Council

Book this listing through our partner Recreation Gov

Book Now

About Council

Overview

The Council Group Campground is a great place to enjoy a large outdoor gathering with just about everything the San Bernardino National Forest has to offer.

Its location provides a great place for visitors to relax, take in the fresh mountain air and enjoy the beautiful scenery.

In addition to a nearby lake and river access, a variety hiking, biking and horseback riding trails can be accessed from the campground.

Recreation

The campground provides access to the famed Santa Ana River Trail, which when completed will travel all the way from the mountains to the pacific ocean, providing spectacular views along the way. It is currently popular with hikers, bikers and horseback riders.

The Rio Monte Trail is also accessible from the campground, leading visitors to the Rio Monte Panorama, which overlooks the deep gorge of the Santa Ana River Valley.
Visitors can also enjoy fishing and non-motorized boating, including kayaking and canoeing at the nearby Jenks Lake, a small mountain lake with a picnic area and access to hiking trails.

The lake is stocked with rainbow trout and there are also some largemouth bass, bluegill, sunfish and catfish available. Fishing is also available in the nearby Santa Ana River.

Facilities

The campground offers one accessible group campsite, available for tent and RV camping. The site can accommodate up to 50 people and 13 vehicles. A campground host is available at nearby Barton Flats Campground if needed for check-in assistance and to answer questions regarding the area.
The site is equipped with tables and campfire rings with grills. Larger campfire circles are available as well. Accessible vault toilets and drinking water are provided.

Natural Features

The campground is located northeast of San Bernardino, just off of Highway 38, in the Barton Flats area of the San Bernardino Mountains. The highway is part of the Rim of the World Scenic Byway. The campground is situated in a pine forest, at an elevation of about 6,360 feet.

Nearby Attractions

The Grayback Amphitheater on State Route 38 provides evening educational programs on most Saturdays and Sundays throughout the summer months. Programs are hosted by the San Gorgonio Wilderness Association and pertain to the area's background and rich history.

+ More

Council Reviews

Have you stayed here? Be the first to leave a review!

Top Spots in or near Angelus Oaks

Winter Hike Around Jenks Lake

Angelus Oaks, California

4.0

0.77 mi / 49 ft gain

If you want to experience beauty and solitude in SoCal look no further than Jenks Lake. Not too far from Big Bear Lake, but secluded enough to keep most away in the winter, Jenks Lake is a small but lovely alpine lake near HWY 38 in Angelus Oaks. Driving to the lake is beautiful in itself as HWY 38 gives you some great mountain views. In winter chains may be required. You can take 38 all the ...

South Fork to Dollar Lake Trail

Angelus Oaks, California

11.3 mi / 449 ft gain

Mountain Bike Pine Knot Trail in Big Bear

Big Bear Lake, California

5.0

6 mi / 1413 ft gain

Park at the free parking lot behind the village off of Knickerbocker Rd between Village Drive and Pedder Road. Ride up Knickerbocker Rd towards the mountain. Look out for the fire service road 2N08 that veers left and uphill. The first 2 miles is challenging steep uphill, but beautiful nonetheless. The next 2 miles are uphill but not as steep. Make the 1/4 mile big climb to Grandview Junction...

Snowshoe to Grand View Point

Big Bear Lake, California

6.1 mi / 1200 ft gain

Grand View Point is accessed via Pine Knot Trail, a 6.5 mile out and back hiking trail located at the Aspen Glen Picnic Area, 1 mile from Big Bear Village. With its close proximity to town, Pine Knot Trail is popular in the summer with mountain bikers and the trailhead is often crowded in the winter with young families paying and sledding in the snow. But not to worry once on the trail you will...

Summit Mt. San Bernardino from Angelus Oaks

Forest Falls, California

16 mi / 4775 ft gain

The trailhead is somewhat 'interesting' to get to given the dirt roads are in questionable shape and some of the roads in Angelus Oaks are not easily identifiable but I didn't have any problems finding it by closely following Google Maps. Trailhead parking requires an Adventure Pass parking permit. Also, as of this writing, permits are NOT required for day hikes, however I was told that thi...