Green Spot Equestrian Group

Introduction / Overview

For Californians with a passion for horseback riding and group outdoor adventures, Green Spot Equestrian Group in Big Bear offers a unique and rustic camping experience. Situated at 1908 Wildhorse Meadows Rd, Big Bear, CA 92314, USA, this site is specifically designed to accommodate both campers and their equine companions, providing a rare opportunity to explore the scenic trails of the San Bernardino National Forest on horseback. Unlike typical campgrounds, Green Spot prioritizes the needs of equestrian groups, making it a distinct choice for those looking to combine their love for camping with their equine pursuits. While it offers a more primitive setting compared to highly developed campgrounds, it boasts essential amenities tailored for horse camping, such as horse stalls and water (when available). Past visitors describe it as an "excellent camp site" and "much more improved than Green Canyon," highlighting its suitability for its intended purpose. It's a place where you can truly immerse yourself in the mountain environment, enjoy a campfire under the stars, and embark on unforgettable rides directly from your campsite. Green Spot Equestrian Group serves as a fantastic basecamp for those seeking to ride, hike, and relax in the beautiful Big Bear area, promising a memorable outdoor adventure for both two-legged and four-legged participants.

Location and Accessibility

Green Spot Equestrian Group is located at 1908 Wildhorse Meadows Rd, Big Bear, CA 92314, USA, placing it within the stunning San Bernardino National Forest at an elevation of 7,224 feet. This high-altitude location ensures a refreshing mountain climate and access to a diverse natural environment of pinyon pine and juniper forests interspersed with grassy meadows. While the setting is undeniably beautiful, it's crucial for prospective visitors to be aware of the road conditions and current accessibility. According to recent reviews, the road leading to Green Spot can be "horrible," with "wash outs and ruts on main road," suggesting that a vehicle with good clearance, potentially a four-wheel-drive, is highly recommended to navigate the rough and rocky terrain. This primitive road adds to the sense of secluded wilderness but requires careful driving. Furthermore, it's important to note that the "gate is closed at this time," as mentioned by a reviewer. While this might indicate an official closure or seasonal restriction, the same review also suggests that visitors "can park outside and walk in," indicating that access, while potentially challenging for vehicles, is still possible on foot. It is strongly advised to check the current operational status and road conditions with the San Bernardino National Forest or via Recreation.gov before planning a visit, especially given the "currently closed, wink wink" comment, which might imply a temporary closure or a primitive, unofficial usage. Despite potential access challenges, its location offers direct entry into a vast network of trails, making it an ideal staging point for extensive horseback riding and hiking adventures within the Big Bear area.

Services Offered

Green Spot Equestrian Group is a primitive group campground primarily designed for equestrian use, meaning its services are tailored to accommodate both campers and their horses. Visitors should be prepared for a rustic experience.

• Group Campsite: This is a dedicated group campground, with a capacity for up to 25 persons and 8 vehicles. It is designed to host larger gatherings of campers.
• Horse Stalls / Corrals: A key feature for equestrian campers are the on-site horse stalls or corrals. Official sources indicate a corral capacity of 10 horses, making it suitable for multiple equine companions.
• Picnic Tables: The campground is equipped with picnic tables (at least 4 available), providing designated areas for outdoor dining and social gatherings.
• Fire Rings / Grills: Facilities include at least one accessible fire ring and one group fire ring, along with one double pedestal grill and two single pedestal grills, allowing for various cooking methods (subject to fire restrictions, which vary by season).
• Water Access (Unreliable for Potable Use): While water spigots or a water source may be available and at times "turned on," official sources confirm that "potable water is not available at this site" for drinking and that the water is "unreliable." Campers should always bring their own drinking water. The available water is generally considered okay for horses.
• Outhouses / Vault Toilets: Basic restroom facilities in the form of outhouses or vault toilets are provided. While reviews suggest they may be basic, they offer a necessary amenity for waste disposal.
• No Showers On-Site: Like many primitive campgrounds, Green Spot does not offer showers. The nearest showers are noted to be at Serrano Campground, a short drive away.
• No Trash Service: This is a "Pack it in. Pack it out." campground, meaning there is no trash service. Campers are responsible for removing all their waste.
• Food Storage Lockers: Food storage lockers (bear boxes) are likely available to protect food from wildlife, given the forest setting.

