Kristina C.
Traveler
TravelerBlair Valley Primitive Campground — Anza-Borrego Desert State Park
Hard packed sandy road with various pull offs for your rig. Very quiet and peaceful!
Tent Camping near Bermuda Dunes, CA
1 campground with availability this weekend
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Desert landscapes surrounding Bermuda Dunes, California offer diverse tent camping options ranging from primitive sites to established campgrounds. Box Canyon Dispersed camping area, located southeast of Bermuda Dunes, provides tent-only camping in a natural desert setting with minimal amenities. Joshua Tree National Park's Boy Scout Trail Backcountry Sites, approximately 30 miles northeast, offer secluded backcountry tent camping for those willing to hike at least one mile from roads. Santa Rosa Springs Campground in San Bernardino National Forest provides tent campsites in a mountain setting from May to early November, offering a cooler alternative to desert camping during summer months.
Most primitive tent camping areas near Bermuda Dunes require self-sufficiency and preparation. Box Canyon Dispersed camping features loose sand surfaces that may challenge standard vehicles, though most can navigate when staying on established paths. Vault toilets are rare at dispersed sites, with most requiring pack-in, pack-out practices for all waste. Tool Box Springs Yellow Post Campground requires high-clearance vehicles to access via rough fire roads, but rewards tent campers with established sites featuring fire rings and picnic tables. Temperature extremes are significant, with summer desert temperatures regularly exceeding 100°F during day and dropping dramatically at night, while mountain sites can experience freezing temperatures even in spring.
Tent campers frequently use these areas as bases for hiking and wildlife observation. According to reviews, Box Canyon offers quiet camping with access to unique hiking trails including Ladder Canyon, though campers should avoid summer months when temperatures become dangerous. One visitor noted that Yellow Post sites provide exceptional seclusion: "The site itself was peaceful and quiet," despite requiring significant travel on rough roads. At higher elevations in Mount San Jacinto State Park, backcountry tent sites require permits that should be secured 8 weeks in advance, with Round Valley offering 28 tent campsites at 9,100 feet elevation. Walk-in tent sites throughout the region provide greater solitude than drive-in options, with many campers reporting wildlife sightings including deer at backcountry locations.
Best Tent Campgrounds near Bermuda Dunes (45)
1. Box Canyon Dispersed
"this is a dispersed location on box canyon in Mecca. the road is loose sand and is possible by most vehicles as long as you stay on the road."
"It was quiet during the week, weekends might be busier with locals because of all the shell casings left behind."
2. Tool Box Springs - Yellow Post Campground
"Recommend four wheel drive to get to Tool Box Springs, the fire road is long but once you’re there it’s worth it."
"This campsite is about 45 minutes down a 4 wheel drive only dirt path. Pot toilets and trash cans available at the site. Nothing else much around to do other than hang out at the campground or hike."
3. Rancho Capotista
"We're happy to welcome this property to our platform. Pick your spot anywhere on the property. Give them a try and leave them some love."
Check Availabilityfrom $40 / night
4. San Bernardino National Forest Santa Rosa Springs Campground
"There are 16 yellow post sites along the Santa Rosa Truck Trail (7S02) from hwy 74. Most of the sites are beyond the springs that are flowing through a faucet at Santa Rosa Springs."
"Some just off-roading and a few camping. Road was not too bad. Definitely want clearance but I did most in rwd. Saw a stock Tacoma at the top. I stayed at campsite 6 and it was very enjoyable."
5. Round Valley Campsite — Mount San Jacinto State Park
"Reviewed by: The Crew at Hitched4fun.com If you are looking for a true alpine backcountry adventure right in Southern California, backpacking into Round Valley Primitive Campsites inside"
"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."
6. Santa Rosa Springs Campground
"It was awesome views and gorgeous weather but the road is really really steep and hard to get up"
7. Geology Tour Road Dispersed Camping — Joshua Tree National Park
"We ran a 5 day backpacking trip out of this meet up and around Jtree in March and it was one of the most exciting backpacks we have done."
