these mountains for precious metal. The surrounding landscape still whispers stories of the California Gold Rush era, when dreams of striking it rich drew adventurers to these very slopes. Today, visitors can explore this living museum of mining history while creating their own golden memories in the wilderness.
Weather and SeasonsSummer transforms Tanglewood into an alpine paradise, with crystal-clear skies stretching endlessly above the pine canopy. The dry mountain climate brings comfortable days and refreshingly cool evenings, while gentle breezes whisper through the trees. Peak camping season runs through the warm months when predictable weather patterns create ideal conditions for outdoor adventures, stargazing, and gathering around the campfire without worry of rain dampening your plans.
ElevationPerched at an impressive 7,542 feet above sea level, Tanglewood offers a true mountain escape where the air is crisp and pine-scented year-round. This lofty elevation creates a natural air conditioning system, providing welcome relief from valley heat while surrounding you with the dense, verdant embrace of high-altitude pine forest. Here, you'll sleep under stars that seem close enough to touch and wake to mornings filled with pure mountain air.
Natural Features and SceneryStep into an enchanted world where ancient pines stretch skyward, their branches forming a living green canopy overhead. At 7,542 feet elevation, Tanglewood immerses you in the heart of a thriving mountain ecosystem where sunlight filters through dense forest, creating an ever-changing tapestry of light and shadow. The historic Gold Fever Auto Tour Trail winds nearby, offering both natural splendor and glimpses into the area's colorful past, while the surrounding wilderness provides endless opportunities for exploration and discovery.
Geological RegionDiscover your mountain basecamp northeast of Big Bear Lake, where the San Bernardino National Forest unfolds in waves of pine-covered ridges and hidden valleys. This corner of Southern California's high country sits along the legendary Gold Fever Auto Tour Trail, a route that traces the geological formations that once held California's most sought-after treasure. The landscape tells a story millions of years in the making, from ancient geological upheavals to the more recent chapter of human prospecting, all preserved in this pristine mountain wilderness.
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Campsite details

AccessibilityThe campground does not provide detailed information about specific accessibility features. The rough dirt access road may pose challenges for some visitors.
Sites SizeThe single group campsite is spacious and can accommodate up to 40 people and eight vehicles.
Sites PrivacyThe campground is described as being deep in the forest, offering a secluded experience: "A good place to relax with a large company deep in the forest, far from civilization."
Total Campsites1 campsites
Recommended CampsitesBring adequate water supplies due to lack of onsite drinking water. High-clearance vehicles are advised.
Best CampsitesSingle group campsite available for up to 40 guests.

Reserving a campsite

Check-in
Check-in starts at 2 PM.
Check-out
Check-out by noon.
Stay Limit
Maximum stay is 14 nights total within rolling 30 days.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Maximum 40 guests per group site.
Groups
The group site accommodates up to 40 people and eight vehicles. A two-night minimum reservation is required for weekends, with three-night minimums on holiday weekends.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed

Site layoutSingle group campsite with picnic tables, grills, and campfire circle.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen May 2, 2025 - October 17, 2026. Closed from October 18, 2025 - May 1, 2026.
Reservation PlatformsReservations available through Recreation.gov and its contact center.
Walk-in AvailabilityReservations are mandatory; 'Need reservations!!!! You cannot just drive in and camp.'
Cancellation PolicyReservations can be canceled through Recreation.gov or by calling 1-877-444-6777. A $10 cancellation fee applies, and late cancellations may forfeit the first night's fee. No refunds are issued for 'no-shows.'

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

Tanglewood Group Camp offers a variety of outdoor recreational opportunities, particularly for large groups. Popular activities include hiking, mountain biking, and off-road vehicle trails. "A variety of hiking, mountain biking, and off-road vehicle trails are nearby, including the scenic Gold Fever Trail," according to official sources. Fishing and boating are available at the nearby Big Bear Lake, where anglers can catch trout, bluegill, crappie, catfish, and largemouth bass. However, swimming in the lake is discouraged due to cold water temperatures and underwater obstacles.
Hiking
The campground is located near several hiking trails, including the Gold Fever Trail, which features scenic views and historical mining sites.
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 opportunities are abundant in nearby Big Bear Lake, offering trout, bluegill, crappie, catfish, and largemouth bass.
Biking
Mountain biking trails are accessible near the campground, including off-road paths along the Gold Fever Trail.
Boating
Boating is a popular activity at Big Bear Lake, although no direct facilities for boating are mentioned at the campground itself.
Wildlife viewing
The dense pine forest surrounding the campground provides opportunities for wildlife viewing, although specific species are not mentioned.
Winter Activities
No winter-specific activities are mentioned for this campground.
Water Sports
Non-motorized water sports like kayaking or canoeing may be possible at Big Bear Lake, though not explicitly confirmed in the materials.
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Campground rules

