Holcomb Valley Campground

Star4.39
107 reviews
Peace & QuietStargazing

Quick Facts

7,379 ft

Price

$23/night

Booking

First-Come

Sites

19 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

No Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Opens U.S. Forest Service site

Official Website
Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026
Holcomb Valley Campground
$23.00 - $23.00 / night
Campsite Fees
The fee for a single-family campsite is $23 per night, collected on a first-come, first-served basis. Reviews confirm these fees and note extra...
Show more
Standard Site Fee$23.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

Get Notified When Available

We'll monitor this campground and alert you the moment sites become available.

Free with account · Checks every 2 minutes

150,000+ sites monitored · Email, SMS, or in-app notifications

Share this campground
Recreation Dot Gov
Provider
Help improve this page
See something outdated or incorrect? Let us know!

What Campers Say

4.39

Recommended

Based on 107 reviews

132 Google reviews

Most mentioned

quietpeacefulcleanspacious

"Overall, visitors rate Holcomb Valley Campground highly for its peaceful atmosphere, spacious sites, and natural beauty. Many appreciate the presence of a helpful campground host and the cleanliness of the facilities. A few complaints focus on the unpaved access roads and occasional issues with host communication."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

Holcomb Valley Campground

34.3026, -116.8959

Driving directionsDirections from Redlands: Take I-10 East to Redlands. Take the University Street exit, EXIT 80. Turn left (northbound) on University Street. Turn right onto E. Lugonia Avenue/SR-38. Continue on State Highway 38 into Big Bear City, to E. Big Bear Blvd. Turn left onto E. Big Bear Blvd./SR-38. Turn right onto Greenway Drive/CA-18/SR-38. Turn left onto North Shore Drive, SR-38. Continue on North Shore Drive/Hwy 38 until you reach the Van Dusen Canyon Road, Forest Service Road 3N09. Make a right hand turn on Van Dusen Canyon Road. Continue on the Forest Service Road 3N09 for approximately 4 miles. Make a left on Forest Service Road 3N16. Holcomb Valley Campground will be located on the right. Directions from San Bernardino: Take I-10 East to San Bernardino. Merge onto CA-210 W via Exit 77 toward CA-330/Highland. Merge onto CA-330 N via Exit 81 toward Mtn Resorts. CA-330 N becomes CA-18 in the town of Running Springs. Take CA-18 to Big Bear. At the Dam/Bridge, turn left onto CA-38 at the signal light towards Fawnskin. Continue on North Shore Drive/CA-38 through Fawnskin. Continue on North Shore Drive/Hwy 38 until you reach the Van Dusen Canyon Road, Forest Service Road 3N09. Make a left hand turn on Van Dusen Canyon Road. Continue on the Forest Service Road 3N09 for approximately 4 miles. Make a left on Forest Service Road 3N16. Holcomb Valley Campground will be located on the right. Winter Access: For winter access take Polique Canyon Road when Van Dusen Canyon Road is closed for winter. From Fawnskin, continue on North Shoe Drive/Hwy 38 to Polique Canyon Road. Make a left, Polique Canyon Road becomes Forest Service Road 2N09. Continue on 2N09 for approximately 4 miles. Make a right hand turn (east) on 3N16 for ¾ of a mile. Holcomb Valley Campground will be on your left hand side.
Access to the campground is via dirt roads (Forest Service Road 3N09 and 3N16). The roads can be steep and narrow at certain points, making high-clearance vehicles or 4x4s preferable during inclement weather. Some reviews mention sedans getting stuck on the road during muddy or snowy conditions.
Nearby places
Big Bear Lake (~5 miles, ~20 minutes by vehicle)
Nearby supplies
Big Bear City (~20-30 minutes from the campground) offers grocery stores and other essential supplies. Multiple reviews mention Big Bear City as a convenient location for resupply trips.

Best Time to Camp at Holcomb Valley Campground

Experience the full drama of mountain weather at Holcomb Valley, where each season paints the landscape with its own unique palette. Winter nights whisper with temperatures dipping to a crisp 35°F, occasionally dusting the pines with fresh snow that transforms the campground into a quiet winter retreat. Summer brings gentle relief with comfortable 50°F afternoons perfect for hiking and exploration. Spring and fall serve as transitional masterpieces, though adventurous campers should prepare for muddy roads as melting snow and seasonal rains reshape the dirt access routes into challenging but rewarding paths to paradise.

Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.0 / 5

Peak season mid-May–Oct; great hiking and views though summer weekends can be busy.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.0 / 5

Moderate temperatures and fewer crowds make fall appealing for visits.

Best
Spring(Mar-May)
4.0 / 5

Spring wildflowers and milder temps with fewer crowds make this season attractive.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
3.0 / 5

Open year-round; winter camping is quieter but road access may be limited and conditions variable.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: Mid-May through October is peak season, with a campground host available during this period.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Open year-round. However, road access may be limited in winter due to conditions; contact the Big Bear Discovery Center for updates.
  • Current Alerts: Road conditions may vary, especially during winter months. Contact the Big Bear Discovery Center for current updates.

