Will
Traveler
TravelerRim of the World Byway (near 15 fwy south) Dispersed
You’ll hear the freeway but who cares. It’s a super easy place to pull off at and there’s a McDonalds and gas station right down the street to fill up at.
Dog-Friendly Camping near Lake Arrowhead, CA
11 campgrounds with availability this weekend
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Dogwood Campground's pet-friendly sites accommodate both tent and RV camping with spacious areas for dogs to explore. Located minutes from Lake Arrowhead Village, this established campground features clean facilities, fire rings, picnic tables, and bear boxes at each site. Dogs must remain leashed throughout the campground, with owners responsible for waste cleanup. Visitors use The Dyrt to find real feedback on camping near Lake Arrowhead, California. Skypark Camp RV Resort welcomes pets with a dedicated dog park, providing a safe space for dogs to exercise off-leash. North Shore Campground offers shaded sites with easy lake access, making it popular for campers with water-loving dogs. Most campgrounds in the area enforce standard pet policies including leash requirements, barking restrictions during quiet hours, and proper waste disposal.
Hiking trails accessible from many Lake Arrowhead campgrounds provide excellent exercise opportunities for dogs, with several pet-friendly paths starting directly from Dogwood Campground. The nearby Green Valley Lake Recreation Area allows leashed pets throughout its grounds, offering additional outdoor exploration. Campers should be aware of wildlife in the San Bernardino National Forest, including bears and coyotes that pose risks to small pets. Sites at Dogwood can be uneven and windy in certain areas, so selecting a sheltered spot benefits pets sensitive to weather conditions. Serrano Campground provides full hookups for RV campers with pets and features clean restrooms and spacious sites. During peak seasons, pet-friendly sites fill quickly, requiring reservations well in advance, especially for popular summer and fall weekends.
Best Dog-Friendly Campgrounds near Lake Arrowhead (243)
1. Dogwood
"Great hosts Super clean Quiet Full of friendly people 10-15 minutes from Lake Arrowhead and Lake Gregory."
"The campground overall is really pretty and in a great location in Lake Arrowhead. However, we made the mistake of booking site 005, which is right on a ridge... it was SO windy."
Check AvailabilityCampground full this weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $40 - $81 / night
2. Mesa Campground — Silverwood Lake State Recreation Area
"Silverwood Lake Campground offers a range of site experiences depending on where you stay."
"Silverwood Lake was just that. Lush green mountains in the back drop that surrounded every view you turned to take in. "You need to recharge your batteries!""
6 Sites AvailableAvailable this weekend
from $45 - $350 / night
3. Hanna Flat Campground
"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."
Check AvailabilityCampground full this weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $33 - $67 / night
4. Serrano
"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."
Check AvailabilityCampground full this weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $44 - $91 / night
5. North Shore Campground - Lake Arrowhead
"There is a lovely hiking trail at the far end of the site. There is water, flush toilets, fire pits, and picnic tables. It is a short walk to Lake Arrowhead. This is a dog friendly site."
"Lake Arrowhead Village is 4 miles away"
Check Availabilityfrom $29 - $58 / night
6. Skypark Camp RV Resort
"Lake Arrowhead is close for supplies or food. "
"Views are worth it and this is so conveniently located next to Santa's Village. Will definitely be coming back again sooner than later!"
Check Availabilityfrom $39 - $299 / night
7. Yucaipa Regional Park
"The green spaces are full of stickers and mostly unusable for things like walking dogs, kids playing. I was charged junk fees. $7 to make the reservation myself online and then $1 per pet, per night."
"There’s no larger wildlife, like bears, so less stressful when you have pets or kids. Plenty of space to bring bikes and ride around."
8. Keller Peak Yellow Post Campsites
"Tons of land to hike, on or off trail. Geocaching sites nearby. The Keller Peak Lookout was amazing."
"Each site is decent size and tucked away into the rocks. Many will fit multiple people easily. They fill up fast may-sept."
9. Thomas Hunting Grounds Yellow Post Campites
"Most of the sites have incredible views looking out over Lake Hemet and of the San Jacinto mountains."
"Fun off-road adventure to get to the site. Minimal sites so not much crowding."
10. Lake Arrowhead - Green Valley Lake Recreation Area
"After years of venturing into and around Lake Arrowhead (often a mere stop on my way to Big Bear/Fawnskin) I finally started exploring off the beaten path by accident last year and holy cow!"
"Green valley lake campground is an awesome place for a fun getaway. We wanted to get away for the Fourth of July but waited too long to book in Big Bear."
Drive Time
- 1 hr 35 min from Los Angeles, CA
- 2 hrs 9 min from San Diego, CA
- 2 hrs 17 min from Oxnard, CA
- 2 hrs 45 min from Bakersfield, CA
Recent Dog-Friendly Camping Photos near Lake Arrowhead, CA
163 Photos of 243 Lake Arrowhead Campgrounds • uploaded by The Dyrt campers
Dog-Friendly Camping Reviews near Lake Arrowhead, CA
1567 Reviews of 243 Lake Arrowhead Campgrounds
James and Susan K.
