I meant to post a review of this charming family campground earlier. We had been planning a camping trip over Labor Day weekend in Los Angeles National Forest, but then we realized there would be a heat wave leading to 100 plus degree weather. Our planned trip was a no-go. Our eight year old son was very disappointed. We brainstormed Big Bear as a place to go, as it would be a relatively balmy 85 degrees. Only problem was, I couldn't find any openings at any of the Big Bear campgrounds for the busy Labor Day weekend. I looked and looked, and finally found Camp Tanda. Before Covid, it was a Christian camp that only catered to large groups and kids' camps. During these times, they adapted for small families. I was happy to find they had one opening left for the holiday weekend. Our trip was saved. Our son was excited.
The campground is lovely and clean with lots of trees. It's been around for seventy years, so the cabins have a rustic, vintage feel. We tent camped in a lovely spot near the kitchen building. Everything was very clean. There are restroom facilities, potable water, and hot showers available. There is also a basketball court, volleyball net, ping pong tables, and horse shoe game. The price is very affordable. The lady running the camp was very kind, bending over backwards to make sure we had all we needed. She provided a shade tent at no extra charge, and gave us a s'mores kit our first night there!
Things to be aware of:
This was and still is a Christian camp. No alcohol, drugs, or weapons of any kind are allowed. Very strict no noise between 10pm and 8am rule, which suited us fine. The camp is located very close to Big Bear Lake, which meant we could hear Air BnB partiers nearby. It's not fancy. Everything is quite old, but it all works fine. We stayed in tents, but they do have cabins available. Bring warm clothes for nighttime. Not everyone wears masks, but even at full capacity, it was never crowded. Easy to social distance. No campfires allowed, but there is a legal gas campfire from 7-10 pm.
If you have a family who likes to camp, this is the place for you. Call or e-mail them for a reservation! read more