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San Bernardino National Forest offers several tent camping options within 30 miles of Hesperia, California, ranging from walk-in sites with water and picnic tables to primitive backcountry spots requiring high-clearance vehicles. Deep Creek Hot Springs Campground provides walk-in tent sites with drinking water and picnic tables, while Big Pine Flat Campground offers tent-only sites from May to October. Keller Peak Yellow Post Campsites feature nine primitive tent camping spots along a 5-mile paved road, with sites 1, 3, and 6 noted for their quieter setting. Stockton Flats Yellow Post Sites provide backcountry tent camping opportunities for those with high-clearance vehicles, located in Cajon Junction.
Most tent campgrounds in this region have minimal amenities. Sites typically feature dirt or gravel pads with fire rings, but campers should bring their own water as most locations lack potable sources. An Adventure Pass is required for parking at many forest service sites. Vault toilets are available at established campgrounds like Big Pine Flat, but dispersed camping areas have no facilities. Bear activity is common throughout the region, particularly at higher elevations, so proper food storage is essential. Fire restrictions frequently apply during summer and fall months, with complete bans during high fire danger periods.
Tent campers seeking solitude often prefer the Yellow Post sites, which provide more separation between campsites than developed campgrounds. According to reviews, Keller Peak sites offer ample shade and privacy, though one visitor noted that locals occasionally use these areas for day gatherings. At Stockton Flats, a camper reported that "spots were not crowded mid-week, but were filling up closer to the weekend." The primitive tent camping experience in this region offers excellent access to hiking trails, with many sites connecting to the Pacific Crest Trail. Creek access is seasonal, with strong flows during spring snowmelt that typically diminish by mid-summer. Wildlife sightings, including bears and mountain lions, are relatively common at these backcountry tent sites.
"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."
from $10 - $119 / night
Check Availability"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."
from $20 / night
Check Availability"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."
"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."
"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."
"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."
from $10 / night
Check Availability"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."
"Trail Roads got washed and i wasnt able to continue further to verify. If you’re afraid of clearance issues stick to sites 1 & 2."
"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."
"Big Pines Flats is set right next to a meadow at a forest crossing heading to Holcomb Valley, Victorville, Fawnskin, and Green Valley Lake."
ScoutSite 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.
TravelerI went there to see, before making a reservation. I found the trailer park—maybe 100 old mobile homes—but I never found an RV park. I didn’t see anything to see. The “pool” was empty. The office was locked, and it wasn’t lunch. Just kinda not happening. I left a message to call me with the answering service, but I never got a call back.
ScoutNice and FREE area , easy to access
TravelerVery windy and need high clearance vehicles
TravelerYou definitely need high clearance vehicles or you will not make it here
ScoutHas a security guard that thought she was God or something like that. Never seen anybody or place so petty on the place and still searching for the championship horseshoe pits and I can't stop talking about the dark green of the fishing lakes and the fish swimming on their sides
TravelerWe reserved and paid for a regular RV site specifically advertised for a 36–40 ft motorhome. We were assigned Site#28, which was so sloped and unsuitable that we could not safely extend either our living-room slide-out or bedroom slide-out. While using our leveling system, two front hydraulic jack rods broke and one rear jack became severely bent and could not retract. Our motorhome was left unsafe to drive or move. The exact mechanical cause still requires professional inspection, but the condition and slope of the assigned site are serious concerns. We immediately notified the campground by email, provided photographs, and went to the office seeking help with an incident report, emergency assistance, and a safe plan for the stranded motorhome. Unfortunately, management refused to take meaningful responsibility or help us resolve the emergency. The most disappointing part was not only the unsuitable site, but the lack of concern and assistance after a guest’s large motorhome became immobilized on the property. We had to return to work on Monday and were left trying to arrange emergency service, towing, transportation, and accommodation on our own. Based on this experience, I cannot recommend Holloway’s RV Park to owners of large Class A motorhomes. If you have a 36–40 ft RV, carefully inspect the assigned site’s slope, space, and leveling conditions before parking or deploying your jacks.
Travelervery pretty sight the mountain air is incredible. the staff is very helpful and friendly. at night the drunks go crazy and the bears steal their food.
ScoutThe scenery is unique and enjoyable, with nice views of either sunrise or sunset, depending on site. I found the lake itself very pretty. However when we arrived 4 vehicles are in our spot, people were nice enough moving but we had to go door to door knocking on camper to ask who's cars they were due to no signal and no rangers nearby. Our site was pretty dirty with lots of trash, copious ants near the drainage attachments, and two of the nearby groups had excessive tents extending into the back of our site making our view look more like a homeless encampment and less like a serene mountain sunset. They also were littering, urinating outside, and excessively drinking and partying like crazy until the wee hours. As a family group we felt really uncomfortable. It seemed like not all spots are like this, however, on my walk around deer loop in the morning. If you do go, the water activities and rentals look fun, the walking trail/biking trail was nicely done, and you could optimize your spot by booking a whole group of spots (instead of booking one, book one on the right and left side to avoid feeling like you have entered homeless refuge). It maybe was a bit worse as we were here over a holiday weekend. But we most likely won't be back, there are other places that are less expensive and with better enforcement and a family atmosphere. If you want to party it is probably a fine spot, and if you love water sports also likely ok. I thin it's a beautiful place with unique scenery and a lot of potential, but needs more enforcement regarding guest code of conduct.
