Thomas Mountain & Toolbox Springs Yellow Post Site

Star4.43
18 reviews
Pyramid Peak Road off of Highway 74, near the community of Lake Hemet

Quick Facts

6,050 ft

Price

Free

Booking

First-Come

Sites

16 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Opens San Jacinto Ranger District site

Official Website
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Thomas Mountain & Toolbox Springs Yellow Post Site
$0.00 - $0.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Free camping at Yellow Post sites. Campfire permits are required and subject to fire restrictions.
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

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What Campers Say

4.43

Recommended

Based on 18 reviews

12 Google reviews

Most mentioned

viewsquietcleanlake

Some mention

noise

"User experiences vary widely, with some praising the secluded and scenic nature of the sites and others noting disruptions from noisy groups."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

Pyramid Peak Road off of Highway 74, near the community of Lake Hemet

Thomas Mountain & Toolbox Springs Yellow Post Site

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.

Best Time to Camp at Thomas Mountain & Toolbox Springs Yellow Post Site

Experience 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.

Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.0 / 5

Summer suits hiking and vistas; open year-round though subject to fire restrictions.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.0 / 5

Fall likely excellent for hiking and views; seasonal specifics aren't detailed but conditions imply mild weather.

Best
Spring(Mar-May)
4.0 / 5

Spring should offer good hiking and views; specific spring conditions not well-documented.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
3.0 / 5

Open in winter with occasional snow (photo from Feb); cold temps and possible access issues noted.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: null. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Open year-round, subject to fire restrictions
  • Current Alerts: "Seasonal fire restrictions may apply. Call Idyllwild Ranger Station for updates."

About Thomas Mountain & Toolbox Springs Yellow Post Site

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.
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Reserving a campsite

Check-in
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Stay Limit
14-day camping limit

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.
HikingHiking 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.
BikingBiking is possible on the trails, including routes connecting Hemet to Little Thomas Mountain. Specific terrain details are not provided.
Winter Activities
Water Sports
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & Alerts"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."
No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

Weather at Thomas Mountain & Toolbox Springs Yellow Post Site

Reviews

4.4
18 reviews
Recommended
Recommended
Thomas Mountain & Toolbox Springs Yellow Post Site is recommended, placing it in the top 40% 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 18 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...
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Based on 18 reviews

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 18 reviews

Pro 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...
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Based on 18 reviews

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 18 reviews

Camper 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 18 reviews

Site-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 18 reviews

Accessibility Features

No user reviews specifically address accessibility.
Based on 18 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

No user reviews specifically mention pet-related policies or experiences.
Based on 18 reviews

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Last updated January 5, 2026
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