Dog-Friendly Camping in the Inland Empire and San Bernardino Mountains
The Inland Empire doesn’t get much camping love in the usual roundups, which is a mistake. The San Bernardino Mountains sit 90 minutes from most of Southern California, and the range from lakeside USFS campgrounds to free dispersed camping means there’s an option for every budget and comfort level. Here’s where to go, what the dog rules actually are, and when to show up.
Serrano Campground at Big Bear Lake
Serrano is the most popular campground at Big Bear, and for good reason: it sits directly on the north shore of Big Bear Lake with 132 sites, flush toilets, hot showers, and a short walk to the water. It’s run by the U.S. Forest Service and reservable through Recreation.gov.
Dogs must be leashed (six-foot maximum) and attended at all times. They’re allowed on the Alpine Pedal Path, a paved trail that follows the north shore, and on forest roads around the campground. They’re not allowed on most single-track trails in the San Bernardino National Forest — check the specific trail before heading out.
Sites run $30 to $40 per night depending on location. The campground typically opens in May and closes in October. Elevation is 6,800 feet, so nights are cold even in summer. Book early — weekends from June through August sell out months ahead.
Holcomb Valley: Free Dispersed Camping
If you want to skip the reservation system and the fees, Holcomb Valley is the move. This area north of Big Bear Lake offers dispersed camping along dirt forest roads — no reservations, no facilities, no cost. You pick a spot, set up, and leave it cleaner than you found it…