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Facilities

Free Camping Collection

Established Camping

Thomas Hunting Grounds Yellow Post Campites

Description

USDA Forest Service

These five remote camping sites offer locations for tent and car camping. There are some mature shade trees near the sites, but other than a metal fire ring for campfires, these sites do NOT contain the amenities found at developed campgrounds. There is no water, no picnic tables, no restrooms nearby, and no trash containers. Please pack it in - pack it out! All sites are first-come, first-served. Campfire permits are required for any type of fire use - campfires, charcoal BBQ's, or stoves. Campfires may not be allowed certain times of the year. Contact the Mill Creek Ranger Station for current fire restriction information and road conditions. (909) 382-2882 (closed Tues/Wed) These yellow post sites are reached via forest road 1N12 (unpaved, trailers and large RVs not suitable). Please refer to the yellow-post site map available for free at the Mill Creek Ranger Station. High-clearance vehicles are recommended and four-wheel drive vehicles may also be required to reach these sites, depending on current road conditions.

Fee Info

Campfire permits are required for any type of fire use - campfires, charcoal BBQ's, or stoves. Campfires may not be allowed certain times of the year. Contact the Mill Creek Visitor Center for current fire restriction information and road conditions. 1-909-382-2882 (closed Tues/Wed)

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Location

Thomas Hunting Grounds Yellow Post Campites is located in California

Detail location of campground

Coordinates

34.12814702 N
117.00571618 W

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Access

  • Drive-In
    Park next to your site
  • Walk-In
    Park in a lot, walk to your site.

Stay Connected

  • WiFi
    Available
  • Verizon
    Unknown
  • AT&T
    Unknown
  • T-Mobile
    Unknown

Site Types

  • Tent Sites

Features

For Campers

  • Phone Service
  • Reservable
  • Alcohol
  • Pets
  • Fires

FREE established camping

Enjoy camping on government land. Limited or no services at this camping area.

Contact

General Info


Reviews

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4.5

out of 5

13 Reviews

Reviewed Oct. 8, 2023

Thomas camping ground

Some nice campground and view from last post. Got some nice view at night. If your thinking of going up. Prefer to take the back road to get there faster before heading up big bear. The 1n12 road pretty rough. If you prefer to go that route. Prepare for 2.5 hour slow 4x4 ride. This is before forest fall bbq spot. Other then that lot of hiker after camp ground.

Sitelast post
Month of VisitOctober
  • Review photo of Thomas Hunting Grounds Yellow Post Campites by OldskoolEG6 X., October 8, 2023
  • Review photo of Thomas Hunting Grounds Yellow Post Campites by OldskoolEG6 X., October 8, 2023
  • Review photo of Thomas Hunting Grounds Yellow Post Campites by OldskoolEG6 X., October 8, 2023
  • (5) View All
Reviewed Jun. 8, 2021

Hidden getaway

Fun off-road adventure to get to the site. Minimal sites so not much crowding.

SiteYellow Post
Month of VisitJune
  • Review photo of Thomas Hunting Grounds Yellow Post Campites by James H., June 8, 2021
  • Review photo of Thomas Hunting Grounds Yellow Post Campites by James H., June 8, 2021
Reviewed May. 20, 2021

Honda Fit camper first Camp site

So I converted my Honda Fit into a camper for mine and my pup camping adventures. This was our test location. The drive was extremely easy with a couple of rocky areas that made me slow down to 5mph and under to not damage the bottom of my H Fit. (Didn’t mind thanks to its amazing views.!) We stayed a couple of days and enjoyed our hikes, and camping spot to the max.

Month of VisitApril
  • Review photo of Thomas Hunting Grounds Yellow Post Campites by Sandra L., May 20, 2021
  • Review photo of Thomas Hunting Grounds Yellow Post Campites by Sandra L., May 20, 2021
  • Review photo of Thomas Hunting Grounds Yellow Post Campites by Sandra L., May 20, 2021
  • (4) View All
Reviewed Apr. 14, 2021

Secluded and Peaceful

Getting up to the actual camp site though was a whole freaking experience. You NEED 4WD or AWD to get up the mountain, there are some gnarly spots and cars can get stuck. But wow, beautiful views and so many areas to camp and park. All of the yellow post sites were taken but there’s so much land, we were able to park off the road and find a little campfire pit. The sites were so spread out and it was secluded enough that we could walk outside butt naked and not worry about anyone spotting us! Definitely would recommend for a weekend!

  • Review photo of Thomas Hunting Grounds Yellow Post Campites by Grace , April 14, 2021
  • Review photo of Thomas Hunting Grounds Yellow Post Campites by Grace , April 14, 2021
  • Review photo of Thomas Hunting Grounds Yellow Post Campites by Grace , April 14, 2021
  • (4) View All
Reviewed Mar. 14, 2021

Complete Serenity!

My husband and I did our camping trip for the weekend here! Beautiful, private, and secluded. The campgrounds were wonderful- fair warning only a few campsites have a fire pit. A fire pit is a must in the winter - chilled winds, come prepared. Beautiful hiking trails and wildlife. I didn’t want to leave! Make sure you have a vehicle that is 4WD - getting up the mountain is long and rugged.

  • Review photo of Thomas Hunting Grounds Yellow Post Campites by Katie S., March 14, 2021
  • Review photo of Thomas Hunting Grounds Yellow Post Campites by Katie S., March 14, 2021
  • Review photo of Thomas Hunting Grounds Yellow Post Campites by Katie S., March 14, 2021
  • (10) View All
Reviewed Aug. 4, 2020

Wow!

