Deonna W.
Traveler
TravelerJumbo Rocks Campground — Joshua Tree National Park
I love this campground! While you are pretty close to other campers, you can’t beat getting to camp by the giant boulders. And the stargazing is unmatched!
Tent Camping near Whitewater, CA
1 campground with availability this weekend
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Tent campers exploring the Whitewater, California region can access numerous backcountry sites within San Jacinto and San Gorgonio wilderness areas. Mount San Jacinto State Park offers several tent-only campgrounds including Round Valley, Little Round Valley, and Tamarack Valley, all requiring permits and accessible only by hiking trails. San Gorgonio Wilderness provides primitive tent camping at Dry Lake and Halfway Camp, popular with backpackers seeking higher elevations and cooler temperatures during summer months.
Most tent sites in the area require wilderness permits obtained through ranger stations or online reservation systems. Campgrounds like Round Valley have designated tent pads with minimal amenities and pit toilets, while more remote areas like Tamarack Valley lack facilities entirely. Fire restrictions are common throughout the region, with complete bans at higher elevations in Mount San Jacinto State Park. Water availability varies seasonally, with some camps located near streams that may run dry in late summer. A recent review noted, "There was still water running in the stream across from the camp" at Little Round Valley in late August.
Tent camping in these areas offers exceptional access to high-elevation wilderness experiences within relatively short distances from urban areas. The Yellow Post sites near Big Bear Lake provide more accessible tent camping with established fire rings. Sites at higher elevations like Dry Lake Backpacking Campground remain snow-covered well into spring but offer respite from desert heat during summer months. Backpackers frequently use these areas as basepacks for summit attempts of San Jacinto Peak (10,834 ft) or San Gorgonio Mountain (11,503 ft). According to one visitor, "We stayed at Dry Lake on our way to summiting San G. Although it was May and the weather was beautiful at sea level, it was cold up here with snow still on the ground."
Best Tent Campgrounds near Whitewater (57)
1. Round Valley Campsite — Mount San Jacinto State Park
"Reviewed 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"
"we took the tram up from palm springs and backpacked to the campground before summiting up San Jacinto peak. the views were breathtaking and the elevation was a killer."
2. Little Round Valley — Mount San Jacinto State Park
"If you're backpacking San Jacinto, this is the way to go! Take the Marion Mtn Trail that goes from Marion Mtn & Fern Basin Campgrounds and spend the night here at Little Round Valley."
3. Thomas Hunting Grounds Yellow Post Campites
"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."
4. Tamarack Valley Campground — Mount San Jacinto State Park
Check Availabilityfrom $5 / night
5. Dry Lake Backpacking Campground
"We got to the camping area and it's tucked in the woods so there's lots of nooks and crannies even though it's a primitive open group camping area. "
"This is a heavily used campground by many backpackers not only trying to get away for an overnight, but also get a shot at summiting Southern California's tallest mountain, San Gorgonio."
6. Halfway Camp
"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!"
7. Tool Box Springs - Yellow Post Campground
"Recommend four wheel drive to get to Tool Box Springs, the fire road is long but once you’re there it’s worth it."
"This campsite is about 45 minutes down a 4 wheel drive only dirt path. Pot toilets and trash cans available at the site. Nothing else much around to do other than hang out at the campground or hike."
8. Manzanita Retreat
9. Rancho Capotista
"We're happy to welcome this property to our platform. Pick your spot anywhere on the property. Give them a try and leave them some love."
Check Availabilityfrom $40 / night
10. Coon Creek Cabin Group Campground
"Easy trail up. Great views. Intersects with PCT."
Check AvailabilityCampground full this weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $127 - $137 / night
Drive Time
- 1 hr 35 min from Los Angeles, CA
- 1 hr 47 min from El Centro, CA
- 1 hr 50 min from San Diego, CA
- 3 hrs 11 min from Lake Havasu City, AZ
Recent Tent Camping Photos near Whitewater, CA
36 Photos of 57 Whitewater Campgrounds • uploaded by The Dyrt campers
Wandering Caboose RanchM
Little Round Valley — Mount San Jacinto State Park
Mineral Springs Date FarmR
Halfway Camp
Dry Lake Backpacking Campground
Rancho Capotista
Yellow Post #54
Limber Pine Bench Campground
Yucaipa Regional ParkA
Thomas Hunting Grounds Yellow Post Campites
Tool Box Springs - Yellow Post CampgroundS
Desert Rose
Tent Camping Reviews near Whitewater, CA
1697 Reviews of 57 Whitewater Campgrounds
- SSandy W.Traveler
Serrano
We liked it a lot. It was our first time there and newbie camper so I didn’t pick the best spot, but it’s a great location, close to the river… I had my dog so we walked the campground quite a bit and it’s good size and I saw a lot of other sites that I would have preferred. The bathroom wasn’t terrible, typical I’d say. The woman working the front was very helpful and nice. Little store close too.
