Pinyon Flat Campground

Star3.86
78 reviews

Quick Facts

4,000 ft

Price

$5 - $8/night

Booking

First-Come

Sites

18 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Opens San Bernardino National Forest site

Official Website
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Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026
Pinyon Flat Campground
$5.00 - $8.00 / night
Campsite Fees
The campsite fees are $8 per night for a primary vehicle, and an additional $5 per night for a secondary vehicle. Payments are collected at the kiosk...
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Standard Site Fee$8.00
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

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Provider
909-382-2921
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What Campers Say

3.86

Mixed Reviews

Based on 78 reviews

75 Google reviews

Most mentioned

privacypeacefulcleansites

Some mention

noise

"Reviews mostly praise the quiet and scenic nature of the campground, along with its affordability. However, concerns are noted about the road conditions and lack of shade."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

Pinyon Flat Campground

33.5849, -116.4568

Driving directions"Take Highway 74 east from Hemet and continue for approximately 15 miles. The campground is located on the highway, at an elevation of approximately 4,000 feet. There are multiple reliable map links available for reference."
"The access road to Pinyon Flat Campground is mostly paved and accessible by typical passenger vehicles, although it can be rough in some areas within the campground. High-clearance vehicles are recommended for certain sections."
Nearby places
Hemet (approx. 15 miles, 20-30 minutes)
Palm Desert (approx. 16 miles, 20-30 minutes)
Nearby supplies
"Grocery stores, fuel stations, and accessible services are 16 miles away in Palm Desert."

Best Time to Camp at Pinyon Flat Campground

Experience the desert's dramatic personality throughout the year at Pinyon Flat. Spring and fall bring crisp, refreshing days perfect for exploration, while summer's warmth invites early morning adventures and lazy afternoon siestas in the shade. During seasonal transitions, playful desert winds sweep through the canyon, carrying the scent of sage and reminding visitors of nature's ever-changing moods.

Summer(Jun-Aug)
2.5 / 5

Summer is warm; reviews advise early starts and note summer heat as a drawback.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.0 / 5

Fall described as a peak season with crisp, refreshing days ideal for camping.

Best
Spring(Mar-May)
4.5 / 5
Top 7% in CA

Spring wildflower bloom is a major draw; landscape 'explodes' with color per overview.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
3.0 / 5

Open year-round but access can be limited by weather; cooler but usable season.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: Spring and Fall seasons typically experience ideal weather for camping, with reduced temperatures during summer.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Open year-round, with access limited by seasonal weather conditions.
  • Current Alerts: "Seasonal fire restrictions may limit the use of campfires and charcoal grills. Additionally, windy conditions may pose challenges during transitional spring and fall seasons."

About Pinyon Flat Campground

Discover your perfect desert retreat at Pinyon Flat Campground, where 18 intimate first-come, first-served campsites await beneath the starlit sky. Nestled at the edge of the Santa Rosa Wilderness Area, this hidden gem becomes a hiker's paradise each spring when the desert explodes in a spectacular wildflower display that transforms the landscape into nature's own impressionist painting.
Pinyon Flat Campground is best suited for tent and small RV camping with limited facilities. It is not reservable, offering sites on a first-come, first-served basis.
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Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers
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Reserving a campsite

Check-in
As first-come-first-serve, immediate site selection is permitted upon entry.
Check-out
As adherence is to self-pay regulations, guests are required to vacate sites by noon.
Stay Limit
Typically restricted to 14 consecutive nights per visit.

Amenities available

Potable water
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

The campground provides easy access to nearby hiking trails, making it especially attractive for outdoor enthusiasts. Visitors can also enjoy wildlife viewing, stargazing, and exploring the desert flora.
HikingThe nearby Pinyon Trail (5E03) is located on the western side of the campground and offers a good hiking experience through the local flora and fauna.
Wildlife viewingWildlife viewing is possible, with species adapted to the desert and pinyon-juniper ecosystem.
Winter Activities
Water Sports
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsPotential hazards include active wildlife such as coyotes. It is recommended to store food securely and avoid leaving pets unattended.
Active Alerts"Seasonal fire restrictions may limit the use of campfires and charcoal grills. Additionally, windy conditions may pose challenges during transitional spring and fall seasons."

Weather at Pinyon Flat Campground

Reviews

3.9
78 reviews
Mixed Reviews
Mixed Reviews
Pinyon Flat Campground has mixed reviews, placing it in the bottom 85% of campgrounds based on reviews
Reviews mostly praise the quiet and scenic nature of the campground, along with its affordability. However, concerns are noted about the road conditions and lack of shade.
Review Summaries
Based on 78 reviews

What Campers Love

Clean bathrooms, affordable fees ($8/night), good privacy between sites, and a peaceful environment.
Based on 78 reviews

Common Concerns

Rutted roads inside the campground, lack of tall trees for shade, and occasional loud neighbors or disturbances.
Based on 78 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Choose a site on the north portion of the loop for less road noise. Bring all necessary supplies as stores are 30 minutes away.
Based on 78 reviews

Seasonal Insights

The campground is quieter during weekdays and off-peak seasons. Spring and fall are popular for hiking and moderate weather.
Based on 78 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. "You can’t beat $8 for a place to stay overnight." - Kate L. 2. "The best part is that you are surrounded by pinyon trees, mountains and calm!" - Wayne Salvatti 3. "Great cell service, safe and...
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Based on 78 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site-specific details are not documented in the reviews.
Based on 78 reviews

Accessibility Features

Accessibility experiences are not described by the reviewers.
Based on 78 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are allowed, and no specific complaints or praises regarding pets have been recorded.
Based on 78 reviews

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Last updated January 5, 2026
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