Best Tent Camping near Norco, CA

Mountain ranges surrounding Norco, California provide several tent camping options within an hour's drive. Tent campers can find established sites at Falcon Group Campground in Lake Elsinore, approximately 20 miles southeast of Norco. For those seeking backcountry tent camping experiences, Little Jimmy Trail Campground in the Angeles National Forest offers first-come, first-served tent-only sites accessible via a 2-mile hike from Islip Saddle. Stockton Flats Yellow Post Sites provide primitive tent camping in Cajon Junction, requiring high-clearance vehicles for access. These dispersed sites offer more seclusion than developed campgrounds but with minimal amenities.

Most tent-only campgrounds near Norco feature dirt or gravel pads with varying levels of shade. Walk-in tent sites at China Camp State Park require campers to carry gear from parking areas to campsites, with some locations providing wheeled carts to assist with transport. Fire restrictions are common during summer and fall months, particularly in Angeles National Forest and San Bernardino National Forest areas. Bear activity requires proper food storage at higher elevation sites, with some campgrounds providing bear boxes. Vault toilets are available at most established tent campgrounds, while primitive sites require pack-in, pack-out practices for all waste. Adventure Passes are required for parking at many forest service tent camping areas.

Tent campers frequently mention the solitude found at backcountry sites. According to reviews, Little Jimmy Campground offers "a chance to get away from established campgrounds" with access to the Pacific Crest Trail. One visitor noted that Stockton Flats Yellow Post Sites are "deep in nature" and "you can almost always find a spot, even on a Saturday in summer." Seasonal water sources like creeks and springs are present at some locations but require treatment before drinking. Tent-only sites typically provide more distance between neighbors than mixed-use campgrounds. Weekday visits offer the best opportunity for solitude, with one camper reporting they were "the only one camping" during a midweek stay at a trail camp. Most walk-in tent sites feature fire rings and picnic tables, creating comfortable primitive camping experiences.

Best Tent Sites Near Norco, California (69)

    1. China Camp State Park Campground

    10 Reviews
    Chino Hills, CA
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (415) 456-0766

    $35 - $175 / night

    "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. Manker Campground

    13 Reviews
    Mount Baldy, CA
    24 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."

    3. Yucaipa Regional Park

    20 Reviews
    Yucaipa, CA
    31 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"

    4. Falcon Group Campground

    1 Review
    Trabuco Canyon, CA
    20 miles
    Website
    +1 (951) 736-1811

    $60 - $120 / night

    "It is very hot during this time so we ended up going down to the Lake to cool off. The campground was very well priced and it had bolted toilets and a water spout. No showers or sinks. "

    5. Thomas Hunting Grounds Yellow Post Campites

    13 Reviews
    Angelus Oaks, CA
    35 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."

    6. Stockton Flats Yellow Post Sites 3-8

    4 Reviews
    Wrightwood, CA
    27 miles
    Website
    +1 (909) 382-2851

    "Great for campers that meet 2 criteria 1) You have a Jeep, Truck it similar vehicle that can go off-road. 2) You enjoy dispersed camping (no water/restrooms etc)

    If both are yes, this place is amazing"

    "Trail was fun (definitely needed 4x4) and the sites around has good shade and good size open spots. Best to get there early as possible to secure a spot."

    7. Little Jimmy Trail Campground

    7 Reviews
    Valyermo, CA
    33 miles
    Website
    +1 (626) 335-1251

    "This campsite is located in California and is one of my favorites."

    "Hike in , via the PCT, an easy couple miles , to little jimmy campground. or hike up Little Jimmy road, which is a wider dirt road ( no vehicles)

    Lots of sites ( I’ve never seen more than a couple occupied"

    8. Lake Arrowhead - Green Valley Lake Recreation Area

    6 Reviews
    Cedar Glen, CA
    31 miles
    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."

    9. Keller Peak Yellow Post Campsites

    8 Reviews
    Green Valley Lake, CA
    35 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."

    10. Glenn Trail Camp Campground

    4 Reviews
    Duarte, CA
    31 miles
    Website
    +1 (818) 899-1900

    $5 / night

    "Access to this campground is so easy, whether it's by car or by bike."

    "This hike-in/bike-in campground is located 6 1/2 miles behind a locked gate. The small campground is equipped with stream for water (must be treated), and vault potties."

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Showing results 1-10 of 69 campgrounds

Tent Camping Reviews near Norco, CA

1493 Reviews of 69 Norco Campgrounds



Guide to Norco

Nestled near Norco, California, tent camping offers a perfect escape into nature, with a variety of campgrounds that cater to outdoor enthusiasts seeking adventure and tranquility.

Tips for tent camping near Norco

  • Manker Campground provides a serene environment with picnic tables and drinking water, making it a great choice for families and groups.
  • Yucaipa Regional Park features spacious sites with electric hookups and nearby recreational activities, ideal for those looking to enjoy both camping and outdoor fun.
  • Little Jimmy Trail Campground is a hike-in site that offers a unique backcountry experience, complete with a natural spring for water.

Local activities for outdoor enthusiasts

  • At China Camp State Park Campground, visitors can enjoy mountain biking and hiking trails that showcase the stunning Marin County landscape.
  • Falcon Group Campground is perfect for first-time campers, offering easy access to nearby lakes for fishing and swimming.
  • Keller Peak Yellow Post Campsites provides access to numerous hiking trails, allowing campers to explore the beautiful San Bernardino National Forest.

Tent campers appreciate these amenities

  • Glenn Trail Camp Campground features vault toilets and a nearby stream, ensuring basic comforts while enjoying the great outdoors.
  • Hoegees Trail Camp Campground offers a peaceful setting with fire rings and picnic tables, perfect for cooking and gathering around the campfire.
  • Idlehour Trail Campground boasts a flowing creek and a waterfall nearby, providing a picturesque backdrop for a relaxing camping experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular tent campsite near Norco, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Norco, CA is China Camp State Park Campground with a 4.2-star rating from 10 reviews.

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

TheDyrt.com has all 69 tent camping locations near Norco, CA, with real photos and reviews from campers.