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. Charges & Cancellations Rules & Reservation Policies As you make travel plans that include reservations on Recreation.gov, there are standard policies that apply to most locations of which you should be aware. Do keep in mind, however, that there are many exceptions, so it is best to review reservation information listed on individual facility pages for those policies and procedures that pertain to your specific locations.  Any location or activity requiring a permit or lottery will have unique requirements and policies. Please check individual facility pages for pertinent information for those sites.  Booking Window For most locations, you can reserve six months in advance of your stay for individual sites and 12 months in advance for group sites. There are some exceptions, so it is best to check with each facility.  Change and Cancellation Policies and Fees Overnight and Day Use Facilities: To ensure fairness, reservation arrival or departure dates may not be changed beyond the booking window until 18 days after booking the reservation.  Camping / Day Use: A $10.00 service fee will apply if you change or cancel your reservation (including campsites, cabins, lookouts, group facilities, etc.). The $10.00 service fee will be deducted from the refund amount. You can cancel or change reservations through Recreation.gov or by calling 1-877-444-6777. Tours & Tickets: You may request changes to tour dates at no cost before the arrival date. If you cancel before your tour date, you may be eligible for a refund. Cancellation fees apply. Please check the tour facility description details page for cancellation policies.  Permits: Varies by location. Please check the permit details for the permit loc