Summer camp season is right around the corner. But kids shouldn’t be the only ones to have all the fun. This year, it’s your turn to get in on the action. No matter what outdoor activities you love or how you like to travel, you’ll find plenty of opportunities to recreate around your passions in the mountains and forests of Big Bear Lake. To help you get started, we tapped Big Bear locals for their best recs for how best to explore their home turf. Think of them like camp counselors of sorts to guide your adult summer camp experience — because who better to help maximize your mountain fun than the locals who live these adventures every day.
Keep reading to get the full rundown on how to make your DIY adult summer camp dreams come true.
Camp High-Altitude 🏃🏽
For trail runners, endurance athletes, and anyone looking to get a leg up in their sport
At 6,752 feet, Big Bear sits at the sweet spot for high-altitude training, which can give athletes a real advantage over competitors who have only trained at sea level. That’s why pro boxer Ronnie Mancilla, who trains at Big Bear’s renowned high-altitude gyms, has made this mountain town his home and training grounds.
“Boxing is an unforgiving sport — one punch can change everything,” says Mancilla. “That’s why I train as hard as I can. High-altitude training gives me the edge I need and lets me step into the ring with the peace of mind that I’ve prepared my best here in Big Bear.”
Follow Mancilla’s activity and trip planning recommendations to feel that priceless high-altitude edge for yourself.
Activity Checklist
✅ Hit the trails for a long run
✅ Crank out vert on Sugarloaf Mountain
✅ Drop in at a gym for a training session
✅ Go for a cold dip in the lake
✅ Swim laps at Ski Beach Park
Plan Your DIY Training Camp
Camp Full Throttle 🏁
For off-road enthusiasts and adrenaline junkies
High speed fun is around every turn in Big Bear. No one knows that better than local action sports pro and Motocross Grand Prix event director Aaron Cooke. “We’re making history this year with the first-ever motorcyle event at Bear Mountain,” says Cooke. “We’ll have classes for all ages, skill levels, and bike sizes on a custom-built Grand Prix-style track.” Claim your spot on the starting line with pre-registration opening August 1. Or join the event as a spectator. “The viewing area has visuals on about 75% of the course, so you’ll feel like you’re a part of the action — even from the sidelines,” he continues.
Outside of Motocross, Cooke enjoys plenty of other adrenaline-pumping aspects of mountain town life. Off-road driving on fire roads is always on the agenda. If you’re vehicle is up for the task, venture out on your own to tackle the trails. Or, book a guided off-road experience for maximum 4×4 capability. When speed is the priority over technical driving, Cooke recommends the Mineshaft Mountain Coaster at Magic Mountain. “It’s a great place for that adrenaline fix,” he says.”
For human-powered speed, Cooke likes to hit the Summit Mountain Bike Park. “Nothing beats the rush of downhill mountain biking,” he says. “Get your caffeine fix at Moonridge Coffee Company. Then, gear up at Chains Required bike shop, and you’ll be off to the races.” Park.
Cooke has you covered when it comes to activity and trip planning recommendations that will kick your trip into high gear.
Activity Checklist
✅ Book a guided off-road Jeep tour
✅ Explore Polique Canyon Road
✅ Drive out to Butler Peak Fire Lookout
✅ Take it up a notch on the John Bull Trail
✅ Go wild on the TourZilla Experience
Plan Your DIY Off-Roading Camp
Camp Pedal & Flow 🚴🏿
For mountain bikers, road cyclists, and every rider in between
Whether you’re into crushing hill climbs, cruising flowy downhill single track, or getting pedaling off-the-beaten-path gravel backroads, the Big Bear Lake is the ultimate biking playground.
For elite cyclist and Big Bear local Siena Hermon, these Southern California mountains also make the perfect training ground. “Training in Big Bear is ideal for me because there is an endless amount of single track and fire road trails all around the valley,” says Hermon. “It’s the perfect place to ride not only for mountain biking but gravel cycling, too.”
But the diverse terrain isn’t the only reason Hermon loves riding in Big Bear. “Beyond the performance benefits, it’s just beautiful,” she says. “You get to see views of the lake, forested areas, wildlife, and — my all time favorite — the beautiful blue skies we experience almost on the daily basis.”
Hermon recommends mapping out your rides based on these activity and trip planning recommendations.
Activity Checklist
✅ Warm up on the Maple Hill Trail System
✅ Ride the MTB trails at Summit Bike Park
✅ Explore North & South Big Bear Lake trails
✅ Road bike on the Big Bear Lake Loop
✅ Pedal Valley Bike Park on holidays
✅ Shake out ride on the Alpine Pedal Path
Plan Your DIY Biking Camp
Camp Wilderness Serenity 🧘🏻
For nature lovers, yogis, and seekers of stillness
When you’re looking for a reset, nothing does the job like some quality time with Mother Nature. Find your center in the forests and mountains around Big Bear Lake.
