North Shore Family Campground sits in a mixed oak and conifer forest about 23 miles northeast of San Bernardino, just 3 miles from Lake Arrowhead Village in the San Bernardino National Forest. It’s the kind of place where you actually feel removed from the city—tall trees, clean air, and the quiet that makes camping worthwhile.

The campground has 28 sites total. Six operate on a first-come, first-serve basis, while the other 22 require advance reservations. This mix means you could potentially grab a spot without planning months ahead, though the reservation sites give you security if you want to lock in your dates. The sites themselves are spaced reasonably well among the forest, so you’re not packed in with your neighbors.

Hiking is the main draw here, with trails winding through the San Bernardino National Forest directly from the campground. Fishing is solid too if you want to bring a rod and spend time at the water. The location puts you close enough to Lake Arrowhead Village that you can take your dog into town for dinner or shopping without a long drive, but far enough away that the campground itself stays quiet and removed.

Since North Shore is in a national forest, there are standard fire regulations and typically a 14-day stay limit, though you should verify current rules before heading up. The elevation keeps things cooler than San Bernardino, which matters if you’re camping during the warmer months. Bring layers though—nights in the mountains get genuinely cold even in summer.

Water and basic facilities are available at the campground. Cell service can be spotty depending on your provider, which is either a feature or a bug depending on what you’re looking for. If you’re hoping to truly disconnect and spend time outdoors with your dog, the lack of constant connectivity works in your favor.