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Tent Camping near Hemet, CA
1 campground with availability this weekend
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Tent camping near Hemet, California ranges from backcountry tent campsites high in the San Jacinto mountains to primitive Yellow Post sites accessible by high-clearance vehicles. Notable tent-only destinations include Round Valley Campsite and Little Round Valley Campground, both requiring hiking access and permits for overnight stays. Yellow Post Campgrounds such as Tool Box Springs provide more accessible tent camping areas approximately 30-45 minutes from main roads.
Most tent sites in the San Jacinto mountains require permits obtained several weeks in advance. Round Valley offers 28 tent campsites at 9,100 feet elevation, approximately two miles from the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway. Little Round Valley and Tamarack Valley provide more remote tent camping with minimal facilities. One camper noted, "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." Campers should verify seasonal water availability, as some areas have intermittent streams that may run dry in late summer.
Yellow Post tent campgrounds like Tool Box Springs require high-clearance 4WD vehicles to access. These primitive tent sites feature fire rings, picnic tables at some locations, and vault toilets. Seasonal conditions greatly affect accessibility, with winter snow and spring mud often making roads challenging. Based on reviews from The Dyrt, insects can be problematic during summer months, with flies and beetles being particularly abundant. Most tent campsites in this region do not allow pets, especially within Mount San Jacinto State Park boundaries. Campers seeking solitude will find these areas less crowded than coastal camping options, with greater separation between tent sites providing privacy. The higher elevation tent campgrounds offer cooler temperatures during summer months, making them popular escapes from the valley heat.
Best Tent Campgrounds near Hemet (53)
1. 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."
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. Manzanita Retreat
4. 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."
"Located in the Santa Rosa mountain range, the yellow post campsites of Little Thomas are free and offer very minimal amenities. Depending which site you have there's a picnic table."
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. ToolBox Springs Yellow Post 8
"Great view of the valley below and mountains around."
8. Hidden Falls Preserve
9. ToolBox Yellow Post 6
"You can have up to four cars or more at this site you have a picnic table and a fire pit and enough room to have a party"
10. ToolBox Yellow Post 6
"You can tell rangers come through once a week but no one messes with your stuff and closest store is about 25 mins away"
Drive Time
- 1 hr 17 min from San Diego, CA
- 1 hr 34 min from Los Angeles, CA
- 2 hrs 21 min from El Centro, CA
- 2 hrs 23 min from Oxnard, CA
Recent Tent Camping Photos near Hemet, CA
50 Photos of 53 Hemet Campgrounds • uploaded by The Dyrt campers
Wandering Caboose RanchM
Little Round Valley — Mount San Jacinto State Park
Tool Box Springs - Yellow Post CampgroundS
Yucaipa Regional ParkA
Halfway Camp
Falcon Group Campground
Thomas Hunting Grounds Yellow Post Campites
Limber Pine Bench Campground
Dry Lake Backpacking Campground
San Bernardino National Forest Santa Rosa Springs Campground
Mineral Springs Date FarmR
Keller Peak Yellow Post Campsites
Tent Camping Reviews near Hemet, CA
1779 Reviews of 53 Hemet 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 Hemet
Tent campsites near Hemet, California span from 3,000 to 10,000 feet elevation across San Jacinto and Santa Rosa mountain ranges. The region experiences temperature fluctuations of 30-40°F between day and night at higher elevations, even during summer months. Most accessible primitive camping occurs along forest service roads between Lake Hemet and Idyllwild.
What to do
Fishing at multiple lakes: Lake Hemet and the three lakes at Yucaipa Regional Park provide fishing opportunities within 45 minutes of Hemet. One visitor noted, "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."
Hiking to Thomas Mountain: The trail begins directly behind the washhouse at Tool Box Springs Yellow Post Campground and offers moderate terrain suitable for day hiking. A camper mentioned, "The Romona trail starts/ends directly behind the washhouse," making it convenient for overnight campers to access directly from their sites.
Wildlife observation: The higher elevation camps offer opportunities to view deer and various bird species. At Halfway Camp, campers 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."
What campers like
Accessible water features: Several campgrounds offer water activities during summer months. At Yucaipa Regional Park, one camper shared, "Nice splash zone" and another mentioned the "water park during the summer" as key attractions when temperatures rise.
Cooler temperatures: Mountain camping provides relief from valley heat. At Thomas Hunting Grounds Yellow Post Sites, a visitor advised: "Bring bug spray for flys but other than that I'll camp here anytime," highlighting the generally pleasant conditions despite some insects.
Privacy between sites: Unlike coastal campgrounds, many tent sites offer separation from neighbors. One reviewer at Thomas Hunting Grounds described it as "Beautiful, private, and secluded. The campgrounds were wonderful," emphasizing the solitude not commonly found at more developed campgrounds.
What you should know
Vehicle requirements: Many yellow post sites require appropriate vehicles. At Tool Box Springs, one camper warned: "Definitely would say need a high clearance vehicle for some of the ruts, or be VERY experienced driving through rough roads." Another noted the drive is "about 30-45 minutes up the mountain."
Insect populations: Summer months bring significant insect activity at certain elevations. A camper at Tool Box Springs reported: "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."
Water availability: Seasonal streams may not be reliable. At Round Valley Campsite, a hiker advised: "bring a filter for the water because drinking it is iffy, I wouldn't trust it," suggesting purification is necessary even when water sources are flowing.
Tips for camping with families
Choose developed facilities: For tent camping with children, sites with more amenities provide comfort. One visitor at Yucaipa Regional Park shared: "This was a fun little hidden place to get away. campground was quiet and facilities were clean."
Consider temperature variations: Mountain weather changes rapidly. A camper at Doheny State Beach Campground suggested an alternative for families seeking consistent temperatures: "Beautiful beachfront camping steps from the sand. Dry camping with a dump station available. Great sunsets and beautiful sand."
Look for recreational options: Some campgrounds offer additional activities for children. A Yucaipa visitor noted: "Plenty of space to bring bikes and ride around. There's a large community park right next-door where you can go and play baseball, basketball, sand volleyball, or frisbee."
Tips from RVers
Know your vehicle limitations: Many tent campgrounds near Hemet have limited RV access. At Tool Box Springs, one camper warned: "If it's been snowing or raining, you'll need high clearance and 4x4," indicating most standard RVs wouldn't access the primitive sites.
Consider pad materials: At locations permitting RVs, surface conditions vary. At Yucaipa Regional Park, an RVer observed: "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."
Check seasonal closures: Roads to tent camping areas often close during winter. One camper at Thomas Hunting Grounds Yellow Post Sites noted: "Need high clearance or 4wd vehicle for a rough road but once you get to the top, the sites are great!" suggesting seasonal planning is essential for accessing remote tent sites near Hemet with any vehicle.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent
campsite near Hemet, CA?
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Hemet, CA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Hemet, CA is Tool Box Springs - Yellow Post Campground with a 3.7-star rating from 11 reviews.
What is the best site to find
tent camping near
Hemet, CA?
What is the best site to find tent camping near Hemet, CA?
TheDyrt.com has all 53 tent camping locations near Hemet, CA, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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