The best dog-friendly RV parks near Big Bear Lake, California

If you're looking to go camping with your pets near Big Bear Lake, California, Hipcamp has over 3000 RV options to choose from. The average price per night is $40, with options as low as $5. Some of the top campsites include Down-to-Earth Ecoshire (552 reviews), Lovelight Ranch (532 reviews), and Magical Harrison Serenity Ranch (518 reviews). Popular amenities include campfires, showers, and the ability to bring your pets along for the adventure. For activities, you can go horseback riding, surfing, or climbing.

94% (5K) • 516 campsites

Top-rated campgrounds near Big Bear Lake

If you're looking to go camping with your pets near Big Bear Lake, California, Hipcamp has over 3000 RV options to choose from. The average price per night is $40, with options as low as $5. Some of the top campsites include Down-to-Earth Ecoshire (552 reviews), Lovelight Ranch (532 reviews), and Magical Harrison Serenity Ranch (518 reviews). Popular amenities include campfires, showers, and the ability to bring your pets along for the adventure. For activities, you can go horseback riding, surfing, or climbing.

94% (5K) • 516 campsites

Top-rated campgrounds near Big Bear Lake

1. Private 40 Acre Primitive Camp

94%

(54)

39mi from Big Bear Lake · 2 sites · Tents, RVs

**PLAN TO ARRIVE BEFORE DARK UNLESS YOU KNOW YOUR WAY AROUND THE DESERT.** EXPERIENCED ADVENTURERS AND THEIR DOGGIE COMPANIONS ONLY! THIS IS THE WILD WEST. THERE ARE NO LIGHTED PATHS. THIS IS A REMOTE CAMPSITE. THE IDEA IS TO GET OUT INTO NATURE WITHOUT LIGHT POLLUTION! PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE do not book this campground if you have trouble reading maps and/or cutting and pasting GPS coordinates into google maps or equivalent. We'd LOVE to host you, but we just find being upfront about this property is best for all of us. NO TOILETS, NO WATER, NO ELECTRIC.... just YOU in all your magnificence, a beautiful wooden deck, a stone fire place, large wooden picnic table and maybe your family, friends and doggie pals. Mar and I visited 44 properties when deciding on land to buy in Joshua Tree in 2020. This one was hands down the most beautiful. We love the mixture of privacy, access to magnificent hiking and wildlife interactions... all while remaining with good cell coverage and close to downtown JT and the national park! Learn more about this land: Primitive camping at the base of Copper Mountain in Joshua Tree, California. Total Seclusion: Private 40 acres wilderness camping and/or event space. YOU ARE RENTING THE ENTIRE PROPERTY. OFF-LEASH ANIMAL FRIENDLY! We love your animal companions and understand they are family. They do not need to be leashed on our property... they can roam FREE! (Just please pick up after them so we can keep this policy in place!) If you want privacy, this is your (very large) spot. You will have 40 acres to enjoy. Bordering the 40 acres, our “neighbors” are three large empty lots and government land with no structures. We are located at the base of Copper Mountain.  The soil here is very special. It has a magical mixture of inorganic materials, like crystals and metals, that have eroded down from Copper Mountain, mixed in a matrix of organic material, like grasses that have been made into a fine powder. The result is a natural landscape of orgone generating dirt. You can feel the energy here. There are plenty of dirt roads around the property for casual strolls and mountain biking... or take a short climb up the sandy incline at the back of the property and panoramic views of Joshua Tree await. This listing is not for the inexperienced camper! Please pack in, pack out all your trash and leave no trace besides footsteps. You will have access to a 12 foot (!!) handcrafted solid wood picnic table, handmade stone fire ring and brand new 24x12 foot wooden deck. VERY IMPORTANT: You must have a self-contained toilet system. Please pack out all your own waste. You will also need to bring your own WATER. Thank you!  4-wheel drive highly recommended but regular cars, RVs, Airstreams have previously gotten to PRIVATE 40 by taking it slow and easy with extra care. If you do get stuck (it NEVER happened before, but just in case)... you will need to call your own towing company. So please be mindful and understand your vehicle's limits. Wake at dawn to see the jackrabbits and listen to the coyotes howl as you fall asleep. Baby quail all in a line may entertain you. The starry nights are glorious here with clear skies most of the time and a lot less light pollution in the desert compared to the cities. Also, we have no surrounding street lamps! Most will find they have good cell service at our location. #NoPowerLines at our property makes for a real wilderness feel, even though we are very close to nearby points of interest. We are VERY centrally located for maximum enjoyment of the surrounding areas.  Distances from PRIVATE 40 Acre Camp by car:  Rt. 62: 8 minute drive Downtown Joshua Tree/Saturday Farmers Market: 11 minutes Joshua Tree National Park (Joshua Tree entrance): 19 mins Downtown Twentynine Palms: 18 mins Joshua Tree National Park (Twentynine Palms entrance): 23 mins Indian Cove: 16 mins PioneerTown: 29 mins Remember, this is the desert and conditions change rapidly. Please take a look at the local forecast and also plan for unexpected weather events. Strong winds, high temps, low temps... anything is possible out here in the wilderness. When you park your vehicle, we recommend using it as a wind break when possible. Noise disclosures: sometimes, especially on weekends, you may hear music and party noise from the nearby Bureau of Land Management lands. There is also a military base on the other side of mountain and you may hear them firing. Enjoy the fun from the privacy PRIVATE 40 Camp. We, Amanda and Mario, and our property manager, the delightful Liv, are so happy to be your hosts. Yoga retreats and musical events may be possible. Please inquire.

