Whether you're a tent camper, an RVer, or just passing through, Hemet, CA has a lot to offer. Camping, hiking, biking: however you want to spend your days near Hemet, you'll find great campgrounds with The Dyrt. Ready to plan your adventure? Check out our campgrounds near Hemet and user-submitted reviews.
"Yellow Post #2 – San Bernardino National Forest Secluded, free, first-come-first-served tent site tucked deep in the forest near Hemet, CA."
"Very nice to find a campsite this private on a weekend in southern California elevation is high enough that temperatures were very enjoyable (mid 80's)"
"There is plenty of space along the trail and it is just a GORGEOUS area to wake up to. Can’t believe it’s in southern California"
$5 / night
"This campsite is located at the junctionof the Deer Springs Trail and the PCT, and is breathtaking."
"Nice spot, close to road with shade from the trees"
"Camping at East Flats was great in mid-June. There are a number of campers, but remote locations are easily found. If you bring pets, be aware they may upset Rattlesnakes."
"As a matter of fact, we got engaged at nearby Jenks Lake and celebrated here after. No facilities, but if you have your supplies, it’s great. There are a couple loops and lots of spots. Enjoy."
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**** Product Review
As a Ranger for The Dyrt, I get to test products."
"There were steep inclines and narrow trails. but beautiful views. Avoid the area should there be rain due to dangerous flash floods."
"There is one really good site mostly dirt, no rocks, defined well, but it is right off the trail. So I'm sure you can guess there is no privacy nor silence."
"This campground is located just around the corner from the permit required sign. There is a lovely creek that lead to a waterfall that some repel down. The campground is up the right of the trail."
"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. "
"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."
TravelerYellow 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.
GuideGreat 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. Smaller rigs, medium clearance and lite off-road capabilities recommended. Good cellular reception in my particular location.
GuideIf you’re into panning for gold you just might find some along Holcomb Creek. There are active claims in the area so be respectful. Once you leave the pavement the going gets slower along the trails. You definitely need a high clearance vehicle. There are campgrounds in the area and also yellow post campsites. There wasn’t many other vehicles around the times I’ve been out there. Nice scenery and peaceful.
LegendBecause the National forest allows dispersed camping, as long as your off the roads and trails, the camping spots are unlimited. We like coming here if we want to be guaranteed a spot, no early arrivals or reservations needed. Dogs are allowed, and the trails in the area are dog-friendly.
GuideCamping at East Flats was great in mid-June. There are a number of campers, but remote locations are easily found. If you bring pets, be aware they may upset Rattlesnakes.
GuideMy wife and our friends love this spot. As a matter of fact, we got engaged at nearby Jenks Lake and celebrated here after. No facilities, but if you have your supplies, it’s great. There are a couple loops and lots of spots. Enjoy.
TravelerMy husband and I were looking for good boondocking spots yesterday and we decided to check out this spot, after finding it on The Dyrt and a few other sites. It's definitely a beautiful place, and most of the road to the site is paved, but the road up to the actual spot is gravel, with lots of potholes and washboard areas, which would make it difficult for an RV. But the biggest issue for RVs is an area of the road that is very steep and immediately turns into a hairpin turn that we didn't even want to try in our 4x4, since the road is very thin and our SUV (a 2009 Nissan Pathfinder) is kind of thick. I'm sure it's probably nothing for people who are used to using their 4x4 for more than regular driving in the snow, etc., but it was too dodgy for us. There is no way that even a Class C rig would be able to take that steep incline and immediately do that sharp turn. And since there's nowhere to turn around in that spot, you'd have to back your rig down the incline and then quite a ways down the pitted, gravel road to get out of it.
It's full of trees and seems fairly remote, but we had 5 cars pass us as we were backing away from the incline, so it's obviously a busy spot - you wouldn't be there alone, and this was on a Thursday.
GuideArriving at the campground, the deposit place, obviously on weekends we were not thrilled by everyone around us, as well as the loud noise until past the curfew. So we decided the next day to go a little further in the woods where you’re no longer in the campground base. So this is called wild camping. And that was amazing not a single sound far from everybody, off the grid.
We went in April, and still had a little bit of snow. All the trail roads are mostly for 4 x 4 vehicles that really enjoy just going at it throughout the day. A lot of fun to witness that. The wild hikes surrounding the campground are really fun. Just remember where you camped. It seems like fires aren’t allowed during certain periods. Just be aware, we brought our own off the ground stove. And it was perfectly fine.
ScoutNo amenities but still nice and the price is right!
Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Hemet, California, where nature enthusiasts can enjoy serene landscapes and a sense of adventure. With a variety of options available, campers can find the perfect spot to unwind and connect with the great outdoors.
Frequently Asked Questions
What amenities are available at Hemet dispersed camping sites?
Dispersed camping sites near Hemet typically offer minimal to no amenities, requiring self-sufficiency. Yellow Post #54 provides solitude and views from its ridge location but no facilities. The drive to reach it is long and rocky, requiring appropriate vehicles. At most yellow post sites, you'll find only basic amenities like fire rings and possibly picnic tables. Little Thomas Dispersed is similarly primitive. You'll need to pack in all essentials including water and pack out all trash. Many sites report good cellular reception, which is helpful for emergency communication. Always prepare for truly off-grid camping by bringing sufficient water, food, toilet supplies, and garbage bags for waste removal.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Hemet?
Several free dispersed camping options exist near Hemet. Mill Creek Dispersed Camping offers numerous large and small sites along the road, ideal when established campgrounds are booked. This area requires medium clearance vehicles and light off-road capabilities. East Flats provides remote locations with multiple loops and spots, particularly pleasant in mid-June. For those seeking more seclusion, Thomas Mountain Road has sites with fire rings accessible via easy dirt roads. Holcomb Valley Climbers Camp also offers unlimited dispersed camping spots off roads and trails in the national forest.
How much does dispersed camping near Hemet cost?
Dispersed camping near Hemet is typically free. South Ridge Yellow Post Sites offers free, first-come-first-served camping sites tucked in the forest near Hemet. Similarly, Coon Creek Yellow Post provides multiple free camping spots along the road. These dispersed sites in San Bernardino National Forest operate under the standard National Forest policy where dispersed camping is permitted at no cost. No reservation fees or camping permits are required, though you should always check if fire permits are needed during your stay, especially in dry seasons. Always follow Leave No Trace principles since these free sites don't include trash service.
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