Pine Knot Campground sits at 6,900 feet in the San Bernardino mountains near Big Bear Lake, surrounded by thick stands of fir, pine, and oak trees that make the whole place feel like you’ve actually gotten away from things. The 47 campsites spread across the property work for both tents and RVs, and dogs are welcome on-leash throughout the campground, which means your dog can tag along to the fire ring in the evening or on any of the nearby hiking trails.

Each site comes with a picnic table and fire ring, the basics you need to settle in for a few days. The elevation keeps things cool even in summer, and the forest provides natural shade if you’re arriving during peak heat. You’ll see plenty of day-hikers passing through, which gives you a sense of how accessible the trails are from here. The campground draws a mix of families and solo travelers, all there for essentially the same reason—to spend time outside without driving hours from Southern California.

What makes this work well for dogs is that the campground doesn’t feel cramped. Sites have actual space between them, so your dog isn’t constantly nose-to-nose with neighbors. The forest floor absorbs the heat better than exposed ground, which matters if your dog’s paws are sensitive. There’s decent cell service in parts of the campground, which is helpful if you need to check weather or look up trail conditions. Big Bear Lake itself is close by if you want to explore what’s around the area, though the campground itself is the quieter option compared to the busier lakeside spots. Come prepared for cooler nights even in summer at this elevation, and bring layers if you’re camping in fall or spring.