Best Tent Camping near Apple Valley, CA

The San Bernardino Mountains surrounding Apple Valley, California offer tent campers a range of options from established campgrounds to primitive backcountry sites. Keller Peak Yellow Post Campsites provide free tent camping with fire rings and picnic tables, while Holcomb Valley Climbers Camp offers a dispersed camping experience popular with rock climbers. Both locations sit within San Bernardino National Forest, providing tent campers with mountain terrain and pine forest settings.

Most tent sites near Apple Valley require campers to bring their own water, as drinking water is rarely available at primitive locations. The Yellow Post sites at Keller Peak are spread across 5 miles of forest road, offering significant privacy between campsites. High-clearance vehicles are recommended for accessing many of these tent camping areas, though standard vehicles can reach some sites during dry conditions. Fire restrictions frequently apply during summer and fall months, with complete bans during high fire danger periods. Vault toilets are available at some established campgrounds but absent at most dispersed sites.

Tent campers at higher elevations experience significantly cooler temperatures than in Apple Valley proper, with snow possible even in May at sites above 7,000 feet. The dispersed camping areas provide excellent stargazing opportunities due to minimal light pollution. Many tent sites serve as convenient baselines for hiking, with several campgrounds offering direct access to trail networks including the Pacific Crest Trail. Sites are typically nestled among pine trees, providing partial shade during summer months. A visitor commented, "The sites are spaced really far apart. Most have incredible views looking out over the mountains, and you have to drive quite a ways up a dirt road to get to them, but it's worth it for the privacy."

Best Tent Sites Near Apple Valley, California (46)

    1. Deep Creek Hot Springs Campground

    5 Reviews
    Arkabutla Lake, CA
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (760) 515-7525

    $10 - $119 / night

    "Easy access to the hot springs and no services to speak of. Basically a patch of dirt you can occupy for $10 a night. Loved it."

    "Super fun place to visit with the hot springs trail. Went in January with snowfall, hardly any campers and nature all around! Two nights are perfect."

    2. Lake Arrowhead - Green Valley Lake Recreation Area

    6 Reviews
    Cedar Glen, CA
    20 miles
    Website
    +1 (909) 867-2009

    "After years of venturing into and around Lake Arrowhead (often a mere stop on my way to Big Bear/Fawnskin) I finally started exploring off the beaten path by accident last year and holy cow!"

    "Green valley lake campground is an awesome place for a fun getaway. We wanted to get away for the Fourth of July but waited too long to book in Big Bear."

    3. Keller Peak Yellow Post Campsites

    8 Reviews
    Green Valley Lake, CA
    23 miles
    Website
    +1 (909) 382-2600

    "This campground is free with 9 camp site on a 5 mile paved road, the site's have fire ring and picnic benches, no water. Bike trail is fun and a challenge. Camp site 1,3 & 6 are very quiet."

    "Some chairs, hammock, water, and utensils were left at the picnic table. Everything was dirty so we assumed they were left by previous campers."

    4. Holcomb Valley Climbers Camp

    7 Reviews
    Big Bear Lake, CA
    25 miles
    Website

    "There are no developed facilities (i.e., no firepits, outhouses, etc.) but it is beautiful and there are plenty of flat places to set up a tent."

    "Arriving at the campground, the deposit place, obviously on weekends we were not thrilled by everyone around us, as well as the loud noise until past the curfew."

    5. Stoddard Valley OHV

    2 Reviews
    Barstow, CA
    21 miles

    "Once the wind settled in the evening, I made some tea and read a book. I saw a shooting star when I laid down in my tent. I really could not have asked for a better nights rest."

    6. Big Pine Flat Campground

    1 Review
    Fawnskin, CA
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (909) 382-2790

    "Big Pines Flats is set right next to a meadow at a forest crossing heading to Holcomb Valley, Victorville, Fawnskin, and Green Valley Lake."

    7. El Mirage Dry Lake

    2 Reviews
    Adelanto, CA
    19 miles
    Website

    "Note that it does get windy at night so if you camp outside be prepared to be pelted by small rocks and sand all night.

    Reservations available at recreation.gov"

    8. Fishermans Group Campground

    3 Reviews
    Green Valley Lake, CA
    21 miles
    Website
    +1 (909) 382-2600

    $10 / night

    "I was backpacking along the Pacific Crest Trail & decided to hike down the Crab Flats Trail to checkout Tent Peg & Fisherman's Campground."

    "Be sure to call visitor center for driving directions (or follow the ones on USDA National Forest website) as Google will take you to the wrong spot. Good hike for first-time backpackers."

    9. Thomas Hunting Grounds Yellow Post Campites

    13 Reviews
    Angelus Oaks, CA
    31 miles
    Website
    +1 (909) 382-2882

    "These sites aren't monitored and don't have picnic tables or any amenities, although there is a restroom down the road a little ways where the campsites start, but that's it."

    "This particular site has 8 campsites which do have signs to mark the general area, although it is entirely up to you to where to set up camp in the general area."

    10. Manker Campground

    13 Reviews
    Mount Baldy, CA
    30 miles
    Website
    +1 (626) 335-1251

    $12 / night

    "Although the restroom are very dirty but overall it was a great stay!"

    "Tucked away at the top of a precarious winding mountain road. It is very basic, simple and beautiful."

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Showing results 1-10 of 46 campgrounds

Tent Camping Reviews near Apple Valley, CA

987 Reviews of 46 Apple Valley Campgrounds



Guide to Apple Valley

Tent camping near Apple Valley, California, offers a variety of scenic locations and outdoor activities for nature enthusiasts. From secluded spots to well-equipped campgrounds, there's something for everyone looking to escape into the wilderness.

Some prices for tent camping range from $10 to $20

Tent campers like these nearby activities

Tips for tent camping near Apple Valley

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular tent campsite near Apple Valley, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Apple Valley, CA is Deep Creek Hot Springs Campground with a 4.4-star rating from 5 reviews.

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

TheDyrt.com has all 46 tent camping locations near Apple Valley, CA, with real photos and reviews from campers.