2 campgrounds with availability this weekend
Tent campsites in the forested mountains surrounding Cedarpines Park, California range from primitive yellow post sites to more developed campgrounds with fire rings and picnic tables. The area's tent camping options span backcountry primitive locations and more accessible campgrounds, with many sites set among pine forests at higher elevations that stay cooler through summer.
Most walk-in tent sites feature fire rings and picnic tables, though facilities vary significantly between locations. Keller Peak Yellow Post sites are spread across 5 miles with significant privacy between campsites, making them ideal for backcountry tent camping experiences. These sites fill quickly during summer months and typically have no drinking water available. Some campgrounds like Fishermans Group Campground are accessible only by hiking trail, requiring campers to pack in all supplies. A camper wrote, "Great, secluded campground that's only accessible via hiking" with "toilets, fire pits, bucket for water, bear proof trash cans." Fire restrictions are common during dry months, and campers should check current regulations before planning a trip with campfires.
Tent camping near Cedarpines Park offers notable seclusion and natural beauty. Higher elevation sites provide cooler temperatures during summer months, with many locations situated among pine forests offering natural shade. Areas like Deep Creek provide access to natural hot springs via hiking trails, creating unique backcountry camping opportunities. The terrain varies from relatively flat sites to more rugged locations requiring careful tent placement. Walk-in tent locations often reward the extra effort with greater privacy and wilderness immersion. A recent review noted of one area, "The sites were interestingly laid out and some had little wooded areas that you actually camp behind, others had interesting ground layouts with multiple levels." Wildlife sightings are common, especially at dawn and dusk, adding to the authentic outdoor experience.
"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."
"Although the restroom are very dirty but overall it was a great stay!"
"Tucked away at the top of a precarious winding mountain road. It is very basic, simple and beautiful."
from $20 / night
"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."
"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
"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."
"Great for campers that meet 2 criteria 1) You have a Jeep, Truck it similar vehicle that can go off-road. 2) You enjoy dispersed camping (no water/restrooms etc) If both are yes, this place is amazing"
"Trail was fun (definitely needed 4x4) and the sites around has good shade and good size open spots. Best to get there early as possible to secure a spot."
"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."
Available this weekend
from $10 / 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."
"Trail Roads got washed and i wasnt able to continue further to verify. If you’re afraid of clearance issues stick to sites 1 & 2."
"It’s up around 7500ft approximately four miles from Running Springs. I spent three days here and absolutely loved this spot."
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!
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
TravelerHad a nice stay here twice so far this year. Nice place. Quiet and clean.
Tent campsites near Cedarpines Park, California range in elevation from 5,000 to 7,000 feet, creating variable temperature conditions throughout the camping season. Most areas receive less than 15 inches of annual rainfall, concentrated primarily between November and March. Summer temperatures at higher elevations typically remain 10-15 degrees cooler than surrounding valleys, with overnight lows dropping into the 40s even in July and August.
Hike to swimming holes: Deep Creek Hot Springs offers a rewarding hike to natural hot springs. "The hike down is super chill and the hot springs at the end are so worth the hike back up after," notes camper Carina M. about her Deep Creek Hot Springs Campground experience.
Mountain biking on forest trails: Trails near Lake Arrowhead Recreation Area provide varied terrain for cyclists. "Bike trail is fun and a challenge," reports Sam H. about the trails near Keller Peak. The area connects to multiple skill-level routes ranging from beginner to advanced technical sections.
Summit hiking: Mount Baldy access is available from Manker Campground with elevation gains of 3,900 feet to the 10,064 ft peak. A camper noted, "Nice little campground to pitch a tent and climb mt.baldy," making Manker Campground a practical basecamp for serious hikers.
Privacy between sites: Keller Peak Yellow Post Sites feature significant spacing between campsites along a 5-mile stretch. "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," explains Kristil C. about the Keller Peak Yellow Post Campsites.
Cool temperatures during summer: The higher elevation campsites offer relief from valley heat. "I'm here in the heat but my AC is keeping up," mentions Anneliese S. about Yucaipa Regional Park, where temperatures typically remain 5-10 degrees cooler than surrounding areas.
Proximity to multiple recreation areas: Camping locations provide access to lakes, trails, and small mountain towns. "We used it as a camp tester to see if something we would enjoy. We did some hiking, fishing near by and costed big bear as it is not too far away," shares Ronny G. about their stay at Lake Arrowhead - Green Valley Lake Recreation Area.
Road conditions vary significantly: Many sites require high-clearance vehicles to access. "The roads leading up are uneven roughly graded dirt and gravel so be prepared for that," warns Mark C. about Thomas Hunting Grounds. Several other yellow post sites have similar access challenges.
Limited availability during peak seasons: First-come, first-served sites fill quickly during summer months. "They fill up fast may-sept," notes Kristil C. about Keller Peak. Weekends from Memorial Day through Labor Day typically reach capacity by Friday morning.
Wildfire restrictions impact planning: Fire regulations change based on conditions. Lynn C. mentions at Thomas Hunting Grounds Yellow Post Campites: "I really dig these spots because they are well spaced out. It's right around the corner from my cabin so it's a great spot to get outside for the weekend without an epic drive." Many areas require portable propane fire pits during high fire danger periods.
Water activities for children: Yucaipa Regional Park offers a water park option during summer months. "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. about the Yucaipa Regional Park amenities.
Short trails for younger hikers: Green Valley Lake area features family-friendly paths under 2 miles. "Trails near the sites. Good lake for fishing. There are some great views as you hike up the mountain," Stephen S. shares about camping near Lake Arrowhead.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Dawn and dusk offer prime wildlife spotting times. "Plenty of space to bring bikes and ride around. There's no larger wildlife, like bears, so less stressful when you have pets or kids," notes Mary F. about regional parks in the area.
Limited sites accommodate larger rigs: Most yellow post and primitive sites can't handle bigger RVs. "You definitely need a 4x4 with good clearance," advises Daryna L. about Fishermans Group Campground access roads, which applies to many tent campsites near Cedarpines Park.
Dispersed camping options: Mill Creek Road offers free camping with varying site sizes. "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," explains Dickie Simmons S. about Mill Creek Dispersed Camping.
Hookup availability is minimal: Most tent campsites near Cedarpines Park lack water and electric connections. "Large concrete pads that can handle any rig. So much to do all around a park. Does get very cold, was in the teens overnight when I was there in Feb," comments Paul C. regarding Yucaipa's facilities, one of the few areas with RV hookups.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Cedarpines Park, CA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Cedarpines Park, CA is Lake Arrowhead - Green Valley Lake Recreation Area with a 3.8-star rating from 6 reviews.
What is the best site to find tent camping near Cedarpines Park, CA?
TheDyrt.com has all 73 tent camping locations near Cedarpines Park, CA, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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