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Tent Camping near San Jacinto, CA
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Tent campsites in the San Jacinto mountains offer multiple backcountry options at elevations up to 9,100 feet, making this one of Southern California's most distinctive tent camping destinations. Mount San Jacinto State Park provides several tent-focused campgrounds including Round Valley Campground with 28 tent sites and Little Round Valley with more secluded options. These backcountry tent sites require hiking in from trailheads, with Round Valley accessible via a moderate 2-mile hike from the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway. Thomas Hunting Grounds Yellow Post Sites and Tool Box Springs Yellow Post Campground offer more primitive tent camping experiences on Forest Service land, with sites spaced far apart for privacy.
Tent campers should note that most backcountry sites require permits, which can fill quickly during peak seasons. At Round Valley, permits become available 8 weeks before arrival dates and cost $5 per person plus tram fare. According to one visitor, "Reservations go fast so you need to submit your permit starting 8 weeks before your trip, however waiting until 4 weeks may be too late." Higher elevation campgrounds experience cold nights even in summer months, with temperatures potentially dropping to single digits. Most tent sites lack amenities—no running water, electricity, or showers—though some like Round Valley provide pit toilets. Fire restrictions are common, with complete fire bans at several Mount San Jacinto State Park campgrounds.
The tent camping experience in the San Jacinto area varies significantly with elevation and season. Lower elevation sites near Thomas Mountain offer views overlooking Lake Hemet, while higher sites provide alpine forest settings. A camper mentioned that Little Round Valley's sites are "spread out right off the trail" and visitors should "be sure to follow the path one or two hundred feet off the main trail" to find the best spots. Dry Lake Backpacking Campground, another tent-only option, features primitive sites "tucked in the woods" with "lots of nooks and crannies." Wildlife sightings are common across the area, with deer frequently spotted near Halfway Camp. Winter camping brings special challenges, as snow can remain on the ground well into spring, and temperatures can drop dramatically after sunset even when days are warm.
Best Tent Campgrounds near San Jacinto (57)
1. Thomas Hunting Grounds Yellow Post Campites
"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."
2. Round Valley Campsite — Mount San Jacinto State Park
"Reviewed 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"
"we took the tram up from palm springs and backpacked to the campground before summiting up San Jacinto peak. the views were breathtaking and the elevation was a killer."
3. Tool Box Springs - Yellow Post Campground
"Recommend four wheel drive to get to Tool Box Springs, the fire road is long but once you’re there it’s worth it."
"This campsite is about 45 minutes down a 4 wheel drive only dirt path. Pot toilets and trash cans available at the site. Nothing else much around to do other than hang out at the campground or hike."
4. Manzanita Retreat
5. Little Round Valley — Mount San Jacinto State Park
"If you're backpacking San Jacinto, this is the way to go! Take the Marion Mtn Trail that goes from Marion Mtn & Fern Basin Campgrounds and spend the night here at Little Round Valley."
6. Tamarack Valley Campground — Mount San Jacinto State Park
Check Availabilityfrom $5 / night
7. Halfway Camp
"We decided to stay a little further back for a little more privacy from the trail above."
"When we went there was no water flow at this camp. Campfires not allowed. Thankfully we just use our jet boils and some drylite food!"
8. ToolBox Springs Yellow Post 8
"Great view of the valley below and mountains around."
9. Dry Lake Backpacking Campground
"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. "
"This is a heavily used campground by many backpackers not only trying to get away for an overnight, but also get a shot at summiting Southern California's tallest mountain, San Gorgonio."
10. Hidden Falls Preserve
Drive Time
- 1 hr 27 min from Los Angeles, CA
- 1 hr 30 min from San Diego, CA
- 2 hrs 12 min from El Centro, CA
- 2 hrs 16 min from Oxnard, CA
Recent Tent Camping Photos near San Jacinto, CA
52 Photos of 57 San Jacinto Campgrounds • uploaded by The Dyrt campers
Wandering Caboose RanchM
Little Round Valley — Mount San Jacinto State Park
Yucaipa Regional ParkA
Halfway Camp
Tool Box Springs - Yellow Post CampgroundS
Thomas Hunting Grounds Yellow Post Campites
Limber Pine Bench Campground
Dry Lake Backpacking Campground
Falcon Group Campground
Keller Peak Yellow Post Campsites
Yellow Post #54
Mineral Springs Date FarmR
Tent Camping Reviews near San Jacinto, CA
1782 Reviews of 57 San Jacinto Campgrounds
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Tanya T.ScoutMountain Lakes Resort - Membership Campground
OCTOBER 2026
Site 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.
