Best Tent Camping near Barstow, CA
Tent campsites in the San Bernardino Mountains region near Barstow, California range from free dispersed options to established campgrounds with basic amenities. Holcomb Valley Climbers Camp offers primitive tent-only camping in the forest with drive-in access, while Mill Creek Dispersed Camping provides free backcountry tent sites with no facilities but plenty of flat areas suitable for pitching tents. Keller Peak Yellow Post Sites feature nine secluded tent-friendly locations spread across a five-mile stretch of forest road.
Most tent campgrounds in this area require campers to bring their own water, as drinking water is rarely available at primitive sites. Fire regulations vary seasonally, with many areas implementing complete fire bans during dry periods. A visitor commented that "there are over a dozen sites along the main road. If you can pull in, it's a site." Access roads to dispersed camping areas like Mill Creek are typically unpaved but passable with standard vehicles in dry conditions. Vault toilets are available at some established sites such as Fishermans Group Campground, but most dispersed tent camping areas have no sanitation facilities, requiring proper waste disposal practices.
Areas farther from main roads offer deeper seclusion for tent campers seeking quiet experiences. Many tent sites feature natural shade from pine forests, particularly at higher elevations like Keller Peak, which sits above 7,000 feet. A review mentioned that "spots are easy to see because of the yellow signs. Weather is definitely colder than in the valley, got snow overnight in mid May." The terrain is typically mountainous with a mix of forest and high desert landscapes. Tent campers frequently use these areas as bases for hiking, with multiple trail networks including the Pacific Crest Trail accessible from several campgrounds. Sites tend to fill quickly during summer weekends, with secluded locations being particularly sought after by backpackers and hikers looking for quiet backcountry camping experiences.
