Best Tent Camping near Banning, CA

San Bernardino National Forest surrounds Banning, California with diverse tent camping options ranging from developed sites to remote backcountry areas. Yucaipa Regional Park offers designated tent camping in group sites with amenities including drinking water, fire rings, and picnic tables. For more primitive tent camping experiences, the Yellow Post sites at Thomas Hunting Grounds and Keller Peak provide secluded tent-only camping with minimal facilities. Backcountry tent campsites at Dry Lake, Halfway Camp, and Limber Pine Bench require permits and are accessible only by hiking trails, offering true wilderness experiences.

Most primitive tent campsites near Banning require campers to bring their own water and supplies. Yellow Post sites feature fire rings but have seasonal fire restrictions that vary based on conditions. High-clearance vehicles are recommended for accessing many of the dispersed tent camping areas, particularly Thomas Hunting Grounds where rough dirt roads lead to the campsites. Backcountry tent sites at higher elevations like Dry Lake and Limber Pine Bench may be inaccessible during winter months due to snow. Walk-in tent sites at Round Valley and Little Round Valley in Mount San Jacinto State Park require permits obtained from ranger stations, with availability limited during peak summer weekends.

Tent campers frequently report exceptional solitude at these sites despite their proximity to urban areas. According to reviews, the Yellow Post sites at Keller Peak offer remarkable privacy with "9 sites stretched across 5 miles so you will have no neighbors." One visitor to Halfway Camp noted wildlife sightings including "a momma deer and two does in the distance" during their overnight stay. Temperature variations can be extreme at higher elevation tent campgrounds. A camper at Dry Lake Backpacking Campground experienced temperatures dropping to 7 degrees in May despite warm weather at lower elevations. Walk-in tent sites typically provide more seclusion than drive-in campgrounds, with established tent pads that require minimal preparation beyond removing a few rocks.

Best Tent Sites Near Banning, California (53)

    1. Yucaipa Regional Park

    20 Reviews
    Yucaipa, CA
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (909) 790-3127

    "The bathrooms are decent, no showers. We stayed in group campsite A. Tent camping is only allowed in group sites. They do have about 30 to 40 RV sites as well."

    "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"

    2. Thomas Hunting Grounds Yellow Post Campites

    13 Reviews
    Angelus Oaks, CA
    13 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."

    3. Halfway Camp

    2 Reviews
    Forest Falls, CA
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (909) 382-2882

    "We decided to stay a little further back for a little more privacy from the trail above."

    "When we went there was no water flow at this camp. Campfires not allowed. Thankfully we just use our jet boils and some drylite food!"

    4. Dry Lake Backpacking Campground

    3 Reviews
    Forest Falls, CA
    11 miles
    Website

    "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. "

    "This is a heavily used campground by many backpackers not only trying to get away for an overnight, but also get a shot at summiting Southern California's tallest mountain, San Gorgonio."

    5. Limber Pine Bench Campground

    2 Reviews
    San Bernardino National Forest, CA
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (909) 382-2882

    "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. Expect very high winds at night."

    "The positives. Beautiful sites, lots of wildlife, plenty of trails for biking and hiking. The negatives. It was a bit of trash pretty much all over the place. The mini golf course needs maintenance."

    6. Keller Peak Yellow Post Campsites

    9 Reviews
    Green Valley Lake, CA
    20 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."

    7. Round Valley Campsite — Mount San Jacinto State Park

    4 Reviews
    Idyllwild, CA
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (951) 659-2607

    "we took the tram up from palm springs and backpacked to the campground before summiting up San Jacinto peak. the views were breathtaking and the elevation was a killer."

    "This Campsite is only about 2 miles from the tram but the elevation of Round Valley is 9,100 ft."

    8. Mill Creek Dispersed Camping

    5 Reviews
    Fawnskin, CA
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (909) 382-2790

    "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."

    "I went a to the second fork after the Bluff lake fork. There’s a private campground near the Bluff Lake entrance which made noises i can hear from my site which was before Bluffs lake fork."

    9. Coon Creek Cabin Group Campground

    1 Review
    Big Bear City, CA
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (909) 866-8550

    $127 - $137 / night

    "Easy trail up. Great views. Intersects with PCT."