- DDouglas E.
TravelerGuajome Regional Park
Nice place
Clean, beautiful, hookups work, bathrooms/showers are clean. The lake is serene. Professional photographers are abound to take wedding and/or family pics here. Really wonderful. I almost don’t want to recommend it to keep others from flooding this gem.
- HHope H.
GuideSan Clemente State Beach Campground
Sites Near RR Tracks are Ocean View
I didn't book very early but was able to get a site right across from the lifeguard station. The sunset view was quintessential California and maybe even worth the price of admission, which is pretty steep at $53 for tent camping and freeway noise.
The restrooms vary, so if one is particularly distasteful, head to a quieter area of the campground.
RR noise isn't bad, as the crossing is far enough away that the horn blast seems quite distant. I-5 is very noisy however. There are lots of on/off ramps in that area, and with hills to climb it just makes for a lot of engine noise.
Aaron S.
RangerRound Valley Campsite — Mount San Jacinto State Park
Gooseberry Site, Alpine Wilderness & A Critical Backcountry Safety Wake-Up
Reviewed 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 Trek into Round Valley: From the tram station, it is a scenic~2.5-mile backpack into Round Valley, which sits at an elevation of roughly 9,100 feet.
- The Gooseberry Campsite: Gooseberry is a fantastic primitive backcountry site. Tucked among the lodgepole pines and granite boulders, it offers great shelter, peace, and that genuine wilderness seclusion you crave.
- The Summit Push: We spent Friday night acclimating and resting at basecamp. Early Saturday morning, we pushed for the summit of Mount San Jacinto Peak(10,834 feet). After taking in the panoramic views stretching from the Pacific to the Salton Sea, we descended back to Round Valley, packed up camp, and made the return trek to the tram for the ride down.
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:
- T****he Forecast Mirage: On the morning of our summit push, the official forecast predicted clear, sunny skies by noon.
- The High-Alpine Reality: Noon rolled around, and the weather did the exact opposite—we were hit with biting snow flurries and temperatures plunging straight into the 20s.
- Within just two hours, a crisp autumn morning morphed into full-blown freezing winter conditions.
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 Outfit: People trekking toward a 10,834-foot alpine peak in short shorts, cotton t-shirts, light sneakers, and carrying little more than a tiny hydration bladder with a couple of snack bars. No insulation, no wind protection, no emergency gear.
- Missing Essentials: Not a single one of the Ten Essentials in sight.
- The Dangerous Mindset: Yes, 99% of the time, casual hikers get lucky and escape without incident. But cell service, 911, and volunteer Search& Rescue teams are not your personal safety net—preparedness and basic common sense are.
- The Golden Rule: Any hiker stepping foot into this wilderness must carry the gear to survive an unexpected night out in freezing conditions. An ankle sprain, altitude sickness, or a sudden squall can turn a fun day hike into hypothermia, acute suffering, or worse. Don't be that guy or gal.
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!
Hans V.RangerSouth Ridge Yellow Post Sites
The first two spots are close together. First one a bit small but better cover from Santa Anna winds. Nicely in the forest and close to the village.
Robyn C.TravelerStone Creek Campground — Mount San Jacinto State Park
Nice stay
Had a nice stay here twice so far this year. Nice place. Quiet and clean.
Tucker A.ScoutSan Clemente State Beach Campground
Great campground!
I have been to this campground many times and it is always a great time. Easy access to town, surf, the beach, and great facilities. Highly recommend!
- PPaula A.Scout
O'Neill Regional Park
Nice campground family friendly
I found the campground to be very friendly kid friendly and pet friendly. The spots were spacious and some had privacy others were out in the open. The rangers were very friendly and helpful, they helped me set up my tent when they saw I was having trouble. There are trails to explore. A great last minute getaway from the city and not to far, the bathroom was clean and modern with hot showers and toilets.
