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Established Camping

Tool Box Springs Campground

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CAMPER SUMMARY PRESENTED BYFord

Tool Box Springs Campground is located in the San Bernardino National Forest near Mountain Center, CA. The area features rugged terrain with a mix of forested areas and open spaces. Temperatures can range from 30°F in winter to 90°F in summer. Nearby attractions include the Pacific Crest Trail and Lake Hemet, offering opportunities for hiking and fishing.

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Location

Tool Box Springs Campground is located in California

Detail location of campground

Directions

Campground is located near Thomas Mountain on Forest Road 6S13 (unpaved)

Coordinates

33.61170661 N
116.661455 W

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Connectivity

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    T-MobileLTE
    Some Coverage
    Last on 4/6/25
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    VerizonLTE
    Some Coverage
    Verified by 3 users
  • signal strength bars
    AT&T5G
    Excellent Coverage
    Verified by 1 user

Drive Time

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Connectivity

Presented byT-Mobile SatelliteT-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoorsLearn More
  • signal strength bars
    T-MobileLTE
    Some Coverage
    Last on 4/6/25
  • signal strength bars
    VerizonLTE
    Some Coverage
    Verified by 3 users
  • signal strength bars
    AT&T5G
    Excellent Coverage
    Verified by 1 user

Access

  • Drive-In
    Park next to your site

Site Types

  • Tent Sites
  • RV Sites
  • Group

Features

For Campers

  • Picnic Table
  • Phone Service
  • Showers
  • Toilets
  • Alcohol
  • Pets
  • Fires

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Reviews

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4.5

out of 5

2 Reviews

Reviewed Jul. 29, 2022

A beautiful little spot!

Got maybe 2 miles up the dirt road before my Prius couldn’t go further, so I pulled off on a ledge that overlooked the valley and it was really beautiful. Had a lovely night there before continuing on my way in the morning.

Month of VisitJuly
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  • Review photo of Tool Box Springs Campground by Erik C., July 29, 2022
  • Review photo of Tool Box Springs Campground by Erik C., July 29, 2022
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Reviewed Oct. 22, 2021

Private and rustic

We had a great time on Thomas Mountain! The road was pretty rough though, lots of tight turns and it was lucky there wasn't more traffic coming up or down. We got there on a Friday afternoon and it rained the whole rest of the day, so we were stuck in our camper for most of the first day. The night was very cold and we regretted not having better cold-weather sleeping gear. The next day was gorgeous and our kids had a great time climbing the boulders and exploring around our area. There were other campers, looked like mostly hunters, in the sites on either side of us, but the sites are just so huge there wasn't any noise from them or privacy issues. No water or facilities at the sites farther down the track, although it looked like there was a pit toilet at the first location. Really loved it here and would recommend it.

Site6
Month of VisitOctober
  • Review photo of Tool Box Springs Campground by Lindsey C., October 22, 2021
  • Review photo of Tool Box Springs Campground by Lindsey C., October 22, 2021
  • Review photo of Tool Box Springs Campground by Lindsey C., October 22, 2021
  • (4) View All

Frequently Asked Questions

What amenities and facilities are available at Toolbox Springs Campground?

Tool Box Springs Campground offers a primitive camping experience with minimal amenities. The site provides basic facilities like fire rings at designated camping spots. There are no electrical hookups, water spigots, or flush toilets available. Campers should come fully prepared with all necessary supplies including water. The campground's primary appeal is its natural setting and scenic views overlooking the valley. Weather can change quickly on Thomas Mountain, with rain possible even when not expected, so proper shelter and rain gear are essential for an enjoyable stay.

What are yellow post sites at Toolbox Springs and how do they work?

Yellow post sites at Tool Box Springs are primitive camping spots marked with yellow posts that operate on a first-come, first-served basis. These designated sites typically include a fire ring and provide a more established place to camp while still offering a rustic experience. No reservations are required - simply arrive and claim an available site. The sites are designed to help manage camping impact while preserving the natural setting. Always check current fire restrictions before planning to use the fire rings, as these may change seasonally.

Where is Toolbox Springs Campground located and how do I access it?

Tool Box Springs Campground is located on Thomas Mountain in Southern California. Access is via a dirt road that can be challenging to navigate with larger vehicles. The road features tight turns and can become difficult in wet conditions. Some visitors with lower clearance vehicles (like a Prius) report only being able to travel about 2 miles up before finding a place to pull off. For the best experience, a vehicle with decent clearance is recommended. The campground offers beautiful valley overlooks that reward those who make the journey.