Best Tent Camping near Skyforest, CA
The San Bernardino Mountains surrounding Skyforest, California offer a mix of primitive tent sites and established campgrounds within the national forest. Yellow Post sites at Keller Peak provide free tent camping with minimal amenities along a 5-mile stretch of road, while walk-in tent sites at Thomas Hunting Grounds offer secluded options for backcountry tent enthusiasts. Both locations feature varied terrain with pine forest cover and mountain views.
Tent campsites typically include fire rings and picnic tables, though fire restrictions frequently apply during dry seasons. Most primitive tent areas lack drinking water, flush toilets, or trash service, requiring campers to pack in all necessary supplies and pack out waste. Sites at Keller Peak are spaced well apart, providing privacy, though they fill quickly from May through September. A camper noted that Yellow Post sites "are easy to see because of the yellow signs," but early arrival is recommended as the more scenic locations are claimed first. Walk-in access points may require high-clearance vehicles on unpaved forest roads.
Deep Creek Hot Springs offers tent campers access to natural hot springs via a challenging hike from the campground. The campsites themselves are basic dirt pads with few amenities, suitable for primitive tent setups. During winter months, tent camping near Skyforest can include snowfall, creating a more secluded experience. "Went in January with snowfall, hardly any campers and nature all around," reported one visitor about Deep Creek. Big Pine Flat Campground provides tent sites adjacent to a meadow with vault toilets and access to numerous trails, though noise from nearby OHV staging areas can impact the backcountry feel during busy weekends. Weather conditions change rapidly at these elevations, with temperatures significantly cooler than in the valleys below.
