The San Jacinto and San Bernardino Mountains near Winchester offer primitive camping options ranging from 1,200 to 10,800 feet elevation. Temperature variations between sites can exceed 30°F on the same day, with higher elevations providing relief from summer heat. Vehicle requirements vary significantly between sites, with many requiring high-clearance or 4WD access.
What to do
Hike to fire lookouts: The Keller Peak Yellow Post Campsites provide access to the Keller Peak fire lookout. "The Children's forest and Keller peak fire lookout are at the top giving you great info and great views," notes one camper. The Exploration trail weaves around the sites up to the peak and makes a great hike.
Fishing at multiple lakes: Yucaipa Regional Park offers three lakes for fishing. A camper mentions, "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." The park also features a splash zone during summer months.
Summit hikes: Backpacking at Little Round Valley Campground provides access to San Jacinto Peak. "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," one hiker recommends.
What campers like
Secluded sites: The Thomas Hunting Grounds Yellow Post Sites offer privacy and quiet. "The sites are spaced really far apart," with "incredible views looking out over Lake Hemet and of the San Jacinto mountains," according to campers. One visitor noted, "Beautiful, private, and secluded. The campgrounds were wonderful."
Accessible amenities: Yucaipa Regional Park provides full facilities close to urban areas. "Excellent campground. Well maintained. Large concrete pads that can handle any rig. So much to do all around a park," says one reviewer. Another mentioned, "Nice campground. Close enough to the city to get anything you need."
Cooler temperatures: Higher elevation sites provide relief from valley heat. "We stayed at Round Valley campground in March of this year. There was still some snow and it was beautiful," reports a camper. The elevation makes a significant difference in comfort during summer months when lower elevations can exceed 100°F.
What you should know
Vehicle requirements: Many primitive sites require appropriate vehicles. Tool Box Springs Yellow Post Campground requires "high clearance and 4x4" according to a visitor who noted, "The service road to get up was absolutely covered in mud and snow." Another camper added, "It took me an hour and a half to go six miles up, and still scraped and almost got stuck."
Permit requirements: Backcountry camping requires advance planning. For San Jacinto camping, "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."
Seasonal concerns: Weather and insects vary dramatically by season. At Tool Box Springs, "Spring time and fall are the best here, less flies and insects. In the summer flies swarm, tons of beetles at night." Higher elevation sites can have snow well into spring.
Tips for camping with families
Water recreation options: Yucaipa Regional Park offers summer water activities. One visitor mentioned it's "a lot of fun for the whole family" with its "fun splash zone" that operates during summer months. The park combines camping with swimming options that appeal to children.
Easier access sites: For families with younger children, choose sites with shorter approaches. Thomas Hunting Grounds has sites that don't require extensive hiking. One camper reported bringing "my pup camping adventures" and found "the drive was extremely easy with a couple of rocky areas."
Educational opportunities: Round Valley Campsite offers nature education with ranger programs. "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," making it suitable for families with older children who can handle moderate hiking.
Tips from RVers
Limited RV access: Most primitive sites near Winchester aren't suitable for RVs. At Keller Peak, sites are "stretched across 5 miles so you will have no neighbors. Each site is decent size and tucked away into the rocks," but access is limited by road conditions.
Converted vehicles work well: Smaller converted vehicles can access more remote areas. One camper at Thomas Hunting Grounds noted, "I converted my Honda Fit into a camper for mine and my pup camping adventures. This was our test location."
Full hookup options: For RVs requiring hookups, Yucaipa Regional Park offers complete facilities. "Full hookup. Some sites have better shade than others. I'm here in the heat but my AC is keeping up," reported one RVer. Another mentioned, "Most private RV spots discriminate against Skoolies, but this place didn't seem to care."