8. Black Rock Equestrian Campground — Joshua Tree National Park
"Huge open horse camp with 10 corrals, picnic tables, bbqs and fire rings, pick your spot anywhere you like. Almost all sloped but not awful. Lot gets regularly graded."
Check Availabilityfrom $35 / night
9. Tamarack Valley Campground — Mount San Jacinto State Park
Check Availabilityfrom $5 / night
10. ToolBox Springs Yellow Post 8
"Great view of the valley below and mountains around."
Drive Time
- 1 hr 24 min from El Centro, CA
- 1 hr 57 min from Los Angeles, CA
- 2 hrs 12 min from San Diego, CA
- 2 hrs 48 min from Lake Havasu City, AZ
Recent Tent Camping Photos near Bermuda Dunes, CA
30 Photos of 45 Bermuda Dunes Campgrounds • uploaded by The Dyrt campers
Rancho Capotista
Mineral Springs Date FarmR
San Bernardino National Forest Santa Rosa Springs Campground
Box Canyon DispersedN
Tool Box Springs - Yellow Post CampgroundS
Little Round Valley — Mount San Jacinto State Park
Wandering Caboose RanchM
Desert Rose
Dry Lake Backpacking Campground
Halfway Camp
Ocotillo Wells State Vehicular Recreation Area
Yellow Post #54
Tent Camping Reviews near Bermuda Dunes, CA
1532 Reviews of 45 Bermuda Dunes Campgrounds
tooth W.
GuideStagecoach Trails Resort
Beautifully set in the Anzo-Berrago state park. Excellent clean facilities
- BBrooke P.Guide
Joshua Tree South Entrance
So many spots, great for every vehicle
There were soooo many spots to pick from easily at least 75+ if you drive all the way down. The road is gravel and was easy in our mini van, crowded of course but hey it’s right near the entrance of a national park
David M.
ScoutJoshua Tree South Entrance
Lots of open space
Matthew E.ScoutBelle Campground — Joshua Tree National Park
A Good Campground During the Week
I discovered this campground in Joshua Tree when the campground I had grown used to staying at (Ryan) went reserved only. Belle is on a first come, first serve basis, so there's no reservations involved. Roughly east of the campground is a trail that leads to the next one down, White Tank, which is popular because of the natural arch that can be found a short distance from the campsites. Belle itself has 18 campsites which are mostly empty during the week. Weekends are busy though as campers are usually jockeying for a site starting on Thursday nights. All in all, a beautiful place that offers splendid views and clear, crisp nights. Campers beware as it can get very windy at times. Vault toilets and campfire rings, but no accessible water.
Aaron S.
RangerRound Valley Campsite — Mount San Jacinto State Park
Gooseberry Site, Alpine Wilderness & A Critical Backcountry Safety Wake-Up
Reviewed by: The Crew at Hitched4fun.com
If you are looking for a true alpine backcountry adventure right in Southern California, backpacking into Round Valley Primitive Campsites inside the Mount San Jacinto State Park and Wilderness is an incredible experience. By pairing the world-famous Palm Springs Aerial Tramway with a weekend wilderness trek, you can leave the scorching low desert and step into sub-alpine granite peaks within minutes. Our crew recently packed our gear, caught the tram, and set up basecamp at the Gooseberry site for a Friday-to-Saturday summit push of Mount San Jacinto.
The scenery and wilderness delivered on every level—but the trip also served as a stark reminder that high-altitude nature commands respect.
The Route & Camp Setup (Gooseberry Site)
Taking the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway bypasses thousands of vertical feet of grueling desert switchbacks, depositing you at Mountain Station:
- The Trek into Round Valley: From the tram station, it is a scenic~2.5-mile backpack into Round Valley, which sits at an elevation of roughly 9,100 feet.