2. Riverview Ranch

100%

(2)

35mi from Big Bear Lake · 4 sites · Tents, RVs

Spacious, Shaded Stay Near Mt. Rubidoux — Tents, RVs & Onsite RV Rentals Looking for a spacious, private spot to relax, explore, or celebrate with your group? Our property offers a peaceful retreat just minutes from the heart of Riverside, CA. Nestled near Mt. Rubidoux Park and only 15 minutes from the iconic Mission Inn, it’s the perfect location for both nature lovers and city explorers. We welcome all kinds of stays: bring your tent, park your RV, or choose one of our onsite RVs for rent. There’s plenty of flat, open space for parking, with the option to park under a large covered garage for extra shade and comfort. Enjoy access to clean bathrooms and hot showers, plus electricity and water hookups at various points across the property. Gather around the communal firepit in the evenings and relax under the stars. 🌿 Why You’ll Love It Here: • Shaded by mature trees to keep your spot cool and comfortable • Great for group gatherings or special celebrations • Quiet, private atmosphere ideal for relaxation • Mt. Rubidoux hiking trails and city attractions just minutes away • Family-friendly and pet-friendly Whether you’re just passing through or planning a group getaway, this is the perfect basecamp for your Southern California adventure.

3. Shadow Hills RV Resort

75%

(6)

49mi from Big Bear Lake · 149 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging

Shadow Hills RV Resort is one of the Palm Springs area’s Best RV Resorts Featuring full RV hookups, heated pool, jacuzzi, ponds, walking trails, fitness center, wifi, cable, dog parks and the “Desert Oasis” glamping grounds with vintage trailers and teepees, all inside a secure gated community. Located just off the I-10 interstate at Jefferson St. in Indio California, Shadow Hills RV Resort is top rated on TripAdvisor, Google, Yelp, Facebook and AirBnB. Shadow Hills RV Resort is one of the Palm Springs area’s Best RV Resorts.

4. No Pants Ranch

18mi from Big Bear Lake · 65 sites · Tents, RVs

Peaceful, clothing-optional property in the mountains of the high desert. Family-friendly camp area and main trailhead are separate from the clothing-optional camp area. Roam freely on over 100 acres of rural, off-the-grid property and follow the trail down to the famous Deep Creek Hot Springs. Textile-free areas are separate from the trailhead campsites. We are very open-minded and welcome respectful guests of any gender, religion, or sexual orientation. Sex-positive, self-positive, LGBTQ-friendly, dog-friendly, nudist, and naturist guests are all welcome.