Features / Highlights

• Equestrian-Friendly Design: Green Spot's primary highlight is its dedicated infrastructure for horses, including horse stalls/corrals. This makes it an invaluable resource for California's equestrian community seeking to camp and ride in the Big Bear area.

• Direct Trail Access for Riding and Hiking: The location offers excellent access to a network of horseback riding and hiking trails within the San Bernardino National Forest. This allows campers to embark on adventures directly from their campsite.

• Group Camping Focused: Designed as a group campground, it provides ample space and facilities to accommodate larger parties, making it ideal for scout troops, family reunions, or organized riding groups.

• Secluded and Rustic Experience: Despite some improvements, the campground retains a primitive, off-the-beaten-path feel, appealing to those who prefer a less developed and more natural camping environment away from crowds.

• Scenic Mountain Setting: Situated at over 7,200 feet amidst pinyon pine and juniper trees with grassy meadows, the campground offers a beautiful high-desert mountain landscape for relaxation and photography.

• Picnic Tables and Fire Rings: The provision of picnic tables and fire rings enhances the traditional camping experience, allowing for outdoor meals and evening campfires.

• Water for Horses: While not potable for humans, the availability of water on-site that is suitable for horses is a crucial convenience for equestrian campers.

• Proximity to Big Bear Attractions: Despite its somewhat remote access road, Green Spot is still within a reasonable distance of Big Bear Lake and Big Bear Village, allowing campers to combine their rustic experience with visits to more developed attractions.

Contact Information

Address: 1908 Wildhorse Meadows Rd, Big Bear, CA 92314, USA

Phone: (877) 444-6777 (This is typically the national recreation.gov reservation line. For specific campground inquiries, it's best to call the local San Bernardino National Forest Ranger Station: (909) 382-2790 or the Big Bear Discovery Center: (909) 382-2790).

Conclusion: Why this place is suitable for locals

Green Spot Equestrian Group in Big Bear, California, holds a distinctive appeal for local Californians, particularly those who are passionate about combining their love for the outdoors with equestrian pursuits. For residents across the state, especially those in Southern California, this campground offers a specialized and authentic experience that caters to a unique niche. Its primary suitability stems from its dedicated design for horse camping, providing essential amenities like horse stalls that are rarely found in general campgrounds. This makes it an ideal and highly practical destination for local equestrians who wish to explore the extensive trail systems of the San Bernardino National Forest with their horses.

Beyond its equestrian focus, Green Spot is also a compelling choice for Californians seeking a more primitive and secluded group camping experience. While the access road may present a challenge, requiring a vehicle with good clearance, this very ruggedness contributes to the sense of escape and tranquility. For locals looking to truly disconnect from urban noise and crowds, the effort to reach Green Spot is well worth it. The elevated location at over 7,200 feet provides a refreshing change of scenery, offering beautiful views and a cooler climate that is especially inviting during California’s warmer months. The presence of basic amenities like picnic tables, fire rings, and outhouses ensures a comfortable rustic stay, allowing groups to gather and create lasting memories around a campfire under the vast mountain sky.

Moreover, for local outdoor enthusiasts, Green Spot serves as an excellent base for hiking and exploring the diverse flora and fauna of the Big Bear region. Even if you don't bring horses, the trails are open for hiking, providing ample opportunities for scenic walks and wildlife observation. While the water on-site is not potable for humans and requires purification, the availability of water suitable for horses is a critical convenience for the equestrian community, further solidifying its niche appeal. The general positive sentiment from past visitors, highlighting improvements and its "excellent camp site" status, underscores its value to those who understand and appreciate its primitive nature. For Californians who value unique outdoor experiences, equestrian adventures, and a true sense of peaceful seclusion in the mountains, Green Spot Equestrian Group offers an unparalleled opportunity to embrace the wild beauty of Big Bear, making it a perfectly tailored destination for a memorable local adventure.

Green Spot Equestrian Group

1908 Wildhorse Meadows Rd, Big Bear, CA 92314, USA