- The Gooseberry Campsite: Gooseberry is a fantastic primitive backcountry site. Tucked among the lodgepole pines and granite boulders, it offers great shelter, peace, and that genuine wilderness seclusion you crave.
- The Summit Push: We spent Friday night acclimating and resting at basecamp. Early Saturday morning, we pushed for the summit of Mount San Jacinto Peak(10,834 feet). After taking in the panoramic views stretching from the Pacific to the Salton Sea, we descended back to Round Valley, packed up camp, and made the return trek to the tram for the ride down.
The October Shoulder Season: Nature Changes in Minutes
We chose to hike late in the season during October, and anyone heading up during shoulder months needs to understand high-elevation weather:
- T****he Forecast Mirage: On the morning of our summit push, the official forecast predicted clear, sunny skies by noon.
- The High-Alpine Reality: Noon rolled around, and the weather did the exact opposite—we were hit with biting snow flurries and temperatures plunging straight into the 20s.
- Within just two hours, a crisp autumn morning morphed into full-blown freezing winter conditions.
A Serious Backcountry Advisory: 50 Years on the Trail Speaks
As someone with over 50 years of hiking and backpacking experience spanning every corner of the American West, what we witnessed on the trail between Round Valley and the peak was alarming.
We encountered dozens of hikers completely unprepared for foul weather:
- The Outfit: People trekking toward a 10,834-foot alpine peak in short shorts, cotton t-shirts, light sneakers, and carrying little more than a tiny hydration bladder with a couple of snack bars. No insulation, no wind protection, no emergency gear.
- Missing Essentials: Not a single one of the Ten Essentials in sight.
- The Dangerous Mindset: Yes, 99% of the time, casual hikers get lucky and escape without incident. But cell service, 911, and volunteer Search& Rescue teams are not your personal safety net—preparedness and basic common sense are.
- The Golden Rule: Any hiker stepping foot into this wilderness must carry the gear to survive an unexpected night out in freezing conditions. An ankle sprain, altitude sickness, or a sudden squall can turn a fun day hike into hypothermia, acute suffering, or worse. Don't be that guy or gal.
The Hitched4fun Verdict
Mount San Jacinto Wilderness and Round Valley’s Gooseberry site delivered everything an outdoor enthusiast could want: pristine trails, incredible pine-scented air, and raw wilderness beauty. Just never forget that nature can bite hard if you let your guard down. Pack your layers, bring your essentials, respect the mountain, and you will have an unforgettable journey.
Rating: 5 out of 5 Stars— Highly Recommended by the Hitched4fun.com crew!
- EEric P.
LegendBelle Campground — Joshua Tree National Park
This was our first trip to Joshua Tree. We thoroughly enjoyed this first come first serve campground. The awesome walks into the park and desert landscape make this a place we will definitely return to. Beautiful night sky and stars . The Granite boulders are beautiful!
Hans V.RangerSouth Ridge Yellow Post Sites
The first two spots are close together. First one a bit small but better cover from Santa Anna winds. Nicely in the forest and close to the village.
Robyn C.TravelerStone Creek Campground — Mount San Jacinto State Park
Nice stay
Had a nice stay here twice so far this year. Nice place. Quiet and clean.
Guide to Bermuda Dunes
Primitive tent campsites near Bermuda Dunes, California range from desert floor locations to mountain sites at elevations over 9,000 feet. The region experiences temperature fluctuations of up to 50°F between day and night in desert areas. Backcountry permits are required for overnight stays in Joshua Tree National Park and Mount San Jacinto State Park wilderness areas.
What to do
Ladder canyon hikes: Access these unique hiking trails from Box Canyon Dispersed camping area. "There is a lot of hiking but make sure to have a map as it's very easy to get lost. My favorite is the ladder canyon hike which has you climbing up a series of ladders in the canyon," notes Katie O. The ladders are typically maintained but should be inspected before use.
