The unpaved road into Holcomb Valley Campground sets expectations early. Multiple reviewers recommend a truck or SUV, and at least one notes that sedans have made it through, though not comfortably. During winter months, the shorter route via Van Dusen Canyon Road (3N09) closes, requiring entry from Polique Canyon Road (2N09) instead. The extra distance is worth knowing before you load up.
Once inside, the sites spread across a forested valley with enough separation between them that neighboring campers rarely feel close. Bryan H. calls it "a little pricey for a primitive spot with no water or electricity," which is fair context: sites run $24 with an $8 fee for additional vehicles, first-come, first-served. No hookups, no piped water. The vault toilets, however, draw consistent praise across reviews as among the cleanest campers have encountered at a forest service site. A resident camp host keeps things monitored and sells firewood on-site.
The surrounding terrain gives campers plenty to do beyond the sites themselves. OHV trails draw a significant crowd, and the noise from off-road vehicles is a recurring mention in reviews. The Gold Fever Trail runs nearby, and rock climbing locations are accessible within the valley. Hikers report open ridgelines with good sightlines toward the surrounding hills. A horse meadow adjacent to the campground has been spotted with dozens of horses roaming loose. Nearby, Holcomb Valley Climbers Camp and San Bernardino NF Dispersed — Pinnacles Climbing Area provide alternatives for climbing-focused visitors.
Weekend crowds fill the roughly 20 sites quickly, particularly on summer Saturdays. Noise is an honest variable here: Kate O. noted "lots of families and it wasn't quiet," and at least one reviewer encountered an amplified event running past 10 p.m. Quiet hours officially start at 10 p.m., though enforcement is inconsistent. Weekday visits give the best chance at both an open site and lower noise levels. Cell service is available, and alcohol is permitted. No pets are allowed. Campers who want dispersed alternatives can find San Bernardino NF Dispersed off FR 2N09 near Fawnskin a few miles down the road.
Description
This family campground has 19 single-family campsites.__All sites are__first-come-first-serve basis (no reservations). Holcomb Valley campground is located approximately 5 miles north of Big Bear Lake off__Forest Service Road 3N16.__Although this__campground is open year round,__vehicle access will be based on road__conditions. Please__contact the Big Bear Discovery Center__for current road conditions.Each family campsite accommodates a maximum of 8 people. Amenities include a picnic table, 1 fire ring, bear boxes and vault toilets. There is no water available. A campground host is on site during mid May through October.
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsHolcomb Valley Campground is located in California near Fawnskin
Directions
Directions from Redlands:Take I-10 East to Redlands. Take the University Street exit, EXIT 80. Turn left (northbound) on University Street. Turn right onto E. Lugonia Avenue/SR-38. Continue on State Highway 38 into Big Bear City, to E. Big Bear Blvd. Turn left onto E. Big Bear Blvd./SR-38. Turn right onto Greenway Drive/CA-18/SR-38. Turn left onto North Shore Drive, SR-38. Continue on North Shore Drive/Hwy 38 until you reach the Van Dusen Canyon Road, Forest Service Road 3N09. Make a right hand turn on Van Dusen Canyon Road. Continue on the Forest Service Road 3N09 for approximately 4 miles. Make a left on Forest Service Road 3N16. Holcomb Valley Campground will be located on the right.Directions from San Bernardino:Take I-10 East to San Bernardino. Merge onto CA-210 W via Exit 77 toward CA-330/Highland. Merge onto CA-330 N via Exit 81 toward Mtn Resorts. CA-330 N becomes CA-18 in the town of Running Springs. Take CA-18 to Big Bear. At the Dam/Bridge, turn left onto CA-38 at the signal light towards Fawnskin. Continue on North Shore Drive/CA-38 through Fawnskin. Continue on North Shore Drive/Hwy 38 until you reach the Van Dusen Canyon Road, Forest Service Road 3N09. Make a\_\_left \_\_hand turn on Van Dusen Canyon Road. Continue on the Forest Service Road 3N09 for approximately 4 miles. Make a left on Forest Service Road 3N16. Holcomb Valley Campground will be located on the right.For winter access take Polique Canyon Road when Van Dusen Canyon Road is closed for winter. \_\_From Fawnskin, continue on North Shoe Drive/Hwy 38 to Polique Canyon Road. Make a left, Polique Canyon Road becomes Forest Service Road 2N09. Continue on 2N09 for approximately 4 miles. Make a right hand turn (east ) on 3N16 for of a mile. Holcomb Valley Campground will be on your left hand side.
Coordinates
34.302593 N
116.895933 W
Connectivity
- T-Mobile5GGood Coverage
- VerizonLTESome CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 7/26/26
- AT&TNo Coverage
Connectivity
- T-Mobile5GGood Coverage
- VerizonLTESome CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 7/26/26
- AT&TNo Coverage
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
- Hike-InBackcountry sites.
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
Features
For Campers
- Trash
- Firewood Available
- Phone Service
- Toilets
- Alcohol
For Vehicles
- Big Rig Friendly
Drive Time
- 2 hrs 49 min from Los Angeles, CA
- 3 hrs 21 min from San Diego, CA
- 3 hrs 31 min from Oxnard, CA
- 3 hrs 41 min from El Centro, CA




















