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Best Tent Camping near Aguanga, CA

1,663 Reviews

San Bernardino National Forest surrounds Aguanga, California with several tent camping options ranging from primitive to established sites. Tool Box Springs Yellow Post Campground offers tent campsites accessible via a challenging fire road that requires high-clearance vehicles. Santa Rosa Springs Campground in the same forest provides tent-only camping from May to early November with 16 yellow post sites along the Santa Rosa Truck Trail. Mount San Jacinto State Park, located northwest of Aguanga, features backcountry tent camping at Round Valley and Little Round Valley, both requiring hiking access and wilderness permits.

Most primitive tent sites in the region require preparation for minimal amenities. Tool Box Springs demands four-wheel drive access along a 30-45 minute mountain drive on sometimes washed-out roads. Once there, campers find basic pit toilets, trash receptacles, fire rings, and picnic tables. The yellow post sites throughout the area are typically free but lack water sources, requiring visitors to pack in all supplies. Spring and fall offer the most comfortable tent camping conditions, as summer brings intense heat and insect activity. Winter camping at higher elevations can bring snow and freezing temperatures, particularly at Mount San Jacinto's backcountry tent sites.

Tent campers frequently report peaceful experiences despite the rugged access requirements. According to reviews, Tool Box Springs provides "peaceful and quiet" camping with pine shade and mountain views, though the terrain offers "not a lot of level ground." At Santa Rosa Springs, one visitor noted having "the campground to myself" during a midweek stay, with only occasional vehicles passing by. Walk-in tent sites at Round Valley provide isolation that one camper described as "peaceful backpacking" terrain where "we didn't see a single person camping." The backcountry tent camping experience rewards those willing to make the journey with solitude and natural surroundings, though weather conditions can change rapidly at higher elevations.

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Best Tent Sites Near Aguanga, California (38)

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Recent Tent Camping Photos near Aguanga, CA

57 Photos of 38 Aguanga Campgrounds

Tent Camping Reviews near Aguanga, CA

1663 Reviews of 38 Aguanga Campgrounds

  • Ryan W.
    Aug. 8, 2020

    Stone Creek Campground — Mount San Jacinto State Park

    Just Far Enough to Feel Remote. Just High Enough to Make Hiking Difficult.

    Stone Creek Campground in San Jacinto Mountain State Park is the perfect getaway for coastal Southern California residents. It is a few hours out of the major metro areas, but close enough to get to for just a night or two. 

    Located near Idyllwild, this is the smaller, less rowdy campground associated with the tourist town. There is also a camp right in town if you're looking for shopping and bars, and a few more further up hill.

    Stone Creek has about 35 sites. The outer ring sites are huge, and most of them are fairly private especially the loop to the right of the entry. Our site was #7, and after thoroughly campsploration it is unquestionably the best for individuals. If you're in a group rent the inner ring where the backsides of all the sites run together.

    We were trying to get away from people, from the pandemic, and spend some time doing something normal. Stone Creek was perfect for that. The only human interaction was having to check -in at the entry with a ranger. They wore a mask, and we spoke through a window in the ranger shed. They did have to hand me a parking pass, but after that we were on our own.

    Site 7 is extremely large, and extremely private with multiple flat spots that could accommodate tents, two large picnic tables, multiple spots for hammocks and a fire ring that has seen better days. We could see a car across the loop, but couldn't actually see other campers without effort from where we set up the tent or even the fire ring.

    This particular site extends back over a ridge and downhill. It was so private back there we strung up our camp shower next to a giant boulder for a shower without feeling like we needed to set up a privacy shade/curtain.

    Camp is just high enough to prevent most bugs, but there were a few flies and mosquitos. The vault toilets were clean, and well stocked with TP and antibacterial soap. There were three on-site. One in the middle of the center ring which was the busiest, but none of the solar lights were working making it difficult to find in the dark. No obvious trail. The other we used near the entrance was well lit, had a wooden path and seemed to be forgotten by most other campers.

    Multiple hiking trails led out of camp including one right from next to our site that led to multiple other trails heading up San Jacinto Mountain. The trails were a mix of gravel fire road, dirt trail and a few sandy areas through the flats. They were mostly well-signed, but one sign was down causing us to miss a turn so…bring a map. They're available at stands at the front of camp. Trails are…vertical unless explicitly labeled as short scenic hikes.

    There were warning signs for snakes, mountain lions, plague-infected squirrels and bears, but all we saw were deer. They didn't seem to consider bears a serious threat as there were no bear boxes or locks on trash cans. However, having bear-proof (Ha!) food storage is important.