  • Pets are allowed
  • Campfires are permitted only with appropriate permits and within designated areas.
  • Quiet hours are Null

Hazards

General hazardsYellow jacket nests were reported near bathroom facilities; wildlife and rough roads may pose challenges.

Weather forecast

51
°F
Nov 25
Tuesday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%

Moderate wind, may affect light items

Humidity: 16%

Very dry conditions, stay hydrated

Wind: 6.1 mph

Moderate wind, may affect light items

Clear sky

7 day forecast

Weather History
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo

Emergency Services

The closest showers and additional emergency services are located at Serrano Campground, east of Fawnskin.

Good to know

Peak season datesMay 2, 2025 - October 18, 2025, and May 1, 2026 - October 17, 2026.
Trash and recyclingTrash services are not provided, and visitors must pack out all their waste, as emphasized in the official description.
Proximity to water featuresEight miles from Big Bear Lake, suitable for fishing and boating but swimming discouraged due to cold waters and underwater obstacles.
Common complaintsComplaints include dirt bikes creating dust disturbances and lack of drinking water availability.
HostNo campground host available; 'There is no camp host.'

Campground Map

SAN BERNARDINO, SAN BERNADINO, CA, USA
Driving directionsTake I-10 (Highway 330) to Running Springs. Turn onto Highway 18 and continue to Big Bear Lake Dam. Continue on Highway 38 for 8 miles. Turn left on Van Dusen Canyon Road (Forest Route 3N09) and drive for 4 miles. Turn right onto Forest Route 3N16 and travel approximately 2 miles. Take a right on Forest Route 3N79 and continue approximately 0.8 miles to the campground.
The access road is dirt and gravel, and high clearance vehicles are recommended. 'This is a rough, dirt road to the campground.'
Nearby places
Fawnskin (8 miles southwest), Big Bear Lake Dam (approximately 10 miles)
Nearby supplies
A general store and restaurants are located about 8 miles southwest in Fawnskin.

Camper Reviews

4.2
6 reviews
Satisfactory
Satisfactory
Tanglewood Group Camp is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews generally highlight the campground's suitability for large groups and its secluded, forested location. A few users noted issues such as yellow jackets near the vault toilets and dust stirred up by passing dirt bikes.
Review Summaries
Based on 6 reviews

What Campers Love

Reviewers appreciated the spacious group site, picnic facilities, and the secluded location: "Plenty of space for friends and family. Has a big fire pit to enjoy at night time. Highly recommend."
Based on 6 reviews

Common Concerns

Complaints included the presence of yellow jackets near the vault toilets, dust from passing off-road vehicles, and the lack of on-site drinking water.
Based on 6 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Visitors recommend bringing plenty of drinking water due to the lack of on-site water and preparing for a rough access road: "To get to the place, you need to drive 40-50 minutes off-road. It is...
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Based on 6 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer appears to be the most popular season for camping, aligning with the campground's operational dates. Cooler temperatures and the elevation of 7,542 feet make it a comfortable summer...
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Based on 6 reviews

Camper Quotes

"Great spot but really hated the fact that dirt bikes keep coming through the campground and lifting up dirt into our food." "This campsite is great! Plenty of space for friends and family. Has a big...
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Based on 6 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

The campground has only one group site, which is praised for its space and amenities. However, one issue noted was the yellow jacket nest near the vault toilets.
Based on 6 reviews

Accessibility Features

No specific reviews addressing accessibility for individuals with disabilities were provided.
Based on 6 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are allowed at the campground, but no specific user feedback on pet experiences was noted.
Based on 6 reviews

Last updated November 24, 2025
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