- ccarol R.
ScoutTwentynine Palms Resort
upscale Rv resort with pool, hot tub, sauna, laundry, game room.
Matthew E.ScoutBelle Campground — Joshua Tree National Park
A Good Campground During the Week
I discovered this campground in Joshua Tree when the campground I had grown used to staying at (Ryan) went reserved only. Belle is on a first come, first serve basis, so there's no reservations involved. Roughly east of the campground is a trail that leads to the next one down, White Tank, which is popular because of the natural arch that can be found a short distance from the campsites. Belle itself has 18 campsites which are mostly empty during the week. Weekends are busy though as campers are usually jockeying for a site starting on Thursday nights. All in all, a beautiful place that offers splendid views and clear, crisp nights. Campers beware as it can get very windy at times. Vault toilets and campfire rings, but no accessible water.
Aaron S.
RangerRound Valley Campsite — Mount San Jacinto State Park
Gooseberry Site, Alpine Wilderness & A Critical Backcountry Safety Wake-Up
Reviewed 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 Trek into Round Valley: From the tram station, it is a scenic~2.5-mile backpack into Round Valley, which sits at an elevation of roughly 9,100 feet.
- The Gooseberry Campsite: Gooseberry is a fantastic primitive backcountry site. Tucked among the lodgepole pines and granite boulders, it offers great shelter, peace, and that genuine wilderness seclusion you crave.
- The Summit Push: We spent Friday night acclimating and resting at basecamp. Early Saturday morning, we pushed for the summit of Mount San Jacinto Peak(10,834 feet). After taking in the panoramic views stretching from the Pacific to the Salton Sea, we descended back to Round Valley, packed up camp, and made the return trek to the tram for the ride down.
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:
- T****he Forecast Mirage: On the morning of our summit push, the official forecast predicted clear, sunny skies by noon.
- The High-Alpine Reality: Noon rolled around, and the weather did the exact opposite—we were hit with biting snow flurries and temperatures plunging straight into the 20s.
- Within just two hours, a crisp autumn morning morphed into full-blown freezing winter conditions.
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 Outfit: People trekking toward a 10,834-foot alpine peak in short shorts, cotton t-shirts, light sneakers, and carrying little more than a tiny hydration bladder with a couple of snack bars. No insulation, no wind protection, no emergency gear.
- Missing Essentials: Not a single one of the Ten Essentials in sight.
- The Dangerous Mindset: Yes, 99% of the time, casual hikers get lucky and escape without incident. But cell service, 911, and volunteer Search& Rescue teams are not your personal safety net—preparedness and basic common sense are.
- The Golden Rule: Any hiker stepping foot into this wilderness must carry the gear to survive an unexpected night out in freezing conditions. An ankle sprain, altitude sickness, or a sudden squall can turn a fun day hike into hypothermia, acute suffering, or worse. Don't be that guy or gal.
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!
- EEric P.
LegendBelle Campground — Joshua Tree National Park
This was our first trip to Joshua Tree. We thoroughly enjoyed this first come first serve campground. The awesome walks into the park and desert landscape make this a place we will definitely return to. Beautiful night sky and stars . The Granite boulders are beautiful!
Hans V.RangerSouth Ridge Yellow Post Sites
The 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.
Robyn C.TravelerStone Creek Campground — Mount San Jacinto State Park
Nice stay
Had a nice stay here twice so far this year. Nice place. Quiet and clean.
Dick T.
GuideMarion Mountain
Laid-Back campground
This 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.
