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Redlands, California provides access to several tent camping destinations within a reasonable drive. Yucaipa Regional Park, located in nearby Yucaipa, offers designated tent sites with picnic tables and access to drinking water. For those seeking more remote experiences, Mill Creek Dispersed Camping provides free primitive tent sites in a less developed setting. Several yellow post sites like Keller Peak and Thomas Hunting Grounds are available in the surrounding mountains, offering more secluded tent camping options.
Most tent sites around Redlands require varying levels of preparation based on amenities. Yucaipa Regional Park provides more developed facilities with picnic tables, fire rings, and access to toilets and showers, making it suitable for campers seeking basic comforts. The yellow post and dispersed sites generally have minimal or no amenities. Sites at Thomas Hunting Grounds and Mill Creek typically consist of dirt or forest floor pads with no designated tent platforms. A high-clearance or 4WD vehicle is recommended for accessing many of the mountain tent sites, particularly after winter weather has affected forest roads.
Tent campers will find opportunities for solitude and natural experiences at the various sites surrounding Redlands. The yellow post sites offer significant privacy between camping areas, with Thomas Hunting Grounds providing expansive views. "The campsites were wonderful - beautiful, private, and secluded with hiking trails and wildlife," noted one visitor to Thomas Hunting Grounds. Tent sites at Yucaipa Regional Park are more developed but still provide a relaxing outdoor experience with access to lakes and hiking trails. Many tent campers appreciate the park's proximity to town while still offering a sense of getting away. Weather conditions vary significantly by elevation, with mountain sites experiencing much cooler temperatures than lower-elevation campgrounds closer to Redlands, especially during spring and fall.
"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."
"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."
"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."
"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."
"I was backpacking along the Pacific Crest Trail & decided to hike down the Crab Flats Trail to checkout Tent Peg & Fisherman's Campground."
"Be sure to call visitor center for driving directions (or follow the ones on USDA National Forest website) as Google will take you to the wrong spot. Good hike for first-time backpackers."
from $10 / night
Check Availability"It’s up around 7500ft approximately four miles from Running Springs. I spent three days here and absolutely loved this spot."
"It was my first backpacking campsite, and I've revisited once since then. There are lots of established campsites and they're easy to find. Expect very high winds at night."
"The positives. Beautiful sites, lots of wildlife, plenty of trails for biking and hiking. The negatives. It was a bit of trash pretty much all over the place. The mini golf course needs maintenance."
"Post 6 and 5 and next to each other but have high ground low which gave privacy. Nice flat ground to post tent."
"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!"
"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."
ScoutSite is clean, many activities on weekends They also add 1000lb or catfish and trout weekly depending on season. Members were friendly. Downside is wifi when the campsite is 75+ full and only about a dozen paved spots. Major are gravel and dirt.
RangerReviewed 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 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:
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 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!
RangerThe 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.
TravelerI went there to see, before making a reservation. I found the trailer park—maybe 100 old mobile homes—but I never found an RV park. I didn’t see anything to see. The “pool” was empty. The office was locked, and it wasn’t lunch. Just kinda not happening. I left a message to call me with the answering service, but I never got a call back.
TravelerHad a nice stay here twice so far this year. Nice place. Quiet and clean.
ScoutI found the campground to be very friendly kid friendly and pet friendly. The spots were spacious and some had privacy others were out in the open. The rangers were very friendly and helpful, they helped me set up my tent when they saw I was having trouble. There are trails to explore. A great last minute getaway from the city and not to far, the bathroom was clean and modern with hot showers and toilets.
TravelerVery windy and need high clearance vehicles
TravelerYou definitely need high clearance vehicles or you will not make it here
GuideThis 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.
Tent camping near Redlands, California offers diverse terrain options ranging from developed sites with amenities to remote wilderness locations at elevations from 2,000 to 9,000 feet. Seasonal temperature variations can be significant, with mountain sites experiencing freezes well into spring while lower-elevation campgrounds remain comfortable. Road conditions often determine accessibility, particularly after winter storms when forest service roads may require high-clearance vehicles.
