Dispersed camping spots near Big Bear City allow pet owners more freedom while exploring the San Bernardino National Forest. Located at 6,752 feet elevation, this mountainous region experiences dramatic temperature changes, with summer days reaching 80°F and nights dropping to near freezing, especially in fall. Camping conditions vary dramatically between developed and primitive sites across the forest's 823,816 acres.
What to Do
Mountain biking access: Pineknot Campground sits adjacent to Snow Summit, offering direct access to mountain bike trails. "The campground is perfectly situated in Big Bear where you're in the woods but only a short walk to Snow Summit. This allows you a staging area to ride mountain bikes all day at Snow Summit and around the mountain but allows you the convenience to be camped nearby," notes Berton M.
Hiking to meadow views: The network of trails accessible from Heart Bar Campground creates opportunities for wildlife viewing. "If you want a nice site seeing walk, you can ask the host for directions to the meadows," recommends Chrystal M., who stayed at a double site. Another camper observed that "the campground sits higher above the highway and displaces sound nicely. This spot is excellent for wildlife viewing and entry to the wilderness for hiking and exploring."
Water activities: Proximity to lakes means fishing and cooling off opportunities, especially important when camping with dogs. "There's a great lake area to hike to nearby and lots of mountain biking around the area," notes Kate W. about San Gorgonio Campground. For those with boats, stay near the water: "We have a 265bh transcend and parked it in a site on the water. Great views and enjoyed watching the fish jump in the evenings."
What Campers Like
Spacious sites: East Flats dispersed area offers large spots even for bigger vehicles. "There are a lot of spaces and larger rigs will do just fine within the first 1/4 mile, roads are a bit rough with rock and drainage ditches but our 40' trailer had zero issues," reports Mike M. Another camper appreciated the "great spacious area" with "ample spaces to choose from."
Clean facilities: Visitors to Serrano Campground consistently mention the well-maintained grounds. "Very shady, pristine campground with bike trails/walking paths around the lake," notes Trey T., who also appreciated that "the town is bike friendly." Another camper shares, "We were in Serrano for 2 night past Memorial Day and it was wonderful. The campsites are clean, have clean bathrooms/shower access, and they sell firewood for $10."
Quiet atmosphere: Despite proximity to town, many campgrounds maintain a peaceful setting. "Loved our campsite. It was huge, no bugs and clean," writes Sharesa J. about San Gorgonio Campground. At Pineknot, campers find that "despite being close to a developed area, the campground still feels like a getaway in the woods. Sites are well spaced out for the most part."
What You Should Know
Road conditions: Some primitive sites require appropriate vehicles. At Holcomb Valley Climbers Camp, "the road up to the camp area is a bit rough. We were in a Sprinter and definitely nervous for parts. But, it was worth it once we got there! It's secluded and has enough trees for a hammock." Another visitor explains, "You definitely need a high clearance vehicle. There are campgrounds in the area and also yellow post campsites."
Site reservations: Most developed dog-friendly campgrounds near Big Bear City fill quickly during peak seasons. "Recommend making reservations ahead. They do have first come first serve sites. Full on holiday weekends," advises Aaron S. For Yellow Post sites, there's a warning: "Roughly half the site's are being 'held' with chairs for the coming weekend. Please remember this is a first come first serve space, which means no reservations."
Weather preparation: The mountain climate demands preparation. "We camped here the last weekend before they closed for the winter, after Thanksgiving. The campground was clean, quiet, and had a decent amount of space between sites...Our sewer outlet was frozen in the morning, so we had to dump when we got out of the mountains," shares Nicole W. about Serrano Campground.
Tips for Camping with Families
Explore wildlife safely: Children can observe nature, but supervision is necessary. "We saw rattle snakes in our walk. Deer walking around the trails," reports Stephanie M. at Hanna Flat Campground. Another family enjoyed the "great clean campground. Flush toilets, clean restrooms, well stocked...Good location. Close to Big Bear Lake...Pokemon stops for the kids."
Find recreational options: Coon Creek Yellow Post Sites offer fire rings and picnic tables in a natural setting. "Great campground. The host was friendly and very helpful. There is clean water, clean restrooms and showers. The showers go hot and cold in a second but this is a water conservation area so no big deal and they are free," notes Steve R., making it suitable for families needing basic facilities.
Choose child-friendly sites: Look for flat, spacious areas where children can play safely. "The double sites are a must when going with a group of 10 people. This specific site is very spacious with double of the parking spots (4 cars total), 2 fire pits, and 2 benches," explains a Heart Bar camper. Another notes, "Kiddos had a great time riding their bikes around the sites."
Tips from RVers
Dump station access: Check if facilities accommodate your needs before arrival. "It was difficult to use the dump hookups as they're elevated about a foot off the ground so I had to lift the hose off my support snake many times," notes one RVer about Holloway's Marina. Another camper at a different site observed, "Sewer inlet was a bit high. Had to lift my hose many times to drain fully."
Leveling requirements: Many sites require additional equipment for proper setup. "Asphalt pad with gravel picnic area between pads. Pad was a little off level. Had to block one side," reports Jesse C. At Hanna Flat, "the parking spots are a bit small in some campsites. Each site included a table, fire ring and bear safe locker."
Winter precautions: RVers staying during colder months need special preparations at pet-friendly sites. "Bring your satellite dish if you have one. The sites are very small and close and I don't know how some of the larger coaches got into their spaces," warns an RVer staying near the lake. For cold-weather camping: "It was mountainous, cool and peaceful...a change in climate...We enjoyed a long weekend here and liked its easy access to trails."