Edited and gave 3 stars instead of 2. Views are really nice now that our poorly behaved neighbors left. Worth considering a visit during less busy times.
Tent camping near Hesperia, California offers access to elevations ranging from 3,000 to 8,000 feet across the San Bernardino National Forest. Summer temperatures can reach 90°F during the day while dropping to the 50s at night. Many areas require Adventure Passes ($5 daily or $30 annual) for parking, and fire restrictions typically intensify from June through November depending on conditions.
Hiking trails access: Near Manker Campground, several trails provide different difficulty levels. "This is a good spot to spend the night. It's close to Ice House Canyon trail," notes Stephen S. The area connects to Mt. Baldy summit trails as confirmed by Mike C.: "Nice little campground to pitch a tent and climb mt.baldy."
Fishing opportunities: Lake Arrowhead - Green Valley Lake Recreation Area offers stocked fishing spots. "Good lake for fishing. Trails near the sites," says Stephen S. Another camper mentioned, "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."
Rock climbing access: The mountain areas provide numerous climbing spots. At Keller Peak Yellow Post Campsites, "The Exploration trail weaves around them up to the peak and makes a great hike and there are tons of climbing spots," according to a reviewer. The region's granite formations provide routes for various skill levels.
Privacy between sites: Keller Peak Yellow Post Campsites offers well-spaced camping areas. "I really dig these spots because they are well spaced out. It's right around the corner from my cabin so it's a great spot to get outside for the weekend without an epic drive," shares Lynn C. Campers appreciate the separation between sites.
Off-road accessibility: Stockton Flats Yellow Post Sites 3-8 attracts those with appropriate vehicles. "Great for campers that meet 2 criteria 1) You have a Jeep, Truck or similar vehicle that can go off-road. 2) You enjoy dispersed camping," explains Nathaniel C. Another visitor noted, "Trail was fun (definitely needed 4x4) and the sites around has good shade and good size open spots."
Budget-friendly options: Some areas offer low-cost or free camping. About Deep Creek, a camper reported, "Easy access to the hot springs and no services to speak of. Basically a patch of dirt you can occupy for $10 a night. Loved it." Yellow Post sites throughout the region are free but fill quickly during peak seasons.
Weather variability: Mountain elevations mean rapid weather changes. "Weather is definitely colder than in the valley, got snow overnight in mid May," reports a camper at Keller Peak. Summer thunderstorms develop quickly, particularly in July and August.
Limited facilities: Most dispersed camping locations lack amenities. At Deep Creek Hot Springs Campground, "Really good site. Showers, pit toilet, running water, but it's 10$ a night. Hardly any shade unless you get a good site," warns Jake P. Many yellow post sites have no water sources.
Local visitors: Some camping areas attract day users. At Keller Peak, a camper noted: "Amazing but locals may join... The next day, a local family came onto the site and invited themselves to stay. They stayed behind the large boulder with the picnic table. They were friendly and kind to bring us some smores but I thought it was strange."
Clean facilities: Yucaipa Regional Park offers well-maintained amenities. "Excellent campground. Well maintained. Large concrete pads that can handle any rig," says Paul C. Another camper noted, "This park is beautifully maintained. I'm so happy!"
Water activities: Several sites offer swimming or water features. "A fun little hidden place to get away. Campground was quiet and facilities were clean," reports Dawn B. about Yucaipa Regional Park, which includes lakes and a water park during summer months.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Children often enjoy spotting local animals. "There's no larger wildlife, like bears, so less stressful when you have pets or kids," mentions a Yucaipa Regional Park visitor. This contrasts with higher elevation campgrounds where bear activity requires more vigilance.
Site accessibility: Thomas Hunting Grounds Yellow Post Campites has varied road conditions. "The drive was extremely easy with a couple of rocky areas that made me slow down to 5mph and under to not damage the bottom of my H Fit," explains Sandra L. Even small vehicles can access some sites with careful driving.
Seasonal considerations: Most campgrounds have limited availability during winter. Big Pine Flat Campground operates May through October. "We loved this yellow post site, by far one of my favorites. Private but with cell service, tables and fire pits!" shares Chelsea R. about a different yellow post site.
Power needs: Most dispersed sites have no electrical hookups. For RVs requiring power, options are limited to established campgrounds like Yucaipa Regional Park, which offers "Full hookup. Some sites have better shade than others. I'm here in the heat but my AC is keeping up," according to Anneliese S.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Hesperia, CA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Hesperia, CA is Deep Creek Hot Springs Campground with a 4.4-star rating from 5 reviews.
What is the best site to find tent camping near Hesperia, CA?
TheDyrt.com has all 64 tent camping locations near Hesperia, CA, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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