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Tent Camping near Morongo Valley, CA
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Tent camping near Morongo Valley, California encompasses a range of options from primitive sites to established campgrounds in the surrounding mountain ranges and desert landscapes. Several backcountry tent sites are available at locations like Dry Lake Backpacking Campground in the San Bernardino Mountains and the Yellow Post sites scattered throughout the region. These designated primitive tent areas offer varying levels of solitude and natural settings for campers seeking alternatives to developed campgrounds.
Most tent-only sites require campers to pack in all necessary supplies, particularly water, as drinking sources are scarce. The Yellow Post campsites near Big Bear Lake and Thomas Hunting Grounds feature established fire rings and occasional picnic tables, but minimal other amenities. Many primitive tent sites in the region sit at higher elevations where temperatures can drop dramatically at night, even in summer months. One camper reported that "although it was May and the weather was beautiful at sea level, it was cold up here! There was snow on the ground but the air was the coldest I've ever felt." Fire restrictions are common during dry seasons, so portable camp stoves are recommended.
Sites positioned at higher elevations like Round Valley Campground provide tent campers with cooler temperatures during summer months and access to trail networks including routes to San Jacinto Peak. Access roads to remote tent sites such as Thomas Hunting Grounds Yellow Post Campground often require high-clearance vehicles, limiting crowds and enhancing the backcountry camping experience. As described in feedback on The Dyrt, "the sites are spaced really far apart. Most of the sites have incredible views looking out over Lake Hemet and of the San Jacinto mountains." Dispersed tent camping locations like Yellow Post #54 and Holcomb Valley Climbers Camp see fewer visitors during weekdays, making them ideal for tent campers seeking quieter wilderness experiences.
Best Tent Campgrounds near Morongo Valley (55)
1. Black Rock Equestrian Campground — Joshua Tree National Park
"Huge open horse camp with 10 corrals, picnic tables, bbqs and fire rings, pick your spot anywhere you like. Almost all sloped but not awful. Lot gets regularly graded."
Check Availabilityfrom $35 / night
2. Dry Lake Backpacking Campground
"We got to the camping area and it's tucked in the woods so there's lots of nooks and crannies even though it's a primitive open group camping area. "
"This is a heavily used campground by many backpackers not only trying to get away for an overnight, but also get a shot at summiting Southern California's tallest mountain, San Gorgonio."
3. Rancho Capotista
"We're happy to welcome this property to our platform. Pick your spot anywhere on the property. Give them a try and leave them some love."
Check Availabilityfrom $40 / night
4. Coon Creek Cabin Group Campground
"Easy trail up. Great views. Intersects with PCT."
Check AvailabilityCampground full next weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $127 - $137 / night
5. Round Valley Campsite — Mount San Jacinto State Park
"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"
"we took the tram up from palm springs and backpacked to the campground before summiting up San Jacinto peak. the views were breathtaking and the elevation was a killer."
6. 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."
7. Yellow Post #54
"You will earn this spot as the drive from Hwy 38 is long and rocky."
8. 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!"
9. 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."
10. 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."
Drive Time
- 1 hr 50 min from Los Angeles, CA
- 1 hr 54 min from El Centro, CA
- 2 hrs 6 min from San Diego, CA
- 2 hrs 56 min from Lake Havasu City, AZ
Recent Tent Camping Photos near Morongo Valley, CA
35 Photos of 55 Morongo Valley Campgrounds • uploaded by The Dyrt campers
Mineral Springs Date FarmR
Rancho Capotista
Desert Rose
Yellow Post #54
Dry Lake Backpacking Campground
Halfway Camp
Little Round Valley — Mount San Jacinto State Park
Wandering Caboose RanchM
Limber Pine Bench Campground
Holcomb Valley Climbers Camps
Thomas Hunting Grounds Yellow Post Campites
Yucaipa Regional ParkA
Tent Camping Reviews near Morongo Valley, CA
1557 Reviews of 55 Morongo Valley Campgrounds
Matthew E.ScoutBelle Campground — Joshua Tree National Park
A Good Campground During the Week
I discovered this campground in Joshua Tree when the campground I had grown used to staying at (Ryan) went reserved only. Belle is on a first come, first serve basis, so there's no reservations involved. Roughly east of the campground is a trail that leads to the next one down, White Tank, which is popular because of the natural arch that can be found a short distance from the campsites. Belle itself has 18 campsites which are mostly empty during the week. Weekends are busy though as campers are usually jockeying for a site starting on Thursday nights. All in all, a beautiful place that offers splendid views and clear, crisp nights. Campers beware as it can get very windy at times. Vault toilets and campfire rings, but no accessible water.
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!
- EEric P.
LegendBelle Campground — Joshua Tree National Park
This was our first trip to Joshua Tree. We thoroughly enjoyed this first come first serve campground. The awesome walks into the park and desert landscape make this a place we will definitely return to. Beautiful night sky and stars . The Granite boulders are beautiful!
