RV Dump Stations In Big Bear City, California

Big Bear City has several dump stations in the area. Serrano Campground, operated by the U.S. Forest Service on the north shore of Big Bear Lake, has a dump station available for a $10 fee. This is the primary public dump station in the Big Bear area and serves campers from multiple campgrounds around the lake. Some private RV parks like Holloway's Marina and Big Bear Shores RV Resort also have dump facilities for registered guests. During summer, the Serrano dump station can have lines during checkout time, so plan your visit for early morning or midweek.

Currently, some free dump stations are listed in the Big Bear City area. The Serrano Campground dump station charges a $10 fee for use. Most dump stations in the San Bernardino National Forest area charge a fee or require campground registration. Private RV parks include dump access with your camping fee. For free dump options, you would need to head down the mountain to communities in the San Bernardino Valley or Inland Empire. Since driving a big rig up and down the mountain just for a dump is impractical, planning your dumps around campground stays in Big Bear is the way to go.

The Serrano Campground dump station charges $10 per use. Campground nightly rates in Big Bear range from about $30 for Forest Service sites without hookups to $80 or more for full-hookup lakefront spots at premium RV resorts like Big Bear Shores. Holloway's Marina and RV Park has full-hookup lakefront sites at competitive mountain rates. If you are staying at a full-hookup campground, sewer is included and you won't need the dump station at all. For Forest Service campgrounds without hookups, factor in the Serrano dump station fee when budgeting your stay.

Bring heavy-duty rubber gloves, a quality sewer hose with secure fittings, and a clear elbow connector to monitor when your tanks run clean. We carry a dedicated non-potable rinse hose separate from our drinking water hose. Pack tank treatment chemicals, paper towels, hand sanitizer, and a bag for used gloves. At Big Bear's 6,750-foot elevation, the sun is more intense than in the valley, so wear sunscreen even on a quick dump station visit. The dry mountain air can also cause tank odors to intensify, so stay on top of your tank treatment routine during your stay.

Big Bear City is in the San Bernardino Mountains at about 6,750 feet elevation. The most popular route is Highway 330 from Highland (off I-210) to Running Springs, which becomes Highway 18 continuing to Big Bear. The most RV-friendly route is Highway 38 from Redlands, which is longer but has gentler grades and wider lanes with less traffic. Both routes involve significant mountain driving with switchbacks and steep grades. Large RVs over 35 feet should use Highway 38 for the easier ascent. Check road conditions before heading up, especially in winter when chains may be required.

<a href="https://www.bigbear.com/places-to-stay/big-bear-camping-rv-camping/">Big Bear Lake</a> is the centerpiece attraction with boating, fishing, kayaking, and paddleboarding. The Alpine Pedal Path offers a paved biking trail along the north shore. Cougar Crest Trail connects to the Pacific Crest Trail for serious hiking. In winter, Snow Summit and Bear Mountain offer skiing and snowboarding. The Big Bear Alpine Zoo is home to rescued wildlife. The Village shopping area in Big Bear Lake has restaurants, shops, and entertainment. Mountain biking on the national forest trails draws riders from across Southern California. The mountain scenery is stunning year-round.

Yes, Big Bear has excellent RV camping. Serrano Campground (Forest Service) has over 100 sites with some offering full hookups, plus a dump station. Big Bear Shores RV Resort is a 5-Diamond gated resort on the lakeshore with full hookups, a pool, spa, and tennis courts. Holloway's Marina and RV Park has 115 full-hookup lakefront sites with boat rental access. Pine Knot Campground has 48 sites without hookups but a more rustic forest experience. Several other Forest Service and private campgrounds are scattered around the lake. Summer weekend reservations should be made months in advance.

Late May through mid-October is the main RV camping season. Summer is peak time with the best lake activities and all campgrounds open, but it is also the most crowded. Fall, especially September and October, is our favorite with golden aspens, cool nights, fewer crowds, and great fishing. Spring is pleasant once the snow melts in April and May. Winter RV camping is possible at a few year-round parks but requires a winterized rig and careful attention to mountain road conditions. For the best mix of weather and crowds, visit in mid-September when the fall colors start and the summer visitors have gone home.

