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Holcomb Valley Climbers Camp provides free dispersed camping in the San Bernardino National Forest where pets are welcome throughout the forested setting. Located near Big Bear, this primitive campground has no developed facilities but offers unlimited backcountry camping spots suitable for tent campers with dogs. The dirt road leading to the campsite requires high clearance vehicles or 4x4s to navigate the rocky terrain. Giant Rock Dispersed camping area offers another pet-friendly option near Johnson Valley, featuring open desert terrain with plenty of space for individual or group camping with animals. Dogs can roam more freely in these dispersed camping areas compared to established campgrounds, but owners should maintain control of their pets at all times.
Surrounding trails throughout Holcomb Valley provide dog-friendly hiking opportunities within a beautiful forest setting that includes pine trees and scenic views. Visitors report the area being particularly enjoyable for pets due to the secluded nature and space to explore, though dogs quickly become covered in sand and dirt from the desert environment. During summer months, campers should be cautious about high temperatures affecting pets, bringing ample water as no drinking water is available at dispersed sites. Winter camping is possible but snow may be present as late as April at higher elevations. Cell service varies throughout the region, with some areas near Giant Rock offering 5G connectivity while more remote yellow post sites have limited or no service—an important consideration for pet owners needing emergency veterinary information.
"Big Bear Lake near by, lake level appears to be receding. Bears and coyotes in the area, recommended not to let small dogs or cats roam unattended."
"We camped just a few steps away from the lake, there were other campers there but the campgrounds are far enough away from each other."
from $44 - $91 / night
Check Availability"You're not allowed to use ANY surrounding vegetation for campfires (even kindling) so be prepared to cart in your own wood and kindling."
"Originally booked this site because it is a good endpoint for the California Riding & Hiking trail though the national park, so if you’re looking to run or complete the traverse, it is a good spot"
from $35 / night
Check Availability"The first thing to mention is the location. The back of the campground faces west where the rolling mountains seem to part in a way that showcases the beautiful California sunset."
"second reason; there are many many sites to choose from. this camp ground has several loops that each contain roughly 20 campsites, sometimes more. on any given day you should be able to drive up, though"
from $29 - $58 / night
Check Availability"We were tucked up into the hill side with neighbors far enough sway to make it very private. There were no showers so we brought our travel one and hung it from a branch."
"We arrived at Hanna Flat campground around 11 am on Friday, August 21. First thing about the campground is that the road to get to it is pretty rough."
from $33 - $67 / night
Check Availability"Pet friendly, our three dogs loved it! Staff was incredibly helpful and hard working. Also it was well located as it was a semi-quick drive to a few fun locations."
"Pineknot is perfectly situated in Big Bear where you're in the woods but only a short walk to Snow Summit. "
from $34 - $36 / night
Check Availability"San Gorgonio, aptly named for the famed crown peak near by, is a nice mix of family friendly and weekend escape."
"If you live in Southern California and haven't climbed the highest peak, you need to get out there and experience nature."
from $34 - $69 / night
Check Availability"Came here for a weekend, good spot for tent camping, I went on an off trail hike, cool, fun area. Some views. Drove over to the lake but couldn’t find parking. Very quiet and clean as well."
"mountain just a short hike away from our site, #23. "
from $36 - $73 / night
Check Availability"There is a tiny "lake" with reeds and visiting birds who congregate around the water. Fishing offered, but no swimming. I spent a very serene time with just myself and my cat."
"A great spot away from the main Joshua Tree strip. We visited for one night during the waning height of COVID and staff was taking all the necessary precautions."
from $15 - $55 / night
Check Availability"Because the National forest allows dispersed camping, as long as your off the roads and trails, the camping spots are unlimited."
"Arriving at the campground, the deposit place, obviously on weekends we were not thrilled by everyone around us, as well as the loud noise until past the curfew."
"There are a number of campers, but remote locations are easily found. If you bring pets, be aware they may upset Rattlesnakes."