So this campsite was absolutely beautiful, and I would give a longer review but we unfortunately just stayed the night and left early in the morning. Not that we wouldn’t have wanted to stay longer though! The beautiful views of the mountains, and the bird’s eye view of the city of San Bernardino was definitely breathtaking. Slight warning however; the dirt road that leads up to the first spots is a doozy, and very long. When arriving at night, we felt like it would never end but don’t worry it does! Wish we could have explored more, so till next time!

  • Review photo of Thomas Hunting Grounds Yellow Post Campites by Nora S., August 4, 2020
Reviewed Jul. 27, 2019

Scenic

Quiet and secluded area. Lots of room to camp. Bring bug spray for flys but other than that I’ll camp here anytime.

Month of VisitJuly
Reviewed May. 31, 2019

Best find of 2019

I almost want to give this a 1 star review, just to keep it to myself a little longer. We loved this yellow post site, by far one of my favorites. Private but with cell service, tables and fire pits! Listen to great horned owls while taking in the views! I cant wait to go back

  • Review photo of Thomas Hunting Grounds Yellow Post Campites by Chelsea R., May 31, 2019
  • Review photo of Thomas Hunting Grounds Yellow Post Campites by Chelsea R., May 31, 2019
  • Review photo of Thomas Hunting Grounds Yellow Post Campites by Chelsea R., May 31, 2019
  • (4) View All
Reviewed May. 28, 2019

Loved

Enjoyed my stay at this site

Reviewed Aug. 11, 2017

Great, Free Campsites

Excellent place to camp. And free, no less. Need high clearance or 4wd vehicle for a rough road but once you get to the top, the sites are great! Limited shade during middle of day but well worth the trip. Has restrooms etc at the top for the campsites.

Month of VisitJuly
  • Review photo of Thomas Hunting Grounds Yellow Post Campites by Steve  , August 11, 2017
  • Review photo of Thomas Hunting Grounds Yellow Post Campites by Steve  , August 11, 2017
  • Review photo of Thomas Hunting Grounds Yellow Post Campites by Steve  , August 11, 2017
  • (4) View All
Reviewed Aug. 31, 2016

Yellow post free camping

If you're looking for a quiet, more remote campsite while hiking the Idyllwild area then look no further. These "yellow post" sites are essentially boondocking in the forest off dirt fire service roads. The best part is that you don't need reservations and they're free. 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. The roads leading up are uneven roughly graded dirt and gravel so be prepared for that, and the campsites are spaced out quite a bit between site 1 and sites 2-8. These sites are basic and no campfires are allowed. You will obviously have no amenities and need to pack in food and water and pack out all trash. We used the site to hike Thomas mountain.

  • Review photo of Thomas Hunting Grounds Yellow Post Campites by Mark C., August 31, 2016
  • Review photo of Thomas Hunting Grounds Yellow Post Campites by Mark C., August 31, 2016
  • Review photo of Thomas Hunting Grounds Yellow Post Campites by Mark C., August 31, 2016
  • (7) View All
Reviewed Aug. 29, 2016

Little Thomas Mountain Yellow Post Campsites

Located in the Santa Rosa mountain range, the yellow post campsites of Little Thomas are free and offer very minimal amenities. Depending which site you have there's a picnic table. Not much shade on any of the sites so be prepared if going in the summer. To get there, turn off on the dirt road located just passed Lake Hemet on 6S13. The first site is on the left side just after you pass the gate. About 0.25 miles. It's super close to Lake Hemet so if you need anything you forgot, you can go quickly to the store. It's also only a 15 min drive to Idyllwild which makes it a great place if all the campgrounds are full.

  • Review photo of Thomas Hunting Grounds Yellow Post Campites by Shannon C., August 29, 2016
  • Review photo of Thomas Hunting Grounds Yellow Post Campites by Shannon C., August 29, 2016
  • Review photo of Thomas Hunting Grounds Yellow Post Campites by Shannon C., August 29, 2016
  • (10) View All
Reviewed Jun. 27, 2016

Favorite Camping Spot

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. It is free to camp here, the sites are spaced really far apart. Most of the sites have incredible views looking out over Lake Hemet and of the San Jacinto mountains. You have to drive quite a ways up a dirt road from 74 to get to the sites, the road is pretty bumpy but not hard too bad. I made it up in my Nissan Rogue which is not AWD or 4WD. You are also pretty close to Idyllwild, which is a fun destination to go spend a day if you don't want to hang out at the campground. Lake Hemet is also very close by.

  • Review photo of Thomas Hunting Grounds Yellow Post Campites by Kelly Z., June 27, 2016
  • Review photo of Thomas Hunting Grounds Yellow Post Campites by Kelly Z., June 27, 2016
  • Review photo of Thomas Hunting Grounds Yellow Post Campites by Kelly Z., June 27, 2016
  • (4) View All

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Are fires allowed at Thomas Hunting Grounds Yellow Post Campites?

    Yes, according to campers on TheDyrt.com, fires are allowed at Thomas Hunting Grounds Yellow Post Campites, although make sure to check current fire restrictions in the area.

  • Does Thomas Hunting Grounds Yellow Post Campites have wifi?

    No, according to campers on TheDyrt.com, Thomas Hunting Grounds Yellow Post Campites does not have wifi.

  • How hard is it to get a campsite at Thomas Hunting Grounds Yellow Post Campites?

    Some campers book as far as 6 months in advance, so on high-demand weekends it can be very difficult to get a campsite at Thomas Hunting Grounds Yellow Post Campites. If you want to get a last-minute campsite at Thomas Hunting Grounds Yellow Post Campites, try setting up a text message Alert atTheDyrt.com/alerts

  • Why is it so hard to get a campsite at Thomas Hunting Grounds Yellow Post Campites?

    There are 1 campsites at Thomas Hunting Grounds Yellow Post Campites and over 80 million Americans who camp! Try snagging a cancellation by setting up a text message Alert atTheDyrt.com/alerts