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Beautifully set in the Anzo-Berrago state park. Excellent clean facilities
Tent Camping near Rancho Mirage, CA
1 campground with availability this weekend
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Tent camping near Rancho Mirage, California spans diverse desert and mountain environments, from permitted backcountry tent campsites at high elevation to primitive tent camping on open desert land, suiting different skill levels and preferences. Options include tent campsites that require permits and trail access as well as drive-up primitive sites with no facilities. Mount San Jacinto State Park offers several backcountry tent camping options, including Round Valley Campsite and Little Round Valley, both accessible by hiking trails and requiring permits. Tool Box Springs Yellow Post Campground, located in the nearby mountains, provides primitive tent campsites with basic amenities. Box Canyon Dispersed camping area offers a more rugged tent camping experience on Bureau of Land Management land east of Rancho Mirage, with no facilities but direct access to desert landscapes.
Most tent-only sites in the region require preparation for variable weather conditions. Mount San Jacinto campsites sit at high elevations where temperatures can drop significantly at night, even when desert temperatures remain warm. According to reviews, Round Valley can experience snow and freezing temperatures well into spring. "We took the tram up from Palm Springs and backpacked to the campground before summiting San Jacinto peak. The campground is nice but there are no facilities, so make sure to bring plenty of water or filtration device," noted one camper. Fire restrictions are common throughout the area, particularly during dry summer months. Yellow Post sites typically include fire rings, but current fire regulations should be verified before arrival.
The backcountry tent camping near Rancho Mirage offers remarkable contrasts between desert and alpine environments. Tool Box Springs provides shaded tent sites beneath pine trees with mountain views, though the access road requires high-clearance vehicles. One visitor reported, "Spring time and fall are the best here, less flies and insects. In the summer flies swarm." Box Canyon offers primitive tent camping with no amenities but provides solitude and access to unique canyon hiking trails. Walk-in tent sites at Mount San Jacinto State Park require physical exertion but reward campers with cooler temperatures and forest surroundings. Permits are required for all backcountry tent campsites in the state park, and availability may be limited during peak seasons.
Best Tent Campgrounds near Rancho Mirage (55)
1. Tool Box Springs - Yellow Post Campground
"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. 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."
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. Tamarack Valley Campground — Mount San Jacinto State Park
Check Availabilityfrom $5 / night
5. San Bernardino National Forest Santa Rosa Springs Campground
"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."
6. Little Round Valley — Mount San Jacinto State Park
"If you're backpacking San Jacinto, this is the way to go! Take the Marion Mtn Trail that goes from Marion Mtn & Fern Basin Campgrounds and spend the night here at Little Round Valley."
7. Manzanita Retreat
8. ToolBox Springs Yellow Post 8
"Great view of the valley below and mountains around."
9. Santa Rosa Springs Campground
"It was awesome views and gorgeous weather but the road is really really steep and hard to get up"
10. ToolBox Yellow Post 6
"You can have up to four cars or more at this site you have a picnic table and a fire pit and enough room to have a party"
Drive Time
- 1 hr 38 min from El Centro, CA
- 1 hr 57 min from Los Angeles, CA
- 2 hrs 11 min from San Diego, CA
- 3 hrs 2 min from Lake Havasu City, AZ
Recent Tent Camping Photos near Rancho Mirage, CA
36 Photos of 55 Rancho Mirage Campgrounds • uploaded by The Dyrt campers
Rancho Capotista
Mineral Springs Date FarmR
Little Round Valley — Mount San Jacinto State Park
San Bernardino National Forest Santa Rosa Springs Campground
Tool Box Springs - Yellow Post CampgroundS
Wandering Caboose RanchM
Box Canyon DispersedN
Desert Rose
Halfway Camp
Dry Lake Backpacking Campground
Yellow Post #54
Limber Pine Bench Campground
Tent Camping Reviews near Rancho Mirage, CA
1685 Reviews of 55 Rancho Mirage Campgrounds
- BBrooke P.Guide
Joshua Tree South Entrance
So many spots, great for every vehicle
There were soooo many spots to pick from easily at least 75+ if you drive all the way down. The road is gravel and was easy in our mini van, crowded of course but hey it’s right near the entrance of a national park
David M.
