Big Bear - Looking for large assembly area

[nwoods]

I am wondering if there is a large outdoor assembly area in Big Bear, suitable for holding up to 300 4x4 rigs, and their camping equipment (very few will have motor homes). Ideally, there would be buildings nearby where lectures and presentations could be hosted indoors.

Any suggestions?

[Mike]

Hey Nathan!

As far as I know, the SBNF doesn't have any areas that will hold the kind of numbers that you are looking for.

Old Fart or FishPOET might have some suggestions but my experiences have suggested that groups of that size require significant planning with the Forest Service beforehand.

[nwoods]

... my experiences have suggested that groups of that size require significant planning with the Forest Service beforehand.

Agreed. This would be next year in the late spring.

[FishPOET]

There is not a single public area in the SBNF near Big Bear that I am aware of that you could camp 300 rigs in one area.

There are a few private camps that may meet your criteria, although I'm sure it would have to be in their off-season. Camp Whittle & Holcomb Valley Scout Camp come to mind.

You might consider letting everyone take care of their own camping/lodging accommodations and meet at a larger venue off forest like Snow Summit, Bear Mtn, Big Bear Convention Center.

Snow Summit is the meeting place for Forest Fest, Jeep Jamboree, Mountain Bike Races, etc. I have also seen groups camping in the Snow Summit parking area.

By gathering off the forest in a large group and breaking into smaller groups before entering the forest you side step the need for a National Forest group permit. Typically the group permit process takes approx 6 months to get approval from all the different departments. There is a fee involved and you must provide a bond and insurance.

[OU812]

What have you got in the works Nathan?

[nwoods]

I'm helping to develop some potential locations for consideration of an outdoor/vehicle based camping and excursion event. Its not my event and I am not doing the planning. I'm just looking for possible venues in the Big Bear area, which is one of many locations being considered around the State.

[Old Fart]

As Doug mentioned, anything over 75 people will require a Special Use Permit.

[nwoods]

As Doug mentioned, anything over 75 people will require a Special Use Permit.

Though the processes differ, special permits will be required no matter what for an event if this type/size, wouldn't matter if it was BLM land, military land, state park, national forest, or a public fairground.

Paperwork goes part and parcel with this sort of thing.