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Tent Camping near Lake Arrowhead, CA
3 campgrounds with availability this weekend
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Tent camping options near Lake Arrowhead in the San Bernardino Mountains range from established campgrounds to primitive backcountry sites. Keller Peak Yellow Post Campsites offer tent camping with picnic tables and fire rings in a forested setting, while Mill Creek Dispersed Camping provides free primitive tent sites on National Forest land. Thomas Hunting Grounds Yellow Post Campites feature tent-friendly sites with more seclusion, situated on higher elevation terrain with views of surrounding mountains.
Most primitive tent sites in the Lake Arrowhead region lack basic amenities, requiring campers to bring their own water and pack out all waste. Fire rings are common at yellow post sites, though seasonal fire restrictions frequently apply during summer and fall months. Vault toilets are available at some established campgrounds like Green Valley Lake Recreation Area, but dispersed camping areas have no facilities. High-clearance vehicles may be necessary to access more remote tent camping locations, particularly at Mill Creek where the dirt roads can be rough. Bear activity requires proper food storage in all tent camping areas.
Tent campers frequently use these sites as bases for hiking, mountain biking, and exploring nearby trails. The higher elevation provides cooler temperatures during summer months, making tent camping more comfortable than at lower elevations. Sites are typically spaced far apart, offering privacy even during busier weekends. According to one visitor at Mill Creek Dispersed Camping, "There are a lot of flat spots to choose from" and the area "was not crowded mid-week, but spots were filling up closer to the weekend." Yellow post sites at Keller Peak provide tent campers with mountain biking and rock climbing access, while sites at Thomas Hunting Grounds offer more seclusion with tent spots positioned for mountain views.
Best Tent Campgrounds near Lake Arrowhead (66)
1. Keller Peak Yellow Post 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."
2. 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."
3. Lake Arrowhead - Green Valley Lake Recreation Area
"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."
4. Deep Creek Hot Springs Campground
"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."
Check Availabilityfrom $10 - $119 / night
5. Mill Creek Dispersed Camping
"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."
6. Fishermans Group Campground
"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."
2 Sites AvailableAvailable this weekend
from $10 / night
7. Holcomb Valley Climbers Camp
"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."
8. Yellow Post Number 9
"It’s up around 7500ft approximately four miles from Running Springs. I spent three days here and absolutely loved this spot."
9. Keller Peak Rd Yellow post #5
"Post 6 and 5 and next to each other but have high ground low which gave privacy. Nice flat ground to post tent."
10. Big Pine Flat Campground
"Big Pines Flats is set right next to a meadow at a forest crossing heading to Holcomb Valley, Victorville, Fawnskin, and Green Valley Lake."
Drive Time
- 1 hr 35 min from Los Angeles, CA
- 2 hrs 9 min from San Diego, CA
- 2 hrs 17 min from Oxnard, CA
- 2 hrs 45 min from Bakersfield, CA
Recent Tent Camping Photos near Lake Arrowhead, CA
58 Photos of 66 Lake Arrowhead Campgrounds • uploaded by The Dyrt campers
Lake Arrowhead - Green Valley Lake Recreation Area
Keller Peak Yellow Post Campsites
Deep Creek Hot Springs Campground
Big Pine Flat Campground
Thomas Hunting Grounds Yellow Post Campites
Yucaipa Regional ParkA
Limber Pine Bench Campground
Holcomb Valley Climbers Camps
Halfway Camp
Stockton Flats Yellow Post Sites 3-8
Dry Lake Backpacking Campground
Yellow Post #54
Tent Camping Reviews near Lake Arrowhead, CA
1432 Reviews of 66 Lake Arrowhead Campgrounds
- T
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.
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.
- SSonali U.
TravelerCaravan Mobile Home Park
If it’s there, I missed it.
I 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.
- jjulie G.Scout
Stoddard Valley OHV Area - North
OHV area in desert
Nice and FREE area , easy to access
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.
- 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.