Mountain summit attempts: Use Round Valley Campsite as a basecamp for summit attempts. "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," reports Katie O. The campground sits at 9,100 feet elevation, requiring acclimatization for most hikers.
Wildlife observation: Multiple campers report wildlife sightings in the area's campgrounds. At Rancho Capotista, visitors can set up primitive tent sites in raw desert terrain. At higher-elevation sites, campers report seeing "raccoons in the night, gray squirrel, other squirrels, many birds," according to Rhyn E. who stayed at Tool Box Springs.
What campers like
Remote solitude: Many tent campsites offer true isolation from crowds. "We didn't see a single person camping, it was very isolated," reports a camper at Round Valley Campground. Similarly, Joe C. notes about Box Canyon Dispersed: "Got my jeep deep into the canyon between coachella weekends and was the only person there."
Year-round accessibility: While mountain sites have seasonal limitations, desert dispersed camping areas remain accessible in winter months. "The area is pretty quiet but can be extremely hot in the summer so I wouldn't recommend it other than winter," advises Katie O. about Box Canyon. Fall through spring offers ideal temperatures for desert camping.
Flowing water sources: Some mountain campsites feature natural springs. At Santa Rosa Springs Campground, Andrew D. notes "There are 16 yellow post sites along the Santa Rosa Truck Trail (7S02) from hwy 74. Most of the sites are beyond the springs that are flowing through a faucet at Santa Rosa Springs." These water sources can be critical in an otherwise arid region.
What you should know
Vehicle access challenges: Many tent campsites require high-clearance or 4WD vehicles. Jake P. warns about Tool Box Springs - Yellow Post Campground: "Without a high clearance vehicle, it took me an hour and a half to go six miles up, and still scraped and almost got stuck. Definitely would say need a high clearance vehicle for some of the ruts."
Permit requirements: Wilderness camping permits must be secured well in advance. For Mount San Jacinto State Park, "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," advises Cody B.
Seasonal challenges: Each season brings distinct challenges:
- Summer: Desert temperatures regularly exceed 110°F
- Winter: Mountain areas experience snow and freezing conditions
- Spring/Fall: Insect activity increases, particularly flies at certain elevations
Tips for camping with families
Wildlife education opportunities: Several sites offer chances to observe desert wildlife safely. "We had two foxes come and visit the campsite (or at least they got really close)," reports Nick A. about his stay at Box Canyon Dispersed, making it a potential nature classroom for children.
Choose accessible locations: For families with young children, consider sites with minimal hiking required. Boy Scout Trail Backcountry Sites offers relatively easy access: "This backcountry camping is the easiest to get to from the West entrance... Hike in at least 1 mile from any roads," notes Les R.
Pack extra water: Natural water sources are unreliable. Katie O. warns about Round Valley Campground: "Bring plenty of water or filtration device to filter the water... drinking it is iffy, I wouldn't trust it." Each person needs at least one gallon per day in desert conditions.
Tips from RVers
Sand navigation: Desert dispersed camping areas often have deep sand that challenges even well-equipped vehicles. Kenny W. notes about Box Canyon Dispersed camping: "Cons; very easy to get stuck. Very loose sand." Maintain momentum without excessive speed and deflate tires slightly for improved traction.
Limited amenities: Most primitive tent campsites near Bermuda Dunes lack facilities. According to Nick A. at Box Canyon, you should expect "no amenities and no trash cans so pack in/pack out." Bring portable toilet facilities and sufficient water storage for your stay.
Frequently Asked Questions
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campsite near Bermuda Dunes, CA?
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Bermuda Dunes, CA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Bermuda Dunes, CA is Box Canyon Dispersed with a 4.5-star rating from 6 reviews.
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tent camping near
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What is the best site to find tent camping near Bermuda Dunes, CA?
TheDyrt.com has all 45 tent camping locations near Bermuda Dunes, CA, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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