Snow camping

[miboman]

I am looking to take a group of Boy Scouts snow camping. I did some as a kid, but that was in the Reno area. The troop in SoCal has never done it, so I am looking for a place. The tram's website says there are snow camping options at the top of the tram, but very few details. Phone calls to the given SP number get a recording, so I thought I would the regulars here a couple of questions.

Is there winter camping in Long Valley or does one need to hike to Round Valley? If Round Valley, how tricky is the trek in winter? (My only trek to Round Valley was from Laws Camp just before the Mountain Fire. That route is now closed and we wouldn't do that route in snow.) Is winter camping as crowded as the summers?

Any other area suggestions for snow camping? Many of the regular campgrounds that would be good for snow are closed for the season.

[greatshaitan]

The camping out of the tram is at Round and Tamarack Valley. Both are great for winter campgrounds. There is no camping in Long Valley. The Hike to round valley isn't bad but conditions will be snow/ice, so I would recommend snowshoes, microspikes, ect... Every time I have snow camped at Round/Tamarack there hasn't been another soul at the campsites.

If you are looking for a non-hiking snow campground, I have found that Serrano Campground up in Big Bear stays open during most of the winter and I have spent a few nights there testing gear.