Guide to San Jacinto
Tent camping near San Jacinto, California offers diverse terrain ranging from 5,000 to over 9,000 feet elevation. The area experiences dramatic temperature fluctuations with summer daytime highs in the 80s dropping to the 40s overnight. Winter conditions can persist well into spring at higher elevations, requiring campers to prepare for potential overnight freezing even during May and June.
What to do
Hike to waterfalls: Hidden Falls Preserve offers secluded tent camping within hiking distance of seasonal waterfalls. The preserve requires advance reservations for overnight stays.
Visit nearby lakes: Yucaipa Regional Park provides access to three fishing lakes and additional recreation. According to a camper, "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."
Explore mountain trails: The Ramona Trail starts directly behind the washhouse at Tool Box Springs Yellow Post Campground. A visitor notes, "If you're looking for things to do while up there, the Romona trail starts/ends directly behind the washhouse."
What campers like
Peaceful solitude: Thomas Hunting Grounds Yellow Post Campites offers free dispersed camping with sites spaced far apart. A camper shared, "Beautiful, private, and secluded. The campgrounds were wonderful- fair warning only a few campsites have a fire pit. A fire pit is a must in the winter - chilled winds, come prepared."
Wildlife viewing: Many San Jacinto tent sites provide opportunities to observe local animals. At Halfway Camp, one visitor reported, "We did have a momma deer and two does in the distance. Then 30 mins later we had another deer friend that just hung around until after we took shelter in the tent."
Night sky views: Yellow post sites on Thomas Mountain offer elevated vantage points for stargazing. One camper mentioned, "The beautiful views of the mountains, and the bird's eye view of the city of San Bernardino was definitely breathtaking."
What you should know
Weather preparedness: Dry Lake Backpacking Campground experiences extreme temperature drops. A camper warned, "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... The ranger said it only got down to 7 degrees."
Permit timing: Permits for popular backcountry sites fill rapidly. For Round Valley Campsite, permits become available 8 weeks before arrival dates.
Vehicle requirements: Many dispersed sites require high-clearance or 4WD vehicles. A Tool Box Springs visitor advised, "Just got back this past weekend and the service road to get up was absolutely covered in mud and snow. Would 100% recommend it, but if it's been snowing or raining, you'll need high clearance and 4x4. And, be mindful that the drive is about 30-45 minutes up the mountain."
Tips for camping with families
Lower elevation options: Tamarack Valley Campground offers tent-only sites with less extreme conditions than higher camps. A regular visitor stated, "We stayed at group sites and man, it was unreal. We came here once a month last year and had the time of our lives."
Activity planning: Yucaipa Regional Park includes family-friendly amenities beyond camping. One visitor noted, "Nice splash zone" and another mentioned the park is "a lot of fun for the whole family. a fun place to be if you live local."
Insect awareness: Bug activity varies by season and location. At Tool Box Springs, a camper warned, "This site would've been perfect, and I mean perfect, but the flies were unbearable. I planned to stay two nights but I couldn't make it past the next morning. If I stood still even for a second I was swarmed."
Tips from RVers
Limited options: Most San Jacinto backcountry sites accommodate tents only. For RV camping, Yucaipa Regional Park offers developed sites with hookups approximately 30 minutes from San Jacinto.
Full hookup availability: Yucaipa provides complete RV amenities. A visitor commented, "Excellent campground. Well maintained. 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. Fires allowed which is nice."
Non-traditional rigs welcome: Unlike many private campgrounds, some area parks accept converted vehicles. As one camper noted, "Most private RV spots discriminate against Skoolies, but this place didn't seem to care."
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent
campsite near San Jacinto, CA?
Which is the most popular tent campsite near San Jacinto, CA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near San Jacinto, CA is Thomas Hunting Grounds Yellow Post Campites with a 4.7-star rating from 14 reviews.
What is the best site to find
tent camping near
San Jacinto, CA?
What is the best site to find tent camping near San Jacinto, CA?
TheDyrt.com has all 57 tent camping locations near San Jacinto, CA, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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