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Tent Camping near Moreno Valley, CA
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Tent campsites around Moreno Valley, California range from developed campgrounds with built-in grills and running water to primitive backcountry sites in the surrounding mountains. Yucaipa Regional Park offers dedicated tent camping areas with reliable amenities, while dispersed options like Mill Creek Dispersed Camping provide more secluded experiences in the San Bernardino National Forest. Several Yellow Post sites, including Keller Peak Yellow Post Campsites and Thomas Hunting Grounds, offer primitive tent camping opportunities within reasonable driving distance.
Access varies significantly across tent campgrounds near Moreno Valley. Many primitive sites require high-clearance vehicles to navigate unpaved forest roads, particularly after wet weather. Most Yellow Post sites feature fire rings and picnic tables but lack water sources, requiring campers to pack in all supplies. Several backcountry tent camping locations like Halfway Camp require wilderness permits, which can be obtained at Mill Creek Ranger Station. A visitor commented, "There is no fee to camp here other than an Adventure pass for your parking," regarding one of the mountain campgrounds. Bear activity is common at higher elevations, with food storage lockers available at some locations but not others.
The tent camping experience differs dramatically with elevation changes. Sites in the mountains offer pine forest shade and cooler temperatures, especially welcome during summer months. "In the summertime, bears can be common visitors so make sure and secure your food in provided bear boxes or bring your own bear canisters," noted one camper about the higher elevation sites. Many walk-in tent sites provide more privacy than vehicle-accessible areas, with greater separation between camping spots. Tent-only areas in Yucaipa Regional Park come equipped with built-in grills and running water, making them suitable for campers seeking more amenities. Wilderness tent camping near Moreno Valley appeals to hikers looking to access the Pacific Crest Trail or summit local peaks, with many sites serving as basecamps for longer backcountry explorations.
Best Tent Campgrounds near Moreno Valley (64)
1. 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."
"Limited shade during middle of day but well worth the trip. Has restrooms etc at the top for the campsites."
2. 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."
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. 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."
5. Limber Pine Bench Campground
"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."
6. Halfway Camp
"We decided to stay a little further back for a little more privacy from the trail above."
"When we went there was no water flow at this camp. Campfires not allowed. Thankfully we just use our jet boils and some drylite food!"
7. Lupine
8. China Camp State Park Campground
"The campground was not busy and this allowed me to pick a spot hidden away from others. There are restrooms and a place to get water, but when I was there the showers were closed. "
"This walk-in campground is part of China Camp State Park. Only 33 tent-only sites! Wheeled totes can be borrowed to haul your gear up some little hills to your campsite under oak and bay trees."
2 Sites AvailableAvailable this weekend
from $35 - $175 / night
9. 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."
10. 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
Drive Time
- 1 hr 9 min from Los Angeles, CA
- 1 hr 27 min from San Diego, CA
- 1 hr 59 min from Oxnard, CA
- 2 hrs 12 min from El Centro, CA
Recent Tent Camping Photos near Moreno Valley, CA
53 Photos of 64 Moreno Valley Campgrounds • uploaded by The Dyrt campers
Yucaipa Regional ParkA
Thomas Hunting Grounds Yellow Post Campites
Limber Pine Bench Campground
Halfway Camp
Keller Peak Yellow Post Campsites
Lake Arrowhead - Green Valley Lake Recreation Area
Wandering Caboose RanchM
Falcon Group Campground
Dry Lake Backpacking Campground
China Camp State Park Campground
Big Pine Flat Campground
Little Round Valley — Mount San Jacinto State Park
Tent Camping Reviews near Moreno Valley, CA
1745 Reviews of 64 Moreno Valley Campgrounds
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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.
- DDouglas E.
TravelerGuajome Regional Park
Nice place
Clean, beautiful, hookups work, bathrooms/showers are clean. The lake is serene. Professional photographers are abound to take wedding and/or family pics here. Really wonderful. I almost don’t want to recommend it to keep others from flooding this gem.
- HHope H.
GuideSan Clemente State Beach Campground
Sites Near RR Tracks are Ocean View
I 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.
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.Traveler
Caravan 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.
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.
Tucker A.ScoutSan Clemente State Beach Campground
Great campground!
I 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!
