Availability
North Fork Whitewater River is mapped at or near the camp-area marker. This is map evidence, not a real-time flow report.
Backpacking camp
Big Tree Camp
San Gorgonio Wilderness, California
About this place
Big Tree Camp is an official itinerary area, permit zone, or source-backed named overnight reference represented by a reachable point on the pinned agency trail network in San Gorgonio Wilderness.
The marker is a route-access reference, not a tent pad. Move off the trail only where travel is permitted, remain inside the authorized zone, and choose a legal durable site under every current setback and closure.
Water planning
Water at this camp
Seasonal natural water nearbyDrinking safety
Natural water is not verified potable. Filter and disinfect it or boil it according to the linked land-manager guidance before drinking.
Seasonality
North Fork Whitewater River is classified as intermittent and may be dry.
- North Fork Whitewater RiverRiver or stream · at the camp areaSeasonal/intermittent — may be dry · Treat before drinkingOfficial source
Fire planning
Campfire & stove rules
No campfires or charcoalCampfires
Wood and charcoal fires are prohibited at San Gorgonio Wilderness camps, including existing unofficial rings.
Backpacking stoves
Portable gas stove allowed with permit. Use a portable gas stove only; wood-burning and twig stoves are not allowed.
Permit
Carry a valid California Campfire Permit for portable stove use in this remote National Forest area.
Current restrictions
Check San Bernardino National Forest alerts before departure; emergency restrictions can suspend stove use.
Seasonal access
Closures & seasonal access
The wilderness has no universal annual closure, but winter snow and ice, post-fire hazards, storm damage, and emergency forest orders can close individual trails or access roadsPlace closure
No recurring date-based closure of Big Tree Camp is published. The source-connected approach conditions below and temporary emergency orders still control access.
Seasonal access
Source-connected approaches: Vivian Creek Trailhead, South Fork Trailhead, Forsee Creek Trailhead, and 2 more. The wilderness has no universal annual closure, but winter snow and ice, post-fire hazards, storm damage, and emergency forest orders can close individual trails or access roads.
Before driving
Check San Bernardino National Forest alerts and the exact trail page immediately before departure; carry winter equipment when conditions require it.
Mapped approaches
Choose a trailhead for Big Tree Camp
Each option has a sourced trail route to this camp area. Choose one to open its itinerary builder with this destination in context.
- South Fork Trailhead9.9 mi awayView trailheadBuild from here
- Vivian Creek Trailhead11.5 mi awayView trailheadBuild from here
- Momyer Creek Trailhead14.9 mi awayView trailheadBuild from here
- Forsee Creek Trailhead15.3 mi awayView trailheadBuild from here
- San Bernardino Peak Trailhead19.1 mi awayView trailheadBuild from here
Map
Loading map
- Latitude
- 34.101658° N
- Longitude
- 116.802287° W