    We really have no complaints about this place, and will definitely be back to explore more trails.

    Pro-Tip: It is a windy, windy road up into the mountains, and people travel too fast. We saw some serious accident sites when people were traveling too fast, and caught up to a slow moving camper around a curve. Drive carefully.

    Pro-Tip: We had full phone/wifi service here. We didn't want or need it, but if we were working from the road this would be an easy stop to set up.

    Pro-Tip: Outer ring is more private. Inner ring better for groups.

    Pro-Tip: In the summer add 5-10 degrees to the temperature which is taken from a higher elevation weather station.

  • E B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 8, 2025

    South Ridge Yellow Post Sites

    Yellow post number 2

    Yellow Post #2 – San Bernardino National Forest Secluded, free, first-come-first-served tent site tucked deep in the forest near Hemet, CA. No amenities—no toilet, water, or trash—so pack in and out. Fire ring and picnic table on-site. Shaded by mature trees with a dirt/sand/rock surface. Site fits up to 8 people and 2 vehicles.

    Access road is rough and rocky but doable in dry conditions with a careful 2WD. Signage is limited—offline maps recommended. Site sits near a dry creek bed and has a short walk to a west-facing boulder with expansive views of the valley.

    Wildlife includes deer, lizards, snakes, woodpeckers, and lots of squirrels. Mosquitoes come out at dusk—repellent is a must. Fire bans usually in effect during summer. Great for quiet retreats, hiking, light climbing, and off-grid solitude.

    A rugged but rewarding forest stay for self-sufficient campers.

  • Trip Over Life
    May. 28, 2018

    Tamarisk Grove Campground — Anza-Borrego Desert State Park

    Anza-Borrego campground with primitive cabins and tent sites

    Tamarisk Grove Campground is about 20 minutes south of Borrego Springs. It sits next to the highway but there’s minimal traffic so it isn’t terribly loud. There are tent sites as well as primitive cabins. Each site has a fire ring and table. There are also flush toilets and paid showers. There is no potable water at this campground - be sure to bring your own. The cabins are simple structures with platforms for sleeping. There are no amenities in the cabins - no electric, no water, no mattress, no linens, etc.

    The campground is across the street from both the Cactus Loop and Yaqui Well trail heads. We recommend the short Cactus Loop hike over the Yaqui Well hike. Go at sunset to catch the cholla cacti backlit by the sunset.

  • Kate W.
    Sep. 26, 2019

    Dry Lake Backpacking Campground

    Memorable and COLD

    We camped here on our way to summiting San G (as we lovingly call it).  Although it was May and the weather was beautiful at sea level, it was cold up here!  There was snow on the ground but the air was the coldest I've ever felt.  

    We got to the camping area and it's tucked in the woods so there's lots of nooks and crannies even though it's a primitive open group camping area.  It's right next to a dry lake - go figure - and there are lots of areas to go explore beyond the trail that leads to the top.  

    The ranger was there to spend a few nights and said that the night before hit negative digits!  We thought we were prepared with our "all weather" bags and backpacking tent, but I promise you I have never been so cold in my life.  I laid there awake the entire night, and couldn't move a muscle or freezing air would seep in.  The ranger said it only got down to 7 degrees.  When light finally hit we heated some water and went to sit on the frosty ground in the open field/lake and when the sun finally hit us it was like life-changing.  

    FYI it's leave no trace and don't attract bears

  • N
    Sep. 14, 2018

    Heart Bar Campground

    Best off hwy 38

    By far this has got to be the best and largest campground on the 38. First reason is the pricing. At only $21 per night for a single site, this is the best priced campground in the area excluding free yellow post sites. With this price however you get the basics. No showers, no rv dump station, just water from the pipe, toilets, picnic tables, fire ring, and a bear box. can’t complain about that though.

    second reason; there are many many sites to choose from. this camp ground has several loops that each contain roughly 20 campsites, sometimes more. on any given day you should be able to drive up, though a reservation is definitely still recommended.

    3rd; the location. Topography-wise this camp sits right over a small meadow that boarders the San Gorgonio wilderness. it sits higher above the highway and displaces sound nicely. this spot is excellent for wildlife viewing and entry to the wilderness for hiking and exploring. The campground is also littered with tall standing pines and even some massive junipers, providing ample shade. You can’t help but feel like your are elsewhere like the Eastern Sierra with the dry desert winds the blow in and chill on the mountains and the smell of the sage brush. This campground is only about 20 min out from big bear lake as well, and does have cell reception (unfortunately).

