Holcomb Valley Campground

About

Holcomb Valley Campground is a rustic 19-site campground nestled in the mountains north of Big Bear Lake within the San Bernardino National Forest. Situated at the end of Forest Service Road 3N16, the campground provides a quieter alternative to the more developed sites around the lake while still offering essential amenities including vault toilets, bear boxes, and fire rings at each site. Each family campsite accommodates up to 8 people with a picnic table and fire ring. Campers must bring their own water as none is available on-site. Wood and charcoal fires are permitted in the provided fire rings, though gas and propane appliances require a valid California Campfire Permit. A campground host is present from mid-May through October. Access is via dirt Forest Service roads, and while the campground is technically open year-round, vehicle access depends on road conditions. During winter, Van Dusen Canyon Road may close, requiring alternate access via Polique Canyon Road. Contact the Big Bear Discovery Center for current road conditions before your trip.

Directions

From San Bernardino: Take CA-210 W to CA-330 N toward mountain resorts. CA-330 becomes CA-18 in Running Springs. Take CA-18 to Big Bear. At the Dam/Bridge, turn left onto CA-38 toward Fawnskin. Continue through Fawnskin on North Shore Drive/CA-38 until Van Dusen Canyon Road (FS Road 3N09). Turn left and continue approximately 4 miles. Turn left on FS Road 3N16. Campground is on the right. Winter access: Use Polique Canyon Road when Van Dusen Canyon Road is closed.