Looking for the best campgrounds near Banning, CA? Discover secluded campsites where you can reconnect with nature. Or maybe you like to bring your family and friends along. Either way, there are Banning campgrounds just for you. Find the best campgrounds near Banning, plus reviews and photos from other campers like you.
"Camping at East Flats was great in mid-June. There are a number of campers, but remote locations are easily found. If you bring pets, be aware they may upset Rattlesnakes."
"As a matter of fact, we got engaged at nearby Jenks Lake and celebrated here after. No facilities, but if you have your supplies, it’s great. There are a couple loops and lots of spots. Enjoy."
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As a Ranger for The Dyrt, I get to test products."
"There were steep inclines and narrow trails. but beautiful views. Avoid the area should there be rain due to dangerous flash floods."
"There is one really good site mostly dirt, no rocks, defined well, but it is right off the trail. So I'm sure you can guess there is no privacy nor silence."
"This campground is located just around the corner from the permit required sign. There is a lovely creek that lead to a waterfall that some repel down. The campground is up the right of the trail."
"Great free camping when campgrounds are booked. Easy to navigate with GPS. Many large and small sites along the road. Some spots more secluded than others. "
"First come first served dispersed camping just outside Big Bear. Near bike trails. Was not crowded mid week, but spots were filling up closer to the weekend."
"Multiple free camping spots from the Y up to Fish Creek all the way to Coon Creek Cabin. 1st spots on the left are big rig friendly, you do have about a mile of dirt road before you get to them."
"Yellow Post #2 – San Bernardino National Forest Secluded, free, first-come-first-served tent site tucked deep in the forest near Hemet, CA."
"Very nice to find a campsite this private on a weekend in southern California elevation is high enough that temperatures were very enjoyable (mid 80's)"
"Once you leave the pavement the going gets slower along the trails. You definitely need a high clearance vehicle. There are campgrounds in the area and also yellow post campsites."
"Because the National forest allows dispersed camping, as long as your off the roads and trails, the camping spots are unlimited."
$5 / night
"This campsite is located at the junctionof the Deer Springs Trail and the PCT, and is breathtaking."
"You will earn this spot as the drive from Hwy 38 is long and rocky."
TravelerYellow 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.
RangerAs another reviewer noted - this spot is huge so make sure you are staying on BLM land. There is a lot of trash in some areas and there was some dirt bikes but they didn’t bother me. Car camping I found the area I liked best was as follows: off 62 take Sunfair rd, right on cypress rd (dirt road which my GPS thought was Reagan Rd but is marked with a street sign Cypress) - go past ITH coyote ranch (no sign but may show up on map) Then right on cascade - an unmarked dirt rd. Then there is a large flat BLM area where rvs and vans were quite spread out, and a motorcycle with a tent was my neighbor (quite far away). No trash here when I was there. Zero facilities obviously so pack it out. Hot tip - water and restrooms 10 min away at the Indian Cove ranger station near Indian Cove Campground in JT park. I stayed here two nights car camping.
TravelerEverything about this site is not only free, but literally free to park and camp anywhere. There are private properties around, so just double check, but for the most part its wife open land to camp. Also currently in a fire ban, but that should be getting lifted in October. So campfires would be a great idea out here as well.
GuideGreat free camping when campgrounds are booked. Easy to navigate with GPS. Many large and small sites along the road. Some spots more secluded than others. Smaller rigs, medium clearance and lite off-road capabilities recommended. Good cellular reception in my particular location.
GuideFree camping just outside Joshua Tree. No amenities or designated campsites. Large open area where you can camp wherever you'd like. Previous campers have built fire pits from the rocks laying around. Beautiful views, off road vehicle recommend.
RangerIt's free camping so be respectful and clean up after yourself. That said, there are no facilities so pack it in and pack it out. The road going in isn't too rough, and you'll likely find makeshift fire pits. Work with what is already there instead of making making a mess. Bring your own shade too.
ScoutMy favorite place to camp near Joshua Tree. Lots of space. Although one of the nights I stayed there it rained, the water filled the potholes in the dirt road so my ford fusion couldn’t really go through them so it took a while trying to figure out a way going around the holes. It’s great for AWD vehicles though. Other than that it’s directly in the sun, no shade but I like the spacious land it has to offer. Far away from other campers.
LegendI did the best I could with finding the exact location on the map using The Dyrt's current capabilities to add a new location. This site is located at 34.684300,-116.960600, across the 247 road from Sawtooth Canyon Campground / New Jack City rock climbing area. Hopefully someone can go in at some point and fix the location to be more precise.
We checked this place out but didn’t stay. We liked the beautiful wide open surroundings, the good cell reception, and the easy access from the main road, but it seemed like this is a place better suited for bigger groups, especially those who will be riding ATVs or dirt bikes around. So, if you’re looking for a big open space to hang out with a big group where you can be loud and not disturb anyone, this would be a good place for it. We also heard gun shots nearby so further down the road is probably a good shooting area.
Obviously no amenities so please pack in/ pack out. It was surprisingly not too trashed so that was nice. We made it down the dirt road fine in our 26 ft class c. Proceed at your own comfort level, but it seems like a road that would be ok for any rig (maybe not a class A?) if you go slow and watch for dips and bumps.
ScoutHigh clearance 4x4 required Can be windy Great views
Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Banning, California, where nature meets tranquility. With a variety of options available, outdoor enthusiasts can find the perfect spot to unwind and explore the great outdoors.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I find dispersed camping in Banning, California?
Dispersed camping options near Banning include South Ridge Yellow Post Sites in the San Bernardino National Forest, which offers free, first-come-first-served sites with basic amenities like fire rings and picnic tables. Another option is Coon Creek Yellow Post, featuring multiple free camping spots accessible via dirt roads. These designated dispersed sites typically have fire rings but limited or no facilities, so you'll need to pack in water and pack out trash. The San Bernardino National Forest has numerous yellow post sites that provide a more structured dispersed camping experience while still offering solitude and natural surroundings.
What are the rules for dispersed camping near Banning State Forest?
When dispersed camping near Banning, you must follow Leave No Trace principles and pack out all trash. At Mill Creek Dispersed Camping, you can camp in existing sites along the road, but must be self-sufficient. In the Joshua Tree North BLM area, ensure you're on public land and not private property. Seasonal fire restrictions apply throughout the region—fire bans are common during dry months and typically lifted in October. Always use existing fire rings where available. Most areas have a 14-day stay limit. No reservations are needed for dispersed sites, but popular locations fill quickly on weekends. Dispersed camping requires self-sufficiency with no services provided.
Is 4WD required to access dispersed camping sites in Banning?
Vehicle requirements vary by location. At Joshua Tree Hilltop, high clearance 4x4 is explicitly required for access. Yellow Post #54 requires navigating long, rocky roads to reach the campsite, making high-clearance vehicles necessary. For some areas like Ord Mountain, standard vehicles can manage in dry conditions, but AWD/4WD is recommended, especially after rain when dirt roads develop water-filled potholes. Generally, sites closer to main roads may be accessible with standard vehicles, while more remote locations typically require higher clearance. Medium clearance with light off-road capabilities is recommended for most dispersed sites in the region.
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