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
How to Get There
Take I-10 East to Redlands. Take the University Street exit, EXIT 80. Turn left (northbound) on University Street. Turn right onto E. Lugonia Avenue/SR-38. Continue on State Highway 38 for approximately 17 miles to the campground entrance.
Driving directions (Google Maps) →What to Pack for Your Stay
Tuned to the live forecast for this park.
👔 What to Wear
- 👕
Moisture-wicking T-shirt
Light color, breathable.
- 🩳
Lightweight shorts or pants
Quick-dry preferred — sweat dries fast.
- 🧢
Brimmed sun hat
Better than a cap for back-of-neck protection.
- 🥾
Trail runners
Breathable mesh uppers.
🎒 What to Pack
- 💧
Water
Bring at least 1L of water; more in heat.
- 🍫
High-energy snacks
A snack for the trail.
- 🧴
Sun protection
Sunscreen, sunglasses, brimmed hat.
- 🩹
First-aid kit
Blister patches, ibuprofen, tape, antiseptic wipes.
- 🗺
Offline map
Download your route in advance via Gaia, Caltopo, or OSM-based apps.
Recommendations adapt to the current forecast + trail stats. Use them as a starting point — local conditions, your experience, and the time of day you start all matter.
Plan Your Visit to COUNCIL
Heading to COUNCIL? A few things to know before you go:
- Reservations: popular sites fill up fast — check Recreation.gov 6 months in advance
- Fees: day-use and camping fees vary; check current rates on the official park page
- Trash & pack-out: follow Leave No Trace principles
- Wildlife: store food in bear boxes where provided; never feed wildlife
- Weather: the 5-day forecast above is updated every 6 hours; verify just before you go
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a reservation for COUNCIL?
No central reservation system listed for COUNCIL. Check the official page (https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/232031) for the latest entry policy and availability.
How do I get to COUNCIL?
Take I-10 East to Redlands. Take the University Street exit, EXIT 80. Turn left (northbound) on University Street. Turn right onto E. Lugonia Avenue/SR-38. Continue on State Highway 38 for approximately 17 miles to the campground entrance.
How do I contact COUNCIL?
You can reach the park at email: clm@clm-services.com.
References & Official Resources
