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Tent campsites in the mountains near Highland, California range from established campgrounds to remote dispersed sites. Within San Bernardino National Forest, campers find options like Keller Peak Yellow Post Campsites, where tent camping is permitted on primitive sites with picnic tables and fire rings. Mill Creek Dispersed Camping offers free, undeveloped tent sites on Forest Service land with easy access to mountain biking trails and hiking opportunities.
Tent campers should note that many sites require proper preparation as amenities are minimal. Most yellow post sites have fire rings but no drinking water, requiring campers to bring their own supply. High clearance vehicles are recommended for accessing some dispersed camping areas, particularly after weather events that may damage forest roads. During fire season, restrictions often limit open flames to designated fire rings, and fire permits may be required. A camper noted, "We found a spot that had two perfect sites for our group. Though the campground was pretty much full, we still felt secluded since the grouped sites were spread apart."
The San Bernardino Mountains provide tent campers with varied terrain and seasonal experiences. Areas near Big Bear Lake offer pine forest camping with cooler temperatures even during summer months. The yellow post sites are particularly valued for their privacy and mountain views. One reviewer described Keller Peak sites as having "very large space with plenty of shade," making them ideal for tent camping in warmer months. Wildlife sightings are common throughout the region, with visitors reporting deer, bears, and various birds. The elevation of many sites (often above 6,000 feet) results in temperature swings between day and night, requiring tent campers to pack appropriate gear for potential cold nights even during summer visits. Campgrounds closer to Highland offer more amenities but typically less seclusion than the primitive backcountry options deeper in the national forest.
"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."
"Limited shade during middle of day but well worth the trip. Has restrooms etc at the top for the campsites."
"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."
"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."
"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."
"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"It’s up around 7500ft approximately four miles from Running Springs. I spent three days here and absolutely loved this spot."
"Post 6 and 5 and next to each other but have high ground low which gave privacy. Nice flat ground to post tent."
"It was my first backpacking campsite, and I've revisited once since then. There are lots of established campsites and they're easy to find. Expect very high winds at night."
"The positives. Beautiful sites, lots of wildlife, plenty of trails for biking and hiking. The negatives. It was a bit of trash pretty much all over the place. The mini golf course needs maintenance."
"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"There are no developed facilities (i.e., no firepits, outhouses, etc.) but it is beautiful and there are plenty of flat places to set up a tent."
"Arriving 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."
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.
RangerReviewed 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 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:
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 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!
RangerThe 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.
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
TravelerHad a nice stay here twice so far this year. Nice place. Quiet and clean.
ScoutI 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.
TravelerVery windy and need high clearance vehicles
TravelerYou definitely need high clearance vehicles or you will not make it here
Dispersed camping near Highland, California offers varied terrain across San Bernardino National Forest at elevations from 3,000 to 8,000 feet. Sites range from primitive yellow post locations with basic amenities to undeveloped forest land with no facilities. Summer temperatures often reach 85-95°F during day with nighttime drops to 50-60°F, requiring appropriate gear even during warmer months.
Hiking to hot springs: Deep Creek Hot Springs provides a popular destination for tent campers. "The hike to the springs is pretty rough but also worth it when you get there," notes one camper at Deep Creek Hot Springs Campground.
Mountain biking: The Mill Creek area offers multiple trails for biking enthusiasts. "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," reports a visitor to Mill Creek Dispersed Camping.
Fishing: Green Valley Lake provides fishing opportunities near tent sites. "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, so keep that in mind if you have a large group," explains a camper at Lake Arrowhead - Green Valley Lake Recreation Area.
Gold panning: Historical sites offer unique activities for adventurous campers. "If you're into panning for gold you just might find some along Holcomb Creek. There are active claims in the area so be respectful," advises a visitor to Holcomb Valley Climbers Camp.
Privacy and seclusion: Many campers value the isolation of tent camping near Highland. "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 a reviewer of Keller Peak Yellow Post Campsites.
Wildlife viewing: The San Bernardino mountains host diverse animal species. "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," recounts a camper at Halfway Camp.
Night sky viewing: Clear mountain air provides excellent stargazing opportunities. "I almost want to give this a 1 star review, just to keep it to myself a little longer. We loved this yellow post site, by far one of my favorites. Private but with cell service, tables and fire pits! Listen to great horned owls while taking in the views!" describes a visitor to Thomas Hunting Grounds Yellow Post Campites.
Access to water features: Many campsites provide proximity to lakes or streams. "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," explains a visitor to Yucaipa Regional Park.
Vehicle requirements: Many dispersed camping areas require appropriate transportation. "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. (Didn't mind thanks to its amazing views!)," shares a camper with a Honda Fit at Thomas Hunting Grounds.
Permit requirements: Some areas require advance permits. "As stated above they are sometimes hard to come by depending on weekends. High creek camp is always most popular and I have never had a problem obtaining a permit for Halfway," explains a backpacker at Halfway Camp.
Temperature fluctuations: Mountain elevation causes significant temperature changes. "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," notes a camper at Holcomb Valley Climbers Camp.
Limited facilities: Most dispersed sites lack amenities. "This is pack in-pack out. No bathrooms," warns a camper about Halfway Camp, adding important preparation information for tent campers near Highland.
Choose established campgrounds: Families often prefer sites with more facilities. "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. The tent camping sites come with plenty of space for group camping. There's a built-in grill and running water," explains a visitor to Yucaipa Regional Park.
Plan for activities: Many campgrounds offer family-friendly recreation. "There's a lot to do here, including fishing, playgrounds, and even a waterpark in the summer. The bathrooms are decent, no showers," notes another Yucaipa Regional Park camper.
Consider wildlife factors: Parents appreciate locations with manageable wildlife concerns. "There's no larger wildlife, like bears, so less stressful when you have pets or kids. Plenty of space to bring bikes and ride around," describes a family at Yucaipa Regional Park.
Check lake access details: Lakes often have separate fees. "You do have to pay to fish or swim, and you pay per person, so keep that in mind if you have a large group. Everyone was very kind and we enjoyed fishing from the shore," advises a Green Valley Lake visitor.
Site selection: RVers should carefully evaluate campground layouts. "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," shares an RVer at Yucaipa Regional Park.
Connection availability: Some sites offer cell service. "This park is beautifully maintained. I'm so happy! Verizon service is only 2 bars but I can still work. Full hookup. Some sites have better shade than others," notes a Yucaipa Regional Park visitor.
Alternative vehicle options: Some campgrounds accommodate converted vehicles. "Most private RV spots discriminate against Skoolies, but this place didn't seem to care. Good water pressure in the showers, which has been nice," explains a camper with a converted school bus at Yucaipa Regional Park.
Weather preparedness: RVers should prepare for mountain climate challenges. "Does get very cold, was in the teens overnight when I was there in Feb," warns a camper about tent camping conditions near Highland during winter months.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Highland, CA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Highland, 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 Highland, CA?
TheDyrt.com has all 64 tent camping locations near Highland, CA, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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