5. Cassie’s Candlelight Campsite

100%

(15)

33mi from Big Bear Lake · 4 sites · Tents, RVs

I have a very private campsite that is off grid. There’s an outhouse with a camping toilet, a large deck to lounge and watch the sun rise or set. You can pitch a tent on the deck or on several cleared spots on the ground. JT national park is a 15 minute drive and there’s a corner mart nearby. You can use the trampoline, there’s a fire pit (bring your own firewood), and please bring your own camping chairs, water, toilet paper/wipes and you must dispose of your waste 🌞🌵🏜️ I previously offered the cabin for guests to stay in but it is no longer available.

Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community

M

Mauro

December 2025

19 ft campervan

2 nights at Riverview Ranch

We felt very welcome throughout the days we stayed with our rented campervan. The site is well situated and quiet and the hosts do really make you feel at home. A place to remember and hopefully to visit again. Thanks Fatima and Elden. Greetings from Spain, Nick and Anne

A

Adrian

November 2025

20 ft Class B

With pets

Weekend Trip to Private 40 Acre Primitive Camp

My family had a great time camping here. It was awesome being secluded and having so much space to ourselves, but nice to be close enough to town if we needed any supplies. There are others camping in the distance on BLM land and you can hear people riding ATV’s in the background, but it was not a bother at all. Having the deck was really nice, as well as the picnic table. We also made good use of the fireplace. We will definitely come back.

Yoga on the deck anyone? Or maybe a talent show? Who's got the acoustic guitar?

E

Eva

November 2025

Tent

With pets

2 nights at Private 40 Acre Primitive Camp

Spacious and clean :) We had a wonderful time! The picnic table was perfect for thanksgiving.

H

Henry

November 2025

Tent

Group trip

2 nights at Private 40 Acre Primitive Camp

10/10 best camp site I’ve ever been to. Fun to walk around, and nobody around but your family and the fire. Such an amazing veiw day and night.😄😄❤️

Troy

November 2025

21 ft travel trailer

3 nights at Private 40 Acre Primitive Camp

Location and hosts were amazing. I was looking for a place to get away from it all for a few days and this was a perfect fit. Any vehicle can get there. The sand is compacted enough. I pulled a 21’ travel trailer to the location with no issues. You do have BLM areas nearby but noise levels were low and at night no noise at all. You have an occasional person “lost” drive by but a non-issue. Plan on camping there again, it was an oasis for me and the dogs.

J

October 2025

24 ft Class C

Weekend Trip to Riverview Ranch

Extremely nice host had an excellent time. Would wholeheartedly recommend them went above and beyond for service and hospitality.

A

Acacia

October 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Cassie’s Candlelight Campsite

We loved our stay at Cassie’s! The property is out just far enough that you feel off the grid but you’re still pretty close to town and everything you might want to see while in JT! The deck was nice to have and the A-frame was great to sleep in to keep out of the wind. Cassie was so nice and made everything super easy. Hope to get to stay there again!

C

Carol

May 2025

Tent

With pets

2 nights at Private 40 Acre Primitive Camp

I've been to this Hipcamp several times and it never disappoints. I go there with my dog to hike. It's also great to star gaze on the beautiful deck. If you're planning a trip to JT I would highly recommend.

K

Kristy

April 2025

Tent

With pets

2 nights at Cassie’s Candlelight Campsite

Great spot! Would def stay here again! A frame was really cool to tent sleep in!

E

Erin

April 2025

Tent

With pets

2 nights at Cassie’s Candlelight Campsite

Perfect off-grid place! Close enough to the town and moments from the park. The A-frame was perfect for the high winds in the evening. It was great to have the kitchen set up on the deck! The dogs loved it. Quiet, private and easy to access.