RangerBonelli Bluffs
Big RV resort. Stayed in Area F site 132 as part of RV tour group. All back-in sites. Septic dump opening was located on the side of light pole - had to workaround in order to dump. Public showers/restrooms are not convenient and are old and open concrete.
Sleep with O.
ScoutRolling M. Ranch Campground — Chino Hills State Park
Just what I was looking for
- TTanya T.Scout
Mountain Lakes Resort - Membership Campground
OCTOBER 2026
Site is clean, many activities on weekends They also add 1000lb or catfish and trout weekly depending on season. Members were friendly. Downside is wifi when the campsite is 75+ full and only about a dozen paved spots. Major are gravel and dirt.
Aaron S.RangerRound Valley Campsite — Mount San Jacinto State Park
Gooseberry Site, Alpine Wilderness & A Critical Backcountry Safety Wake-Up
Reviewed by: The Crew at Hitched4fun.com
If you are looking for a true alpine backcountry adventure right in Southern California, backpacking into Round Valley Primitive Campsites inside the Mount San Jacinto State Park and Wilderness is an incredible experience. By pairing the world-famous Palm Springs Aerial Tramway with a weekend wilderness trek, you can leave the scorching low desert and step into sub-alpine granite peaks within minutes. Our crew recently packed our gear, caught the tram, and set up basecamp at the Gooseberry site for a Friday-to-Saturday summit push of Mount San Jacinto.
The scenery and wilderness delivered on every level—but the trip also served as a stark reminder that high-altitude nature commands respect.
The Route & Camp Setup (Gooseberry Site)
Taking the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway bypasses thousands of vertical feet of grueling desert switchbacks, depositing you at Mountain Station:
- The Trek into Round Valley: From the tram station, it is a scenic~2.5-mile backpack into Round Valley, which sits at an elevation of roughly 9,100 feet.
- The Gooseberry Campsite: Gooseberry is a fantastic primitive backcountry site. Tucked among the lodgepole pines and granite boulders, it offers great shelter, peace, and that genuine wilderness seclusion you crave.
- The Summit Push: We spent Friday night acclimating and resting at basecamp. Early Saturday morning, we pushed for the summit of Mount San Jacinto Peak(10,834 feet). After taking in the panoramic views stretching from the Pacific to the Salton Sea, we descended back to Round Valley, packed up camp, and made the return trek to the tram for the ride down.
The October Shoulder Season: Nature Changes in Minutes
We chose to hike late in the season during October, and anyone heading up during shoulder months needs to understand high-elevation weather:
- T****he Forecast Mirage: On the morning of our summit push, the official forecast predicted clear, sunny skies by noon.
- The High-Alpine Reality: Noon rolled around, and the weather did the exact opposite—we were hit with biting snow flurries and temperatures plunging straight into the 20s.
- Within just two hours, a crisp autumn morning morphed into full-blown freezing winter conditions.
A Serious Backcountry Advisory: 50 Years on the Trail Speaks
As someone with over 50 years of hiking and backpacking experience spanning every corner of the American West, what we witnessed on the trail between Round Valley and the peak was alarming.
We encountered dozens of hikers completely unprepared for foul weather:
- The Outfit: People trekking toward a 10,834-foot alpine peak in short shorts, cotton t-shirts, light sneakers, and carrying little more than a tiny hydration bladder with a couple of snack bars. No insulation, no wind protection, no emergency gear.
- Missing Essentials: Not a single one of the Ten Essentials in sight.
- The Dangerous Mindset: Yes, 99% of the time, casual hikers get lucky and escape without incident. But cell service, 911, and volunteer Search& Rescue teams are not your personal safety net—preparedness and basic common sense are.
- The Golden Rule: Any hiker stepping foot into this wilderness must carry the gear to survive an unexpected night out in freezing conditions. An ankle sprain, altitude sickness, or a sudden squall can turn a fun day hike into hypothermia, acute suffering, or worse. Don't be that guy or gal.
The Hitched4fun Verdict
Mount San Jacinto Wilderness and Round Valley’s Gooseberry site delivered everything an outdoor enthusiast could want: pristine trails, incredible pine-scented air, and raw wilderness beauty. Just never forget that nature can bite hard if you let your guard down. Pack your layers, bring your essentials, respect the mountain, and you will have an unforgettable journey.
Rating: 5 out of 5 Stars— Highly Recommended by the Hitched4fun.com crew!
Kimberly E.ScoutBear Lake
Exceptional camping experience. Beautiful, secluded, but not far from town. Would recommend a vehicle you feel comfortable with off roading terrain.
Hans V.RangerSouth Ridge Yellow Post Sites
The first two spots are close together. First one a bit small but better cover from Santa Anna winds. Nicely in the forest and close to the village.
- SSonali U.Traveler
Caravan Mobile Home Park
If it’s there, I missed it.
I went there to see, before making a reservation. I found the trailer park—maybe 100 old mobile homes—but I never found an RV park. I didn’t see anything to see. The “pool” was empty. The office was locked, and it wasn’t lunch. Just kinda not happening. I left a message to call me with the answering service, but I never got a call back.