Big Bear City has limited RV-specific services. A few auto repair shops in the Big Bear area can handle basic mechanical work. For specialized RV repairs, you will need to head down the mountain to the San Bernardino or Redlands area where RV dealers and service centers are available. The drive down is significant (about 45 minutes to an hour), so only make the trip for issues that cannot wait. Hardware stores in Big Bear carry some common RV supplies. For emergencies, some mobile mechanics in the mountain communities can help with basic fixes on site.

Propane is available at gas stations and hardware stores in the Big Bear area. Tank exchanges are at convenience stores and retailers in Big Bear Lake village and Big Bear City. Prices on the mountain tend to be higher than in the valley below due to transportation costs. Some RV parks sell propane on site. If you are heading up the mountain for an extended stay, consider filling your propane tank in the valley before making the drive to save a few dollars. Propane is particularly important in Big Bear since the cool mountain nights, even in summer, may have you running your heater.

Highway 38 from Redlands is the recommended route for large RVs. It is longer than the Highway 330/18 route but has gentler grades, wider lanes, and typically less traffic. Highway 330 from Highland is steeper with tighter switchbacks that can be challenging for rigs over 35 feet. Whichever route you choose, take it slow, use your engine braking on the descent, and pull over to let faster traffic pass when safe. In winter, both routes may require chains. Check Caltrans road conditions before heading up, and always have a full tank of fuel before starting the climb.

Big Bear Lake offers good fishing for trout (stocked regularly), largemouth bass, catfish, and panfish. The lake is regularly stocked by the Department of Fish and Wildlife, with trout plants being the most popular draws. You can fish from shore at several public access points or rent a boat at Holloway's Marina and other launch facilities. A California fishing license is required. The fishing is best in spring and fall when the water temperatures are moderate. Summer fishing can be productive early in the morning before the boat traffic picks up. Ice fishing is possible in winter when the lake freezes.

Big Bear Lake and Big Bear City sit at approximately 6,750 feet elevation in the San Bernardino Mountains. This elevation keeps summer temperatures 20 to 30 degrees cooler than the desert and valley communities below, which is why Big Bear is such a popular escape from the Southern California heat. The elevation also means cooler nights year-round, so bring warm layers even in summer when overnight temperatures can drop into the upper 40s. If you are coming from low elevation, stay hydrated and take it easy the first day as your body adjusts. The thin air can also affect how your RV engine performs on the climb up.

Big Bear City has {{stationCount}} dump stations, both located within private motorhome resorts. These facilities serve resort guests and visiting RVers, offering full waste disposal services with water fill-up capabilities. Both stations can accommodate larger RVs and provide rinse facilities as part of their service.

Currently {{freeCount}} of the {{stationCount}} dump stations in Big Bear City offer free access. Both facilities operate as paid services within private motorhome resorts, typically charging $10-20 per dump. The nearest free options require driving down the mountain to San Bernardino County locations.

Service point fees in Big Bear City range from $10-20, reflecting the mountain resort location and higher operating costs. These prices include water fill-up and rinse facilities. Some locations offer discounted rates for extended stays or resort guests, so inquire about multi-day pricing if applicable.

Pack disposable gloves, your sewer hose with proper fittings, and backup rinse water for cleaning. Mountain locations like Big Bear City may have frozen water spigots during winter months, making your own rinse water essential. Also bring sanitizing wipes and consider extra holding tank treatment for the altitude.

Both dump stations accommodate larger RVs, but reaching Big Bear City requires navigating steep mountain highways with tight curves. RVs over 30 feet should use extra caution on State Routes 18 and 38, allowing extra time for the climb and descent. Check your brake system before attempting the mountain roads.

Yes, both dump stations operate throughout the year, though winter weather can affect access and functionality. Freezing temperatures may temporarily disable water spigots overnight, making midday visits preferable from December through February. Call ahead during severe weather to confirm availability and access conditions.

Yes — there are free RV waste disposal options available near Big Bear City.