Best Tent Camping near Bloomington, CA
San Bernardino National Forest offers several tent camping options within a 30-minute drive of Bloomington, California. Yucaipa Regional Park provides dedicated tent camping areas in their group sites, with built-in grills and running water. For more primitive tent camping experiences, Thomas Hunting Grounds Yellow Post Sites near Big Bear Lake offer walk-in tent sites with fire rings but minimal amenities. Keller Peak Yellow Post Campsites in Running Springs provide tent-friendly sites along a 5-mile paved road with fire rings and picnic tables, though no water is available.
Most tent campgrounds in the region require campers to bring their own water, as potable sources are limited. Sites typically feature dirt or forest duff surfaces with minimal grading. Fire restrictions vary seasonally, with complete bans common during dry summer months. Bear activity is present at higher elevations, requiring proper food storage in provided bear boxes or personal canisters. Vault toilets are available at established campgrounds like Yucaipa Regional Park, while primitive sites often lack facilities entirely. Adventure Passes are required for parking at many forest service sites, and most locations operate on a first-come, first-served basis.
Tent campers frequently mention the peaceful atmosphere at these sites, particularly on weekdays. According to one visitor at Keller Peak, "Campsites 1, 3, and 6 are very quiet" with plenty of shade. Walk-in tent sites at China Camp State Park Campground provide what one camper described as "a traditional campground where you must carry all your food and gear to the campsite," allowing visitors to "pick a spot hidden away from others." Backcountry tent camping areas like Little Jimmy Trail Campground connect directly to the Pacific Crest Trail, offering tent-only sites with fire rings and bear lockers. The region's tent-only campgrounds provide excellent access to hiking trails, with many sites situated near seasonal creeks or offering mountain views.