- SSonali U.Traveler
Orangeland RV Park
Nice place
Well maintained, nice folks, pleasant to talk with. I stayed there 2 months, and enjoyed it.
Guide to Lake Arrowhead
Camping options near Lake Arrowhead range from full-service sites to remote backcountry locations within the San Bernardino National Forest. At 5,100 feet elevation, this mountain region experiences distinct seasons with summer temperatures averaging 80°F during day and dropping to 50°F at night. Many campgrounds remain open year-round despite winter snow conditions that can affect accessibility.
What to Do
Hiking the Exploration Trail: The trail system near Keller Peak offers various difficulty levels for day hikers. "There are a lot of great sites surrounded by trees in the middle of the campground where we stayed. The upper sites don't seem to have as much shade as they are at the top of the hill. There are even a couple small hiking trails within the campground for some fun exploration," notes Troy L. from Dogwood Campground.
Fishing at Green Valley Lake: Purchase a day pass to fish this stocked lake just minutes from camping areas. "The town is very small and cute. The lake is very clean and has a lot of fish. It is privately owned so you do have to pay to fish or swim, and you pay per person, so keep that in mind if you have a large group," shares Aleena S. about Green Valley Lake Recreation Area.
Mountain Biking: Trail systems accommodate various skill levels with interconnected routes. "The Pct is near by and has a couple of trails right there. Campsites are pretty spaced out and have a bit of privacy," writes Morgan F. about Hanna Flat Campground.
What Campers Like
Bear Boxes at Sites: Food storage safety is provided at many established campgrounds. "Each campsite has a bear box to store food. The restrooms are clean with flush toilets, along with soap and water sinks. There are many areas with water stations to fill up your containers," explains Shuree F. from Dogwood Campground.
Site Privacy: Many campgrounds offer good separation between sites despite being established facilities. "The campsites are within a forest, so they provide a lot of shade. The campgrounds are spacious and restrooms and water are nearby each site. Each campsite has a fire pit and a bench," notes Joe G. about Dogwood Campground.
Yellow Post Camping: These free, dispersed sites offer solitude but fill quickly. "I almost want to give this a 1 star review, just to keep it to myself a little longer. We loved this yellow post site, by far one of my favorites. Private but with cell service, tables and fire pits! Listen to great horned owls while taking in the views!" shares Chelsea R. about Thomas Hunting Grounds.
What You Should Know
Winter Conditions: Freezing temperatures affect facilities even in late fall. "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," reports Nicole W. from Serrano Campground.
Fire Restrictions: Regulations vary seasonally and by location. "They have fire rings but fires are not always permitted so be sure to check with the station just at the bottom of Keller Peak road," advises Kristil C. about Keller Peak Yellow Post sites.
Campsite Selection: Site quality varies significantly even within the same campground. "We were initially in a spot that was virtually unable to accommodate our 24' trailer but luckily someone had canceled and we moved to a better location. I guess some folks don't mind having neighbors 3 feet apart but for us we prefer more distance," explains Greg about Skypark Camp RV Resort.
Tips for Camping with Families
Bike-Friendly Options: Several campgrounds offer safe cycling opportunities. "We loved camping here. Beautiful, pristine campground with bike trails/walking paths around the lake. The town is bike friendly. Some road noise but quiet over night," notes Trey T. about Serrano Campground.
Splash Zones: Water recreation options exist beyond Lake Arrowhead itself. "Great tent camping facilities, privacy from neighbors, access to Zanja Peak Trail head, 3 lakes for fishing, water park during the summer, and friendly helpful staff," describes Bryan H. about Yucaipa Regional Park.
Wildlife Education: Look for interpretive programs at visitor centers. "Hike up to the watch tower and check out all the hummingbirds! This is yellow post camping so it's hit or miss if you can get one. Do your homework and learn what you need to know ahead of time - esp regarding fires," recommends Kate W. about Keller Peak sites.
Tips from RVers
Hookup Availability: Sites with services are limited and require advance booking. "We used an electric site which is integrated with tent and nonelectric sites. I drive a 19 foot RV van which backed up easily into our campsite, and had plenty of room to spare," shares Shuree F. about Dogwood Campground.
Road Conditions: Access to dog friendly campgrounds near Lake Arrowhead can be challenging for larger vehicles. "Need high clearance or 4wd vehicle for a rough road but once you get to the top, the sites are great! Limited shade during middle of day but well worth the trip," advises Steve about Thomas Hunting Grounds.
Site Leveling: Many mountain campgrounds have uneven terrain. "The parking spots are a bit small in some campsites. Each site included a table, fire ring and bear safe locker. Each site was spread out and lots of space for 2-4 tents," reports Manny D. about Hanna Flat Campground.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dog-friendly
campsite near Lake Arrowhead, CA?
Which is the most popular dog-friendly campsite near Lake Arrowhead, CA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near Lake Arrowhead, CA is Dogwood with a 4.7-star rating from 33 reviews.
What is the best site to find
dog-friendly camping near
Lake Arrowhead, CA?
What is the best site to find dog-friendly camping near Lake Arrowhead, CA?
TheDyrt.com has all 243 dog-friendly camping locations near Lake Arrowhead, CA, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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