    Highly recommend sites 32, 37, 47, 58, or 24 & 49 which are both double sites. This was due to their more isolated positioning to other spots, shade, flat ground, and proximity to bathrooms and the beautiful little meadow where deer graze in the evenings. happy trails.

  • Elise F.
    Aug. 10, 2025

    Kumeyaay Lake Campground

    Perfect weekend getaway

    This campground is located in the Mission Trails Regional Park, and we absolutely loved it. There are clean bathrooms with flushable toilets and showers, and sinks to wash off things. The rangers even supplied Dr. Bronners Castile soap in each bathroom. We stayed in site number 17 and it was lovely. Each camp site has a picnic table, fire ring, and tent pad. Online says you can buy firewood but they no longer provide that service, so make sure you bring your own firewood! You can’t swim in the lake, but you can fish and it’s very pleasant to walk around and bird watch. There is so much to do in this urban park, you could spend many days here. P.S. the Mission Trails visitor center is spectacular.

  • Shari G.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 20, 2023

    Ronald W. Caspers Wilderness Park

    A World Away from the City Surrounding It

    Tucked on the outskirts of Mission Viejo is an oasis of green grass and groves of the twisting and searching limbs of Coastal Live Oak trees.  If you stuck me in the middle of this park, I’d never know that I was miles away from the sprawl of suburbia of a major metropolitan area…shhh don’t tell anyone.

    There are 3 campgrounds within this regional park -- one soley dedicated to RV's that require electrical hook-ups (Ortega Flats), a group campground (San Juan Meadow), and another which is a mix of tents and off-grid RVs (Live Oak).  This review is specifically for the off-grid Live Oak Campground which s aptly named because you’ll find yourself enjoying the ample shade of these amazing arbors, but plenty of sun to run our solar powered system.  

    The campsites can be reserved but there is plenty of room for first-come first-served travelers as well.  The sites offer enough space to tuck away a tent in the corner, or set up the longer trailer, as well as the typical picnic table and fire ring.  Plenty of port o potties are scattered throughout the campground and served the large groups gathered here on Easter weekend.  We indulged in making a fabulous brunch of Wood Fired Waffles to celebrate the holiday!  As of April 2023, they were still experiencing a well water issue, so no water was available from the faucet, but the river running through the park was useful for obtaining water to wash dishes.

    Hiking, biking and horseback riding trails meander throughout the park. The campground borders on a small creek for fishing, but is off-limits to wading and swimming because of the instability of the opposite bank. Keep an eye on the kids!  Be sure to check out the volunteer-run Nature Center on the property which is full of great information about flora, fauna, and native history.

    The closest store for firewood, and groceries is just a few miles back toward town.  And, the closest beach is just about 30 minutes away, so a great option for a day trip.

  • Brittany N.
    Oct. 3, 2018

    Stone Creek Campground — Mount San Jacinto State Park

    Beautiful Get-Away

    I was really excited to head out to this campground/ site because it was a close drive from my home, but far enough away to get up in the mountains.

    My sister, her 3 kids, and 2 dogs jumped into the car and headed out towards Idyllwild, CA. Though this is techincally condisdered Pine Cove, CA, it is only about a 10 min drive away from the adorable town of Idyllwild! The campsite had room for 1 car, and was allotted 8 people. A long picnic table and a campfire ring with a grill opition! We set up a hammock in the front, a slack line on the side, and a dog run behind our campsite! We took the kids on the nature walk and they loved it! Big brother read the signs about the pine cones to his little sisters! We went into town as well and bought a big bundle of local fire wood at Mountain Mike's off Cicle Dr. for only $10. ( The best firewood ever ) We mostly just hung out at the campsite for the kids to run around and be kids! They made some friends with some neighbor campers, so all 5 kids ran around having the time of their lives!

    Summary:

    Pros:

    • Close to Idyllwild
    • Clean site(s)
    • Clean bathrooms
    • Camp hosts were very nice
    • Fire rings w/ grill
    • Picnic Table
    • Non potable water faucets
    • Privacy between sites on the back side ( where we stayed )
    • Hiking trials out of the campground
    • Nature walk off the campground
    • Dumpsters for trash

    Cons:

    • No bear bins ( but there was not too much of a warning for the bears there )
    • The bees ( the ones that like your food )
  • Javier L.
    Oct. 31, 2020

    Palomar Mountain State Park Campground

    Southern California- Quick Getaway

    This park is great for all Southern California natives to get away for the weekend. Has clean facilities and the campgrounds have ample space between them. This area has a ton of beautiful landscape, during the fall/winter wonderful foliage appears. Leave no trace & enjoy our lands!

