Shady Cove Group Campground

Overview

Shady Cove Group Campground is a beautiful place to camp within the Children's National Forest. It provides access to numerous trails and a lookout tower, with a climbing area nearby. The Children's Forest was burned in a devastating wildfire and was rebuilt with the help of area children.

Recreation

Hiking, biking and birding are popular activities. Many trails begin near the campground, including The Trail of the Phoenix. It is a short, paved interpretive trail that begins at the entrance to the Children's National Forest, which is about three miles from the campground.

Facilities

The campground offers three group sites, one of which is accessible, for tent. Each site can accommodate up to 30 people and eight vehicles.

Each site is equipped with picnic tables, pedestal grills and a campfire circle. Accessible vault toilets and drinking water are provided.

Natural Features

The campground is easily accessible, just off a paved road, and has forested tent campsites. It is situated in the mountains of Southern California at an elevation of about 6,000 feet.

Nearby Attractions

Arrowbear Lake is about five miles from the campground, where rainbow trout are stocked annually in the spring. The lake is adjacent to the community of Running Springs, which offers a variety of dining and shopping options, as well a grocery stores and fuel stations.

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 location. 

Late Cancellations

Overnight and Day Use Facilities: Late cancellations are those cancelled between 12:01 a.m. (Eastern) on the day before arrival and check out time on the day after arrival.

Individual Campsites: If a customer cancels a reservation the day before or on the day of arrival they will be charged a $10.00 service fee and will also forfeit the first night's use fee (not to exceed the total paid for the original reservation). Cancellations for a single night's reservation will forfeit the entire use fee but no cancellation fee will apply.

Cabins / Lookouts: Customers will be charged a $10.00 cancellation fee and forfeit the first night's use fee if a cabin or lookout reservation is cancelled within 14 days of the sc