Fisherman's Group Campground

For Californians with a deep love for the outdoors and a thirst for true wilderness adventure, Fisherman's Group Campground offers an unparalleled experience in the heart of the San Bernardino National Forest. This isn't your typical drive-up, car-camping spot; it's a dedicated hike-in campground designed for those willing to earn their solitude. If you're a local who values disconnecting from the everyday hustle, challenging yourself on a scenic trail, and camping under a blanket of stars with the sounds of a pristine creek nearby, Fisherman's Group Campground is a destination that truly delivers.

Located near Running Springs, this campground provides a unique opportunity for group camping in a beautifully remote setting. It’s perfect for friends and families who are prepared for a backcountry adventure, offering stunning vistas, refreshing natural swimming holes, and an unforgettable sense of being truly alone in nature. This article will guide you through the essential details of Fisherman's Group Campground, covering its unique access requirements, the primitive amenities available, and the many highlights that make it a profoundly rewarding choice for your next California wilderness expedition.

Fisherman's Group Campground is situated in the rugged and picturesque San Bernardino National Forest, near Running Springs, CA 92382, USA, along Fisherman's Trail. Its remote nature is a significant part of its appeal, but also dictates specific accessibility requirements that prospective campers must heed.

Critically, this is a "Hike-in trail only" campground; it is "not car-camping at all." The journey to the campground begins with navigating to an appropriate trailhead via forest roads. A key piece of advice from experienced campers is to "Use the Fisherman's Camp / Crab Creek Trail 2W07 way-point for GPS directions," and to avoid "Deep Creek Camp Rd" which "is not open to public and will cost you several hours of daylight."

The access roads (specifically 3N16 and 2W03) leading to the trailhead are often unpaved and can be challenging. A "4x4 vehicle" is highly recommended, as while a "2x4'd it," there are "some areas when returning which may pose some issues, especially if wet/icy." Once at the trailhead, expect a hike of "approx. 2.5 miles to the campsite." This trail features "lovely vistas and scenery" but includes "downhill declines and uphill inclines," especially on the return journey. "Hiking poles significantly helped" one reviewer negotiate the terrain and fallen trees with a 30lb pack. Due to the primitive and rugged nature, campers are advised to bring "light weight hiking/camping gear" and "pack lighter than you think." This multi-modal access ensures the campground maintains its secluded and less-traveled character, rewarding those prepared for the journey with profound solitude.

As a designated hike-in backcountry group campground, Fisherman's Group Campground offers a minimalist set of amenities, focusing on essential facilities to support a Leave No Trace camping experience. Campers must be fully self-sufficient and prepared for primitive conditions.

• Designated Group Campsites: The campground features "4 campsites where lucky campers can reserve." These are designated areas for group use, ensuring space and defined boundaries within the wilderness.

• Stream Water Access (for filtration): A vital natural resource is the "Stream water (for filtration)." This means a water source is available nearby, but it is not potable and requires a "water filtration system essential" for safe consumption.

• Toilets: The campground provides "2 toilets." These are likely primitive vault toilets or pit latrines, not flush toilets. Campers are advised to "suggest bringing own TP."

• Trashcans: Unlike many primitive backcountry sites, Fisherman's Group Campground is equipped with "trashcans." This is a significant amenity for responsible waste disposal, though campers should still practice packing out as much as possible.

• No Campfires Allowed (Strictly Enforced): A critical point highlighted by a ranger is that "no camp fires were allowed." Due to high fire risk in the San Bernardino National Forest, campers should expect and plan for a no-campfire policy, and bring alternative cooking methods if needed.

• No Hookups: There are no electrical, water, or sewer hookups at any site, emphasizing the primitive nature of the campground.

• No Picnic Tables/Fire Rings (Implied): While some primitive sites have these, the focus on lightweight gear and no campfires suggests these are not standard features at individual sites, or are very basic. Campers should assume they need to be self-sufficient in terms of seating and cooking surfaces.

Campers should always check with the San Bernardino National Forest for the most current regulations, particularly regarding fire restrictions and any specific requirements for using the campground.

Fisherman's Group Campground distinguishes itself with several unique features and highlights that appeal to the adventurous and nature-loving Californian.

• Profound Seclusion and Solitude: A major highlight is the incredible sense of being "alone in the wilderness, along with your group." The hike-in nature ensures a "wonderfully less traveled experience," providing a level of peace and quiet rarely found in more accessible campgrounds.

