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

    9 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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Tent Camping Reviews near Crestline, CA

1191 Reviews of 69 Crestline Campgrounds


  • Tony  C.
    Sep. 20, 2020

    Little Jimmy Trail Campground

    Local gem of a campsite

    This campsite is located in California and is one of my favorites. Located above Crystal Lake you’ll find Little Jimmy, it’s a backcountry hike-in only campground nestled just 2 miles off the Angeles Crest Highway. It has around 7 first-come, first-served sites with fire rings, vault toilets (which are currently not in service), and vintage backcountry ovens. After parking at Islip Saddle, cross the highway and begin hiking for 2 miles up the switchbacks until you reach Little Jimmy Campground on your right. Popular with Boy Scout and Girl Scout troops, this scenic spot offers a chance to get away from established campgrounds and live amongst the Coulter Pines and Big Doug Firs. Campers turned hikers have easy access to hop on the legendary Pacific Crest Trail which runs through the camp. There is no fee to camp here other than an Adventure pass for your parking. In the summertime, bears can be common visitors so make sure and secure your food in provided bear boxes or bring your own bear canisters. As always, make sure you follow the "Leave No Trace" principles and pack everything in and out!

  • Ryan W.
    Aug. 8, 2020

    Stone Creek Campground — Mount San Jacinto State Park

    Just Far Enough to Feel Remote. Just High Enough to Make Hiking Difficult.

    Stone Creek Campground in San Jacinto Mountain State Park is the perfect getaway for coastal Southern California residents. It is a few hours out of the major metro areas, but close enough to get to for just a night or two. 

    Located near Idyllwild, this is the smaller, less rowdy campground associated with the tourist town. There is also a camp right in town if you're looking for shopping and bars, and a few more further up hill.

    Stone Creek has about 35 sites. The outer ring sites are huge, and most of them are fairly private especially the loop to the right of the entry. Our site was #7, and after thoroughly campsploration it is unquestionably the best for individuals. If you're in a group rent the inner ring where the backsides of all the sites run together.

    We were trying to get away from people, from the pandemic, and spend some time doing something normal. Stone Creek was perfect for that. The only human interaction was having to check -in at the entry with a ranger. They wore a mask, and we spoke through a window in the ranger shed. They did have to hand me a parking pass, but after that we were on our own.

    Site 7 is extremely large, and extremely private with multiple flat spots that could accommodate tents, two large picnic tables, multiple spots for hammocks and a fire ring that has seen better days. We could see a car across the loop, but couldn't actually see other campers without effort from where we set up the tent or even the fire ring.

    This particular site extends back over a ridge and downhill. It was so private back there we strung up our camp shower next to a giant boulder for a shower without feeling like we needed to set up a privacy shade/curtain.

    Camp is just high enough to prevent most bugs, but there were a few flies and mosquitos. The vault toilets were clean, and well stocked with TP and antibacterial soap. There were three on-site. One in the middle of the center ring which was the busiest, but none of the solar lights were working making it difficult to find in the dark. No obvious trail. The other we used near the entrance was well lit, had a wooden path and seemed to be forgotten by most other campers.

    Multiple hiking trails led out of camp including one right from next to our site that led to multiple other trails heading up San Jacinto Mountain. The trails were a mix of gravel fire road, dirt trail and a few sandy areas through the flats. They were mostly well-signed, but one sign was down causing us to miss a turn so…bring a map. They're available at stands at the front of camp. Trails are…vertical unless explicitly labeled as short scenic hikes.

    There were warning signs for snakes, mountain lions, plague-infected squirrels and bears, but all we saw were deer. They didn't seem to consider bears a serious threat as there were no bear boxes or locks on trash cans. However, having bear-proof (Ha!) food storage is important.

    We really have no complaints about this place, and will definitely be back to explore more trails.

    Pro-Tip: It is a windy, windy road up into the mountains, and people travel too fast. We saw some serious accident sites when people were traveling too fast, and caught up to a slow moving camper around a curve. Drive carefully.

    Pro-Tip: We had full phone/wifi service here. We didn't want or need it, but if we were working from the road this would be an easy stop to set up.

    Pro-Tip: Outer ring is more private. Inner ring better for groups.

    Pro-Tip: In the summer add 5-10 degrees to the temperature which is taken from a higher elevation weather station.

  • Les R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 6, 2018

    Buckhorn Campground

    Most beautiful campground in the Angeles National Forest!

    We've wanted to camp here for so long, but we've never been able to get a spot. We finally did this weekend, and it fully lived up to our expectations. Because this campground is set within a ravine that has a stream during the rainier months, so the landscape feels very different than the other nearby campgrounds - very green with tall trees. The campsites have plenty of space between neighbors, so we felt we had privacy and weren't disturbed by any noise from other sites. Each site has a picnic table, firepit, and bear box for food storage. There is a water spigot at the campground, but the ranger advised that it's not potable.

