1 campground with availability this weekend
Tent campsites near Yermo, California range from free desert dispersed areas to more secluded mountain locations, with options spanning minimal-amenity flats to rocky forested terrain. Stoddard Valley OHV area offers free tent camping with minimal amenities, while Holcomb Valley Climbers Camp provides more secluded tent sites set against rocky terrain approximately 55 miles southwest of Yermo in the San Bernardino National Forest. Mill Creek Dispersed Camping area offers additional backcountry tent camping opportunities for those seeking alternatives.
Most tent camping areas near Yermo feature dirt or sand surfaces with minimal to no amenities. Stoddard Valley OHV requires campers to bring all necessary supplies including water, as there are no drinking water sources available. Fire rings exist at some locations, but campers should check current fire restrictions before visiting. Vault toilets can be found at Stoddard Valley but are absent at most other dispersed camping areas. The terrain varies significantly between the desert areas closer to Yermo and the forested mountains to the southwest. A camper noted that Stoddard Valley has "pretty sandy" terrain but remains "accessible as long as it's not muddy or after snow."
Geographic separation between tent sites varies considerably across these areas. Sites in Holcomb Valley offer more privacy, with one visitor reporting that "there are plenty of flat places to set up a tent" and that the area, while popular with rock climbers, welcomes all tent campers. Stoddard Valley provides more exposed desert camping with minimal shade. A visitor described the experience as "desert camping under the stars" with minimal highway noise and good solitude, especially on weekdays. Most dispersed tent camping areas follow a first-come, first-served system, with no reservation capabilities. During peak seasons, especially weekends, backcountry tent sites in forested areas fill quickly, while desert areas typically have more availability.
"Once the wind settled in the evening, I made some tea and read a book. I saw a shooting star when I laid down in my tent. I really could not have asked for a better nights rest."
"Tucked right off the freeway it is easy to find and not to much noise from the main highway. It is HUGE. Tons of room to spread out."
"There are no developed facilities (i.e., no firepits, outhouses, etc.) but it is beautiful and there are plenty of flat places to set up a tent."
"Arriving at the campground, the deposit place, obviously on weekends we were not thrilled by everyone around us, as well as the loud noise until past the curfew."
"From there you can reach all that Johnson Valley has to offer, can get busy but not nearly like Cougar Buttes, Anderson, or Means Lakebed."
"This campground is free with 9 camp site on a 5 mile paved road, the site's have fire ring and picnic benches, no water. Bike trail is fun and a challenge. Camp site 1,3 & 6 are very quiet."
"Some chairs, hammock, water, and utensils were left at the picnic table. Everything was dirty so we assumed they were left by previous campers."
"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."
"I went a to the second fork after the Bluff lake fork. There’s a private campground near the Bluff Lake entrance which made noises i can hear from my site which was before Bluffs lake fork."
"Easy access to the hot springs and no services to speak of. Basically a patch of dirt you can occupy for $10 a night. Loved it."
"Super fun place to visit with the hot springs trail. Went in January with snowfall, hardly any campers and nature all around! Two nights are perfect."
from $10 - $119 / night
"After years of venturing into and around Lake Arrowhead (often a mere stop on my way to Big Bear/Fawnskin) I finally started exploring off the beaten path by accident last year and holy cow!"
"Green valley lake campground is an awesome place for a fun getaway. We wanted to get away for the Fourth of July but waited too long to book in Big Bear."
"Big Pines Flats is set right next to a meadow at a forest crossing heading to Holcomb Valley, Victorville, Fawnskin, and Green Valley Lake."
"Campground is nestled in pine woods where you have to drive quite far in through dirt road to get there. Pretty secluded, but accommodate our large group. Spacious for several cars."
Campground full this weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $149 - $159 / night
"I was backpacking along the Pacific Crest Trail & decided to hike down the Crab Flats Trail to checkout Tent Peg & Fisherman's Campground."
"Be sure to call visitor center for driving directions (or follow the ones on USDA National Forest website) as Google will take you to the wrong spot. Good hike for first-time backpackers."
Available this weekend
from $10 / night
TravelerWe 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.
TravelerGreat spot close to town. Can fill up fast. Pit toilets and grounds were mostly clean. Great views!