    10. Little Round Valley — Mount San Jacinto State Park

    1 Review
    Idyllwild-Pine Cove, CA
    16 miles
    +1 (951) 659-2607

    "If you're backpacking San Jacinto, this is the way to go! Take the Marion Mtn Trail that goes from Marion Mtn & Fern Basin Campgrounds and spend the night here at Little Round Valley."

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Tent Camping Reviews near Banning, CA

1668 Reviews of 53 Banning 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.

  • A
    Oct. 16, 2020

    Indian Cove Campground — Joshua Tree National Park

    Beautiful Joshua Tree Campground

    We stayed at campsite 50 in October with two young kids (2 and 4). Tent camping.

    Pros: the views, the beautiful rocks, clean sites, friendly ranger, rocks that could give you some relief from sun if you’re lucky enough. Great area for bouldering from entry level up. Site 50 had low rocks that were doable for my 2 and 4 yo. The rest were way too advanced.

    Cons: no park entrance from here. You have to drive 20/30 minutes out to the main road and back in to get to the main area of the park. The campsite next to us had some nasty anthills. Some of the campsites are set up a bit odd depending on your equipment, could or could not be a big deal. For example we were sharing a parking space with campsite 51 and their site was walking in behind ours. So if they had had an RV I think it would have been impossible. Site 50 was right across from the vault toilet which was great for proximity (and toilet was clean as far as these go) but every once in a while we’d get a whiff of out house which is not pleasant. Wasn’t too frequent so not a big deal but if you want to avoid stay further away from toilets.

    Get water at the entrance gate to the cove. That’s the only water hook up near by. Picnic tables and fire ring in each site. Vault toilets. No showers. No Joshua trees here but tons of Mojave yuccas and other desert plants. Beautiful views and sleeping under dessert sky and stars.

  • 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.

  • Connie H.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 10, 2025

    Pine Knot Campground

    Nice Campground Close to Town

    This campground is located pretty much in town right off Summit Blvd, on a side street right next to Snow Summit. We stayed here a couple nights with our pop-up camper in site #17. Cost was $34 a night. We pulled in a little later than planned, around 7:30, there were about 10 other sites occupied with a few more reserved. There are 48 sites throughout the campground. All primitive sites. Generators are allowed, but must stay on paved areas, and not run during quiet hours, 10:00 PM- 6:00 AM. Sites have a picnic table, fire ring, grill and bear box provided. There are 4 bathroom houses around the campground with flush toilets and sinks, they were pretty clean and well kept. Potable water was available. We did hear the coyotes at night and even had one or two come through our site. Campfires are allowed at this campground as of Oct. 9, 2025. We had great T-Mobile and AT&T cell service. The camp hosts were friendly and helpful.

  • Michael A.
    Jul. 6, 2020

    San Bernardino National Forest Crab Flats Campground

    5 Miles Dirt Road Off Highway YES

    Slow going on the dirt road but boy is it worth it. There are a couple of water spigots. Pack your trash out when you leave. Do not need 4WD to get there but it’s sure fun on all the truck trails if you do! Lots of trees and shade, 26 sites that are usually pretty full on the weekends. Vault toilets. Fire rings, bear boxes and picnic tables provide the basics. The drive out to the lake is also worth it if kids want to play in the water. Kayak and small boat rentals, fishing with stocked waters. All in all a great way to spend a weekend in the mountains.

  • 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

  • Deborah C.
    May. 31, 2019

    Indian Cove Campground — Joshua Tree National Park

    Joshua Tree, Indian cove campground , May, 2019

    We love the jumbo rocks at Joshua Tree and Indian cove campground is settled within a group of the giant rock formations. Our campsite was a bit small, but fine for the two of us and our tent. We had a picnic table, grill and fire pit. Vault toilets were spaced nicely along the campground road. No water in the actual campground, but is at the ranger station. No showers or running water, cell coverage was spotty.

  • Corey B.
    Jun. 26, 2022

    Sheep Pass Group Campground — Joshua Tree National Park

    Great Group Campground

    We camped at site 2 on 6/12 this year and had a great time. We had 18 people and found that there were a ton of different nooks to setup your tent. We even found on one up a little higher in the rocks that would have been cool. 

    We placed our tent just inside the rock area from the picnic tables and we are really glad we did. The wind on our first night was a lot and this one site was a bit better for wind protection. 

    There was a tree/bush at the corner of our group site that ended up being great for shade and a hang out place during the day. In the afternoon we spent more time near the tables and grill. The site comes with a large charcoal grill that we used to cook burgers on one of our nights. 

