Council Group Campground

For Californians planning a large gathering, a memorable family reunion, or an exciting group adventure, Council Group Campground in the San Bernardino National Forest offers an ideal setting. This expansive campground is specifically designed to accommodate sizable groups, providing ample space and essential amenities to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable outdoor experience. Nestled amidst the fresh mountain air and beautiful scenery, it’s a perfect base for relaxation, recreation, and creating lasting memories in Southern California's stunning mountain landscapes.

Our aim with this article is to provide a detailed and engaging overview of Council Group Campground, highlighting its unique advantages for group camping. We'll cover its strategic location, the services it provides, and the many features that make it a highly recommended choice for local users looking to organize a large-scale outdoor event in the San Bernardino Mountains.

Council Group Campground is conveniently located on CA-38 (Highway 38), Angelus Oaks, CA 92305, USA. This placement is within the San Bernardino National Forest, northeast of San Bernardino, in the scenic Barton Flats area of the San Bernardino Mountains. Highway 38 itself is part of the "Rim of the World Scenic Byway," promising a picturesque drive to your destination.

The campground’s accessibility is a key advantage. It is situated just off a paved road, making it easy to reach for all types of vehicles, including RVs and those pulling trailers. While its proximity to the highway might mean some ambient noise, as noted by some visitors, the convenience for large groups arriving from various parts of California often outweighs this minor consideration. As one reviewer mentioned, earplugs can easily mitigate the noise for sensitive sleepers.

The elevation of approximately 6,360 feet means campers can enjoy a refreshing mountain climate, often cooler than the surrounding lower-lying regions, especially during warmer months. The campground is well-integrated into the local outdoor network, providing direct access to various hiking, biking, and horseback riding trails. Additionally, a nearby lake and river access enhance recreational opportunities, all within convenient reach of the campground. The presence of a campground host at the nearby Barton Flats Campground also provides additional support and information for guests.

• Large Group Campsite: Council Group Campground offers at least one accessible group campsite specifically designed for large gatherings. It can accommodate up to 50 people and up to 13 vehicles, providing ample space for numerous tents and RVs.

• Potable (Running) Water: The campground provides potable running water, a significant convenience that reduces the need for campers to haul in large quantities of water. This is a highly valued amenity for group camping.

• Restrooms (Vault Toilets): Two restrooms (vault toilets) are available on-site. Reviews consistently praise the cleanliness of these facilities, with one even calling them the "cleanest pit toilets I have ever seen." While they are vault toilets and not flush, their maintenance is clearly a priority.

• BBQ Pits/Fire Rings with Grills: The site is equipped with multiple BBQ pits (at least four, though one may be broken) and larger campfire circles, each with a fire ring and grilling grates. This allows for communal cooking and large, enjoyable campfires (subject to current fire restrictions, which often prohibit wood or charcoal fires during hot, dry conditions, permitting only gas or propane stoves with a valid California Campfire Permit).

• Picnic Tables: Ample picnic tables are provided, allowing for comfortable group meals and gatherings.

• Bear Boxes: Recent additions to the campground include bear boxes, providing secure storage for food and scented items, crucial for responsible camping in bear country.

• Spacious Tent and RV Accommodation: The site offers considerable open land suitable for setting up many tents (one family set up 30 tents and still had "a lot of room left") and can accommodate RVs, though specific hookups are typically not available for group sites in national forests.

• Reservable Site: The group site at Council Group Campground is reservable, allowing groups to plan their outings well in advance and secure their desired dates. Reservations can be made through recreation.gov or by calling the provided numbers.

• Fish Cleaning Station: A fish cleaning station is available, catering to those who enjoy fishing at nearby lakes or rivers.

• Ideal for Large Group Gatherings: The most prominent highlight of Council Group Campground is its suitability for large groups. With the capacity to comfortably host up to 50 people and numerous vehicles, it’s perfect for family reunions, Cub Scout campouts, Girl Scout troops, school groups, and other large social events. This eliminates the challenge of booking multiple individual sites and allows everyone to stay together.

• Spacious and Comfortable Layout: Despite accommodating many people, the campground is described as "huge and more than comfortable" with "a lot of room left" even after setting up many tents and a volleyball net. This spaciousness ensures privacy and comfort for all members of the group, preventing a crowded feeling.

• Clean and Well-Maintained Facilities: Consistent positive feedback highlights the cleanliness of the restrooms, with visitors remarking on their pristine condition. This attention to maintenance significantly enhances the camping experience, particularly for larger groups.

• Access to Outdoor Activities: The campground offers direct access to a wealth of outdoor activities. Hiking, biking, and horseback riding trails, including access to the famed Santa Ana River Trail and the Rio Monte Trail (leading to the Panorama overlook), are readily available. The nearby Jenks Lake provides opportunities for fishing and non-motorized boating (kayaking, canoeing), with the lake being stocked with rainbow trout.

• Safe and Accommodating Environment: As noted by a family, the campground felt "family-friendly and safe," allowing kids to "run around and discover nature." This supportive environment is crucial for group leaders organizing events with children.

• Excellent Campfire Experiences: The presence of large campfire circles and BBQ pits facilitates memorable evening gatherings. Reviewers praise the "amazing and comfy" bonfires, essential for group bonding and enjoying the mountain nights.

• Natural Beauty and Mountain Air: Situated in a pine forest at over 6,000 feet elevation, the campground offers fresh mountain air and beautiful scenery. This natural setting provides a refreshing escape and an immersive outdoor experience.

• Managed by Forest Service: Being part of the San Bernardino National Forest means the campground is managed by the Forest Service, ensuring certain standards for preservation and visitor services.

Address: CA-38, Angelus Oaks, CA 92305, USA

Phone: (877) 444-6777 (This is the reservation line for recreation.gov, which manages bookings for many National Forest campgrounds, including Council Group Campground).

Mobile Phone: +1 877-444-6777

For specific information on current fire conditions or weather-related closures, it is advisable to contact the San Bernardino National Forest Supervisor's Office at (909) 382-2600.

Council Group Campground in the San Bernardino National Forest is an outstanding choice for Californians seeking to organize large group outdoor adventures. Its design and amenities directly address the needs of significant gatherings, from family reunions to scout troops, which are common among California communities. For locals, the accessibility of this campground, just off Highway 38 and relatively close to major Southern California population centers, makes it a convenient and practical destination for a memorable group escape to the mountains.

The abundance of space, a critical feature highlighted by visitors, ensures that even large groups of 50 or more can comfortably set up numerous tents, engage in activities like volleyball, and enjoy communal campfires without feeling cramped. This ample room, combined with the presence of potable water and well-maintained restrooms, elevates the camping experience beyond more primitive sites, making it enjoyable and manageable for groups with diverse needs, including those with children.

Furthermore, the campground's integration into the San Bernardino National Forest provides immediate access to a wealth of outdoor activities that Californians love: hiking, biking, and even fishing and boating at nearby Jenks Lake. This makes it not just a campsite, but a recreational hub. The fact that the site is reservable is a huge advantage for group planners, allowing them to secure their dates well in advance, which is essential for coordinating large gatherings.

Despite some highway noise, the overwhelmingly positive reviews about the "great" experience for kids, the "amazing and comfy" bonfires, and the overall peaceful, spacious atmosphere underscore its suitability. For Californians looking to host a truly inclusive, fun, and comfortable group camping trip amidst the beautiful mountains, Council Group Campground offers an ideal and highly recommended solution, fostering connection and outdoor enjoyment for all ages.

Council Group Campground

CA-38, Angelus Oaks, CA 92305, USA