Guide to Whitewater
Tent camping in Whitewater, California positions adventurers at elevations ranging from 2,000 to 11,500 feet across diverse ecological zones. The region experiences dramatic temperature variations with summer days often exceeding 100°F in lower elevations while higher camps remain 30-40 degrees cooler. Winter brings snow to camps above 8,000 feet, with many backcountry sites inaccessible from November through April.
What to do
Hike to summit views: From Dry Lake Backpacking Campground, adventurous hikers can summit Southern California's tallest peak. "If you can get out here right after a good rain/snow storm passes through, you will not regret it. It's a pleasant hike to the campground, there's tons of trees around the lake," notes Daniel J.
Wildlife observation: Quiet tent campers at Halfway Camp often encounter deer in the evenings. "We did have a momma deer and two does in the distance. Then 30 mins later we had another deer friend that just hung around until after we took shelter in the tent," reports Brittany N.
Night sky viewing: The elevation and distance from light pollution make many sites excellent for stargazing. At Thomas Hunting Grounds Yellow Post Sites, campers enjoy stellar views. "Beautiful views of the mountains, and the bird's eye view of the city of San Bernardino was definitely breathtaking," writes Nora S.
What campers like
Mountain temperature relief: During scorching summer months, higher elevation sites provide natural air conditioning. "We stayed at the round valley campground in March of this year. There was still some snow and it was beautiful. We took the tram up from palm springs and backpacked to the campground before summiting up San Jacinto peak," shares Katie O.
Water resources: Some backcountry sites offer natural water sources, though reliability varies seasonally. At Little Round Valley Campground, Jonathan G. notes, "We did it in late August, and there was still water running in the stream across from the camp."
Solitude and privacy: The dispersed nature of backcountry tent sites provides separation from other campers. At Tamarack Valley Campground, Taylor explains, "We stayed at group sites and man, it was unreal. We came here once a month last year and had the time of our lives."
What you should know
Permit requirements: Most wilderness sites require advance permits with specific regulations. For Round Valley Campsite, Cody B. advises, "Reservations go fast so you need to submit your permit starting 8 weeks before your trip, however waiting until 4 weeks may be too late."
Access challenges: Many sites require significant hiking with elevation gain. "This is a backcountry, backpacking campground. Only accessible by foot... 5.1 miles with 2,200' of elevation gain to get to the base of the lake," explains Brittany N. about Dry Lake Backpacking Campground.
Extreme temperature fluctuations: Higher elevation camps can be surprisingly cold, even in warm months. "Although it was May and the weather was beautiful at sea level, it was cold up here! There was snow on the ground but the air was the coldest I've ever felt," warns Kate W.
Tips for camping with families
Consider Yucaipa Regional Park: For tent camping with children, this developed campground offers more amenities. "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," states Bryan H.
Plan for weather preparation: Families should bring clothing for all conditions. At Tool Box Springs Yellow Post Campground, Kyle M. advises, "Just got back this past weekend and the service road to get up was absolutely covered in mud and snow."
Choose vehicle-accessible sites: For camping with children, yellow post sites with vehicle access may be easier than backcountry options. "The yellow post campsites of Little Thomas are free and offer very minimal amenities. Depending which site you have there's a picnic table. It's also only a 15 min drive to Idyllwild which makes it a great place if all the campgrounds are full," recommends Shannon C.
Tips for RVers
Limited RV options near wilderness: Most backcountry camping around Whitewater is tent-only, but Yucaipa Regional Park accommodates RVs. "Excellent campground. Well maintained. Large concrete pads that can handle any rig. So much to do all around a park," notes Paul C.
Seasonal considerations: RVers should check weather conditions before traveling. "Does get very cold, was in the teens overnight when I was there in Feb. Fires allowed which is nice," warns Paul C. about winter camping at Yucaipa Regional Park.
Utility connections: Full hookup sites are rare in the region but available at select locations. "Full hookup. Some sites have better shade than others. I'm here in the heat but my AC is keeping up," reports Anneliese S.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent
campsite near Whitewater, CA?
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Whitewater, CA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Whitewater, CA is Round Valley Campsite — Mount San Jacinto State Park with a 4.8-star rating from 5 reviews.
What is the best site to find
tent camping near
Whitewater, CA?
What is the best site to find tent camping near Whitewater, CA?
TheDyrt.com has all 57 tent camping locations near Whitewater, CA, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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