Best Tent Camping near Corona, CA
Tent campgrounds near Corona, California range from established sites to primitive backcountry options in the surrounding San Bernardino National Forest and San Gabriel Mountains. Notable locations include Manker Campground near Mount Baldy, which offers tent-specific sites with fire pits and water spigots, and the Stockton Flats Yellow Post Sites, which provide more primitive tent camping experiences. Several tent-only options can be found within an hour's drive, particularly in higher elevation areas that offer respite from summer heat.
Most tent sites in the Corona region feature dirt or decomposed granite surfaces with varying levels of shade. Established campgrounds like Manker typically include basic amenities such as picnic tables, fire rings, and vault toilets, while dispersed camping areas have minimal facilities. Access routes to backcountry tent sites often require high-clearance vehicles or short hikes. A camper at Stockton Flats noted, "Trail was fun (definitely needed 4x4) and the sites around has good shade and good size open spots." Water availability varies significantly, with many primitive tent sites requiring campers to bring their own supply. Fire restrictions are common during summer and fall months.
Walk-in tent sites offer unique experiences compared to drive-up camping. China Camp State Park Campground provides walk-in tent camping with wheeled totes available to transport gear from parking areas to campsites. These sites typically offer more seclusion and less vehicle noise. The primitive Yellow Post Sites in the San Bernardino National Forest, including Thomas Hunting Grounds and Keller Peak, provide tent campers with backcountry experiences while still allowing vehicle access to designated sites. During weekdays, tent campgrounds are notably less crowded. According to reviews, "During the week, it's usually pretty quiet" at places like Manker Campground, making weekday visits ideal for tent campers seeking solitude in these natural settings.