Fishing opportunities: Yucaipa Regional Park provides three stocked lakes for fishing enthusiasts within a short drive from Redlands. "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," notes Bryan H. about Yucaipa Regional Park.
Mountain biking: The trails near Green Valley Lake Recreation Area offer technical rides suitable for various skill levels. "The camp sites are good. You are within a mile from the lake and little town there. Good lake for fishing. Trails near the sites. There are some great views as you hike up the mountain," reports Stephen S. about Lake Arrowhead - Green Valley Lake Recreation Area.
Gold panning: Holcomb Valley Climbers Camp sits near historic gold discovery sites from the 1800s. "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," explains Edward W., adding "You definitely need a high clearance vehicle. There are campgrounds in the area and also yellow post campsites."
Privacy between sites: Thomas Hunting Grounds Yellow Post Sites provide exceptional seclusion. "My husband and I did our camping trip for the weekend here! Beautiful, private, and secluded. The campgrounds were wonderful- fair warning only a few campsites have a fire pit," shares Katie S. about Thomas Hunting Grounds Yellow Post Campites.
Free camping options: Mill Creek Dispersed Camping offers no-cost sites with varying privacy levels. "Great free camping when campgrounds are booked. Easy to navigate with GPS. Many large and small sites along the road. Some spots more secluded than others," reports Dickie Simmons S. about Mill Creek Dispersed Camping.
Clean facilities: Some campers appreciate the well-maintained grounds at certain sites. "This was a fun little hidden place to get away. Campground was quiet and facilities were clean," notes Dawn B. about Yucaipa Regional Park, while another camper adds, "This park is beautifully maintained."
Vehicle requirements: Many sites near Redlands require appropriate vehicles. "Need high clearance or 4wd vehicle for a rough road but once you get to the top, the sites are great," explains Steve about Thomas Hunting Grounds. Similarly, at Mill Creek Dispersed Camping, "Smaller rigs, medium clearance and lite off-road capabilities recommended."
Fire restrictions: Regulations vary by location and season. At Keller Peak, one camper noted, "Rangers do come by and take down information of the leader of the group. They are very strict on parties are not allowed. NO FIRES. They have had issues with drug use and parties so that's why they are strict."
Temperature extremes: Mountain sites experience significant temperature drops, particularly at night. "We got snow overnight in mid May," reports one camper at Mill Creek. Another warns about Keller Peak Yellow Post Campsites, "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."
Water activities: The splash zone at Yucaipa Regional Park entertains children during summer months. "Nice splash zone," comments Ken B., adding "The newer sites don't have a lot of mature trees, the older sites have a little more wear and tear but also bigger trees."
Space for exploration: Sites with room to roam are ideal for kids. "We've been here several times over the last few years and really enjoy a nice quiet place close to home. There's no larger wildlife, like bears, so less stressful when you have pets or kids. Plenty of space to bring bikes and ride around," explains Mary F. about Yucaipa Regional Park.
Campsite selection: Choose spots based on your family's needs. "The tent camping sites come with plenty of space for group camping. They do have about 30 to 40 RV sites as well. The tent camping sites come with plenty of space for group camping. There's a built-in grill and running water," notes a reviewer at Yucaipa Regional Park.
Site amenities: Full hookups are available at select campgrounds. "Full hookup. Some sites have better shade than others. I'm here in the heat but my AC is keeping up," explains Anneliese S. about Holcomb Valley Climbers Camp, adding "There are a lot of available activities and the Yucaipa Community Park is also next door."
Road access considerations: RV accessibility varies significantly. "The road up to the camp area is a bit rough. We were in a Sprinter and definitely nervous for parts. But, it was worth it once we got there," reports Allie N. about Holcomb Valley Climbers Camp.
Alternative school bus conversions: Some campgrounds welcome converted vehicles. "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," notes Jason O. about Yucaipa Regional Park, adding "Most private RV spots discriminate against Skoolies, but this place didn't seem to care."
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Redlands, CA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Redlands, CA is Thomas Hunting Grounds Yellow Post Campites with a 4.7-star rating from 14 reviews.
What is the best site to find tent camping near Redlands, CA?
TheDyrt.com has all 63 tent camping locations near Redlands, CA, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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