About Holcomb Valley Campground

Tucked away in the pine-scented heights just 5 miles north of Big Bear Lake, Holcomb Valley Campground offers an intimate escape with 19 thoughtfully spaced single-family sites. This hidden gem rewards adventurous souls who navigate the winding dirt roads with a peaceful mountain sanctuary. Each site comes equipped with the essentials for memorable nights under the stars: sturdy picnic tables for sunset dinners, fire rings for evening gatherings, secure bear boxes for peace of mind, and well-maintained vault toilets. While the campground welcomes visitors year-round, winter explorers should come prepared for potentially challenging road conditions as snow transforms this mountain retreat into a wonderland.
Holcomb Valley Campground is well-suited for tent and small RV camping. The sites are spacious, allowing multiple tents, and provide a rustic and natural experience.
Advertisement

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers
Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Check-in
Check-in is available throughout the day on a first-come, first-served basis.
Check-out
Check-out occurs during the morning hours (exact time not specified).
Stay Limit
Maximum 14 days per stay.

Amenities available

Fire rings
Food storage lockers
Picnic tables
Firewood available
Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

Visitors enjoy a variety of activities at Holcomb Valley Campground, including hiking, off-roading, wildlife viewing, and stargazing. The remote location allows for quiet and peaceful experiences away from crowds, and the lack of light pollution makes it an excellent spot for astronomy enthusiasts.
HikingNumerous hiking trails are nearby, catering to outdoor enthusiasts. The trails are accessible from the campground and offer scenic views of the mountains and surrounding areas.
BikingThe area is suitable for mountain biking, and some trails are shared with off-road vehicles. Caution is advised when biking near blind corners.
Wildlife viewingThe campground is an excellent spot for watching wildlife and enjoying the serenity of nature. Visitors have also described it as a great place for stargazing.
Winter Activities
Water Sports
Advertisement

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsPotential hazards include snow and mud on access roads during winter and rainy seasons. Wildlife, including bears, may be present; food must be stored in bear boxes provided at each site.
Active AlertsRoad conditions may vary, especially during winter months. Contact the Big Bear Discovery Center for current updates.
No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.
No Cell ServiceCell phone service is not available at this campground. Plan accordingly for emergencies and download offline maps before arriving.
Food Storage RequiredBear-proof storage lockers are provided at each site to safeguard food and other items.

Weather at Holcomb Valley Campground

Reviews

4.4
107 reviews
Recommended
Recommended
Holcomb Valley Campground is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews
Overall, visitors rate Holcomb Valley Campground highly for its peaceful atmosphere, spacious sites, and natural beauty. Many appreciate the presence of a helpful campground host and the cleanliness of the facilities. A few complaints focus on the unpaved access roads and occasional issues with host communication.
Review Summaries
Based on 107 reviews

What Campers Love

Spacious campsites, clean vault toilets, friendly and helpful hosts, peaceful and quiet atmosphere, stargazing opportunities, dog-friendly, and proximity to hiking trails.
Based on 107 reviews

Common Concerns

No drinking water, challenging unpaved roads, occasional issues with host availability, and strict enforcement of first-come, first-serve site assignments.
Based on 107 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Bring your own water and firewood if possible. High-clearance or 4x4 vehicles are recommended for easier access. Arrive early to secure a site, especially on weekends. Avoid camping near the vault...
Show more
Based on 107 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Winter camping is quieter and more isolated, but road conditions can be difficult. Summer weekends are busy, and sites fill up quickly. Spring and fall offer moderate temperatures and fewer crowds.
Based on 107 reviews

Camper Quotes

"Most amazing drive up the hill." - Timothy Thompson; "Great campground with large camp spots. Each space comes with one dedicated parking spot." - Amy Beall; "Awesome for winter camping." - Garen...
Show more
Based on 107 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site #7 is noted for being roomy and level with plenty of sunshine. Sites closer to the meadows are highly recommended for their scenic views.
Based on 107 reviews

Accessibility Features

No explicit accessibility features are mentioned. The unpaved and narrow roads may make it challenging for visitors with mobility restrictions.
Based on 107 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

The campground is very dog-friendly. Visitors frequently mention bringing their pets and enjoying the accommodating environment.
Based on 107 reviews

0
0 review
1
2
3
4
5

Add your voice to the Outdoorithm community

Been to Holcomb Valley Campground? Your review helps fellow campers discover what makes this place special—and what to expect.


Last updated January 5, 2026
Advertisement

Nearby Campgrounds

Campgrounds you may also like

Popular campgrounds in California

Campgrounds
San Bernardino National Forest
Holcomb Valley Campground