Guide to Moreno Valley
Tent camping near Moreno Valley, California offers varied terrain from the pine forests at 7,000 feet elevation to the lower desert landscapes at 1,500 feet. Campgrounds span across San Bernardino National Forest and nearby recreation areas with seasonal temperature variations of up to 30 degrees between mountain and valley sites. Many dispersed camping spots require adventure passes for parking, while established campgrounds maintain specific quiet hours from 10 PM to 6 AM.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: At Yucaipa Regional Park, campers access three lakes stocked regularly. "3 lakes for fishing, water park during the summer, and friendly helpful staff," notes Bryan H., highlighting additional recreation options beyond just fishing.
Mountain biking trails: Near Mill Creek Dispersed Camping, numerous established bike paths wind through the forest. "Near bike trails. Was not crowded mid week, but spots were filling up closer to the weekend," according to Eileen S., who found plenty of flat camping spots with good trail access.
Hiking to viewpoints: Trails from Thomas Hunting Grounds Yellow Post Sites provide panoramic views over San Bernardino. "Beautiful hiking trails and wildlife. I didn't want to leave! Make sure you have a vehicle that is 4WD - getting up the mountain is long and rugged," recommends Katie S., who enjoyed the secluded experience.
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Campers appreciate the spacing at Green Valley Lake Recreation Area campground. "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," says Aleena S., noting the variety of site configurations.
Cell service availability: For those needing connectivity, several campsites maintain signal strength. At Mill Creek Dispersed Camping, one camper reports: "Good cellular reception in my particular location," while another camper at Yucaipa Regional Park notes: "Verizon service is only 2 bars but I can still work."
Wildlife viewing: Many campsites offer opportunities to observe local wildlife. "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," reports Brittany N. at Halfway Camp.
What you should know
Fire regulations vary significantly: Fire permissions change by location and season. At Keller Peak Yellow Post Campsites, one visitor notes: "Rangers do come by and take down information of the leader of the group. They are very strict on parties are not allowed. NO FIRES." Always check current restrictions before planning your trip.
Road conditions require planning: Many forest roads demand appropriate vehicles. "The road to the trailhead is very bumpy (you definitely need a 4x4 with good clearance). Be sure to call visitor center for driving directions as Google will take you to the wrong spot," advises Daryna L. about access to campgrounds.
Water availability limitations: Most dispersed sites lack water sources. "This is pack in- pack out. No bathrooms," explains a Halfway Camp visitor, while Thomas Hunting Grounds campers are advised: "You will obviously have no amenities and need to pack in food and water and pack out all trash."
Tips for camping with families
Designated group sites: Fishermans Group Campground offers space specifically for larger groups. "Great, secluded campground that's only accessible via hiking... Toilets, fire pits, bucket for water, bear proof trash cans, plenty of room for a dozen or more & easy stream access with fish!" reports Anthony K.
Playground accessibility: Families appreciate campgrounds with play areas nearby. At Yucaipa Regional Park, "There's a large community park right next-door where you can go and play baseball, basketball, sand volleyball, or frisbee," according to Mary F., who found this convenient for keeping children entertained.
Wildlife safety education: Teaching children about local wildlife adds to the experience. At Green Valley Lake, "We did some hiking, fishing near by and costed big bear as it is not too far away," notes Ronny G., describing activities that engage children while teaching outdoor skills.
Tips from RVers
Site leveling challenges: RVers should prepare for uneven terrain at many campgrounds. At Yucaipa Regional Park, Paul C. shares: "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."
Temperature preparation: Mountain campgrounds experience significant temperature drops. "We're here in the heat but my AC is keeping up," notes Anneliese S. at Yucaipa Regional Park, while others recommend heaters for the considerable overnight temperature drops in higher elevations.
Road navigation concerns: RVers must carefully research access routes. "My husband and I were looking for good boondocking spots... the road up to the actual spot is gravel, with lots of potholes and washboard areas, which would make it difficult for an RV," warns Francisco F. about Mill Creek Dispersed Camping, highlighting the importance of researching road conditions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent
campsite near Moreno Valley, CA?
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Moreno Valley, CA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Moreno Valley, 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
Moreno Valley, CA?
What is the best site to find tent camping near Moreno Valley, CA?
TheDyrt.com has all 64 tent camping locations near Moreno Valley, CA, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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