    There's day parking at the end of the campground for the trailhead to Cooper Canyon Falls. In the summer the "waterfall" is barely a trickle, but the hike still has a nice stream and is worth doing.

  • E B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 8, 2025

    South Ridge Yellow Post Sites

    Yellow post number 2

    Yellow Post #2 – San Bernardino National Forest Secluded, free, first-come-first-served tent site tucked deep in the forest near Hemet, CA. No amenities—no toilet, water, or trash—so pack in and out. Fire ring and picnic table on-site. Shaded by mature trees with a dirt/sand/rock surface. Site fits up to 8 people and 2 vehicles.

    Access road is rough and rocky but doable in dry conditions with a careful 2WD. Signage is limited—offline maps recommended. Site sits near a dry creek bed and has a short walk to a west-facing boulder with expansive views of the valley.

    Wildlife includes deer, lizards, snakes, woodpeckers, and lots of squirrels. Mosquitoes come out at dusk—repellent is a must. Fire bans usually in effect during summer. Great for quiet retreats, hiking, light climbing, and off-grid solitude.

    A rugged but rewarding forest stay for self-sufficient campers.

  • j
    Mar. 25, 2021

    Millard Trail Campground

    Great campground for hiking/biking

    Cool drive to get to the campground. You drive up and down these hilly roads up the mountain to get there. Once there, there's a parking lot that fits about 20 cars. There's about 100 yd hike to the campsites. There's a road that leads to the campsite but it's been blocked off. Only the campsite managers use that road so it's not accessible by RV, just tents. A campsite manager stays in a little trailer overnight so if there's any problems there's somebody there you can go to and ask for help. There's about six campsites and their first come first serve, no reservations. I went during the week and was the only one camping. This place is heavily used for day camping and hiking. There's not a lot of privacy because there's always lots of people passing by who are hiking and biking. You can stay overnight which I did and everything was fine but there's not a lot of privacy. The next day as I was leaving there was another guy sitting up his tent. I bet on the weekends they can fill up pretty fast. It's in Bear country so they provide food storage for each campsite also trash containers too. Each side has a picnic bench and a fire pit. The fire ban has been lifted so you can have a fire. Each fire pit had wood left at it so you didn't have to go searching for campfirewood. Bathrooms included male and female toilets but no showers or water. There's a creek that runs through the campground which makes it very pretty. I saw two to three cabins along the outskirts of the campground that I assume were for rentals. There was one family at one of the cabins the night I stayed. About a 20 minute hike and you can end up at a waterfall which is very pretty. But there are several trails to take for hiking and biking and I saw lots of people doing that. Overall a good campsite four stars. Would have been five stars if they had showers and running water. I didn't see any bears although there was an animal outside my tent at one point in the night I could hear him nosing around. So it's important to keep all of your food and anything with any kind of smell in the bear boxes

  • Michael A.
    Jul. 6, 2020

    San Bernardino National Forest Crab Flats Campground

    5 Miles Dirt Road Off Highway YES

    Slow going on the dirt road but boy is it worth it. There are a couple of water spigots. Pack your trash out when you leave. Do not need 4WD to get there but it’s sure fun on all the truck trails if you do! Lots of trees and shade, 26 sites that are usually pretty full on the weekends. Vault toilets. Fire rings, bear boxes and picnic tables provide the basics. The drive out to the lake is also worth it if kids want to play in the water. Kayak and small boat rentals, fishing with stocked waters. All in all a great way to spend a weekend in the mountains.

  • Kate W.
    Sep. 26, 2019

    Dry Lake Backpacking Campground

    Memorable and COLD

    We camped here on our way to summiting San G (as we lovingly call it).  Although it was May and the weather was beautiful at sea level, it was cold up here!  There was snow on the ground but the air was the coldest I've ever felt.  

    We got to the camping area and it's tucked in the woods so there's lots of nooks and crannies even though it's a primitive open group camping area.  It's right next to a dry lake - go figure - and there are lots of areas to go explore beyond the trail that leads to the top.  

    The ranger was there to spend a few nights and said that the night before hit negative digits!  We thought we were prepared with our "all weather" bags and backpacking tent, but I promise you I have never been so cold in my life.  I laid there awake the entire night, and couldn't move a muscle or freezing air would seep in.  The ranger said it only got down to 7 degrees.  When light finally hit we heated some water and went to sit on the frosty ground in the open field/lake and when the sun finally hit us it was like life-changing.  

    FYI it's leave no trace and don't attract bears

  • N
    Sep. 14, 2018

    Heart Bar Campground

    Best off hwy 38

    By far this has got to be the best and largest campground on the 38. First reason is the pricing. At only $21 per night for a single site, this is the best priced campground in the area excluding free yellow post sites. With this price however you get the basics. No showers, no rv dump station, just water from the pipe, toilets, picnic tables, fire ring, and a bear box. can’t complain about that though.

    second reason; there are many many sites to choose from. this camp ground has several loops that each contain roughly 20 campsites, sometimes more. on any given day you should be able to drive up, though a reservation is definitely still recommended.

