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Tent campers visiting the San Bernardino Mountains near Loma Linda, California have several established tent campsites within 30-45 minutes of the city. Yucaipa Regional Park offers spacious tent camping areas with clean facilities, though tent camping is primarily limited to designated group sites. For more primitive experiences, Mill Creek Dispersed Camping provides free backcountry tent sites in the San Bernardino National Forest, approximately 25 miles northeast of Loma Linda.
Most tent campgrounds in the area feature basic amenities with varying levels of development. Yucaipa Regional Park provides tent campers with picnic tables, fire rings, drinking water, and access to restrooms and showers. In contrast, dispersed tent sites at Mill Creek require self-sufficiency, as they lack facilities entirely. Walk-in tent locations typically have dirt or pine needle surfaces with minimal site preparation. During summer months, fire restrictions frequently limit open flames at primitive tent campsites, especially during high fire danger periods.
Areas farther from Loma Linda generally offer more secluded tent camping experiences with cooler temperatures at higher elevations. A review mentioned that Yucaipa Regional Park has "super secluded" sites where campers "felt like we had a whole park to ourselves." Yellow Post Sites near Thomas Hunting Grounds provide designated tent locations with more isolation than developed campgrounds. Tent campers appreciate the hiking accessibility, with trails often connecting directly to campsites in the mountain areas. The higher-elevation tent locations also provide relief from summer heat, as temperatures drop significantly compared to the valley floor. Most walk-in tent sites require campers to carry gear short distances from parking areas, but the effort rewards with greater privacy and natural settings.
"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."
"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."
"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"Post 6 and 5 and next to each other but have high ground low which gave privacy. Nice flat ground to post tent."
"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"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."
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.
GuideI 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.
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.
TravelerHad a nice stay here twice so far this year. Nice place. Quiet and clean.
ScoutI 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!
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
The San Bernardino Mountains surrounding Loma Linda, California offer tent campsites at elevations ranging from 2,000 to 9,000 feet. This dramatic elevation change creates temperature differences of 15-25°F between the valley floor and mountain camping areas. Fire restrictions are common during summer and fall months, with most mountain campgrounds implementing bans from June through October.
Fishing access: Yucaipa Regional Park maintains three stocked lakes where campers can fish throughout the year. "Three lakes for fishing, water park during the summer, and friendly helpful staff," notes Bryan H. The park offers both shoreline fishing and designated casting areas.
Mountain biking trails: Riders staying at Keller Peak Yellow Post Campsites can access multiple mountain biking routes directly from their campsites. "The bike trail is fun and a challenge," reports Sam H. The Exploration Trail winds around the campsites up to the peak, offering varied terrain for different skill levels.
Fire lookout visit: Hike to the Keller Peak Fire Lookout tower for 360-degree mountain views. "The Keller Peak Lookout was amazing. I thought it was just a tourist attraction but it's really a staffed (with volunteers) active fire lookout," shares Steve H. The volunteer staff often provides information about local wildlife and forest management.
Temperature relief: Mountain tent sites provide significant cooling during summer months. "Weather is definitely colder than in the valley, got snow overnight in mid May," reports Jillian about Deep Creek Hot Springs Campground. The 20-30°F temperature difference makes camping comfortable even during summer heat waves.
Camp layout variety: "The sites were interestingly laid out and some had little wooded areas that you actually camp behind, others had interesting ground layouts with multiple levels, we found it really cool," shares Aleena S. about Lake Arrowhead - Green Valley Lake Recreation Area. Many sites feature natural rock formations that create natural room dividers.
Night sky viewing: The higher elevation campsites provide exceptional stargazing opportunities. Chelsea R. notes about Thomas Hunting Grounds Yellow Post Sites: "Listen to great horned owls while taking in the views!" Light pollution is minimal at most mountain sites, allowing clear views of the Milky Way during new moon phases.
Road conditions: Access to many dispersed camping areas requires appropriate vehicles. "The road to the trailhead is very bumpy (you definitely need a 4x4 with good clearance)," warns Daryna L. about accessing Fishermans Group Campground. Forest service roads may deteriorate following winter storms or heavy rains.
Fire restrictions: Many campgrounds limit or prohibit open flames during summer and fall. David V. points out for Thomas Hunting Grounds: "They are very strict on parties are not allowed. NO FIRES." Check with the local ranger station for current restrictions, which change based on conditions.
Water availability: Most dispersed sites lack running water. "The dispersed tent sites at Mill Creek require self-sufficiency, as they lack facilities entirely," requires campers to bring 1-2 gallons per person per day. Streams may not be reliable water sources during late summer months.
Water recreation options: Mill Creek Dispersed Camping provides stream access during spring months. Yucaipa Regional Park offers more developed water activities, with one reviewer mentioning "a fun splash zone" that's ideal for children during hot summer days.
Easier access sites: "The camp sites are good. You are within a mile from the lake and little town there," notes Stephen S. about Green Valley Lake Recreation Area. The proximity to small towns provides backup options if camping conditions become challenging.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Many campers report frequent wildlife sightings in the San Bernardino Mountains. David O. described seeing "deer, rabbits and a multitude of squirrels" at Manker Campground. Morning and evening hours typically offer the best wildlife viewing times.
Limited dispersed options: Most free camping areas have restrictions for RVs. Francisco F. warns about Mill Creek Dispersed Camping: "The road up to the actual spot is gravel, with lots of potholes and washboard areas, which would make it difficult for an RV...There is no way that even a Class C rig would be able to take that steep incline and immediately do that sharp turn."
Hookup availability: Paul C. recommends Yucaipa Regional Park for its "large concrete pads that can handle any rig." The park provides full hookups with water, electric and sewer connections, along with a sanitary dump station for departing campers.
Temperature management: Higher elevation campsites often experience cold nights even in summer. Anneliese S. notes about Yucaipa Regional Park: "Some sites have better shade than others. I'm here in the heat but my AC is keeping up." Overnight temperatures can drop below 40°F even in summer months at sites above 7,000 feet.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Loma Linda, CA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Loma Linda, 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 Loma Linda, CA?
TheDyrt.com has all 70 tent camping locations near Loma Linda, CA, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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