Best Tent Camping near Redlands, CA
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.