ScoutNice and FREE area , easy to access
TravelerWe reserved and paid for a regular RV site specifically advertised for a 36–40 ft motorhome. We were assigned Site#28, which was so sloped and unsuitable that we could not safely extend either our living-room slide-out or bedroom slide-out. While using our leveling system, two front hydraulic jack rods broke and one rear jack became severely bent and could not retract. Our motorhome was left unsafe to drive or move. The exact mechanical cause still requires professional inspection, but the condition and slope of the assigned site are serious concerns. We immediately notified the campground by email, provided photographs, and went to the office seeking help with an incident report, emergency assistance, and a safe plan for the stranded motorhome. Unfortunately, management refused to take meaningful responsibility or help us resolve the emergency. The most disappointing part was not only the unsuitable site, but the lack of concern and assistance after a guest’s large motorhome became immobilized on the property. We had to return to work on Monday and were left trying to arrange emergency service, towing, transportation, and accommodation on our own. Based on this experience, I cannot recommend Holloway’s RV Park to owners of large Class A motorhomes. If you have a 36–40 ft RV, carefully inspect the assigned site’s slope, space, and leveling conditions before parking or deploying your jacks.
ScoutEasy to get to. I have an AWD sprinter no problem. Son has an Acura TLX made it up no issue had a few spin outs on steeper parts. Higher sites are nice and spaced.
Travelerit was amazing used this app to find this road in big bear first time camping went amazing i would definitely recommend 10/10 highly recommend
ScoutThere are 9 camping sites and some others to spend the day. Spectacular view. Con: Too windy at the top of the mountain on sites 8 & 9
TravelerIt was a good site. Post 6 and 5 and next to each other but have high ground low which gave privacy. Nice flat ground to post tent. Had a table and grill but unfortunately when we came there was a fire restriction but was able to use gas stove. Just going to add that there was a lot of trash left over please pick up after yourself. Ask for dumping stations. Was able to clean and dispose of it safely. (EW)
GuideNice KOA for an overnight stop. The campground is clean, quiet, and well maintained, and the dog park was excellent—our dogs really enjoyed stretching their legs after a long drive. The only issue was the pull-through full-hookup site. The sewer connection was on the wrong (driver's) side and located near the front of the truck, so our standard sewer hose wouldn't reach. We needed about a 30-foot sewer hose to make the connection. Overall, we'd definitely stay here again. Just be prepared if you plan to use the sewer hookup in a pull-through site.
Dispersed camping areas surround Yermo, California, with sites spread across desert terrain and mountain landscapes. The elevation ranges from around 1,900 feet in the desert floors to over 7,000 feet in the San Bernardino mountains. Terrain varies dramatically, from sandy expanses in Johnson Valley to forested pine areas in Holcomb Valley, with temperatures fluctuating significantly between seasons and elevations.
Mountain biking and rock climbing: Keller Peak Yellow Post Campsites provides access to numerous trails and climbing opportunities. A camper noted, "Tons of land to hike, on or off trail. Geocaching sites nearby. The Keller Peak Lookout was amazing. I thought it was just a tourist attraction but it's really a staffed (with volunteers) active fire lookout."
Hot springs exploration: Deep Creek Hot Springs Campground offers unique natural hot springs access. "The hike to the springs is pretty rough but also worth it when you get there," explains one visitor. Another adds, "I had never been before, but I had a few friends bring me and it was the most amazing time! The hike down is super chill and the hot springs at the end are so worth the hike back up after!"
Off-road driving: South Soggy Dry Lake provides extensive OHV terrain. "Soggy has a long and very rocky road getting into the lakebed area. There are many camping spots all along the shoreline that will accommodate any size rig. From there you can reach all that Johnson Valley has to offer," says a frequent visitor.
Secluded forest camping: Holcomb Valley Climbers Camp offers more privacy than desert sites. "Forest setting, no one around when we went. Definitely need a 4x4 or all wheel drive vehicle on some of the roads. Was a great experience," shared one camper. Another mentioned, "If you're into panning for gold you just might find some along Holcomb Creek. There are active claims in the area so be respectful."
Stargazing: Desert camping areas offer exceptional night sky viewing without light pollution. According to campers at Mill Creek, "Overall great campground, there are definitely some permanent residents but there is more than enough spots to have some privacy."
Historical exploration: Big Pine Flat Campground provides access to historical mining areas. A camper explains, "Big Pines Flats is set right next to a meadow at a forest crossing heading to Holcomb Valley, Victorville, Fawnskin, and Green Valley Lake. There are shooting ranges, OHV trails, Jeep trails, hiking, you name it."
Vehicle requirements: Most dispersed sites require appropriate vehicles. At Mill Creek Dispersed Camping, a camper warns, "The road up to the camp area is a bit rough. We were in a Sprinter and definitely nervous for parts. But, it was worth it once we got there!" Another adds, "2x4 accessible as long as it's not muddy or after snow. I saw a Prius on the trail."
Water planning: No water sources exist at most sites. One Deep Creek visitor noted, "Easy access to the hot springs and no services to speak of. Basically a patch of dirt you can occupy for $10 a night."
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Yermo, CA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Yermo, CA is Stoddard Valley OHV with a 4-star rating from 5 reviews.
What is the best site to find tent camping near Yermo, CA?
TheDyrt.com has all 19 tent camping locations near Yermo, CA, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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