B

Brittany

April 2025

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to Private 40 Acre Primitive Camp

We loved camping on Amanda and Mario’s property. We started our week off by checking out the Famers market in Joshua Tree and grabbing lunch in town. The instructions to find the property were very easy to follow and both Amanda and Mario responded quickly to our questions. The sun set views were gorgeous, and the star gazing was insane! Having the long picnic table and yoga platform was such a nice amenity to have during our stay. We would love to go back again and share the spot with friends!

s

sabryna

April 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Private 40 Acre Primitive Camp

Great campsite! Quiet, private, and beautiful views! Loved doing morning yoga out on the deck

G

Gabriella

April 2025

22 ft Class C

With pets

2 nights at Shadow Hills RV Resort

I booked two nights at Shadow Hill’s on a whim, just to get my bearings and figure out my next stay. I enjoyed my first night so much I decided to stay the full week. They have a variety of spots- grass, pavement, tent camping and trailers for rent. I got a sweet little spot near their pond and walking path - perfect for my dog’s early morning walk. The environment is charming - lots of chirping birds, the sounds of running water from the fountain, etc., and the grounds are nicely curated in the communal space. The stay also includes a pool, hot tub, workout and media rooms. Their bathrooms are a little dated, but clean and serve their purpose. And lastly, the staff is very friendly and helpful. For the price of booking, this is definitely a worthwhile stop.

M

Matthew

March 2025

28 ft pop-up camper

With pets

3 nights at Private 40 Acre Primitive Camp

This was a really good site. It so quiet and perfect for the weekend. Loved the platform so we could set up chairs on it. Would recommend to people that like to be secluded.

E

Emily

March 2025

20 ft campervan

1 night at Shadow Hills RV Resort

Super easy, super safe, super clean. To start off, the campsite texted us checkin instructions, gate codes, bathroom codes etc. it was wonderful because we checked in late. Our packet was waiting for us on the office billion board with a map that was very easy to follow. Hookups worked great. Our site was clean. The bathrooms were awesome and included shampoo, conditioner and soap. When we went to check out, they reminded us that since it was before 11, we could leave the trash at the site and they would collect it. 100% recommend this site.

Stephanie

February 2025

38 ft travel trailer

With pets

4 nights at Private 40 Acre Primitive Camp

Great open space. Was many ATV's around us but didn't really bother us. Noise was off in distance. Star gazing was amazing. One thing I would recommend is adding to directions when following coordinates when coming to fence go to the right of the fenced in area. Our GPS coordinates wanted to put to the left of fence.

E

Erik

February 2025

16 ft car

Weekend Trip to Private 40 Acre Primitive Camp

Clean spot, great fire pit. Host were quite responsive.

C

Carol

February 2025

Tent

2 nights at Private 40 Acre Primitive Camp

I've been here several times with my GSD. It was reasonably quiet (next to BLM land). And is private. Perfect environment to teach recall and get out that pent up energy. Hiking for as long as you desire.Your dog will be tired physically and mentally by the end of your stay.

L

Lucianna

February 2025

22 ft Class C

2 nights at Private 40 Acre Primitive Camp

extraordinary! ✨fully enjoyed the deck, loove the form of the campfire. sunset ❤️‍🔥 full moon 🙂‍↕️ birds flying. all to myself 🌈🌈🌈🧚🏽‍♀️

Dianne

January 2025

28 ft travel trailer

With pets

3 nights at Cassie’s Candlelight Campsite

We enjoyed the property in spite of some very high winds. I sat in the A-frame and soaked up the sun on my face and bare feet. Perfect temp out of the wind with a fabulous view. We hate being stacked up like cordwood next to other campers, so this secluded spot really spoke to us. Close enough to town to run in for supplies, but a world away from close neighbors. The World-Famous Crochet Museum is a hoot and of course Joshua Tree National Park is not to be missed.