Will
Traveler
TravelerRim of the World Byway (near 15 fwy south) Dispersed
You’ll hear the freeway but who cares. It’s a super easy place to pull off at and there’s a McDonalds and gas station right down the street to fill up at.
Tent Camping near Big Bear City, CA
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San Bernardino National Forest surrounding Big Bear City, California offers tent camping options ranging from free primitive backcountry sites to structured campgrounds at elevation. Holcomb Valley Climbers Camp provides free dispersed tent camping popular with rock climbers, featuring flat tent pads scattered throughout the forest. Mill Creek Dispersed Camping offers first-come, first-served tent sites just outside Big Bear with numerous flat spots for pitching tents. For those seeking more structured tent-only camping, Tanglewood Group Campground sits at over 7,000 feet elevation in dense pine forest, accessible via dirt roads and operational from May through October.
Most tent campsites in the Big Bear area require campers to bring their own water and supplies. Yellow Post sites, found at locations like Keller Peak and Thomas Hunting Grounds, provide basic amenities such as fire rings and sometimes picnic tables, but no drinking water or toilets. Sites typically sit on natural forest floor with minimal grading. High-clearance vehicles are recommended for accessing many of the more remote tent camping areas, particularly after rain or snow when forest roads may become rutted or washed out. Seasonal fire restrictions frequently apply throughout summer and fall, with complete bans common during high fire danger periods.
Tent campers frequently report excellent solitude at dispersed sites despite their proximity to Big Bear City. One visitor noted that Keller Peak Yellow Post sites are "stretched across 5 miles so you will have no neighbors," with sites tucked away among rock formations. At Mill Creek Dispersed Camping, a camper observed it "was not crowded mid-week, but spots were filling up closer to the weekend." Backcountry tent camping at higher elevations can experience extreme temperature drops, even in summer months. The dense pine forests provide good shade for most tent sites, while offering access to extensive hiking and mountain biking trail networks throughout the San Bernardino Mountains.
Best Tent Campgrounds near Big Bear City (56)
1. Holcomb Valley Climbers Camp
"There are no developed facilities (i.e., no firepits, outhouses, etc.) but it is beautiful and there are plenty of flat places to set up a tent."
"Arriving at the campground, the deposit place, obviously on weekends we were not thrilled by everyone around us, as well as the loud noise until past the curfew."
2. Thomas Hunting Grounds Yellow Post Campites
"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. Mill Creek Dispersed Camping
"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."
4. Dry Lake Backpacking Campground
"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. Keller Peak Yellow Post Campsites
"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."
6. Yellow Post #54
"You will earn this spot as the drive from Hwy 38 is long and rocky."
7. Tanglewood Group Campground
"Campground is nestled in pine woods where you have to drive quite far in through dirt road to get there. Pretty secluded, but accommodate our large group. Spacious for several cars."
Check AvailabilityCampground full this weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $149 - $159 / night
8. Coon Creek Cabin Group Campground
"Easy trail up. Great views. Intersects with PCT."
Check AvailabilityCampground full this weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $127 - $137 / night
9. Halfway Camp
"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!"
10. Limber Pine Bench Campground
"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."
Drive Time
- 2 hrs 10 min from Los Angeles, CA
- 2 hrs 43 min from San Diego, CA
- 2 hrs 52 min from Oxnard, CA
- 3 hrs 2 min from El Centro, CA
Recent Tent Camping Photos near Big Bear City, CA
41 Photos of 56 Big Bear City Campgrounds • uploaded by The Dyrt campers
Yellow Post #54
Holcomb Valley Climbers Camps
Dry Lake Backpacking Campground
Limber Pine Bench Campground
Halfway Camp
Big Pine Flat Campground
Thomas Hunting Grounds Yellow Post Campites
Keller Peak Yellow Post Campsites
Yucaipa Regional ParkA
Lake Arrowhead - Green Valley Lake Recreation Area
Desert Rose
Deep Creek Hot Springs Campground
Tent Camping Reviews near Big Bear City, CA
1585 Reviews of 56 Big Bear City Campgrounds
- ccarol R.
ScoutTwentynine Palms Resort
upscale Rv resort with pool, hot tub, sauna, laundry, game room.
- TTanya T.Scout
Mountain Lakes Resort - Membership Campground
OCTOBER 2026
Site is clean, many activities on weekends They also add 1000lb or catfish and trout weekly depending on season. Members were friendly. Downside is wifi when the campsite is 75+ full and only about a dozen paved spots. Major are gravel and dirt.
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.
