The Dyrt is here to help plan your best camping near San Jacinto. Discover secluded campsites where you can reconnect with nature. Or maybe you like to bring your family and friends along. Either way, there are San Jacinto campgrounds just for you. You're sure to find the perfect campground for your San Jacinto camping trip.
"Yellow Post #2 – San Bernardino National Forest Secluded, free, first-come-first-served tent site tucked deep in the forest near Hemet, CA."
"Very nice to find a campsite this private on a weekend in southern California elevation is high enough that temperatures were very enjoyable (mid 80's)"
$5 / night
"This campsite is located at the junctionof the Deer Springs Trail and the PCT, and is breathtaking."
"There is plenty of space along the trail and it is just a GORGEOUS area to wake up to. Can’t believe it’s in southern California"
"Camping at East Flats was great in mid-June. There are a number of campers, but remote locations are easily found. If you bring pets, be aware they may upset Rattlesnakes."
"As a matter of fact, we got engaged at nearby Jenks Lake and celebrated here after. No facilities, but if you have your supplies, it’s great. There are a couple loops and lots of spots. Enjoy."
"You can see Joshua Tree, San Jacinto Mountain, Palm Springs, Moreno Valley/Perris, Rancho Cucamonga, and further on a clear day. ( Side Note: Southern California has had a lot of fires recently, so visibility"
"There were steep inclines and narrow trails. but beautiful views. Avoid the area should there be rain due to dangerous flash floods."
"There is one really good site mostly dirt, no rocks, defined well, but it is right off the trail. So I'm sure you can guess there is no privacy nor silence."
"Nice spot, close to road with shade from the trees"
"This campground is located just around the corner from the permit required sign. There is a lovely creek that lead to a waterfall that some repel down. The campground is up the right of the trail."
"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. "
"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."
"Multiple free camping spots from the Y up to Fish Creek all the way to Coon Creek Cabin. 1st spots on the left are big rig friendly, you do have about a mile of dirt road before you get to them."
TravelerYellow Post #2 – San Bernardino National Forest Secluded, free, first-come-first-served tent site tucked deep in the forest near Hemet, CA. No amenities—no toilet, water, or trash—so pack in and out. Fire ring and picnic table on-site. Shaded by mature trees with a dirt/sand/rock surface. Site fits up to 8 people and 2 vehicles.
Access road is rough and rocky but doable in dry conditions with a careful 2WD. Signage is limited—offline maps recommended. Site sits near a dry creek bed and has a short walk to a west-facing boulder with expansive views of the valley.
Wildlife includes deer, lizards, snakes, woodpeckers, and lots of squirrels. Mosquitoes come out at dusk—repellent is a must. Fire bans usually in effect during summer. Great for quiet retreats, hiking, light climbing, and off-grid solitude.
A rugged but rewarding forest stay for self-sufficient campers.
GuideGreat 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. Smaller rigs, medium clearance and lite off-road capabilities recommended. Good cellular reception in my particular location.
GuideIf you’re into panning for gold you just might find some along Holcomb Creek. There are active claims in the area so be respectful. Once you leave the pavement the going gets slower along the trails. You definitely need a high clearance vehicle. There are campgrounds in the area and also yellow post campsites. There wasn’t many other vehicles around the times I’ve been out there. Nice scenery and peaceful.
LegendBecause the National forest allows dispersed camping, as long as your off the roads and trails, the camping spots are unlimited. We like coming here if we want to be guaranteed a spot, no early arrivals or reservations needed. Dogs are allowed, and the trails in the area are dog-friendly.
ScoutWe stayed here for two nights, and it was a pretty pleasant experience! There were some cars parked near the entrance, but if you go a bit further down alongside the road you can find some nice spots. Use Google Maps; Waze takes you the wrong way, cause it's just right off the freeway, not down a long, very bumpy dirt road.
GuideCamping at East Flats was great in mid-June. There are a number of campers, but remote locations are easily found. If you bring pets, be aware they may upset Rattlesnakes.
ScoutArrived at 2;30 pm. Windy. I wanted a place where I could let Bella off leach, so I put it in 4 wheel drive to pull my TAB trailer. Found a good spot. I can see other bigger rigs they did not require 4x4. Interesting view. If your headed north on I15 do not take thirst access road. Almost a 4x4 road.
GuideThe turn is not marked well, in fact the coordinates are a little bit off. If you miss the turn like we did you have to go 5 miles or more to get a turnabout big enough to turn around. You climb a big steep hill to get to the turn in. On the way back down from the turnaround we almost burned out or brakes. We decided not to go to the site because it looked like a one lane road and too tight for our 35 ft bumper pull. Disappointed because pictures from others looked great and it is a beautiful area. We found a spot near the road that I’ll post for others.
GuideMy wife and our friends love this spot. As a matter of fact, we got engaged at nearby Jenks Lake and celebrated here after. No facilities, but if you have your supplies, it’s great. There are a couple loops and lots of spots. Enjoy.
Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near San Jacinto, California, where nature enthusiasts can find serene spots away from the crowds. With stunning views and diverse landscapes, this area offers a perfect escape for those looking to connect with the great outdoors.
Frequently Asked Questions
What permits are required for dispersed camping on Mt. San Jacinto?
For dispersed camping in the San Jacinto area, you'll need a California Campfire Permit for any fire or stove use, available online from the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection. When camping in the San Gorgonio Wilderness areas like Holcomb Valley Climbers Camp, a free wilderness permit is required, which you can obtain from the Mill Creek Ranger Station. During fire season, additional restrictions may apply. For yellow post sites like Coon Creek Yellow Post, no specific camping permit is needed beyond the campfire permit, but sites are first-come, first-served. Always check current regulations before your trip as requirements can change seasonally.
Where can I find free dispersed camping areas on Mt. San Jacinto?
Free dispersed camping is available throughout San Bernardino National Forest near Mt. San Jacinto. South Ridge Yellow Post Sites offers secluded, first-come-first-served sites with fire rings and picnic tables tucked in the forest near Hemet. These sites have no amenities, so pack in and pack out all supplies. Another option is Mill Creek Dispersed Camping, which provides numerous spots along the road when established campgrounds are full. The areas require medium clearance vehicles and light off-road capabilities. Most yellow post sites fill quickly on weekends, so arrive early to secure a spot.
Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near San Jacinto, CA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near San Jacinto, CA is South Ridge Yellow Post Sites with a 5-star rating from 3 reviews.
What is the best site to find dispersed camping near San Jacinto, CA?
TheDyrt.com has all 20 dispersed camping locations near San Jacinto, CA, with real photos and reviews from campers.
Keep Exploring
