Trail Discussion: camping in big bear

[dogsbollocks]

gonna attempt john bull in summer and was looking to find a good campsite for 3 couples and dogs.
can anyone suggest good campsites?

[troyboy162]

crab flats if you need toilets. thats pretty nice and fairly close to all the trails

[red baron 13]

Crab Flats usually has a host in the main months too; which is nice if you're leaving your gear while making all day runs.

[chris142]

Big pine flat is closed for the winter. There is a Little known campground closer to the desert with bathrooms but no running water. It's off of 4n16 near the West end of the White mountain trail.

I think it's called Horsethief. I think....... It seems to be difficult to find info online.

[Roger]

I agree with Chris,
Horse Thief is usually never crowded except during the fall hunting season. Even then, there's usually sites available. The elevation is a little lower so it's warmer at night.

I wouldn't advise motor homes or large trailers going there. It is way off the pavement!

[chris142]

Yup Horse Springs and not Horse theif as I was guessing. I have stayed there several times and been the only person or group there.

http://california.hometownlocator.co...campground.cfm

[Jason]

I agree with Chris,
Horse Thief is usually never crowded except during the fall hunting season. Even then, there's usually sites available. The elevation is a little lower so it's warmer at night.

I wouldn't advise motor homes or large trailers going there. It is way off the pavement!

Is this the spot that you have to drive down a rather steep hill to get to? If it is, I've camped there before and it is remote.

[MyBrokenJeep]

If it's available and you do like the little creature comforts of things like *HOT* showers... I would recommend taking a look at Serrano Campground.

[dogsbollocks]

Thanks all, yeah we'll need some creature comforts as the "better halves" will unlikely be wheeling (especially john bull), and need to be dropped off somewhere!!
so we'll need a campsite near the road with toilets! [its hardly camping if you have a toilet ]

When i check the campsites on recreation.gov, there's too many to choose from.

[Roger]

Look on a SBNF map amd look at the capsites in the vicinity of John Bull. There's several to choose from.

Holcomb is nearby and probably has more to do for those not wheeling. There's lot's of historical stuff within walking distance of camp. It's also in a beautiful setting. The campground is in a nice stand of pines. Bring water though.

[Red rubicon]

I have always liked Serrano by the BB Discovery center. It is right by the lake and has a lot of great spots.