Dogwood Campground
26898 Rim of the World Hwy, Rimforest, CA 92378
Overview
Located in San Bernardino National Forest east of I-10, Dogwood Campground offers 36 tent-only sites as well as 77 single sites and 5 double sites for tents or RVs. There is no group site. The campground is open from late April through late October.
Electric hookups are available for approximately 18 of the single mixed-use sites. A dump station and water stations are located within the campground. Other amenities include flush toilets, fire rings, bear boxes, and trash cans.
Dogs are allowed as long as they’re kept on a leash under 6 feet. There is a maximum of two pets per site.
Best Campsites at Dogwood Campground
Below are Power Camper’s recommended sites if you want to have the best experience at Dogwood Campground.
Most Private: Sites #021, #064, #070
- Close to drinking water
- More secluded compared to other sites
- Downside: farther from restrooms and trash
Closest to Amenities: Sites #061, #063, #069
- Next to water, trash, and restrooms
- Easy access to parking area
- Located on the far northern loop away from busier areas
Best for Groups: Site #50
- Double site that fits up to 16 campers
- Fits RVs up to 40 feet
- Extra distance from other nearby campsites
- Downside: farther from amenities
Unique Experiences
- In the colder months, challenge your loved ones to a sledding race or a snowball fight in one of the park’s Snow Play Areas for an afternoon of wholesome wintertime fun.
- Hit the 2-mile Bowen Ranch/Freedom Trail to reach the Deep Creek Hot Springs and relax in the clothing-optional natural springs.
- Visit the Heaps Peak arboretum to take in the lush botanical gardens, informative educational programs, and incredible views of the surrounding area.
Dogwood Campground Campground Rules
Max Trailer/RV Length
40 feetMax People per Site
8 (double sitesMax Vehicles per Site
2 (double sitesFires allowed?
Only in designated fire ringsPets allowed?
YesDogwood Campground Reservation Information
Reservations Allowed?
Reservations Required?
YesReservations are available online at www.recreation.gov or by phone at 1-877-444-6777. Single and tent-only sites without hookups are $37 per night ($39 on holidays). Double sites are $73 per night ($77 on holidays). Sites with electric hookups are $47 per night ($49 on holidays).
Single sites can accommodate up to 8 guests and 2 vehicles. Double sites can fit 16 guests and 4 vehicles. The maximum RV width can be as low as 20 feet or as high as 40 feet.
Ensure you have the following information to make a reservation:
- Park selections
- Date you wish to start camping
- Type and size of camping equipment
- Number of people that will occupy the campsite
- Number of nights you wish to camp
- Alternative park and camping date choices
- Your phone number and area code
- Method of payment/Credit card number and expiration date
- Mailing address
Group Camping Reservations
There is no designated group site at Dogwood Campground. Individual sites may be reserved in close proximity to form a shared space, but each reservation must be booked as a separate site.
Campsite Reservation Cancellations
Cancellations may be made through www.recreation.gov or by calling 1-877-444-6777. All cancellations will be charged a $10 fee. Reservations that are canceled the day before or on the day of arrival will forfeit the cost of one night’s stay in addition to the $10 fee.
Dogwood Campground Campground Cost
Single and tent-only sites without hookups
$37Double sites
$73Sites with electric hookups
$47Activities
Bike Trails
Hiking
Photography
Amenities
RV/Trailers
Hookups
Pull Through Spots
Pet Friendly
ADA Sites
Showers
Campfire Rings
Picnic Tables
Cell Service
Storage Lockers
Grills
Directions
FAQs
Nearby Campgrounds to Dogwood Campground
Dogwood Campground offers electric-only hookups for a limited number of sites and otherwise provides flush toilets, a dump station, and drinking water within the campground. Although there is a small number of double sites, there is no formal group site.
But at a rate of only $37 per night for single sites without hookups, the price is affordable for the offered amenities. For campers traveling on a budget, Dogwood is a cost-efficient option that provides beautiful forest scenery and access to nature without the expense of oceanfront campgrounds.
South Carlsbad State Beach
South Carlsbad is set by the ocean along the bluffs instead of in the forest like at Dogwood. The campground has over 200 sites, including those with full or double hookups. Inland sites are comparable to Dogwood’s pricing, but oceanfront sites are more expensive at $50 per night with the option to upgrade to hookups for an extra $25 per night.
Some guests may prefer the added convenience and comfort of hookups compared to Dogwood, especially for extended stays.
Carpinteria State Beach
Carpinteria State Beach is located by the ocean, which is a drastic change compared to the forest. The campground is much larger, with nearly 200 individual campsites and seven group sites that can fit up to 40 guests. Rates are $45 for sites without hookups or $70 with hookups, so campers should expect to pay more at Carpinteria. Smaller groups of under 16 people may prefer the cheaper options at Dogwood’s double sites.
Serrano Campground
Serrano Campground features over 100 sites for tents or RVs up to 40 feet. The forest environment is similar to Dogwood, and the amenities are generally comparable. Serrano offers water hookups while Dogwood does not, but both rely on dump stations instead of sewer connections. Serrano lacks double sites or group camping options, making Dogwood the better option for groups of over 8 people.
Pineknot Campground
Pineknot Campground is located in the same forest as Dogwood, so the two have similar surroundings. Pineknot has 47 mixed-use sites, but not all sites are level or clear compared to the paved sites at Dogwood. There are no hookups or dump stations at this location. Therefore, guests who prefer convenient sewer options will likely be happier staying at Dogwood.
