2 campgrounds with availability this weekend
The San Bernardino Mountains surrounding Blue Jay, California provide multiple tent camping options through the Keller Peak Yellow Post Sites and Big Pine Flat Campground. These primitive tent sites sit at higher elevations within the national forest, offering a more secluded alternative to developed campgrounds. Most sites require reservations during peak summer months, while some dispersed areas permit camping with proper permits from the ranger district office.
Tent camping facilities vary considerably across the region. The Yellow Post Sites near Keller Peak feature designated tent pads with picnic tables and fire rings but no running water. Campers should carry in all water and supplies, as most sites lack services beyond basic vault toilets. Road conditions often require high-clearance vehicles, particularly for accessing the more remote Thomas Hunting Grounds Yellow Post sites. According to a visitor, "The road to the trailhead is very bumpy, you definitely need a 4x4 with good clearance."
Walk-in tent sites provide the most authentic primitive camping experience in the area. Sites are typically spaced far apart, offering privacy that's difficult to find at more developed campgrounds. The Fisherman's Group Campground features tent-only access via hiking trails, providing a backpacking-style experience without venturing deep into the wilderness. Fall camping offers particularly pleasant conditions with fewer crowds and cooler temperatures. The surrounding mountains provide extensive hiking opportunities, with many campsites positioned near trail access points. One camper noted that "There are only 9 sites stretched across 5 miles so you will have no neighbors. Each site is decent size and tucked away into the rocks."
"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."
"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."
"After years of venturing into and around Lake Arrowhead (often a mere stop on my way to Big Bear/Fawnskin) I finally started exploring off the beaten path by accident last year and holy cow!"
"Green valley lake campground is an awesome place for a fun getaway. We wanted to get away for the Fourth of July but waited too long to book in Big Bear."
"Easy access to the hot springs and no services to speak of. Basically a patch of dirt you can occupy for $10 a night. Loved it."
"Super fun place to visit with the hot springs trail. Went in January with snowfall, hardly any campers and nature all around! Two nights are perfect."
from $10 - $119 / night
"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."
"I was backpacking along the Pacific Crest Trail & decided to hike down the Crab Flats Trail to checkout Tent Peg & Fisherman's Campground."
"Be sure to call visitor center for driving directions (or follow the ones on USDA National Forest website) as Google will take you to the wrong spot. Good hike for first-time backpackers."
Campground full this weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $10 / night
"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."
"It’s up around 7500ft approximately four miles from Running Springs. I spent three days here and absolutely loved this spot."
"Post 6 and 5 and next to each other but have high ground low which gave privacy. Nice flat ground to post tent."
"Big Pines Flats is set right next to a meadow at a forest crossing heading to Holcomb Valley, Victorville, Fawnskin, and Green Valley Lake."
TravelerWe liked it a lot. It was our first time there and newbie camper so I didn’t pick the best spot, but it’s a great location, close to the river… I had my dog so we walked the campground quite a bit and it’s good size and I saw a lot of other sites that I would have preferred. The bathroom wasn’t terrible, typical I’d say. The woman working the front was very helpful and nice. Little store close too.
TravelerYou’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.
RangerBig RV resort. Stayed in Area F site 132 as part of RV tour group. All back-in sites. Septic dump opening was located on the side of light pole - had to workaround in order to dump. Public showers/restrooms are not convenient and are old and open concrete.
ScoutJust what I was looking for
ScoutSite 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.
RangerReviewed 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 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:
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 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!
RangerThe 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.
TravelerI went there to see, before making a reservation. I found the trailer park—maybe 100 old mobile homes—but I never found an RV park. I didn’t see anything to see. The “pool” was empty. The office was locked, and it wasn’t lunch. Just kinda not happening. I left a message to call me with the answering service, but I never got a call back.
ScoutNice and FREE area , easy to access
Tent camping near Blue Jay, California offers secluded forest experiences at elevations between 5,000-7,000 feet in the San Bernardino National Forest. Dispersed camping options outside developed campgrounds often require adventurous travel on dirt forest roads. Fall temperatures range from 30-70°F, creating comfortable camping conditions with less competition for sites.
Fishing opportunities: Green Valley Lake, a small mountain lake near camping areas, provides fishing access with stocked trout. According to one camper at Lake Arrowhead - Green Valley Lake Recreation Area, "Green Valley lake campground is an awesome place for a fun getaway... The lake is very clean and has a lot of fish. It is privately owned so you do have to pay to fish or swim."
Hiking trails: The Children's Forest and Keller Peak area feature extensive trail networks accessible directly from campsites. A visitor to Keller Peak Yellow Post Campsites notes, "The Exploration trail weaves around them up to the peak and makes a great hike and there are tons of climbing spots. The Children's forest and Keller peak fire lookout are at the top giving you great info and great views."
Geocaching: Several established geocaching locations exist near Keller Peak. One camper shared, "Keller Peak is incredible. Quiet and (mostly) clean sites. Tons of land to hike, on or off trail. Geocaching sites nearby. The Keller Peak Lookout was amazing."
Privacy between sites: Dispersed camping provides significant separation between campers. A visitor to Thomas Hunting Grounds Yellow Post Campites reported, "Beautiful, private, and secluded. The campgrounds were wonderful... Beautiful hiking trails and wildlife. I didn't want to leave!"
Night sky viewing: The elevation and distance from urban areas creates excellent stargazing conditions. At Thomas Hunting Grounds, one camper mentioned, "Got some nice view at night. If your thinking of going up. Prefer to take the back road to get there faster before heading up big bear."
Affordability: Many dispersed camping options are free or low-cost. A visitor to Mill Creek Dispersed Camping shared, "Great free camping when campgrounds are booked. Easy to navigate with GPS. Many large and small sites along the road. Some spots more secluded than others."
Vehicle requirements: Many camping areas require high-clearance or 4WD vehicles. A Thomas Hunting Grounds camper advised, "Make sure you have a vehicle that is 4WD - getting up the mountain is long and rugged."
Fire restrictions: Regulations vary by location and season. One camper at Keller Peak Yellow Post Campsites cautioned, "They are very strict on parties are not allowed. NO FIRES. They have had issues with drug use and parties so thats why they are strict... Rangers do come by and take down information of the leader of the group."
Water planning: Most dispersed sites lack potable water. A Mill Creek Dispersed Camping visitor noted, "Smaller rigs, medium clearance and lite off-road capabilities recommended. Good cellular reception in my particular location."
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Blue Jay, CA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Blue Jay, CA is Keller Peak Yellow Post Campsites with a 4.2-star rating from 9 reviews.
What is the best site to find tent camping near Blue Jay, CA?
TheDyrt.com has all 66 tent camping locations near Blue Jay, CA, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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