Best Tent Camping near Running Springs, CA
Several tent campgrounds around Running Springs, California, provide access to mountain forests and elevated terrain in the San Bernardino Mountains. Yellow Post sites near Keller Peak offer primitive tent camping with picnic tables and fire rings, while more developed tent campsites can be found at the Lake Arrowhead - Green Valley Lake Recreation Area. These locations provide a base for exploring high-elevation trails and forest roads within San Bernardino National Forest.
Most tent campgrounds in this area feature minimal amenities, with Keller Peak Yellow Post Sites offering picnic tables but no drinking water, showers, or toilets. The Thomas Hunting Grounds Yellow Post Campites provide similar primitive conditions but with the added benefit of reservable sites. One camper noted that "the dirt road that leads up to the first spots is a doozy, and very long," indicating high-clearance vehicles are recommended for accessing many of these remote tent sites. Fire restrictions vary seasonally, with permits often required during dry months. Campers should verify current fire regulations before arrival, as enforcement is strict at many sites.
Areas farther from town offer deeper seclusion and less noise for tent campers seeking solitude. The nine Yellow Post sites at Keller Peak stretch across five miles of paved road, creating significant distance between campsites. A review mentioned that "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." Sites with views are particularly sought after, with Keller Peak's Site #9 offering panoramic vistas. Walk-in tent sites require more effort to access but typically reward campers with greater privacy. Weather conditions can change rapidly at these elevations, with snow possible even in May, making proper tent equipment and season-appropriate gear essential for comfortable camping experiences.
