Primitive camping south of Big Bear?

[DigableKid]

The trip will be over the weekend on 5/9 and 5/10. I originally was going to hit up Borrego but it’ll be pretty warm that weekend.

Anyways… I planned a route that;

• Starts at Mentone
• Goes through Warm Springs Truck Rd
• Links to Thomas Hunting Ground Trail
• Veers to Santa Ana River Trail
• Goes around Angelus Oaks and back to 38

Off 38 is Mill Creek Rd and eventually, 1N09. It looks like 1N09 turns to Seven Oaks Rd, which turns to Clarks Grade. Clarks Grade turns to 2N10 and 2N10 turns to 2N08. 2N08 forks to 2N17, which forks off to Mill Creek Rd. Mill Creek Rd then meets up with 18, which leads to Big Bear…

Any suggestions for primitive camping just below Big Bear or near the highlighted area? Your help is very much appreciated.

 

[Ol'Blue]

I know just the man to answer that question. He will come along shortly I'm sure.

 

[BrianSD_42]

I'm sure I'm not the man lol but here goes .....

Unless you are camping in your truck (no tent) I would look for a campsite or at minimum call and find out how far off the trail you need to go to be allowed to setup camp. I've been over most of those trails and there is rarely space to setup a full camp (chairs, tents and more) off the road.

Definitely don't start a fire out there.

 

[DigableKid]

I'm sure I'm not the man lol but here goes .....

Unless you are camping in your truck (no tent) I would look for a campsite or at minimum call and find out how far off the trail you need to go to be allowed to setup camp. I've been over most of those trails and there is rarely space to setup a full camp (chairs, tents and more) off the road.

Definitely don't start a fire out there.

To Borrego it is then. Gonna head down the 8 to the S2 and check out the Mud caves. After that, find a campsite and chill before we head to Truckhaven in the morning.

You came thru again. Thanks, B!

 

[DigableKid]

To S. Borrego we go! Mud caves and then a hike at Hellhole Canyon in Sunday morning.

 

[delloro]

you really got lucky with this weather. have a great time.

 

[DigableKid]

Indeed. It was perfect weather all afternoon and night on Saturday. The mud caves were majestic and the sand was nice and loose. Speaking of sand, it worked against my brother in law when he got high centered by a boulder, shortly after passing Diablo Drop-off. LOL! I'll post pics soon.

 

[DigableKid]

Yellow post campsites

BTW, I found a site that shows yellow post campsites in the general path I've routed. It's first come first serve and you only need a valid California Campfire Permit to use a fire ring and or gas / propane stoves and lanterns.

Is this still relevant? If so, I'm there come fall.

https://www.google.com/maps/d/viewer?mid=zXYr9eKStIdc.kIpyO4EdjFLE

 

[Drunner97]

What's the website? I'm eyeing the Big Bear area for exploring this summer. I've got LTXs and stock suspension but once I get some tires and a lift on I'm definitely going to try to get up in the area at least once a month for exploring/camping.

 

[Quatre Coureur]

Yes u need the fire permit from the rangers. You have to camp at least 200' from any creek. Not sure if you need the Forest Service Pass or not. Take at least one gallon of water per person per day. I'll be camping out up there at the end of July. Will be running some trails. Probably have a run between then and now also. Early June most likely. The trail will be Dishpan Springs.

 

[DigableKid]

Here's a picture of my in-law high-centered by a boulder. He didn't even see the thing...

The tip of the boulder was just behind the FJ skid plate, making it impossible to pull him out. The stones around the one under the FJ were all placed during several recovery attempts. We didn't have a high lift so our last option was to use a bottle jack to to lift right IFS enough to get a larger boulder slightly behind and underneath the right tire. This also lifted the FJ from the boulder, slightly. Once everything was in place, I asked my in-law, "do you trust me?". LOL! My plan was to keep the bottle jack in place and to have everyone push while he gave it gas. The rear tires grabbed just enough to pull while the the FJ teetered backwards on the bottle jack, causing the right tire to land on the placed boulder and eventually, have the FJ pull itself out under it's own power. It took over an hour to get him out.

It was one of those situations where you knew you shouldn't give up. Good thing we didn't.

 

[DigableKid]

What's the website? I'm eyeing the Big Bear area for exploring this summer. I've got LTXs and stock suspension but once I get some tires and a lift on I'm definitely going to try to get up in the area at least once a month for exploring/camping.

I added it to the post.
https://www.google.com/maps/d/viewer?mid=zXYr9eKStIdc.kIpyO4EdjFLE

 

[DigableKid]

Not sure if you need the Forest Service Pass or not.

No, an Adventure Pass is not required.

 

[Drunner97]

I added it to the post.
https://www.google.com/maps/d/viewer?mid=zXYr9eKStIdc.kIpyO4EdjFLE

Awesome thanks.