Guide to Aguanga

San Bernardino National Forest offers primitive tent camping options near Aguanga, California at elevations ranging from 3,500 to 8,000 feet. The area features a mix of desert and alpine conditions with temperature variations of up to 30 degrees between seasons. Roads to remote campsites often require high-clearance vehicles and preparation for self-sufficient camping without reliable water sources.

What to do

Hiking from camp: At Round Valley Campsite, trails lead to San Jacinto Peak with panoramic views. "We stayed at the round valley campground in March of this year. There was still some snow and it was beautiful. We took the tram up from palm springs and backpacked to the campground before summiting up San Jacinto peak," notes camper Katie O.

Fishing opportunities: Yucaipa Regional Park maintains three stocked lakes for anglers. "Great tent camping facilities, privacy from neighbors, access to Zanja Peak Trail head, 3 lakes for fishing, water park during the summer, and friendly helpful staff," according to Bryan H.

Wildlife watching: Morning and evening hours provide optimal wildlife viewing at many sites. "Lots of wildlife. Raccoons in the night, gray squirrel, other squirrels, many birds," reports Rhyn E. from Tool Box Springs about their Labor Day weekend experience.

What campers like

Isolation from crowds: Many tent campers appreciate the quiet atmosphere at remote sites. At Los Coyotes Reservation Campground, Taylor notes, "This place was a lot of fun to camp. We traveled in a large group so finding sites large enough was my concern. This place was so big it had space for another 10 cars and tents."

Running water availability: Some sites provide natural springs. At San Bernardino National Forest Santa Rosa Springs Campground, camper Andrew D. shares, "There are 16 yellow post sites along the Santa Rosa Truck Trail (7S02) from hwy 74. Most of the sites are beyond the springs that are flowing through a faucet at Santa Rosa Springs."

Off-peak solitude: Weekday camping often means having entire areas to yourself. "I was there Wednesday-Friday with just a few jeep and truck drive byes, but I had the campground to myself," reports Andrew D. about Santa Rosa Springs Campground.

What you should know

Vehicle requirements: Most primitive sites need 4WD or high clearance. "Awesome spot! Just got back this past weekend and the service road to get up was absolutely covered in mud and snow. Would 100% recommend it, but if it's been snowing or raining, you'll need high clearance and 4x4," warns Kyle M. about Tool Box Springs.

Tent pad conditions: Flat ground for pitching tents can be limited at some sites. A Tool Box Springs camper (TR) mentions the area was "Busted up, but quiet. Getting up Thomas Mountain is good fun. This Campground is about 8mi up the ridge along a sometimes washed out road."

Seasonal insect activity: Flies and other insects can be problematic during warmer months. Steve H. writes about Tool Box Springs: "This site would've been perfect, and I mean perfect, but the flies were unbearable. I planned to stay two nights but I couldn't make it past the next morning. If I stood still even for a second I was swarmed."

Tips for camping with families

Urban park camping: Kumeyaay Lake Campground offers family-friendly facilities with developed amenities. "Perfect campground located right in San Diego. Great for families with small kids and there are many close trails. There is something for everyone," recommends Katie O.

Safety considerations: Wildlife encounters require proper food storage and awareness. "Beware of rattlesnakes. They are everywhere during the summer," warns Katie O. about Kumeyaay Lake.

Educational opportunities: Several campgrounds have ranger programs or nearby nature centers. Mary F. notes about Kumeyaay Lake: "The Mission Trails visitor center is spectacular."

Tips from RVers

Road navigation challenges: Allow extra time for accessing remote sites. Jake P. explains about Tool Box Springs: "Without a high clearance vehicle, it took me an hour and a half to go six miles up, and still scraped and almost got stuck."

Site size considerations: Many dispersed sites accommodate larger groups. Matt M. reports on Tool Box Springs: "This campsite is about 45 minutes down a 4 wheel drive only dirt path. Pot toilets and trash cans available at the site."

Weather preparation: High-elevation sites experience temperature extremes. "High elevation means cold at night," notes Matt M. about the best tent camping near Aguanga, California at Tool Box Springs, adding that reviews mentioned bugs, "but when I went in February there were no bugs."

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular tent campsite near Aguanga, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Aguanga, CA is Tool Box Springs - Yellow Post Campground with a 3.7-star rating from 9 reviews.

What is the best site to find tent camping near Aguanga, CA?

TheDyrt.com has all 38 tent camping locations near Aguanga, CA, with real photos and reviews from campers.

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