Doble PCT Trail Camp

For California's dedicated hikers and outdoor enthusiasts, particularly those traversing the legendary Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) or exploring the vast wilderness of the San Bernardino National Forest, Doble PCT Trail Camp serves as an essential and often welcomed stop. Located amidst the scenic beauty near Big Bear, this trail camp offers a rustic yet vital resting point, providing basic amenities for weary travelers. It's a place where the grandeur of California's high-desert and mountainous landscapes meets the simple necessities of a backcountry overnight, making it a critical waypoint for those embracing the challenge and serenity of long-distance hiking.

Doble PCT Trail Camp is more than just a patch of ground; it's a designated haven for those undertaking the rigorous journey of the PCT or enjoying shorter section hikes in the Big Bear region. Its primary purpose is to offer fundamental support to hikers, ensuring they have a designated and somewhat equipped spot to rest, refuel, and prepare for the next leg of their adventure. The camp’s existence underscores the importance of well-placed facilities along extensive trails, contributing significantly to the safety and enjoyment of the outdoor community in Southern California.

The spirit of Doble PCT Trail Camp is deeply rooted in the ethos of the Pacific Crest Trail itself: self-reliance, appreciation for nature, and a community of shared experiences. While it doesn't boast the amenities of a full-service campground, its presence is profoundly appreciated by those who truly understand the needs of backcountry travel. The camp's design focuses on minimalist impact, encouraging Leave No Trace principles while still offering crucial infrastructure for a comfortable, albeit rugged, overnight stay.

For Californians, the accessibility of such a camp in the Big Bear area means that the iconic PCT and its surrounding wilderness are within reach for both ambitious thru-hikers and weekend backpackers. It represents a gateway to some of the state's most breathtaking high-altitude terrain, providing a valuable resource for locals eager to immerse themselves in California's diverse natural beauty. Doble PCT Trail Camp stands as a functional and integral part of the Southern California hiking experience, a testament to the region's commitment to supporting its outdoor adventurers.

Doble PCT Trail Camp is situated at 38698 Holcomb Valley Rd, Big Bear, CA 92314, USA. This location places it within the vast and beautiful San Bernardino National Forest, specifically in the high-desert and mountainous terrain surrounding Big Bear Lake. For PCT hikers, Doble Camp is positioned at approximately PCT Mile 268.6 northbound, making it a significant waypoint after the long ascent from Interstate 10 and the desert floor, and before reaching the more populated areas of Big Bear City for resupply or a break.

Access to Doble PCT Trail Camp typically involves driving on Holcomb Valley Road, which is a forest road that can vary in condition depending on the season and recent weather. While accessible by vehicle, especially during the summer months, it's important for visitors to be aware that the road may be unpaved in sections and conditions can change. For hikers, the camp is directly on the Pacific Crest Trail, offering straightforward foot access from either direction of the trail.

Its proximity to Big Bear Lake and Big Bear City means that Doble PCT Trail Camp, despite its rustic nature, is not entirely isolated. Hikers often use Big Bear as a resupply point or a place to take a "zero day" (a day with no hiking mileage). This makes the camp an excellent staging or recovery point for those planning longer treks or simply enjoying a weekend backpacking trip. For California locals, this accessibility allows for relatively easy reach into the backcountry, providing a convenient escape into the wilderness without requiring multi-day remote expeditions to get there. It serves as a vital access point for exploring the extensive network of hiking, biking, and off-roading trails that characterize the Big Bear region of the San Bernardino Mountains.

The location on Holcomb Valley Road also provides a gateway to other recreational opportunities in the area, including equestrian trails and various dispersed camping spots, adding to its versatility for local adventurers. While remote in feel, its managed access ensures that it remains a key resource for the PCT community and local outdoor enthusiasts alike.

Doble PCT Trail Camp is designed to provide essential, minimalist services for hikers and campers, focusing on functionality rather than extensive amenities. Based on publicly available information and typical trail camp setups, the following services are generally offered:

• Designated Tent Camping Areas: Provides clear, relatively flat spots suitable for pitching tents, minimizing impact on the surrounding environment.
• Vault Toilets (Pit Toilets): Basic, non-flushing toilet facilities are available to ensure proper waste disposal and maintain sanitation in a wilderness setting. Customer reviews indicate these are often well-maintained.
• Picnic Tables: At least one large picnic table is present, offering a convenient surface for food preparation, eating, or simply resting weary legs.
• Seasonal Water Source: A water spigot is typically available, though its functionality and availability are seasonal and subject to maintenance. Hikers are strongly advised to carry water filtration devices and check current water reports (like the PCT Water Report) as the water is non-potable directly from the source and its presence is not guaranteed, especially outside of peak seasons.
• Fire Rings (if permitted): While woodfires are often restricted in the Big Bear area, especially during dry seasons, designated areas for charcoal grilling or propane stoves may be available, subject to current fire regulations. Campers should always check local fire restrictions before planning to use any open flame.
• Equestrian Facilities (Potential): Given the nature of some trail camps in national forests, there may be corrals or water troughs for equestrian use, though this is less explicitly confirmed for Doble PCT Trail Camp itself.

