Gray's Peak Group Camp

California, a state celebrated for its incredible natural diversity, offers an array of outdoor experiences, from sun-kissed beaches to towering redwood forests and vast desert expanses. Among its many mountainous jewels, the Big Bear Lake area stands out as a popular destination for both exhilarating recreation and peaceful escapes. For Californians looking to gather a group for an authentic outdoor adventure, Gray's Peak Group Camp in Fawnskin presents a unique and compelling option, offering a blend of secluded natural beauty and convenient access to the wonders of the San Bernardino National Forest.

Gray's Peak Group Camp is designed specifically for larger gatherings, making it an ideal choice for family reunions, scout troops, or friends seeking to share a memorable time in the wilderness. Perched at a significant elevation, it promises breathtaking views and a refreshing climate, especially during the warmer months. While it embraces a more primitive style of camping, it provides the essential elements for a comfortable and engaging group experience. This article is crafted for California locals, offering an in-depth look at what makes Gray's Peak Group Camp a distinctive and highly recommended destination for your next group outdoor adventure, highlighting its features, services, and why it consistently creates priceless memories for those who explore its beauty.

Gray's Peak Group Camp is located at 39125 Rim of the World Dr, Fawnskin, CA 92333, USA. This address places it in the picturesque mountain community of Fawnskin, on the north shore of Big Bear Lake, within the expansive San Bernardino National Forest. For Southern California residents, its proximity to major metropolitan areas like Los Angeles and San Bernardino makes it a highly accessible mountain retreat, offering a relatively short drive to a world away from urban life.

The campground is situated at an elevation of 7,132 feet, ensuring crisp mountain air and often cooler temperatures than the valleys below. Access is primarily via State Highway 18 and then onto Rim of the World Drive (Forest Route 3N14). While the location feels wonderfully secluded, it is close enough to Fawnskin and Big Bear Lake to access basic amenities, supplies, and a variety of recreational activities. It's important to note that the campground is typically open seasonally, from early May to early October, with closures during the winter months due to snow. For those with RVs, the site can accommodate vehicles up to 23 feet in length in the parking area. The combination of its serene mountain setting and manageable accessibility makes Gray's Peak Group Camp an excellent choice for California groups seeking an immersive, yet convenient, outdoor experience in the heart of the San Bernardino Mountains.

• Large Group Site: Gray's Peak Group Camp offers one large group site specifically designed for tent and RV camping, capable of accommodating up to 40 people and up to eight vehicles.
• Picnic Tables: The campsite is equipped with several picnic tables, providing ample space for group meals and activities.
• Campfire Circle and Grills: A designated campfire circle and grills are available for cooking and traditional campfires, although visitors should be aware of fire restrictions that may require the use of portable propane units (a California Campfire Permit may be required).
• Vault Toilets: Vault toilets are provided for restroom facilities. It's noted that these are open-top, offering a "view," and while generally clean, they are a primitive style of toilet.
• Wood Chips for Cleanliness: The ground is covered with wood chips, which helps to keep the site clean and free from common "dirt" found in other campsites.

Important Note:Drinking water is NOT available at the campground. Campers must bring all their own water for drinking, cooking, and hygiene.Trash collection service is NOT provided. Campers are required to pack out all trash, adhering strictly to Leave No Trace principles.

• Magnificent Solitude and Seclusion: A standout feature of Gray's Peak Group Camp is its incredible solitude, offering a peaceful and quiet escape from urban noise and crowds. This makes it ideal for groups seeking an undisturbed natural experience.
• Stunning Views and Stargazing: Located at over 7,000 feet elevation, the campground provides impressive clarity for stargazing, making it a paradise for astronomy enthusiasts. The mountain setting also offers picturesque views.
• Access to Nearby Hiking and Mountain Biking Trails: The campground offers convenient access to a variety of trails, including the Grays Peak Trail, which leads to Hanna Flat Campground. The Butler Peak Fire Lookout is also a short hike or bike ride away, providing additional exploration opportunities.
• Wood Chips for a Clean Site: The use of wood chips on the ground is a unique feature that contributes to the cleanliness of the campsite, preventing the common dusty or muddy conditions found in many other camping areas.
• Family-Friendly for Active Kids: Reviews highlight that the site is great for kids, with plenty of space for running around and climbing rocks, fostering active outdoor play.
• Primitive Camping Experience: For groups who appreciate a more rugged, back-to-basics camping adventure without utility hookups, this site provides an authentic wilderness feel.
• Proximity to Big Bear Lake Activities: While secluded, the campground is conveniently close to Big Bear Lake, offering access to popular activities like fishing and boating (though swimming in the lake is generally discouraged due to cold water and obstacles, designated swimming areas may exist).
• Fire Pit and Grill Availability: Despite potential fire restrictions, the presence of a campfire circle and grills allows for traditional outdoor cooking and gathering, often with propane alternatives during high fire danger.

Address: 39125 Rim of the World Dr, Fawnskin, CA 92333, USA

Phone: (909) 382-2790

Mobile Phone: +1 909-382-2790

For reservations, it is generally recommended to use the Recreation.gov website or call their national reservation line: 1-877-444-6777. For specific campground inquiries during operating hours, you can try the provided phone numbers, or contact the Mountain Top Ranger District / Big Bear Discovery Center at (909) 866-3437.

For residents of California, Gray's Peak Group Camp in Fawnskin offers a distinct and highly suitable option for a group outdoor adventure, especially for those seeking a more authentic and secluded mountain experience. Its location within the majestic San Bernardino National Forest, near the popular Big Bear Lake, provides a convenient yet profound escape into nature without the extensive travel often required for truly remote wilderness areas. This accessibility makes it an ideal choice for a weekend getaway or a longer group retreat, allowing Californians to maximize their time immersed in the outdoors.

The camp's primary appeal lies in its designation as a single, large group site, ensuring privacy and ample space for gatherings of up to 40 people. This exclusivity is a significant advantage over crowded individual campsites, fostering a sense of shared adventure and camaraderie. While it embraces a more primitive camping style, lacking utility hookups, it provides essential amenities such as multiple picnic tables, a campfire circle, and grills, facilitating comfortable group meals and evening gatherings. The presence of wood chips instead of typical dirt at the sites is a unique feature that contributes to a cleaner and more pleasant environment, enhancing the overall experience.

Furthermore, Gray's Peak Group Camp serves as an excellent base for exploring the rich recreational opportunities of the Big Bear Lake area. Direct access to hiking and mountain biking trails, including those leading to scenic lookouts, encourages active engagement with the stunning natural surroundings. The high elevation provides a refreshing climate and, as highlighted by reviews, offers spectacular stargazing opportunities that are a true highlight. For Californians who appreciate a more rugged, self-sufficient camping trip, value solitude for their group, and are eager to connect with the raw beauty of the San Bernardino Mountains, Gray's Peak Group Camp is an unparalleled choice. It's a place where enduring memories are forged under vast, starry skies, offering a genuine slice of California's wilderness experience right within reach.

Gray's Peak Group Camp

39125 Rim of the World Dr, Fawnskin, CA 92333, USA