Best Tent Camping near Cedar Glen, CA
Tent campsites in the San Bernardino Mountains near Cedar Glen, California offer several established and dispersed options within forested terrain. Keller Peak Yellow Post Campsites provide tent camping with fire rings and picnic tables along a 5-mile paved road, while Mill Creek Dispersed Camping offers free primitive tent sites with minimal amenities. Most tent camping areas are situated between 5,000-7,000 feet elevation in mixed pine and oak forests, providing a true mountain camping experience.
Many tent campgrounds require campers to pack in their own water and pack out all trash, as services are extremely limited. Fire restrictions vary seasonally, with complete bans common during dry summer months when wildfire danger is high. Vault toilets are available at established campgrounds like Big Pine Flat, but dispersed tent camping areas have no facilities. Access roads to Yellow Post sites can be rough but are generally navigable in passenger vehicles, though some remote tent camping areas may require high-clearance vehicles. A recent review noted, "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."
The tent camping experience in this region offers excellent isolation and natural settings. Sites are typically well-spaced, providing privacy even during busier periods. According to reviews on The Dyrt, "These sites are beautiful - especially #9! It pokes out over the mountains and has the most unbelievable view!" Tent campers particularly appreciate the cool mountain nights and dark skies that make for excellent stargazing. Many tent campgrounds serve as excellent basecamps for day hikes, with networks of trails connecting to the Children's Forest and various mountain peaks. Summer thunderstorms are common in afternoon hours, so tent campers should ensure proper rainfly setup and site drainage. Wildlife encounters are frequent, requiring proper food storage in bear-resistant containers or vehicle trunks for overnight tent campers.