Holcomb Valley Ranch, near Big Bear, California, is a stunning campground that offers a perfect escape into nature. With spacious sites and beautiful views, it’s a fantastic spot for both tent camping and RV stays.

The campground is known for its clean facilities, including well-kept showers and porta-potties, which visitors appreciate. Many campers have raved about the large campsites, saying, “I doubt there’s a bad spot,” making it easy to find your own slice of tranquility. Plus, you can buy firewood right on-site, so you can kick back and enjoy a cozy fire under the stars.

For those looking to explore, the surrounding area is rich with outdoor activities. Reviewers recommend checking out the Grand View Mountain Trail for breathtaking views across the lake, and keep an eye out for local wildlife like mule deer and horses. The drive to the campground can be a bit rocky, so take it slow, especially if you're in a smaller vehicle. 

With its serene atmosphere and proximity to adventure, Holcomb Valley Ranch is a great choice for anyone looking to unwind and soak up the beauty of the California outdoors.

Holcomb Valley Ranch provides campers with an enchanting escape from the city. We invite you to kick back and relax at our private, 400+ acre ranch in the San Bernardino Mountains just 25 minutes from the Big Bear ski slopes and 15 minutes from Big Bear Lake- A large recreational, fresh-water lake for Summer swimming and water sports. Each campsite is approximately one acre(or more), generously-distanced from neighboring campers with its own fire ring and picnic table. The Ranch feels remote and private. Yet is only four miles to town. Neighboring the Pinnacles, for incredible rock climbing, and surrounded by the National forest, the location offers seemingly endless hiking and epic off-roading trails to enjoy and explore. After a day filled with adventure or relaxation, take in the breath-taking sunsets over the meadow. Then, blanketed in a sea of stars, enjoy toasting up some s’mores and hot-coco over a beautiful warm campfire. The horses are vacationing in sunny Palm Springs for the winter and will be back this Spring. ACCESS AND DIRECTIONS: Please pay close attention to the driving directions we provide. Your GPS may suggest you take Van Dusen Canyon Road or Rim of the World Drive, however, we highly suggest you take Polique Canyon. It is the most direct. The Ranch is about 15 minutes or 3.5 miles up Polique Canyon, on the left. Polique Canyon is a forestry road it does not get ploughed after a snowfall. Particularly during winter months, a 4x4 or AWD vehicle is recommended. After a snowfall, 4x4 or AWD combined with snow chains will likely be needed to successfully navigate Polique Canyon to get to the Ranch. WINTER CAMPING WEATHER CONSIDERATIONS: Big Bear is popular for its snowy white winters. Nighttime temperatures can fall into the single digits. Please check weather.com or another weather app prior to your visit and plan accordingly. When travelling to the mountains during the winter months, be prepared for winter weather driving conditions and always carry chains, extra food/ water, warm clothing/ blankets, and a full tank of gas in the event you become stranded. The sun sets around 7:00PM this time of year. Please arrive and check-in after 2PM and before night fall. Last check-in is at 8PM. WATER: The Ranch has been winterized to protect the pipes from the cold temperatures. Thus, the water has been shut off for winter. Our shower and flushing toilet buildings are currently closed. There are numerous, very clean, portable toilets throughout the Ranch and near each campsite, for guests to use. Please bring a plentiful supply of potable water for drinking, cleansing and extinguishing fires. FIRES: Campfires are permitted at the Ranch unless the Forest Service institutes a fire ban in the surrounding national forest or high winds are expected. Firewood is available for purchase on-site. Just ask your camp host for some bundles when you arrive. CELL RECEPTION: Verizon gets pretty good cell reception at the Ranch. AT&T gets some. Other cell carries are pretty spotty. Please note: Weather conditions in the Big Bear area can change dramatically and rapidly during the winter months. As such, Holcomb Valley Ranch reserves the right to cancel any reservation up to 24 hours prior to arrival due to any extreme or cold weather conditions. Remember the s’mores and always follow the“Leave No Trace” principles. We look forward to hosting you at the Ranch!

Holcomb Valley Ranch

The Dyrt is here to help plan your best camping near Fawnskin. There's so much to see and do, from exhilarating hikes or bike rides to exploring the local dining and shopping. You're sure to find the perfect campground for your Fawnskin camping trip.

Fawnskin

The Best Camping Near Fawnskin, California

Big Bear RV Ranch is an amazing place to stay in your RV. It feels so peaceful and zen, yet is full of outdoor experiences and very close drive to town. Huge 400+acre ranch surrounded by thousands of acres of National Forrest provides plenty of space to stretch your legs. Highly recommend.

Best RV Getaway in Big Bear

One of the most beautiful and pristine properties I've ever seen. Holcomb Valley Ranch is a magical place. So much room to run around and enjoy the outdoors, safely. The RV spaces are well distanced. The staff are incredible. Very welcoming and professional. You'll definitely enjoy your extended stay and will likely want to settle into this beautiful setting for the entire season.

Extended RV Stay

The beauty of this ranch completely exceeded my expectations. Only a short drive from Los Angeles, it makes for a really easy local getaway. And, boy did we feel like we got away! The Mountain air with all of those beautiful trees is so refreshing. Not to mention all of the vitamin D we soaked up from that gorgeous sunshine. I cannot express how rejuvenated and relaxed we felt after our stay.  So much so, I felt compelled to share our wonderful experience.

Exceeded my expecations

We spent 4 days at the Ranch on a Peninsula Site near the Barn. Sunrise and sunset views are absolutely gorgeous. Clean porta potties, fire rings, we had two picnic benches and far from any other campers. Staff was amazing so sum them up. We will be making this trip I imagine twice a year. We'll worth every penny. Plenty of off-roading trails, sites to see and exploring.

Best Campground in Big Bear

Tips: When you’re on the road heading into Holcomb go slow (Rocky). Prep for dusty ground sediment. Bring extra water and chargers. Dropped to around 40 degrees at night so bring extra blankets/ jackets. Bring firewood from town. Otherwise, As expected when arrived with fireplace, secluded space (enough from other tents), space to spread out, and scenic meadow views. We saw mule deer and of course the horses! Check out grand view mountain trail, it was a gorgeous view- across the lake. Oh and it’s rifle hunting season in Oct, FYI. 

Getaway Location

Holcomb Valley Ranch is absolutely beautiful, the shower facilities are clean and the portapotties are clean for portapotties. You can buy wood on-site. The campsites are huge - I doubt there’s a bad spot. The drive up is treacherous if you have a lil sedan - I was worried for my Honda Fit. 

Photos of Holcomb Valley Ranch

Real photos from real campers