Tent camping near Quail Valley, California offers a range of environments from 1,200 feet in elevation at Yucaipa Regional Park to over 9,000 feet at wilderness locations in the San Bernardino National Forest. Winter temperatures at higher elevations can drop below freezing through May, while summer daytime temperatures regularly exceed 90°F at lower elevations. Several campgrounds offer walk-in tent sites with varying levels of amenities, from primitive yellow post sites to developed facilities with bathrooms and running water.
What to do
Hiking trails access: From Thomas Hunting Grounds Yellow Post Campites, campers can hike Thomas Mountain with panoramic views. One visitor noted, "We used the site to hike Thomas mountain" while another mentioned "Lots of wildlife. Raccoons in the night, gray squirrel, other squirrels, many birds."
Lake activities: Yucaipa Regional Park provides multiple water options within the campground. "There's a lot to do here, including fishing, playgrounds, and even a waterpark in the summer," reports a camper. The park features three lakes for fishing and a water park operational during summer months.
Mountain biking: Keller Peak Yellow Post Campsites offers excellent trails for bikers. "Tons of land to hike, on or off trail. Geocaching sites nearby," reports one visitor. The Children's Forest and Keller Peak fire lookout at the top provide educational opportunities and expansive views of the surrounding mountains.
Wildlife watching: Many campgrounds in the area feature abundant wildlife viewing opportunities. At Thomas Hunting Grounds, campers report regular sightings of "raccoons in the night, gray squirrel, other squirrels, many birds." Early morning and evening hours provide the best viewing times when animals are most active.
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Thomas Hunting Grounds Yellow Post Campites offers well-separated camping areas. "I almost want to give this a 1 star review, just to keep it to myself a little longer. We loved this yellow post site, by far one of my favorites. Private but with cell service, tables and fire pits!" noted one enthusiastic camper.
Views from higher elevations: Many sites offer panoramic vistas. At Tool Box Springs, a camper shared that "the beautiful views of the mountains, and the bird's eye view of the city of San Bernardino was definitely breathtaking."
Family-friendly environments: Green Valley Lake Recreation Area provides amenities suitable for families with children. "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," one camper explained.
Affordable options: Many yellow post sites in the region are free, making tent camping near Quail Valley cost-effective. "Excellent place to camp. And free, no less," reported a visitor to Thomas Hunting Grounds.
What you should know
Road access challenges: Many yellow post sites require high-clearance vehicles. At Tool Box Springs Yellow Post Campground, a camper warned: "I loved the site! It has a bathroom at the very start, but can be a little ways from the sites... Definitelyyyy would say need a high clearance vehicle for some of the ruts, or be VERY experienced driving through rough roads."
Insect concerns: Several campgrounds report seasonal insect issues. At Tool Box Springs, one visitor noted the site "would've been perfect, and I mean perfect, but the flies were unbearable. I planned to stay two nights but I couldn't make it past the next morning. If I stood still even for a second I was swarmed."
Fire restrictions: Fire regulations vary by season and location. Always check current restrictions before arrival. At Keller Peak, rangers are "very strict on parties are not allowed. NO FIRES. They have had issues with drug use and parties so thats why they are strict."
Weather variations: Temperature changes can be extreme between day and night, particularly at higher elevations. One camper at Thomas Hunting Grounds advised, "A fire pit is a must in the winter - chilled winds, come prepared."
Tips for camping with families
Water activities: Manker Campground serves as a convenient base for exploring nearby water features. "We spent 3 days and 2 nights here and enjoyed our stay, the caretaker was so nice!" reported one family. The campground's proximity to streams makes it popular with families seeking water play opportunities during hot summer months.
Playground access: Some campgrounds offer play areas for children. At Yucaipa Regional Park, "There's a lot to do here, including fishing, playgrounds, and even a waterpark in the summer. The bathrooms are decent, no showers. We've been here several times over the last few years and really enjoy a nice quiet place close to home."
Site selection: Choose sites based on family needs. One camper at Green Valley Lake noted, "Our site was a flat site, water and bathrooms are central to the loops. Bathrooms were fine for a small campground. The camp hosts are very attentive and even drove by making sure we had enough firewood!"
Educational opportunities: Several campgrounds offer learning experiences for children. At Keller Peak, "The Children's forest and Keller peak fire lookout are at the top giving you great info and great views."
Tips from RVers
Site leveling: Campground terrain varies significantly throughout the region. At Yucaipa Regional Park, an RVer noted, "Excellent campground. Well maintained. 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. Fires allowed which is nice."
Alternative vehicles: Some campgrounds accommodate converted vehicles beyond traditional RVs. One camper reported, "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... Most private RV spots discriminate against Skoolies, but this place didn't seem to care."
Winter preparations: Lower overnight temperatures require adequate heating systems in colder months. "Does get very cold, was in the teens overnight when I was there in Feb," cautioned one RVer at Yucaipa.
