California
BLM Holcomb Valley Dispersed Area
Dispersed Camping
Holcomb Valley sits at 8,400 feet elevation in the San Bernardino National Forest, offering dozens of dispersed sites scattered across open meadows and granite outcroppings. Sites range from pull-through spots for big rigs to tucked-away alcoves for smaller setups. The area gets busy on summer weekends but empties midweek. Fire restrictions typically run May through October.
Access via Holcomb Valley Road (Forest Service Road 2N09) from Big Bear Lake — 6 miles of decent gravel suitable for most vehicles. The road can be rough after storms and is often snowed in November through April. No facilities except for a few established fire rings at popular spots.
High-altitude granite camping in the San Bernardinos
Place Details
| Type | Dispersed Camping |
|---|---|
| Elevation (ft) | 8400 ft |
| Nearest town | Big Bear Lake, CA |
| Miles from pavement | 6 mi |
| Minimum vehicle | High-clearance 2WD |
| Access road surface | Gravel |
| Cell service | Spotty |
| Capacity (# of rigs) | 30 rigs |
| Cost (USD/night, 0 = free) | Free |
| Reservation required | No |
| Stay limit (nights) | 14 nights |
| Best season | May-October |
| Land manager | USFS |
| Permit required | No |
| Amenities | Fire ring |
| Coordinates | Open directions |
| Find on Google | Search on Google → |