"What more can you ask for a few hours away from LA proper…"
TravelerComfortable partial hookup sites, pet friendly, and nice people. Theres a dog park next door. The bathrooms are clean, and the laundry facilities work well (although coin only, no cards).
LegendSoggy has a long and very rocky road getting into the lakebed area. There are many camping spots all along the shoreline that will accommodate any size rig. From there you can reach all that Johnson Valley has to offer, can get busy but not nearly like Cougar Buttes, Anderson, or Means Lakebed.
GuideWe rolled in after dark. The office is open until 9 pm which was very nice. They sell snacks and supplies. There are cabins for rent along with tent sites in addition to backup and pull through sites. Our site had full hookups. The dog park at the back of the campground was decent size with a gorgeous view of the mountains. There are arched overhead lights through the lanes to help light in the dark. A word of warning, the campground has many oleander flower bushes which are toxic to humans and pets if ingested, so please use caution. There are signs warning of this.
GuideOn way to Johnson Valley from Las Vegas, and saw this BLM campground. Decided to pull in for the night. It is very easy to follow the signage into the camping area. The camping area is a loop with obvious pull offs. Some have nice picnic tables. There are Vault toilets, although the one nearest my campsite needs servicing. Be sure to bring your own tp. Lots of people in here camping. The spots are close, for a blm campground. Still, I was tucked in between some rocks and felt mostly alone. I can hear other campers from my site as well as see them. There are class B rigs in here as well as bumper pulls. It is a fine spot for a day or two. Wifi at my campsite is att 4g late, 1 bar sometimes 2.
RangerVery clean, dog friendly ( with dog park) helpful nice staff, propane available, small playground and swimming pool, picnic tables and grills at each site
GuideNot a very attractive drive in. Lots and lots of trash in the shrubbery and fields along the highway. Reservation and check in was easy. Staff were very friendly and accommodating. The RV park itself is attractive and seems to be fairly well maintained. It seems there are two rv areas. A lower older area and an upper newer and more attractive area. We were in the older area. Site was gravel with a small concrete area. Unfortunately, no one there seems to care about the dog poop everywhere (not exaggerating!). We and the people behind us parking had to clean dog poop off our site before we could set up. When walking our dog we saw poop everywhere. Dog park was ok, but on the small side and would be better with a gravel base instead of the dirt (very, very dusty and results in a dirty, dusty dog). There is a huge field adjacent and owned by the rv park that you can walk and or run your dog. But also full of poop. Bathroom smaller, older in the lower area. Much nicer, more modern bathrooms in the newer area. Two laundry rooms but no front loaders and the older laundry room only had two washers and two dryers. Can use quarters or an app. Pool and spa seemed pretty popular but we didn’t use. Area could really use some lighting at night. Very dark with minimal lighting in the older section. Trash is picked up every morning if you leave outside your site.
GuideYou need a military ID to enter this base. There are more than 30 sites available FCFS, water, sewer, 30 amp and 50 amp electric, level concrete slabs surrounded by gravel. The only trees are around the perimeter. Two washers, two dryers, and an ice machine are available for no charge. Fenced dog park with grass. All sites are back in with water and Electric at the back.
GuideBeing reasonably close to our home base, we frequent this park with the family. Major grocery and shopping establishments are nearby, with Target directly across the street, In-n-Out, local parks, and the like. Our kids love the pool area, grandparents love the pickleball courts, and there are always fun activities to do throughout the year. Full-timers are friendly and inclusive of newcomers and passer-throughs. Dog parks are clean and located at either corner of the park. The entrance security kiosk is staffed 24/7, and they'll even help spot you while parking your rig. We cannot say enough good things about this place.
Check their website for events and specials.
GuideRV Park full of residence and full timers. Will accommodate one or more nights. Good place to recharge and do laundry. Everything looks mostly clean and the pool was nice too. Small dog park with real grass.
Dispersed camping sites near Johnson Valley offer a primitive outdoor experience in the high desert of the San Bernardino Mountains. Most sites sit at elevations between 6,500-7,500 feet, creating temperature variations of up to 40°F between day and night, even in summer months. The area features a mix of pine forest and desert terrain, with several yellow post sites available for free camping throughout the region.
