Explore Yellow Post areas in the San Bernardino National Forest and other free camping locations. Follow official source links for directions and current conditions.
The San Bernardino Mountains were long inhabited by Native American communities. In the mid-19th century, following California's statehood, mining (gold discovered in 1855), timber harvesting, and grazing intensified, straining the watershed and forests. To address these impacts, the area was designated the San Bernardino Forest Reserve in 1893 under the Forest Reserve Act of 1891. It was redesignated the San Bernardino National Forest in 1907, managed by the U.S. Forest Service for resource conservation, including recreation.
With Southern California's growing population and heightened wildfire risk in dry chaparral landscapes, the Forest Service developed Yellow Post Sites as a managed form of dispersed camping. These designated primitive spots concentrate use at cleared locations equipped with a fire ring (and often a picnic table), reducing the proliferation of unregulated fire pits and associated hazards. This approach balances public access to remote camping with environmental protection and fire prevention.
Each site is identified by a distinctive hollow yellow metal post, serving as a clear marker. Campers must confine vehicles, tents, and equipment near the post to limit ground disturbance. Sites are free, first-come, first-served, with typical limits of 8 persons and 2 vehicles per site, a 14-day maximum stay, and adherence to Leave No Trace principles. A California campfire permit is required for any open flame, and seasonal fire restrictions often apply.
Explore camping areas on the map. Markers represent directory locations, not necessarily individual campsites.
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This directory highlights Yellow Post areas and other free camping locations, not every individual campsite. Open each entry's official source for maps, directions, and current conditions before traveling.
These 13 yellow post sites are individual camping sites. Each campsite is available on a first-come-first-serve basis. No reservations. Each site is limited to a maximum of 8 persons at any one time.
9 sites on a high ridge. Great views of the Inland Empire.
These 19 yellow post sites are individual camping sites. Each campsite is available on a first-come-first-serve basis. No reservations. Sand to Snow National Monument Yellow Post sites 17-19 are near the wilderness boundary.
This single remote camp site offers an isolated scenic location ideal for tent and car camping or a relaxing picnic far from the crowds. This site is within a short driving distance of the Santa Ana River.
A primitive Yellow Post Site near Seven Pines Trail (2E13) accessed via Forest Road 1N64. Peaceful and secluded location near the Santa Ana River. Campfire permit required for all fire use.
Fourteen Yellow Post Sites scattered across high ridges with breathtaking desert views from the pines. Water available at Sites 3 and 4 (Santa Rosa Spring). Restroom available near Sites 10-14.
Famous ridge-line camping. Overlooks Lake Hemet.
These six remote camping sites offer isolated scenic locations ideal for tent and car camping or a relaxing picnic far from the crowds. Some have great views of San Jacinto Mountain and the San Jacinto Valley.
Three Yellow Post Sites along Apple Canyon Road. Campfire permits are required for any type of fire use—campfires, charcoal BBQs or gas stoves—but may be prohibited during certain times of the year.
Directly above the town of Idyllwild. Very narrow entrance.
One Yellow Post Site alongside Morris Ranch Road. Campfire permits are required for any type of fire use—campfires, charcoal BBQs or gas stoves—but may be prohibited during certain times of the year.
This remote yellow post site is located off Morris Ranch Road on Forest Road 6S53. A picnic table and fire ring are the only amenities provided.
Two primitive dispersed campsites along Forest Road 5S09 (San Jacinto Truck Trail) west of Idyllwild. No water, restrooms, or trash service — pack in, pack out. Campfire permit required.
Yellow Post camping along Stockton Flats Road 3N06 in the Lytle Creek area. The Forest Service page links to its Yellow Post site map with the locations of individual campsites. Check that page for directions and current conditions.
These remote camping sites offer isolated scenic locations ideal for tent and car camping or a relaxing picnic far from the crowds. Other than a pit for campfires, these sites do NOT contain the usual campground amenities.
These three remote camping sites offer isolated scenic locations ideal for tent and car camping or a relaxing picnic far from the crowds. Other than a pit for campfires, these sites do NOT contain the usual campground amenities.
These two remote yellow post sites are located near the end of Big Tree Cucamonga Forest Road 1N34 (San Sevaine Road) accessible from Lytle Creek Road. This narrow steep dirt road is open only seasonally.
Three designated Yellow Post Sites in Paiute Canyon along Forest Roads 3N06 and 3N06B. Extremely remote backcountry experience in North Fork Lytle Creek. Fire pits only—no picnic tables, water, or restrooms.
A hike-in only Yellow Post Site accessed via Middle Fork Trail 6W01, approximately 1 mile from the trailhead. A picnic table and fire ring are the only amenities provided.
Five remote dispersed campsites near Angelus Oaks accessed via Forest Road 1N12. Metal fire rings at some sites with mature shade trees. No water, tables, or restrooms. Campfire permit required.
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