“Big Bear is the ultimate wellness destination,” says Sara Schacht, Sustainability Manager of Care For Big Bear. “With its proximity to major metro areas, yet worlds away feel, Big Bear welcomes everyone to slow down, breathe deep and connect with the natural landscape.”
To enjoy all the benefits of nature Big Bear has to offer, Schacht recommends trading in your Spotify playlist for the sounds of the forest. “The wind in the trees, birdsong, and the chirp of the chipmunk can help you immerse yourself in the experience and simply enjoy the smell of pine, warm sun rays, and natural beauty beyond compare,” she says.
Build your wilderness wellness getaway with Schacht’s activity and trip planning recommendations.
Activity Checklist
✅ Join a SUP yoga session on the lake
✅ Soak in nature on 100+ miles of hiking trails
✅ Relax at a private sound bath
✅ Treat yourself at Elevations Day Spa
✅ Set your intentions at a new moon workshop
✅ Look up at the stars
Plan Your DIY Wellness Camp
Camp Happy Tails 🐕
For athletic pups and their adventure humans
Humans aren’t the only ones who deserve a chance to let loose in the mountains this summer. For dogs, the forests surrounding Big Bear are like one massive dog park, and local all-terrain athlete Johnny Burnham and his dog Apollo take full advantage of the wide open space to play.
“You’ll rarely catch me without Apollo,” says Burnham. “He’s more than just my trail partner — I’m training him to be a full-on search and rescue dog. It’s our mission. And Big Bear is the perfect classroom.” The pair spend time on the trail learning how to track, practicing Apollo’s response to voice commands, and navigating tough terrain.
Their favorite training spots? “We do Cougar Crest Trail, Plumbers trail, and Pine Knot trail when it’s quiet and the wind is just right for Apollo’s scent trials. On snow days we ride the chair lift up and train in between EMS calls, and if I’m not training clients, we’ll end the week with a cast at Juniper Point.”
From fishing docks to mountain drops, Johnny says Big Bear gives them more than just a place to train. “It’s the wild in its best form. You get grit, grace, and beauty — all before breakfast. That’s why we call it home.”
Plan a visit filled with dog-friendly fun using Burnham and Apollo’s activity and trip planning recommendations.
Activity Checklist
✅ Bike or walk on the Alpine Pedal Path
✅ Swim in Big Bear Lake off Hwy. 38
✅ Explore 100+ miles of hiking trails
✅ Play off-leash at a local dog park
✅ Dine on a pet-friendly patio
✅ Stop by Oliver’s Emporium for treats
Plan Your DIY Dog Adventure Camp
Camp Dock & Dine 🚣🏻♀️
For water lovers with a taste for the finer things
Nowhere does laid-back luxury quite like a mountain town, and, according to longtime local and producer of the annual Lakefest, Matt Smith, Big Bear is no exception. Give the classic childhood summer camp experience an indulgent spin with a week of on-the-water fun and delicious lakeside food and drinks.
Smith recommends getting out for a sunrise paddle to enjoy the quiet that comes with being an early riser. “When the lake turns to glass in the morning, it’s pure magic,” he says. Or, if you’re feeling adventurous, SUP yoga is another great option to move your body on the water.
Switch it up in the afternoon with a lakeside activity before a tasty meal “Trade your board for walking shoes and take a stroll along the Alpine Pedal Path,” says Smith. The 5.2-mile trail hugs the north shore of the lake, so you’ll still get to enjoy beautiful views of Big Bear Lake. Wrap up your day with well-earned dinner and drinks with a view “You can go wrong with a wine tasting at Barrel 33 or dinner at The Pines as the sun dips behind the ridge,” Smith says.
As for the best time of the season to plan your trip, Smith is partial to Lakefest weekend, of course. “Lakefest is the weekend when everything I love about Big Bear comes to life,” he says. “Music on the water, paddle races, cold beer, sunrise swims — it’s the ultimate grown-up summer camp, but with a better soundtrack.”
Take it from Smith — these activity and trip planning recommendations will be the highlight of your lakeside retreat.
Activity Checklist
✅ Explore the lake by kayak
✅ Walk along the Alpine Pedal Path
✅ SUP yoga on the lake
✅ Go for a wine tasting at Barrel 33
✅ Lakeside dinner at The Pines
✅ Sunset cruise on the lake
Plan Your DIY Lakeside Camp
This post was sponsored by Visit Big Bear Lake.
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