Serrano Campground sits on the north shore of Big Bear Lake in the San Bernardino mountains, about 2 miles east of Fawnskin. The campground has 93 single sites and 16 double sites spread across the property, giving you decent options depending on how much space you need for your setup and your dog.

The location is genuinely useful for exploring the area. You’re right on the water with easy access to Big Bear Lake itself, and the surrounding trails offer legitimate hiking and mountain biking opportunities. If your dog enjoys water, you can bring them down to the lake—though you’ll want to check current regulations about where they’re allowed. The campground is well-positioned as a base if you want to tackle some of the longer trails in the San Bernardino National Forest without having to drive all over the mountains each day.

When we camped here, the sites felt reasonably spaced out, which matters when you have a dog who likes to bark. You get a genuine camping experience rather than feeling packed in with neighbors. The elevation means cooler nights even in summer, which is a relief when you’re dealing with a dog who struggles in heat. Mornings are quiet, and the dog-friendly atmosphere means you’ll see other people traveling with their dogs without it feeling like a zoo.

One real advantage: since this is an established Forest Service campground rather than a private operation, the rules tend to be straightforward and consistent. Your dog needs to stay on leash in the campground itself, but that’s standard for most places. The nearby trails leading into the forest are where you get more freedom, and they’re genuinely scenic without requiring technical skills or scrambling.

Sites fill up fast during summer weekends, so plan ahead if you’re heading up during peak season. The campground typically opens in May and operates through October, depending on weather and snow conditions.