- AAaron S.Traveler
Stockton Flats Yellow Post Sites 3-8
Dope spot
Very windy and need high clearance vehicles
Guide to Lake Arrowhead
Tent camping near Lake Arrowhead, California takes place at elevations between 5,100 and 7,000 feet in the San Bernardino Mountains. Summer nighttime temperatures typically drop into the 40s, even when daytime temperatures reach the 80s. Most campsites in the area sit under pine and cedar forest cover that provides partial shade throughout the day.
What to do
Mountain biking near camp: Keller Peak Yellow Post Campsites provide direct access to mountain biking trails. "The bike trail is fun and a challenge. Camp site 1,3 & 6 are very quiet. I'm on site 4 in a travel trailer very large space with plenty of shade," notes Sam H. about the Keller Peak Yellow Post Campsites.
Hiking to fire lookouts: Several tent camping areas offer access to fire lookout towers with panoramic views. "Hike up to the watch tower and check out all the hummingbirds! This is yellow post camping so it's hit or miss if you can get one," shares Kate W. The Exploration Trail near Keller Peak "weaves around them up to the peak and makes a great hike," according to Kristil C.
Fishing in nearby lakes: Lake camping options include Green Valley Lake, where fishing is available for an additional fee. "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," explains Aleena S. from her stay at Lake Arrowhead - Green Valley Lake Recreation Area.
What campers like
Seclusion between sites: Many tent campsites near Lake Arrowhead offer distance between neighbors. "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," writes Lynn C. about Keller Peak.
Star viewing: Clear mountain air and minimal light pollution create exceptional stargazing opportunities. "The scenery and isolation are superb—starry skies, quiet nights, and that deep-woods stillness that's getting harder to find," explains Bruce R. about his experiences at Keller Peak.
Higher elevation climate: Camping at higher elevations provides relief from summer heat. "We went in January with snowfall, hardly any campers and nature all around! Two nights are perfect," notes Kelly Anne M. about her winter camping trip at Deep Creek Hot Springs Campground, where hot springs access balances cold mountain temperatures.
What you should know
Road conditions: Many tent camping areas require driving on unpaved roads. "Definitely need a high clearance vehicle on some of the roads. Was a great experience," reports Seychelle R. about the forest roads at Holcomb Valley Climbers Camp. This dispersed camping area is free but requires appropriate vehicles.
Seasonal closures: Most primitive camping areas close during winter months. Big Pine Flat Campground operates only "May to October" according to the campground information. Seasonal closures affect access roads even before official closing dates.
Limited facilities: Water and toilets are rare at most tent camping areas. "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," notes Dickie Simmons S. about Mill Creek Dispersed Camping, where no facilities exist.
Tips for camping with families
Swimming options: Green Valley Lake Recreation Area offers swimming for children in a controlled environment. "The town is very small and cute. The lake is very clean and has a lot of fish," writes Aleena S. This site charges separate fees for swimming access in addition to camping fees.
Weekend timing: Family-friendly campgrounds fill quickly on weekends. "Was not crowded mid-week, but spots were filling up closer to the weekend. There are a lot of flat spots to choose from," explains Eileen S. about Mill Creek Dispersed Camping.
Safety considerations: Some camping areas have reported safety issues. "My last trip was frightening enough that I haven't returned. Late at night a group of locals came to the edge of my site, yelling and using threatening language," cautions Bruce R. about isolated yellow post sites at Thomas Hunting Grounds Yellow Post Campites.
Tips from RVers
Site width limitations: Most primitive sites can't accommodate larger RVs. "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," explains Mark C. about Thomas Hunting Grounds, where tent camping works but RV access is limited.
Hookup availability: Few Lake Arrowhead camping areas offer RV hookups. Yucaipa Regional Park stands out with "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.
Low clearance warnings: RVs should avoid Mill Creek Dispersed Camping due to road conditions. "There 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. There is no way that even a Class C rig would be able to take that steep incline," warns Francisco F.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent
campsite near Lake Arrowhead, CA?
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Lake Arrowhead, CA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Lake Arrowhead, CA is Keller Peak Yellow Post Campsites with a 4.2-star rating from 9 reviews.
What is the best site to find
tent camping near
Lake Arrowhead, CA?
What is the best site to find tent camping near Lake Arrowhead, CA?
TheDyrt.com has all 66 tent camping locations near Lake Arrowhead, CA, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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