- jjulie G.Scout
Stoddard Valley OHV Area - North
OHV area in desert
Nice and FREE area , easy to access
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 Big Bear City
Tent campsites near Big Bear City, California range from primitive sites accessible only by high-clearance vehicles to more approachable options near forest roads. Located in the San Bernardino Mountains at elevations between 6,700 and 8,500 feet, campers often experience temperature drops of 30-40 degrees between day and night. Forest roads leading to dispersed sites frequently become challenging after rainfall, with some requiring navigation around large potholes and steep sections.
What to do
Explore historic sites: Near Holcomb Valley Climbers Camp, visitors can explore remnants of gold mining operations. "Because the National forest allows dispersed camping, as long as your off the roads and trails, the camping spots are unlimited. We like coming here if we want to be guaranteed a spot, no early arrivals or reservations needed," shares Les R.
Try rock climbing: Multiple boulder formations around Big Bear provide climbing opportunities for all skill levels. "This area is used almost exclusively by rock climbers, but anyone is welcomed. As long as you follow the guidelines for the area, you can set up your tent anywhere you see a spot," notes Les R. about Holcomb Valley.
Hike mountain trails: The Yellow Post #54 site offers access to ridge trails with panoramic views. "It is up on the ridge some lots of solitude and views," says Mike M., who notes the challenging drive is worth it for the isolation and scenery.
What campers like
Seasonal water features: Though "Dry Lake" might sound misleading, Dry Lake Backpacking Campground sometimes delivers. "If you can get out here right after a good rain/snow storm passes through, you will not regret it. It's a pleasant hike to the campground, there's tons of trees around the lake," reports Daniel J.
Dark night skies: The distance from urban areas creates excellent stargazing conditions. "At night a group of locals came to the edge of my site... I only felt safe because my small dog has a very loud bark, which kept them from coming closer," shares Bruce R. about Keller Peak Yellow Post Campsites, highlighting both the isolation and occasional safety concerns.
Wildlife viewing: Morning hours offer chances to see deer, foxes, and numerous bird species. "The dense pine forests provide good shade for most tent sites, while offering access to extensive hiking and mountain biking trail networks throughout the San Bernardino Mountains," according to many campers.
What you should know
Elevation affects temperature: Pack for significant temperature changes. "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," warns Kate W. about Dry Lake Backpacking Campground.
Vehicle requirements vary: Some sites demand serious off-road capability. "The road up to the camp area is a bit rough. We were in a Sprinter and definitely nervous for parts. But, it was worth it once we got there! It's secluded and has enough trees for a hammock," reports Allie N.
Fire restrictions change frequently: Always check current fire rules. "It seems like fires aren't allowed during certain periods. Just be aware, we brought our own off the ground stove. And it was perfectly fine," notes seth B. about Holcomb Valley.
Water availability is limited: Plan to bring all needed water. Most dispersed sites have no potable water sources. Yellow Post sites and backcountry locations require carrying in everything you'll need.
Tips for camping with families
Choose sites with natural play areas: Mill Creek Dispersed Camping offers flat areas where kids can explore. "Overall great campground, there are definitely some permanent residents but there is more than enough spots to have some privacy," says Connor M.
Prepare for dirt and dust: Dirt roads and natural terrain mean kids will get dirty. "Our kids loved being able to explore, but they were covered in sand/dirt by the end of the trip," shares Allie N.
Consider alternative accommodations: For families wanting more amenities, Yucaipa Regional Park offers developed campsites. "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," explains Bryan H.
Watch for temperature swings: Children may need extra layers at night when temperatures drop drastically, even in summer.
Tips from RVers
Site selection for larger vehicles: Most dispersed tent camping areas near Big Bear aren't suitable for RVs. "My husband and I were looking for good boondocking spots yesterday and we decided to check out this spot... But the biggest issue for RVs is an area of the road that is very steep and immediately turns into a hairpin turn that we didn't even want to try in our 4x4," cautions Francisco F. about Mill Creek.
Plan for rough roads: Access roads to many sites require slow, careful driving. "There are lots of sites on this road. The closer you are to the road the more dust will get in your site from the vehicles passing... 2x4 accessible as long as it's not muddy or after snow. I saw a Prius on the trail," observes Dee M.
Consider alternative campgrounds: For RV camping near Big Bear, stick to established campgrounds rather than dispersed sites. Most tent-friendly dispersed sites can't accommodate rigs larger than small pop-ups or truck campers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent
campsite near Big Bear City, CA?
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Big Bear City, CA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Big Bear City, CA is Holcomb Valley Climbers Camp with a 4.8-star rating from 8 reviews.
What is the best site to find
tent camping near
Big Bear City, CA?
What is the best site to find tent camping near Big Bear City, CA?
TheDyrt.com has all 56 tent camping locations near Big Bear City, CA, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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