Thomas Mountain & Toolbox Springs Yellow Post Site
04 reviewsPyramid Peak Road off of Highway 74, near the community of Lake Hemet
Thomas Mountain & Toolbox Springs Yellow Post Site
$0.00 - $0.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$0.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
Free camping at Yellow Post sites. Campfire permits are required and subject to fire restrictions.
About this campground
Escape to the pristine wilderness of Thomas Mountain & Toolbox Springs Yellow Post Sites, where adventure meets tranquility in the heart of nature. These secluded camping havens invite tent campers and car adventurers to disconnect from the modern world and reconnect with the raw beauty of the outdoors. Each site features a simple metal fire pit for gathering around crackling campfires under starlit skies, embracing the authentic, back-to-basics camping experience without the crowds and amenities of developed campgrounds.
The Yellow Post sites at Thomas Mountain and Toolbox Springs cater to primitive and dispersed camping. These are ideal for those seeking a remote, minimalistic camping experience.
Historical Significancenull
Weather and SeasonsExperience nature's dramatic seasonal canvas at these mountain retreats. Winter transforms the landscape into a crystalline wonderland, where temperatures dance around 45°F and occasional snow dustings create magical morning vistas. As seasons change, summer brings perfect camping weather with comfortable mid-80s temperatures that invite endless days of exploration without the oppressive heat found at lower elevations.
ElevationPerched high in the mountain realm, these sites offer a natural air conditioning system and breathtaking panoramic views that stretch for miles. The elevated position provides a refreshing escape from valley heat while placing you among clouds and eagles, where every sunrise and sunset becomes a spectacular light show across the peaks.
Natural Features and SceneryImmerse yourself in a landscape where rugged mountain peaks frame endless skies and pristine wilderness stretches in every direction. These sites offer front-row seats to nature's theater, where morning mists dance through valleys, afternoon shadows play across rocky ridges, and evening alpenglow paints the mountains in shades of gold and rose. Here, solitude isn't just possible—it's inevitable.
Geological RegionNestled within the majestic San Bernardino National Forest, these campsites showcase Southern California's dramatic mountain backbone. Ancient geological forces have sculpted a playground of towering peaks, hidden valleys, and sweeping vistas that tell the story of millions of years of earth's artistic handiwork, creating an outdoor cathedral that inspires awe with every glance.
Campsite details
AccessibilityAccessibility features are not mentioned, as this is a dispersed camping area with minimal facilities.
Sites SizeSpecific sizes of campsites are not mentioned; however, they are described as isolated, scenic locations suitable for tent and car camping.
Sites PrivacySites are described as isolated and scenic, offering a degree of privacy, though one user noted that 'partiers' can disrupt the experience.
Total Campsites16 campsites
Recommended Campsites"Consider sites further from the road for increased privacy."
Best Campsites"Sites offering 360-degree views are highly recommended by reviewers."
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
Null
Check-out
Null
Stay Limit
14-day camping limit
Guests Allowed Per Site
8persons maximum
Groups
Group camping details are not mentioned.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Site layoutNon-organized dispersed camping with 16 Yellow Post sites.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen year-round, subject to fire restrictions
Reservation PlatformsNo reservations required; sites operate on a first-come, first-served basis.
Walk-in AvailabilityOperates entirely as first-come, first-served; no reservation system in place.
Cancellation Policynull
Amenities available
Fire rings
Activities you can enjoy
The Yellow Post sites provide opportunities for hiking, scenic views, and a remote camping experience. Campfires are allowed with proper permits, and there may be seasonal restrictions.
Hiking
Hiking trails such as 'Little Thomas Trail' offer clean, secluded paths with great views. One user mentioned the ability to hike from Hemet to Little Thomas Mountain.Biking
Biking is possible on the trails, including routes connecting Hemet to Little Thomas Mountain. Specific terrain details are not provided.Winter Activities
Winter camping may involve challenges such as cold temperatures, as noted in weather data and user reviews.Water Sports
Water sports are not applicable to this campground.Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- "Campfire permits required; restrictions may apply during fire season."
- Quiet hours are null
Hazards
General hazards"No water or restroom facilities, so plan accordingly. Seasonal fire restrictions may prohibit campfires."
Active alerts"Seasonal fire restrictions may apply. Call Idyllwild Ranger Station for updates."
Weather forecast
61
°F
Aug 26
Tuesday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 40%
Comfortable humidity levels
Wind: 5.1 mph
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Clear sky
7-Day Forecast
Access to 7-day forecasts tailored to each campground—covering temperature, precipitation, wind, and sky conditions.
Daily & Hourly Insights
View hourly forecasts with expected weather patterns throughout the day.
Temperature Trends
Visualize how temperatures shift over the month to help pick the most comfortable days for your trip.
Precipitation Trends
Plan around rain or snow with monthly visualizations of expected precipitation patterns.
Weather Summaries
Assess conditions with visuals for easier decision-making on when and where to camp.
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Emergency Services
Idyllwild Ranger Station (contact: 909-382-2921)
Good to know
Peak season datesnull
Trash and recyclingTrash and recycling facilities are not provided. Campers are required to pack out what they pack in.
Proximity to water features"Lake Hemet is nearby, providing opportunities for boating and fishing."
Common complaintsNoise from inconsiderate campers during weekends; lack of facilities requiring self-sufficiency.
Hostnull
Campground Map
Pyramid Peak Road off of Highway 74, near the community of Lake Hemet
Driving directions"Road 6S13 one mile south of Lake Hemet is also known as Little Thomas Mountain Road. Easier access is via Pyramid Peak Road off of Highway 74, near the community."
"Reached via Forest Road 6S13 (dirt). Please call the Idyllwild Ranger Station for road conditions."Nearby places
Idyllwild (approx. 10 miles), Lake Hemet (approx. 5 miles), Palm Springs (approx. 40 miles)
Nearby supplies
Lake Hemet area for basic supplies
larger provisions available in Idyllwild.
Camper Reviews
0.0
4 reviews
Thomas Mountain & Toolbox Springs Yellow Post Site has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews
User experiences vary widely, with some praising the secluded and scenic nature of the sites and others noting disruptions from noisy groups.
Review Summaries
Based on 4 reviews
What Campers Love
Reviews highlight the beauty, seclusion, and cleanliness of the area. For example, one user stated, 'Found a great, quiet secluded spot to camp away from the campground noise of Lake Hemet.' Another...
Based on 4 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
Several complaints focus on noisy visitors disrupting the serene environment. One user noted that 'partiers showed up, and all hell broke loose.'
Based on 4 reviewsPro Tips & Recommendations
Campers recommend keeping the area clean, as emphasized in a review: 'People, please keep it clean.' Another tip suggests that while 4x4 vehicles are not strictly necessary, road conditions should be...
Based on 4 reviewsShow more
Seasonal Insights
Winter camping may present challenges due to cold weather. One user posted a photo from February, indicating snow in the area.
Based on 4 reviewsCamper Quotes
1. 'First night was great. Second day the partiers showed up, and all hell broke loose.' 2. 'Great views going up Little Thomas Trail.' 3. 'You don’t really need 4x4 to get up there.'
Based on 4 reviewsSite-Specific Reviews
One user mentioned there are 'only about 4 campsites,' which may lead to competition for spots. Another noted that people sometimes create their own campsites if the designated ones are full.
Based on 4 reviewsAccessibility Features
No user reviews specifically address accessibility.
Based on 4 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
No user reviews specifically mention pet-related policies or experiences.
Based on 4 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025