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.
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.
Dick T.
GuideMarion Mountain
Laid-Back campground
This is my go-to campground. I live in the San Diego area. It's designed for your season camper that prefers tranquility over business. It's not recommended during the weekend.
Julien M.TravelerStone Creek Campground — Mount San Jacinto State Park
Spacious campsites
Camped with two people and had tons of space in our site. The car parking is a slightly away from the site, which we liked but maybe not other peoples’ preference
- Michael E.Scout
Reflection Lake RV Park
Don't visit too expensive
Has a security guard that thought she was God or something like that. Never seen anybody or place so petty on the place and still searching for the championship horseshoe pits and I can't stop talking about the dark green of the fishing lakes and the fish swimming on their sides
Guide to Morongo Valley
Tent camping near Morongo Valley, California ranges from primitive backcountry sites to established grounds at elevations between 2,000 and 10,000 feet. The region sits at the transition zone between the Mojave and Colorado deserts, creating significant temperature variations even during shoulder seasons. Many dispersed camping areas lack facilities but offer greater solitude than developed sites, particularly on weekdays.
What to do
Rock climbing access: Holcomb Valley Climbers Camp serves as a base for climbing enthusiasts exploring the area's natural features. "This area is used almost exclusively by rock climbers, but anyone is welcomed. As long as you follow the guidelines for the area, you can set up your tent anywhere you see a spot," notes Les R. at Holcomb Valley Climbers Camp.
Gold panning: Historical mining areas provide opportunities for amateur prospecting. "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 edward W. about exploring near Holcomb Valley.
Scenic hiking: Trail networks connect many primitive camping areas to larger wilderness systems. "We took the tram up from palm springs and backpacked to the campground before summiting up San Jacinto peak. The views were breathtaking and the elevation was a killer," reports Katie O. about her experience at Round Valley Campsite.
What campers like
Equestrian facilities: The region offers specialized sites for horse camping. "Huge open horse camp with 10 corrals, picnic tables, bbqs and fire rings, pick your spot anywhere you like. Almost all sloped but not awful. Lot gets regularly graded," writes Judith W. about Black Rock Equestrian Campground.
Wildlife encounters: Many primitive sites offer chances to observe local animals. "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," shares Brittany N. at Halfway Camp.
Campsite privacy: The dispersion of many sites provides isolation from other campers. "Because the National forest allows dispersed camping, as long as your off the roads and trails, the camping spots are unlimited. We like coming here if we want to be guaranteed a spot, no early arrivals or reservations needed," explains Les R. about dispersed camping options.
What you should know
Road conditions: Many primitive sites require appropriate vehicles. "You will earn this spot as the drive from Hwy 38 is long and rocky. The final road to the spot is a single lane and others wanting to camp there will not know if it is occupied," warns Mike M. about accessing Yellow Post #54.
Permit requirements: Some areas require advance arrangements. "Reservations go fast so you need to submit your permit starting 8 weeks before your trip, however waiting until 4 weeks may be too late. The permit only reserves your space on the mountain you will need to selected your exact campsite once you get to the ranger station," explains Cody B. about Round Valley regulations.
Temperature extremes: The region experiences significant temperature variations. "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 seth B. about tent camping conditions at Holcomb Valley Climbers Camp.
Tips for camping with families
Water recreation options: Some sites offer additional activities beyond tent camping. "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," reports Bryan H. about Yucaipa Regional Park.
Nature exploration for children: The varied terrain provides discovery opportunities. "We've been here several times over the last few years and really enjoy a nice quiet place close to home. Plenty of space to bring bikes and ride around," shares Mary F. about Yucaipa Regional Park.
Site privacy considerations: Some areas provide better separation for families. "The sites are spaced really far apart," according to reviews of primitive sites, allowing families more buffer space from other campers.
Tips from RVers
Tent-only restrictions: Be aware that many sites limit accommodation types. "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," explains Mary F. about Yucaipa Regional Park restrictions.
Hookup considerations: Some sites offer full RV services not commonly found at primitive locations. "Full hookup. Some sites have better shade than others. I'm here in the heat but my AC is keeping up," notes Anneliese S. about Thomas Hunting Grounds Yellow Post Campites.
Off-grid preparation: Many RVers find tent camping Morongo Valley's dispersed sites require additional planning. "We're usually full-time boondockers, and this was the first time we've paid for an RV park, so we don't have a lot to compare it to. But overall it's been a pleasant stay," shares Jason O. about transitioning between camping styles.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent
campsite near Morongo Valley, CA?
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Morongo Valley, CA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Morongo Valley, CA is Black Rock Equestrian Campground — Joshua Tree National Park with a 4.5-star rating from 2 reviews.
What is the best site to find
tent camping near
Morongo Valley, CA?
What is the best site to find tent camping near Morongo Valley, CA?
TheDyrt.com has all 55 tent camping locations near Morongo Valley, CA, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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