Doble PCT Trail Camp, though primitive, offers several key features and highlights that make it a significant and valued stop for hikers and outdoor enthusiasts in the Big Bear region:

• Strategic PCT Location: Its primary highlight is its placement directly on the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT). This makes it an invaluable resting point for thru-hikers and section hikers needing a designated camp spot along this epic long-distance trail, especially given its location between more remote stretches and the town of Big Bear.
• Backcountry Experience: The camp offers a genuine backcountry camping experience. It provides basic necessities like toilets and a resting area without extensive development, allowing campers to immerse themselves in nature and enjoy the tranquility of the San Bernardino National Forest.
• Access to High-Desert Scenery: The surrounding area boasts stunning high-desert and mountainous landscapes. Hikers can enjoy expansive views, unique flora and fauna, and the distinct beauty of Southern California's rugged terrain.
• Proximity to Big Bear Lake Amenities: While rustic, the camp is close enough to Big Bear Lake and Big Bear City for hikers to easily access resupply points, restaurants, and other town amenities, making it a convenient stop for a break from the trail.
• Designated Rest Area with Picnic Table: The presence of a sturdy picnic table is a significant comfort for hikers, providing a clean surface to sort gear, prepare meals, and simply rest and enjoy the surroundings. As one reviewer noted, it's "nice for resting."
• Vault Toilet Availability: The presence of a pit toilet (vault toilet) is a crucial amenity for promoting sanitation and minimizing environmental impact in a high-use trail area. Even if not needed by every user, its availability is a responsible feature.
• Seasonal Water Source: While requiring maintenance and filtration, the seasonal water spigot is a vital resource. For weary hikers carrying heavy packs, any access to water, even if non-potable and intermittent, can be a lifesaver, allowing for refilling and hydration management.
• Gateway to Diverse Trails: Beyond the PCT, Doble Camp provides access to a network of other trails for day hikes or shorter backpacking trips, appealing to a broader range of outdoor enthusiasts looking to explore the Big Bear area.

For inquiries, information regarding the Pacific Crest Trail, or conditions in the San Bernardino National Forest, please use the following contact details. Please note that direct contact for Doble PCT Trail Camp itself is typically routed through the managing forest service office.

Address: 38698 Holcomb Valley Rd, Big Bear, CA 92314, USA

Phone: (909) 382-2790 (This number typically connects to the San Bernardino National Forest Big Bear Ranger Station, which manages recreational sites in the area and can provide the most current information on trail and camp conditions, including water availability and fire restrictions.)

Mobile Phone: +1 909-382-2790

It is always recommended to check with the local U.S. Forest Service office or reliable PCT-specific resources (like the PCT Water Report) for the most up-to-date information on water availability and camp conditions before planning your trip to Doble PCT Trail Camp.

Doble PCT Trail Camp is an exceptionally suitable destination for California locals, especially those passionate about hiking, backpacking, and immersing themselves in the state's unique mountain and high-desert environments. Its strategic location directly on the Pacific Crest Trail near Big Bear makes it an accessible entry point for weekend section hikes or a convenient stop for more ambitious thru-hikes, reducing the travel burden that often comes with remote wilderness adventures. For Californians, this means experiencing world-renowned trails without having to journey across the country. The camp offers a raw, authentic backcountry experience, providing essential amenities like a pit toilet and a seasonal water source (though filtration is always necessary), which caters to the self-sufficient nature of outdoor enthusiasts. As noted by a local user, the presence of a "nice big picnic table" provides a welcome spot for rest. While the water spigot might require attention, the very fact of its existence, even seasonal, highlights the camp's role in supporting long-distance trekkers. This camp serves as a vital link in the chain of support for those exploring the San Bernardino National Forest, allowing Californians to easily access stunning natural beauty, challenge themselves on significant trails, and foster a deeper connection with their state's remarkable wilderness areas.

Doble PCT Trail Camp

38698 Holcomb Valley Rd, Big Bear, CA 92314, USA