Best Tent Camping near Palomar Mountain, CA

The Cleveland National Forest surrounding Palomar Mountain, California offers several tent camping options ranging from established campgrounds to remote backcountry sites. Tool Box Springs Yellow Post Campground provides primitive tent campsites with basic amenities, situated about 8 miles up Thomas Mountain along a sometimes challenging fire road. The Mt. Palomar North Side Area offers tent-only camping in a more secluded forest setting. For backpackers seeking walk-in tent sites, Round Valley Campsite in nearby Mount San Jacinto State Park provides 28 tent campsites accessible via hiking trails.

Most tent campgrounds in the Palomar Mountain region require high-clearance vehicles for access, particularly after rain or snow. Tool Box Springs demands four-wheel drive capability, with campers reporting a 30-45 minute drive up forest service roads to reach the campground. Sites typically feature dirt or forest duff surfaces with minimal grading. Basic amenities include pit toilets and trash receptacles at some locations, while others offer only fire rings and picnic tables. Spring and fall provide optimal tent camping conditions, as summer brings increased insect activity. Many areas implement seasonal fire restrictions, particularly during California's dry months.

Tent campers frequently note the solitude available at these sites despite their relative proximity to San Diego. According to reviews, Tool Box Springs offers peaceful camping with pine tree shade and mountain views, though one visitor reported that "the site itself was peaceful and quiet, but entirely left to run away with not a lot of level ground." At higher elevations, temperatures drop significantly at night regardless of season. Pine Creek Road Camp, while not directly on Palomar Mountain, offers free dispersed tent camping on packed dirt with good shade at some sites. Campers should secure permits several days in advance for weekend camping, as rangers occasionally patrol these areas.

Best Tent Sites Near Palomar Mountain, California (30)

    1. Tool Box Springs - Yellow Post Campground

    9 Reviews
    Anza, CA
    24 miles
    Website

    "Recommend four wheel drive to get to Tool Box Springs, the fire road is long but once you’re there it’s worth it."

    "This campsite is about 45 minutes down a 4 wheel drive only dirt path. Pot toilets and trash cans available at the site. Nothing else much around to do other than hang out at the campground or hike."

    2. The Eyrie Farm

    1 Review
    Ramona, CA
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (844) 843-3978

    $30 / night

    "We're happy to have this property on our platform. There are 2 sites to choose from, please read about them before booking. Check them out and leave them some love!"

    4. Los Coyotes Camp Cahuilla Reservation

    1 Review
    San Ysidro, CA
    20 miles
    +1 (760) 782-2790

    "This place was so big it had space for another 10 cars and tents. We’re coming back for sure."

    5. Mt. Palomar North Side Area

    Be the first to review!
    Cleveland National Forest, CA
    8 miles

    6. Kumeyaay Lake Campground

    19 Reviews
    Santee, CA
    35 miles
    Website
    +1 (619) 668-2748

    $24 - $25 / night

    "No hookups here but they have great clean bathrooms and hot showers. Lots of hiking/biking straight from your campsite. This place is a jem, being so close to most parts of San Diego."

    "Great location for prepping someone prior to “roughing” it. There’s showers, and toilets, but no electricity. Boy/Girl Scouts and families with kids and dogs are here often."

    7. Ocotillo Wells State Vehicular Recreation Area

    16 Reviews
    Borrego Springs, CA
    43 miles
    Website
    +1 (760) 767-5391

    "This is a great open camping area, you can camp near others or find a secluded spot of your own. There are fire rings, picnic tables, toilets and even showers."

    "Season starts around Halloween and ends in May for Red stickers. They have public restrooms spread through the grounds. It's great for tent camping and RVs/campers, tents."

    8. San Bernardino National Forest Santa Rosa Springs Campground

    2 Reviews
    La Quinta, CA
    29 miles
    Website
    +1 (909) 382-2921

    "There are 16 yellow post sites along the Santa Rosa Truck Trail (7S02) from hwy 74. Most of the sites are beyond the springs that are flowing through a faucet at Santa Rosa Springs."

    "Some just off-roading and a few camping. Road was not too bad. Definitely want clearance but I did most in rwd. Saw a stock Tacoma at the top. I stayed at campsite 6 and it was very enjoyable."

    9. Pine Creek Road Camp

    6 Reviews
    Mount Laguna, CA
    37 miles

    "Great area--it's just close enough to some expensive campgrounds and a few connecting trails, so it's awesome to camp here for FREE. "

    "I drive an Acura RDX and had no problems (I actually had a lot of fun driving the road). 

    There were way more flies than we were expecting. Prepare to get swarmed."

    10. Round Valley Campsite — Mount San Jacinto State Park

    4 Reviews
    Idyllwild, CA
    36 miles
    Website
    +1 (951) 659-2607

    "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."

    "This Campsite is only about 2 miles from the tram but the elevation of Round Valley is 9,100 ft."

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Showing results 1-10 of 30 campgrounds

Tent Camping Reviews near Palomar Mountain, CA

1682 Reviews of 30 Palomar Mountain Campgrounds



Guide to Palomar Mountain

Nestled in the scenic beauty of California, Palomar Mountain offers a variety of tent camping options that cater to outdoor enthusiasts looking for adventure and tranquility.

Explore Local Wildlife and Nature Trails

Amenities for a Comfortable Stay

  • The Eyrie Farm offers a unique camping experience with access to organic farm produce and friendly farm animals, although amenities are basic.
  • Enjoy the well-maintained facilities at Tool Box Springs - Yellow Post Campground, which includes picnic tables and clean restroom facilities.
  • For those seeking a more rustic experience, Yaqui Wash provides a no-frills camping environment, allowing you to immerse yourself in nature without distractions.

Activities for Adventure Seekers

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular tent campsite near Palomar Mountain, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Palomar Mountain, CA is Tool Box Springs - Yellow Post Campground with a 3.7-star rating from 9 reviews.

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

TheDyrt.com has all 30 tent camping locations near Palomar Mountain, CA, with real photos and reviews from campers.