If you live in Southern California, Dogwood Campground in the San Bernardino National Forest is the perfect getaway.
Looking for a one-night adventure in nature? A week-long escape? Seeking solitude or craving connection? Dogwood Campground makes enjoying the outdoors simple—like, really simple. It’s the kind of place that quietly whispers, “Take a breath. Stay awhile.”
The drive from Orange County is about 70 miles, which sounds like a lot until you realize that’s just an hour and fifteen minutes. That’s less time than it takes to watch an episode of Succession with all the bathroom breaks. But this isn’t about screen time; it’s about green time.
As I made the ascent along CA-18, also known as Rim of the World Highway (because, yes, the views are that dramatic), there were countless spots to pull over and let the scenery sink in. Rim of the World Viewpoint. Panorama Point. The Donald S. Wieman Vista Point. Each name sounds like it belongs on a postcard, but they’re even better in person. I rolled the windows down, letting the cool mountain breeze replace the stale air of my overused AC. The scent of pine trees and Western Juniper hit me like a nostalgic wave—a sensory time machine back to childhood camping trips with my family.
I could almost hear REO Speedwagon crackling through the old speakers of my mom's baby blue Toyota 4Runner. I’d be in the backseat, forehead pressed against the glass, daydreaming about adventures yet to come. Those were simpler days, but here’s the thing: simplicity isn’t just for the past. You can find it again. Right here.
This trip wasn’t just a getaway. It was an antidote to months of apartment-induced cabin fever, an overdue reconnection with one of my good friends, Andrew, and a much-needed reset button for my soul. Nature has a way of doing that, doesn’t it? It strips away the noise, the to-do lists, the “what ifs,” and leaves you with nothing but the essentials—good company, fresh air, and the kind of quiet that fills you up instead of leaving you empty.
Dogwood Campground is tucked away 20 miles northeast of San Bernardino, just a mile from the small town of Rimforest. But once you drive into the heavily wooded grounds, it feels like you've crossed into another universe—one where Wi-Fi signals are weak, but the connection to everything that matters is strong. With 87 large, reservable sites for both tent camping and RVs, it's got the kind of space that makes you feel both small and expansive all at once.
Amenities? Oh, they've got you covered. Camp hosts who know the lay of the land. A dump station (because real camping comes with real responsibilities). RV hookups for the glampers. Fire rings perfect for marshmallow sacrifices. Firewood sales because, let’s face it, not all of us are expert foragers. Plus, interpretive trails, picnic tables, showers, and restrooms—because even the wild at heart appreciate a good flush.
Andrew and I arrived around 2 p.m., check-in time, having driven up separately—two city dwellers answering the same call of the wild. Setting up camp was its own little ritual: stakes in the ground, tarps unrolled, tents rising like nylon castles. Then it was time to explore. We hit the Dogwood and Enchanted Loop Trails, both under a mile, both peaceful little pathways weaving through towering trees. Short hikes, big impact. There’s something magical about being dwarfed by nature, realizing that the world doesn’t revolve around your inbox.
Back at camp, we cracked open a couple of ice-cold IPAs, the kind that taste better simply because you're outside. Ben Howard strummed softly from the portable speaker, his melodies blending with the rustle of leaves and the occasional crackle of our campfire. Andrew manned the grill, flipping burgers with the kind of precision usually reserved for Sunday brunch chefs. Meanwhile, I tended to the fire like it was an old friend—adding logs, poking embers, watching sparks rise and disappear into the dusk.
The highlight? Easy. Sitting around that fire as the night wrapped its cool arms around us. Stars blinked awake in the ink-black sky, indifferent to our presence yet somehow part of our story. We swapped tales, some true, some exaggerated (because that’s half the fun), and let the simplicity of it all soak in. No notifications. No background noise. Just laughter, stories, and the primal comfort of flickering flames.
Dogwood Campground isn’t just a place; it’s a feeling. It’s where adventure seekers and first-time campers find common ground—literally and metaphorically. Whether you're chasing solitude, sharing s'mores with friends, or rediscovering the version of yourself that isn’t tethered to a charging cable, this spot delivers.
We stayed at Site 008, but honestly, any site here feels like the right one. Want to experience it for yourself? Make your reservations [here]. Pack light, breathe deep, and let nature surprise you.
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