• Stunning Scenery and Vistas: The "hiking approx. 2.5 miles to the campsite has lovely vistas and scenery." The journey itself is visually rewarding, setting the stage for the beauty found at the campground.

• Exceptional Stargazing: On clear nights, the remote location away from urban light pollution offers "loads of stars!" Campers can "peer up at these planets/stars and gaze upon their light," making for an awe-inspiring celestial display.

• Access to Deep Creek for Swimming/Wading: A fantastic feature is the proximity to Deep Creek. Campers can "hike up Deep Creek, jumping over rocks on the water," and find "a lovely area to swim in and bask in natures glory." Even if the water is "too cold" for a full swim, wading and cooling off in the "shady creek bed" is a refreshing experience, with "majestic" scenery.

• Group Camping Focus: As a "Group Campground," it's specifically designed to accommodate multiple people, making it ideal for friends, families, or organized outdoor clubs seeking a shared wilderness adventure.

• Wildlife Observation: The remote, natural setting provides opportunities to observe local wildlife. Campers reported hearing "crickets, owls, river, wind through the trees and valley, falling acorns, and whatever else lurked in the wilderness that night," contributing to the immersive experience. Be aware of "Bears (bear bag suggested)" and "Rattlesnakes," as advised by a ranger, indicating a healthy ecosystem.

• Educational Interactions: The presence of an informative ranger who provides crucial updates on fire restrictions and local wildlife enhances the safety and knowledge of campers.

• Sense of Accomplishment: The effort required to reach the campground (hiking with gear, navigating rough roads) instills a profound sense of accomplishment, making the time spent at the site even more rewarding and memorable.

Fisherman's Group Campground is a wilderness site managed by the San Bernardino National Forest. There isn't a direct phone line to the campsite itself. All essential inquiries, reservations, and information regarding conditions and regulations must be directed to the responsible National Forest office.

Address: Fisherman's Trail, Running Springs, CA 92382, USA (This is a general area identifier, not a physical mailing address for the campground.)

The phone number provided is for the Mountaintop Ranger District, which oversees the area including Fisherman's Group Campground.

Phone: (909) 382-2790

Mobile Phone: +1 909-382-2790 (This is the same number, provided for direct dialing from mobile devices.)

For Reservations: Fisherman's Group Campground campsites are typically reservable, which is highly recommended due to its group nature and limited sites. Reservations are made through the national reservation system.

• Recreation.gov: This is the primary platform for booking your campsite. Visit Recreation.gov and search for "Fisherman's Group Campground San Bernardino National Forest." Ensure you specify the correct campground to avoid confusion with other "Fisherman's" named sites.

• Official Forest Service Website: For the most current and critical information on fire restrictions (which are often strict and rigorously enforced), road conditions, weather alerts, and any closures, always consult the official U.S. Forest Service website for the San Bernardino National Forest: fs.usda.gov/sbnf. Look for sections on "Alerts & Notices" and "Recreation - Camping & Cabins."

It is absolutely crucial to check these resources immediately before your trip, as conditions in the wilderness can change rapidly.

For Californians, Fisherman's Group Campground embodies the very essence of a rewarding wilderness adventure that lies right in our backyard. We, as locals, appreciate opportunities to truly escape the urban sprawl and immerse ourselves in nature, and this hike-in campground delivers that in spades. It’s perfect for the adventurous spirit, for groups of friends or families who are ready to embrace a challenge for an unforgettable reward.

The effort required to reach the campground – involving a potentially rugged drive and a scenic hike – serves as a natural filter, ensuring a unique level of solitude that is increasingly rare in our popular state parks. This means fewer crowds and a more profound connection to the "unspoiled nature" that we cherish. The ability to gaze upon "loads of stars" without light pollution, and to find a "lovely area to swim in and bask in natures glory" in Deep Creek, are experiences that resonate deeply with our desire for authentic outdoor pursuits.

Furthermore, the emphasis on self-sufficiency and Leave No Trace principles aligns with the responsible outdoor ethics many Californians practice. It's a place to hone backcountry skills, appreciate the delicate balance of the forest ecosystem (while being mindful of bears and rattlesnakes!), and truly feel "alone in the wilderness, along with your group." Fisherman's Group Campground is not for the faint of heart, but for the prepared and adventurous Californian, it is an ideal, profoundly suitable destination to create lasting memories, push personal boundaries, and experience the raw, untamed beauty of the San Bernardino Mountains. It's a testament to the fact that some of the best adventures require a little extra effort, and the payoff is always worth it.

Fisherman's Group Campground

Fisherman's Trail, Running Springs, CA 92382, USA