Hiking mountain trails: Multiple trails connect directly from Coon Creek Yellow Post Sites into the surrounding wilderness. Campsite 16 offers direct access to forest trails with "plenty of trail access" where "the PCT is nearby if you want to get a few extra miles logged," according to tom P.
Stargazing after dark: Black Rock Campground provides excellent night sky visibility away from city lights. "The star cover was amazing," notes Justin L., who recommends checking temperature forecasts as "we didn't check the conditions well enough, and froze our butts the first night!"
Mountain biking at Snow Summit: Pineknot Campground sits within walking distance of Snow Summit ski resort, which transforms into a mountain biking park in summer. "The best part of this campground is it is within walking distance of Snow Summit. We walked over and took the ski lift up to the top and hiked around the loop," reports Rose B.
Privacy between sites: San Gorgonio Campground features well-spaced sites that provide separation from neighbors. "We stayed at site 40 this time and it was a little close to our neighbors on one side but we had plenty of room to the next campsite," writes Samantha N. who also notes the "bathrooms are flush toilets and really clean for a camp site."
Clean facilities: Heart Bar Campground maintains good cleanliness standards despite its rustic setting. "The camp host was very accommodating" and the campground offers "clean water, clean restrooms and showers," reports Steve R. Another visitor adds it's "the best and largest campground on the 38."
Wildlife viewing: Many dog friendly campgrounds near Johnson Valley offer opportunities to observe local wildlife. At Hanna Flat Campground, visitors report seeing "deer walking around the trails" and the area being "tucked up into the hill side with neighbors far enough away to make it very private," according to Stephanie M.
Weather extremes: Temperatures fluctuate dramatically throughout the year. At Black Rock Campground, "Make sure to check the low and high temps to plan accordingly. The desert has been known to test adventurers," warns Justin L.
Road conditions: Many dispersed camping areas require vehicles with appropriate clearance. For 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," shares Allie N.
Campsite availability: Yellow post sites operate on a first-come basis and can fill quickly on weekends. At Coon Creek Yellow Post Sites, "roughly half the sites are being 'held' with chairs for the coming weekend... it makes it incredibly unfair to those who are out aside from the weekend," observes cori H.
Choose campgrounds with amenities: Sites with basic facilities make family camping easier. At Barton Flats Campground, "The camp amenities are nice; clean bathrooms and showers on site. This is also a closer drive from the IE valley," notes Jeff T.
Pack for temperature variations: The mountains can get unexpectedly cold even in summer. A visitor to Coon Creek Yellow Post Sites warns: "Very cold at night!" while enjoying that "trees provide lots of shade and some privacy despite campsites being fairly close to one another."
Bring entertainment for kids: The natural environment provides built-in activities for children. At Hanna Flat Campground, families report that "Kiddos had a great time riding their bikes around the sites. Also, great trails nearby!"
Water management: Most dispersed sites have no hookups or water sources. At Joshua Tree Lake RV Campground, "There is a small lake with lots of birds and there is a lot of funky art/sculptures around the property," notes Rich J., making it a good option with "large full hookup spaces separated by bushes, clean bathrooms and showers."
Site selection for larger vehicles: Not all campgrounds accommodate larger rigs. "We were in space 58" at Pineknot Campground and discovered "the nearest bathroom is a 1/4 mile walk. Not horrible but at night when it's PITCH black it can be a bit scary!" shares one reviewer who appreciated that "it's totally dog friendly!"
Fire regulations: Many pet-friendly camping locations near Johnson Valley have fire restrictions that change seasonally. Visitors should check current regulations, as some campers at Holcomb Valley Climbers Camp noted "It seems like fires aren't allowed during certain periods. Just be aware, we brought our own off the ground stove. And it was perfectly fine."
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dog-friendly campsite near Johnson Valley, CA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near Johnson Valley, CA is Serrano with a 4.6-star rating from 35 reviews.
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TheDyrt.com has all 209 dog-friendly camping locations near Johnson Valley, CA, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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