(Rebecca - I found this campground in a camping book, and I tent camped there in September 2004.
Campground Review
Serrano Campground has a lot going for it. The staff is excellent. They are very friendly and accommodating. After nightfall they patrol the campsite often. We saw them on an average of every 20 minutes. Also the grounds of the campsite are immaculate. The restrooms and showers, which offer hot water for free, were always clean and well-lighted inside. The campground is surrounded by large pine trees and brush. The campground is fully wheelchair accessible. All the picnic tables and restrooms are wheelchair friendly, although some of the paths to the restrooms could be a bit rough for someone in a wheelchair. Just let the staff know your situation when making your reservations, as they have wheelchair friendly campsites available. If you have kids and want a break, bring their bikes, skates, or scooters. There are ample paved roads for them to explore and amuse themselves on. Traffic speeds are 10 MPH and well adhered to, not to mention the speed bumps, which slows traffic activity. We witnessed groups of young ones enjoying the trails on their bikes.
A three-minute drive or a fifteen-minute walk will bring you to the Big Bear Discovery Center where little ones can gain an educational experience of Big Bear Lake. During the prime season they offer a variety of educational programs.
In the local area you'll find the Lighthouse General Store, which is located within walking distance of the campgrounds. They provide all the basics including beer, bait, ice, and those items one always forgets to pack.
The campground is within a brief 5 to 10 minute walk (depending on the campsite) to the lake. Boat rentals and boat tours of the lake are available. A brief five-minute drive will take you to two grocery stores and a gas station, as well as a few other retail outlets. A few yards after that you are in Big Bear Village, which offers a variety of independent stores such as antiques, restaurants, and candy stores. There are a few walking trails just adjacent to the campground. I didn't try any of them out though. I would recommend going to the Big Bear Discovery Center and asking them for maps, which are available for free. I believe there are about four or five different trails in the area to explore.
In the local area you'll find the Lighthouse General Store, which is located within walking distance of the campgrounds. They provide all the basics including beer, bait, ice, and those items one always forgets to pack.
The campground is within a brief 5 to 10 minute walk (depending on the campsite) to the lake. Boat rentals and boat tours of the lake are available. A brief five-minute drive will take you to two grocery stores and a gas station, as well as a few other retail outlets. A few yards after that you are in Big Bear Village, which offers a variety of independent stores such as antiques, restaurants, and candy stores. There are a few walking trails just adjacent to the campground. I didn't try any of them out though. I would recommend going to the Big Bear Discovery Center and asking them for maps, which are available for free. I believe there are about four or five different trails in the area to explore.
We stayed at campsite #129. Campsites #117-132 are located among the large pine trees. Shade is plentiful. This was our first experience at this site. I have no doubt that I will return. This was also our first camping trip with our newly adopted dog. Though he was a bit overwhelmed by it all, the campground is very dog friendly. The campsite are generous in size, clean, and well-staffed. It was a bit of a drive to get to our site, but once there you couldn't beat the location. After setting up camp, Big Bear Mountain is at your finger tips. The staff, location, and locals will provide you with a life long memory.
If you are a city slicker be sure to look out for the wild bluebirds, squirrels, and woodpeckers. At night look to the heavens to see stars long forgotten in the smog and haze of everyday life. You would be hard pressed to find a better place to camp. No matter your age or activity level, Serrano Campground and the surrounding area has something to offer you. This is one campsite to visit at least once.
If you are a city slicker be sure to look out for the wild bluebirds, squirrels, and woodpeckers. At night look to the heavens to see stars long forgotten in the smog and haze of everyday life. You would be hard pressed to find a better place to camp. No matter your age or activity level, Serrano Campground and the surrounding area has something to offer you. This is one campsite to visit at least once.
