Join the fun near Yucaipa. With tons of outdoor activities and scenic camping, this is an excellent vacation spot for all kinds of travelers. Yucaipa is an adventure-filled destination for those who love the outdoorsy camper lifestyle. But it's also great for those who prefer to spend time near the city, exploring and sightseeing. Discover great camping spots near Yucaipa, reviewed by campers like you.
"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."
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"There were steep inclines and narrow trails. but beautiful views. Avoid the area should there be rain due to dangerous flash floods."
"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."
"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."
"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."
"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."
"Because the National forest allows dispersed camping, as long as your off the roads and trails, the camping spots are unlimited."
"Nice clean off grid best place so far Rick water slides"
"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."
"You will earn this spot as the drive from Hwy 38 is long and rocky."
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.
RangerAs another reviewer noted - this spot is huge so make sure you are staying on BLM land. There is a lot of trash in some areas and there was some dirt bikes but they didn’t bother me. Car camping I found the area I liked best was as follows: off 62 take Sunfair rd, right on cypress rd (dirt road which my GPS thought was Reagan Rd but is marked with a street sign Cypress) - go past ITH coyote ranch (no sign but may show up on map) Then right on cascade - an unmarked dirt rd. Then there is a large flat BLM area where rvs and vans were quite spread out, and a motorcycle with a tent was my neighbor (quite far away). No trash here when I was there. Zero facilities obviously so pack it out. Hot tip - water and restrooms 10 min away at the Indian Cove ranger station near Indian Cove Campground in JT park. I stayed here two nights car camping.
TravelerEverything about this site is not only free, but literally free to park and camp anywhere. There are private properties around, so just double check, but for the most part its wife open land to camp. Also currently in a fire ban, but that should be getting lifted in October. So campfires would be a great idea out here as well.
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.
LegendCamping outside esablished campgrounds within the Angeles National Forest is sometimes prohibited, you have to be on top of reading recently published orders on https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/angeles. Currently, camping is allowed for 7 days or less, see here: https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/angeles/alerts-notices/?aid=78080 The people I saw camping here looked to have been set up somewhat permanently though. I wouldn't feel comfortable setting up a tent here, but it could be an okay rest area at the beginning/end of the hike to Bridge to Nowhere.
GuideFree camping just outside Joshua Tree. No amenities or designated campsites. Large open area where you can camp wherever you'd like. Previous campers have built fire pits from the rocks laying around. Beautiful views, off road vehicle recommend.
RangerIt's free camping so be respectful and clean up after yourself. That said, there are no facilities so pack it in and pack it out. The road going in isn't too rough, and you'll likely find makeshift fire pits. Work with what is already there instead of making making a mess. Bring your own shade too.
ScoutMy favorite place to camp near Joshua Tree. Lots of space. Although one of the nights I stayed there it rained, the water filled the potholes in the dirt road so my ford fusion couldn’t really go through them so it took a while trying to figure out a way going around the holes. It’s great for AWD vehicles though. Other than that it’s directly in the sun, no shade but I like the spacious land it has to offer. Far away from other campers.
LegendI did the best I could with finding the exact location on the map using The Dyrt's current capabilities to add a new location. This site is located at 34.684300,-116.960600, across the 247 road from Sawtooth Canyon Campground / New Jack City rock climbing area. Hopefully someone can go in at some point and fix the location to be more precise.
We checked this place out but didn’t stay. We liked the beautiful wide open surroundings, the good cell reception, and the easy access from the main road, but it seemed like this is a place better suited for bigger groups, especially those who will be riding ATVs or dirt bikes around. So, if you’re looking for a big open space to hang out with a big group where you can be loud and not disturb anyone, this would be a good place for it. We also heard gun shots nearby so further down the road is probably a good shooting area.
Obviously no amenities so please pack in/ pack out. It was surprisingly not too trashed so that was nice. We made it down the dirt road fine in our 26 ft class c. Proceed at your own comfort level, but it seems like a road that would be ok for any rig (maybe not a class A?) if you go slow and watch for dips and bumps.
Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Yucaipa, California, where nature meets tranquility. With a variety of locations offering unique experiences, outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy the freedom of camping without the constraints of traditional campgrounds.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I car camp in the Yucaipa area without facilities?
Yes, car camping without facilities is possible near Yucaipa in several areas. Coon Creek Yellow Post offers multiple free spots from the Y up to Fish Creek and Coon Creek Cabin, with the first spots on the left accommodating larger vehicles. The dirt road requires caution, especially as you travel further in. For another option, Yellow Post #54 provides a more secluded experience but requires a more challenging drive from Highway 38. Remember to bring all supplies including water, as these areas have no facilities.
Where are the free dispersed camping areas in Yucaipa, CA?
While Yucaipa itself has limited dispersed camping, several free options exist in the surrounding San Bernardino National Forest. South Ridge Yellow Post Sites offers secluded first-come-first-served sites with fire rings and picnic tables. Another option is Mill Creek Dispersed Camping, which provides free camping when established campgrounds are full. These sites require medium clearance vehicles and basic off-road capabilities. Both areas follow pack-in, pack-out principles with no amenities, so bring all necessary supplies and water.
What are the rules and regulations for dispersed camping in Yucaipa?
Dispersed camping in the Yucaipa area follows San Bernardino National Forest regulations. Current fire restrictions must be strictly observed—check the Angeles National Forest website for the most updated fire orders. Camping is typically limited to 14 days within a 30-day period, though Heaton Flats and similar areas may have a 7-day limit. A California Campfire Permit is required for stoves and fires when allowed. Practice Leave No Trace principles by packing out all trash and waste. Yellow Post sites are designated with fire rings and tables, while other dispersed areas require camping at least 200 feet from water sources and existing campsites.
What affordable camping options exist around Yucaipa?
The Yucaipa area offers several budget-friendly camping options. If you're willing to travel a bit further, Joshua Tree Lake Dispersed Camping provides completely free camping in an open area with beautiful views, though a vehicle with decent clearance is recommended. Within the San Bernardino National Forest, Ord Mountain Dispersed offers free sites across from Sawtooth Canyon Campground. For those seeking more established yet affordable options, traditional campgrounds like Bear Lake provide basic amenities at lower rates than private campgrounds.
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