    At night we ventured off a bit near the camp site and took some night sky pictures. We also we able to see a bunch of owls up in the top of the rocks on one of the nights. During the full moon it was really easy to walk around with out lights. 

    There is no water and no showers, but the pit toilets that were there were clean and well maintained. They even had some nice candles to light in them. The dumpster was right next to our group site and was also well maintained. 

    Our only problem during our stay was that on our last night a bunch of people came in after midnight to the site next to ours (#1) and they played music and were loud until 4 AM... We barely saw rangers there and there is no cell signal so it can be challenging to get help for these types of things (assuming you don't feel comfortable confronting a group of drunk people in the middle of the night).

  • Erin S.
    Feb. 26, 2021

    Jumbo Rocks Campground — Joshua Tree National Park

    Fun for kids and adults! Dry desert camping among the Jumbo Rocks!

    We stayed at Jumbo Rocks for 4 nights in a tent in late February 2021. Weather was awesome - highs in the 70s in the day and lows in the 30s/40s at night. This was our second time staying here; first time was in a travel trailer in Oct 2018 (see Dyrt Review). We still love the campground, though again it was the inconsiderate nature of our neighbors that bring it from 5 stars down to 4. Here's a review of the pros and cons.

    Pros:

    • Dynamic, interactive environment: This is a playground for adults and kids alike. Climb on the rocks, hike through the drainages, and explore to your hearts content. We didn't see any, but of course, watch out for rattlesnakes. The rock is extremely grippy and very good for climbing.
    • Beautiful sunsets and sunrises: The land turns gold during these times. There are no electric lights in the campground or anywhere nearby (car headlights and camp lanterns excluded). Absolutely beautiful.
    • Decently spaced vault toilets: no site is too far from a toliet, and there are enough of them that even with over 100 sites, you aren't going to wait long (if at all) to use one.
    • Nice concrete tables and low fire pits with grates. There is a standing grill too, but we didn't use it.
    • Recycling bins and an amphitheater Trails to lead to Skull and Split Rocks (highly recommend for kids!).

    Neutral:

    • The size, level, and location of sites: Pick your sites wisely - do your research! Some sites have very little space - just enough for a small tent, while others are spacious. Some sites are secluded while others you are practically sitting on your neighbors. Some are flat and level while others there is no level space at all (suitable for RVs but not for tent camping). Some spaces will accommodate RVs and slide outs while others will not; do not rely on Recreation.gov telling you it will fit! Instead, look at satellite views. Go to Campgroundphotos.com. Read reviews. Site 31's description is below.

    Cons:

    • Very little regulation paired with inconsiderate neighbors: Jumbo is not a well regulated campground. You don't check-in. You make a reservation online and just show up at your site, hoping it will be empty. There is a camp host that flips signs from reserved to open, allowing for walk-ins, but this doesn't stop people from squatting (we had 6 young men come in to have a fire and dinner at the campsite next to us before the folks who had reserved the site arrived late and kicked them out). We also had neighbors who set up a couch, smoked pot, and played EDM so loud you could hear it 100 yards away at all hours (they quieted it down a bit after a confrontation - they claimed to be 'enjoying nature' - but not by much). So you roll the dice and hopefully you have neighbors who are there for similar reasons as you.
    • Little protection from the elements: During the warmer months, your best bet is to find a spot next to boulder to the west/south of you, so you have some shade in the afternoon. During the winter months, look to have some protection from the north winds, which can be fierce (seriously, it will rip up your camp, it did ours).

    Site 31 Description: Part of a cluster, meaning you park with others and the sites fan out from the parking area. 31 is a 100 foot walk from parking; we walked past other sites but no one had to walk past ours. It is up on a small rise - had a beautiful view but was more exposed to the wind and sun. Mostly flat and will fit several tents. Closest neighbor was 30 feet away and separated by scrub. Vault toilet and dumpsters adjacent to parking area. Not next to any big rocks, but they are only a short walk away. A coyote walked by us in the night and squirrels frequently raided our camp (keep your food and trash secure).


Guide to Banning

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."

Frequently Asked Questions

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

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Banning, CA is Yucaipa Regional Park with a 4.8-star rating from 20 reviews.

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

TheDyrt.com has all 53 tent camping locations near Banning, CA, with real photos and reviews from campers.