ScoutJoshua Tree South Entrance
Lots of open space
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.
Guide to Rancho Mirage
Tent campsites near Rancho Mirage, California sit at dramatically varied elevations, from below sea level in the desert to over 9,000 feet in the San Jacinto mountains. This creates temperature differences of up to 40°F between desert floor and mountain campsites on the same day. Winter tent camping in desert locations can reach comfortable 70°F days while mountain sites remain snow-covered and inaccessible.
What to do
Ladder canyon hiking: Access unique slot canyon trails from Box Canyon Dispersed camping areas. "My favorite is the ladder canyon hike which has you climb up a series of ladders in the canyon. Most of the time they are well maintained and replaced if they are falling apart but beware just in case," notes one camper who visited the area.
Mountain biking trails: The road to Tool Box Springs - Yellow Post Campground offers technical riding options. "You've got a pretty fun, 30 minute 4X4 ride up the mountain," shares a reviewer. The nearby Romona trail begins directly behind the campground washhouse.
Geocaching adventures: Several geocache locations exist within Box Canyon areas. "The kids did some exploring. Found a Geocache... we had two foxes come and visit the campsite," reports a camper who stayed in November when temperatures remained mild during daytime hours.
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Round Valley Campsite offers secluded backcountry camping. "We didn't see a single person camping, it was very isolated so make sure to let friends/family know your travel plans and when to expect you to return," advises one camper who rated the experience highly.
Wildlife viewing: Several tent camping areas near Rancho Mirage provide opportunities to see desert wildlife. At Tool Box Springs, one camper reported: "Lots of wildlife. Raccoons in the night, gray squirrel, other squirrels, many birds."
Year-round accessibility: Yucaipa Regional Park provides reliable tent camping when mountain sites are snowed in. "It's a lot of fun for the whole family. A good place to go if you like to be around other people," notes one reviewer about this more developed option.
What you should know
High-clearance vehicle requirements: Many dispersed camping areas demand appropriate vehicles. For Box Canyon, "The road is loose sand and is possible by most vehicles as long as you stay on the road," while at Tool Box Springs one camper warns, "Without a high clearance vehicle, it took me an hour and a half to go six miles up, and still scraped and almost got stuck."
Seasonal insect concerns: Summer months bring increased bug activity at certain sites. A camper at Santa Rosa Springs Campground noted concrete tables and large fire rings at each site, while visitors to Tool Box Springs reported: "The flies were unbearable. I planned to stay two nights but I couldn't make it past the next morning."
Water availability varies: Mountain tent sites often require water filtration or carrying supplies. "Bring a filter for the water because drinking it is iffy, I wouldn't trust it," recommends a Round Valley camper. Backcountry sites typically have no potable water sources during dry months.
Tips for camping with families
Regional park amenities: Families seeking tent camping with more facilities should consider 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. There's no larger wildlife, like bears, so less stressful when you have pets or kids."
Accessibility considerations: Tamarack Valley Campground requires hiking but rewards with cooler temperatures. "We stayed at group sites and man, it was unreal. We came here once a month last year and had the time of our lives," shares an enthusiastic camper about this tent camping option.
Weather preparation: Temperature swings require extra planning for family tent camping. Box Canyon can be "extremely hot in the summer so I wouldn't recommend it other than winter," while mountain sites might need cold-weather gear even in spring months.
Tips from RVers
Site selection for tent/RV combo: Mineral Springs Date Farm offers both tent sites and RV hookups with drinking water, electric connections, and shower facilities. Located near Rancho Mirage, this seven-site campground provides convenient access to desert activities.
Recreational facilities: RVers who also tent camp appreciate Yucaipa Regional Park's combination of hook-ups and activities. "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."
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent
campsite near Rancho Mirage, CA?
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Rancho Mirage, CA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Rancho Mirage, CA is Tool Box Springs - Yellow Post Campground with a 3.7-star rating from 11 reviews.
What is the best site to find
tent camping near
Rancho Mirage, CA?
What is the best site to find tent camping near Rancho Mirage, CA?
TheDyrt.com has all 55 tent camping locations near Rancho Mirage, CA, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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