San Bernardino National Forest dispersed camping near Banning, California ranges from primitive sites with minimal facilities to backcountry locations requiring permits. The area sits at elevations between 3,000 and 10,000 feet, creating dramatic temperature variations between seasons and even day to night. Camping regulations change seasonally, with most dispersed sites having limited visitor capacity during summer months.
What to do
Hiking trails access: The Exploration Trail near Keller Peak Yellow Post Campsites connects to numerous routes with varying difficulty levels. "Tons of land to hike, on or off trail. Geocaching sites nearby. The Keller Peak Lookout was amazing. I thought it was just a tourist attraction but it's really a staffed (with volunteers) active fire lookout," notes Steve H.
Fishing opportunities: Three lakes at Yucaipa Regional Park provide year-round fishing for campers. "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," reports Bryan H.
Summit access: Serious hikers can use tent campsites near Banning as base camps for summit attempts. At Halfway Camp, one reviewer prepared for their climb: "We hiked up in the afternoon to stay at this campground and make our way to the summit the next morning. We stayed up against the slope, opposite of the trail."
What campers like
Solitude factor: Thomas Hunting Grounds Yellow Post Campites offers exceptional privacy according to Jonathan R., who wrote: "Quiet and secluded area. Lots of room to camp. Bring bug spray for flys but other than that I'll camp here anytime." The sites attract campers specifically seeking isolation.
Wildlife encounters: Primitive tent campsites near Banning provide opportunities for wildlife viewing. One camper at Mill Creek Dispersed Camping noted deer sightings: "It's full of trees and seems fairly remote, but we had 5 cars pass us as we were backing away from the incline, so it's obviously a busy spot."
Temperature variations: The high elevation at Dry Lake Backpacking Campground creates distinctive camping conditions. "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," reports Kate W.
What you should know
Permit requirements: Backcountry camping in the San Jacinto area requires advance planning. For Round Valley Campsite, "Reservations go fast so you need to submit your permit starting 8 weeks before your trip, however waiting until 4 weeks may be too late. The permit only reserves your space on the mountain."
Access challenges: Many tent campsites near Banning require specific vehicles. At Thomas Hunting Grounds, "Need high clearance or 4wd vehicle for a rough road but once you get to the top, the sites are great! Limited shade during middle of day but well worth the trip."
Water availability: Water sources vary significantly between sites. For Halfway Camp, permits are required and one camper noted the convenience of natural sources: "These spots are nice and already cleared. Maybe one or two rocks that needed to be moved, but it was minimal! We did have a momma deer and two does in the distance."
Tips for camping with families
Swimming access: Yucaipa Regional Park offers water recreation options beyond standard tent camping. Ken B. notes, "The newer sites don't have a lot of mature trees, the older sites have a little more wear and tear but also bigger trees. Nice splash zone."
Beginner-friendly locations: Limber Pine Bench Campground provides an accessible introduction to backcountry camping. "This is such a great campsite. It was my first backpacking campsite, and I've revisited once since then. There are lots of established campsites and they're easy to find," explains Daniel J.
Safety considerations: Parents should prepare for temperature changes when camping with children. At Dry Lake Backpacking Campground, a camper experienced extreme temperature drops: "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."
Tips from RVers
Campground access: For RV owners wanting to explore dispersed camping, Mill Creek Dispersed Camping presents specific challenges: "The road up to the actual spot is gravel, with lots of potholes and washboard areas, which would make it difficult for an RV. But the biggest issue for RVs is an area of the road that is very steep."
RV size limitations: Not all tent campsites near Banning accommodate larger vehicles. One visitor noted: "There's no way that even a Class C rig would be able to take that steep incline and immediately do that sharp turn. And since there's nowhere to turn around in that spot, you'd have to back your rig down."
Alternative options: Yucaipa Regional Park provides full hookups that many dispersed sites lack. One RVer shared: "Large concrete pads that can handle any rig. So much to do all around a park. Does get very cold, was in the teens overnight when I was there in Feb. Fires allowed which is nice."
