Holcomb Valley Campground
Open
— Open year-round on a first-come, first-served basis. Winter access depends on road conditions; Polique Canyon Road provides an alternate route when Van Dusen Canyon Road is closed due to snow. Campground host on-site mid-May through October.
About
Located approximately 5 miles north of Big Bear Lake in the San Bernardino National Forest, Holcomb Valley Campground offers a peaceful mountain retreat in a Juniper/Pinyon forest setting. The campground features 19 single-family campsites, all available on a first-come, first-served basis with no advance reservations. Each site accommodates up to 8 people and includes a picnic table, fire ring, and bear box for food storage.
The campground is situated at approximately 7,500 feet elevation and is accessible via Forest Service Road 3N16. While officially open year-round, winter access is dependent on road conditions. During winter months, visitors may need to use the alternate Polique Canyon Road route when Van Dusen Canyon Road is closed due to snow. The campground is remote and visitors must bring their own water, as no potable water is available on-site.
A campground host is stationed on-site from mid-May through October to assist campers. Vault toilets are provided, and all trash must be packed out. An Adventure Pass is required for parking. The campground serves as an excellent base for exploring Holcomb Valley, with opportunities for OHV riding, hiking, and historical gold mining sites in the surrounding area.
Directions
From Fawnskin, continue on North Shore Drive/Highway 38 until you reach Van Dusen Canyon Road (Forest Service Road 3N09). Turn right on Van Dusen Canyon Road and continue for approximately 4 miles. Turn left on Forest Service Road 3N16; the campground will be on the right. For winter access when Van Dusen Canyon Road is closed, take Polique Canyon Road from Fawnskin. Turn left on Polique Canyon Road, which becomes Forest Service Road 2N09. Continue for approximately 4 miles, then turn right on 3N16 for 0.75 miles. Holcomb Valley Campground will be on the left.
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