    3rd; the location. Topography-wise this camp sits right over a small meadow that boarders the San Gorgonio wilderness. it sits higher above the highway and displaces sound nicely. this spot is excellent for wildlife viewing and entry to the wilderness for hiking and exploring. The campground is also littered with tall standing pines and even some massive junipers, providing ample shade. You can’t help but feel like your are elsewhere like the Eastern Sierra with the dry desert winds the blow in and chill on the mountains and the smell of the sage brush. This campground is only about 20 min out from big bear lake as well, and does have cell reception (unfortunately).

    Highly recommend sites 32, 37, 47, 58, or 24 & 49 which are both double sites. This was due to their more isolated positioning to other spots, shade, flat ground, and proximity to bathrooms and the beautiful little meadow where deer graze in the evenings. happy trails.

  • Kayla H.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 9, 2019

    Sawtooth Canyon Campground

    Desolate, Beautiful rock formations, great hiking

    This campsite is on BLM land, you can stay up to 14 days. There a wide variety of campsites from single to group sites. Restrooms available. Some sites have shaded structures, picnic tables and fire rings. Popular spot for rock climbers, giant rock formations jet out from the ground. Great hiking and awesome spot in spring for some beautiful wild flowers. Would definitely go back in spring or fall months when not too hot.


Guide to Crestline

Tent camping in the San Bernardino Mountains near Crestline offers elevations ranging from 3,000 to 8,000 feet with pine-fir forests dominating the upper reaches. Summer temperatures typically range from 65-85°F during day and 45-55°F at night, making it cooler than valley areas. Many campsites connect to extensive trail systems including portions of the Pacific Crest Trail, which crosses through the region.

What to do

Mountain biking and rock climbing: Keller Peak Yellow Post Campsites connects to numerous mountain biking trails and climbing areas. A camper noted the area is "great for mountain biking and rock climbing" with "large spaces with plenty of shade."

Hiking to viewpoints: Most campgrounds connect to trails leading to scenic overlooks. At Thomas Hunting Grounds Yellow Post Campites, campers can access trails with panoramic views. One visitor mentioned "beautiful hiking trails and wildlife" and described the experience as "complete serenity."

Fishing in nearby lakes: Green Valley Lake provides fishing opportunities within a short drive from campsites. A camper reported, "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, and you pay per person."

What campers like

Privacy between sites: Many yellow post sites feature significant space between campers. One visitor at Thomas Hunting Grounds Yellow Post Campites described it as "beautiful, private, and secluded. The campgrounds were wonderful."

Accessibility to towns: Most campgrounds sit within driving distance of small mountain communities. A camper at Lake Arrowhead - Green Valley Lake Recreation Area mentioned being "within a mile from the lake and little town there" and having "trails near the sites."

Free camping options: Several dispersed camping areas around Crestline offer no-cost options. A visitor to Mill Creek Dispersed Camping mentioned it provides "great free camping when campgrounds are booked" with "many large and small sites along the road."

What you should know

Road conditions: Many campsites require traveling on unpaved roads. At Thomas Hunting Grounds Yellow Post Campites, a camper advised you "need high clearance or 4WD vehicle for a rough road but once you get to the top, the sites are great!"

Limited facilities: Most dispersed sites lack amenities. A visitor to Mill Creek Dispersed Camping noted there are "definitely some permanent residents but there is more than enough spots to have some privacy."

Weather preparedness: Mountain temperatures fluctuate significantly. A camper at Thomas Hunting Grounds recommended: "A fire pit is a must in the winter - chilled winds, come prepared."

Tips for camping with families

Water park options: Yucaipa Regional Park offers tent camping with additional recreation facilities. A visitor mentioned it has a "nice splash zone" and is "a lot of fun for the whole family."

Multiple recreation activities: Families should consider campgrounds with diverse options. One camper noted Yucaipa Regional Park offers "3 lakes for fishing, water park during the summer, and friendly helpful staff."

Short exploration trips: For family test runs, consider established campgrounds. A visitor to Lake Arrowhead Recreation Area shared: "We used it as a camp tester to see if something we would enjoy doing. We did some hiking, fishing nearby and visited big bear as it is not too far away."

Tips from RVers

Size limitations: Most yellow post sites cannot accommodate large RVs. At Mill Creek Dispersed Camping, a visitor warned: "The road up to the actual spot is gravel, with lots of potholes and washboard areas, which would make it difficult for an RV."

Pad sizes vary: At Yucaipa Regional Park, the concrete pads can "handle any rig" according to one RVer, who also noted it "does get very cold, was in the teens overnight when I was there in Feb."

Electronic connectivity: Cell service varies widely between camping areas. A camper at Mill Creek Dispersed Camping reported "good cellular reception in my particular location," which is useful for those needing to stay connected.

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.