Best Tent Camping near Crestline, CA

The San Bernardino Mountains surrounding Crestline, California offer multiple tent camping options across established campgrounds and dispersed backcountry sites. The Yellow Post campsite system, including Keller Peak Yellow Post Campsites near Running Springs, provides designated tent camping areas with basic amenities in secluded forest settings. Mill Creek Dispersed Camping area permits free primitive tent camping with drive-in access but minimal facilities.

Tent sites typically feature dirt or forest duff surfaces with varying levels of shade from pine and oak trees. Most established tent campgrounds provide fire rings and picnic tables, though fire restrictions are common during summer and fall months. Water is scarce at dispersed sites, requiring campers to bring sufficient supplies or treatment equipment for natural sources. Bear activity requires proper food storage, with some campgrounds providing bear boxes. A review noted that "there is no water available so bring your own" at higher elevation sites, which can reach over 7,000 feet.

Higher elevation tent campsites near Crestline offer cooler summer temperatures and dense pine forests providing natural shade. Many backcountry tent areas connect to trail networks, including sections of the Pacific Crest Trail. A visitor commented that yellow post sites are "great for mountain biking and rock climbing" with "large spaces with plenty of shade." Most tent camping areas follow a first-come, first-served system, though weekend occupancy rates increase dramatically during summer months. Sites farther from main roads offer greater seclusion but may require high-clearance vehicles for access. Winter camping is limited by snow conditions, with most higher elevation tent campgrounds closing between October and May.

Best Tent Sites Near Crestline, California (69)

    1. Lake Arrowhead - Green Valley Lake Recreation Area

    6 Reviews
    Cedar Glen, CA
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (909) 867-2009

    "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."

    2. Yucaipa Regional Park

    20 Reviews
    Yucaipa, CA
    20 miles
    Website
    +1 (909) 790-3127

    "The bathrooms are decent, no showers.

    We stayed in group campsite A. Tent camping is only allowed in group sites. They do have about 30 to 40 RV sites as well."

    "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"

    3. Keller Peak Yellow Post Campsites

    8 Reviews
    Green Valley Lake, CA
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (909) 382-2600

    "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."

    4. Deep Creek Hot Springs Campground

    5 Reviews
    Arkabutla Lake, CA
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (760) 515-7525

    $10 - $119 / night

    "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."

    5. Thomas Hunting Grounds Yellow Post Campites

    13 Reviews
    Angelus Oaks, CA
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (909) 382-2882

    "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."

    6. Manker Campground

    13 Reviews
    Mount Baldy, CA
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (626) 335-1251

    $12 / night

    "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."

    7. Fishermans Group Campground

    3 Reviews
    Green Valley Lake, CA
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (909) 382-2600

    $10 / night

    "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."

    8. Stockton Flats Yellow Post Sites 3-8

    4 Reviews
    Wrightwood, CA
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (909) 382-2851

    "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."

    9. Mill Creek Dispersed Camping

    5 Reviews
    Fawnskin, CA
    20 miles
    Website
    +1 (909) 382-2790

    "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."

    10. Big Pine Flat Campground

    1 Review
    Fawnskin, CA
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (909) 382-2790

    "Big Pines Flats is set right next to a meadow at a forest crossing heading to Holcomb Valley, Victorville, Fawnskin, and Green Valley Lake."

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Showing results 1-10 of 69 campgrounds

Tent Camping Reviews near Crestline, CA

1198 Reviews of 69 Crestline Campgrounds



Guide to Crestline

Crestline, California, offers a variety of tent camping options for outdoor enthusiasts looking to immerse themselves in nature. With beautiful landscapes and numerous activities, it's an ideal destination for a camping getaway.

Some prices for tent camping range from $10 to $50

Tent campers like these nearby activities

Tent campers should check out Yucaipa Regional Park

  • Yucaipa Regional Park features spacious group campsites equipped with grills and running water, ideal for family gatherings.
  • The park is pet-friendly, allowing you to bring your furry friends along for the adventure at Manker Campground.
  • For a more rustic experience, Stockton Flats Yellow Post Sites provides a unique opportunity for dispersed camping in a beautiful natural setting.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular tent campsite near Crestline, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Crestline, 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 Crestline, CA?

TheDyrt.com has all 69 tent camping locations near Crestline, CA, with real photos and reviews from campers.