Best Tent Camping near Lake Arrowhead, CA

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 Sites Near Lake Arrowhead, California (64)

    1. Yucaipa Regional Park

    20 Reviews
    Yucaipa, CA
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (909) 790-3127

    "The bathrooms are decent, no showers.

    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."

    "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"

    2. Keller Peak Yellow Post Campsites

    8 Reviews
    Green Valley Lake, CA
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (909) 382-2600

    "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."

    3. Thomas Hunting Grounds Yellow Post Campites

    13 Reviews
    Angelus Oaks, CA
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (909) 382-2882

    "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."

    4. Lake Arrowhead - Green Valley Lake Recreation Area

    6 Reviews
    Cedar Glen, CA
    1 mile
    Website
    +1 (909) 867-2009

    "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."

    5. Deep Creek Hot Springs Campground

    5 Reviews
    Arkabutla Lake, CA
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (760) 515-7525

    $10 - $119 / night

    "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."

    6. Fishermans Group Campground

    3 Reviews
    Green Valley Lake, CA
    5 miles
    Website
    +1 (909) 382-2600

    $10 / night

    "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."

    7. Mill Creek Dispersed Camping

    5 Reviews
    Fawnskin, CA
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (909) 382-2790

    "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."

    8. Holcomb Valley Climbers Camp

    7 Reviews
    Big Bear Lake, CA
    18 miles
    Website

    "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."

    9. Big Pine Flat Campground

    1 Review
    Fawnskin, CA
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (909) 382-2790

    "Big Pines Flats is set right next to a meadow at a forest crossing heading to Holcomb Valley, Victorville, Fawnskin, and Green Valley Lake."

    10. Manker Campground

    13 Reviews
    Mount Baldy, CA
    25 miles
    Website
    +1 (626) 335-1251

    $12 / night

    "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."

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Showing results 1-10 of 64 campgrounds

Tent Camping Reviews near Lake Arrowhead, CA

1301 Reviews of 64 Lake Arrowhead Campgrounds



Guide to Lake Arrowhead

Tent camping near Lake Arrowhead, California, offers a variety of scenic spots perfect for outdoor enthusiasts looking to immerse themselves in nature.

Tent campers appreciate these amenities

  • Yucaipa Regional Park features spacious group campsites with built-in grills and running water, making it ideal for larger gatherings.
  • Keller Peak Yellow Post Campsites provides picnic tables and allows campfires, enhancing the camping experience in a beautiful forest setting.
  • Halfway Camp offers drinking water and fire pits, ensuring a comfortable stay for those looking to enjoy the great outdoors.

Some prices for tent camping range from $0 to $10

Local activities for outdoor enthusiasts

Frequently Asked Questions

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 Yucaipa Regional Park with a 4.8-star rating from 20 reviews.

What is the best site to find tent camping near Lake Arrowhead, CA?

TheDyrt.com has all 64 tent camping locations near Lake Arrowhead, CA, with real photos and reviews from campers.