Pinyon Flat Campground (San Bernardino National Forest)

3.86

78 reviews

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Quick Facts

4,000 ft

Price

$8/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

19 campsites

Season

null

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Opens San Bernardino National Forest site

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Quick Facts

4,000 ft

Price

$8/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

19 campsites

Season

null

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Opens San Bernardino National Forest site

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Pinyon Flat Campground (San Bernardino National Forest)

$8.00 - $8.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Camping costs $8 per night, with an additional $5 fee for a second vehicle. Payment is self-serve at the kiosk within 30 minutes of site selection...

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

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What Campers Say

3.86

Mixed Reviews

Based on 78 reviews

75 Google reviews

Most mentioned

quietcleanhiking

"Pinyon Flat Campground receives an average sentiment score of 4.21, with visitors appreciating its affordability, peacefulness, and scenic desert setting. However, concerns about road conditions and limited amenities are common."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

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Pinyon Flat Campground (San Bernardino National Forest)

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Driving directionsLocated off of I-10 on the way to Palm Springs, California. At Beaumont take Route 79 south to Hemet and go east on Route 74 to Pinyon Flats. From Banning take Route 243 to Route 74 to Pinyon Flats Campground.

Access road quality varies; user reviews highlight deep ruts in the campground circle road, which may pose challenges for low-clearance vehicles. "The unpaved road through camp was passable with high clearance, but low-clearance vehicles might have struggled with the deep ruts in a couple of places." (Barbara Perry, user review).

Nearby places

Palm Desert - approximately 15 road miles

Nearby supplies

The Olive Pit gas station and convenience store, located 10 minutes away down Highway 74 towards Anza, offers essentials including ice, fast food, convenient food, beer, wine, and $5 personal pizzas described as "to die for" (John Warden, user review).

Best Time to Camp at Pinyon Flat Campground (San Bernardino National Forest)

Thanks to its elevated perch, Pinyon Flat enjoys a delightful climate that defies desert stereotypes—running about 15 degrees cooler than the scorching Coachella Valley below. Marine breezes drift up from the coast, creating what one visitor perfectly described as 'warm sunshine during the day, cool calm nights.' This natural air conditioning makes the campground a refreshing retreat when valley temperatures soar, offering comfortable camping conditions that extend well into seasons when lower elevations become unbearable.

Summer(Jun-Aug)

2.0 / 5

Reviews warn of extreme heat and strong winds during summer months.

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.0 / 5

Cooler months are noted as particularly appealing and mild.

Best

Spring(Mar-May)

4.0 / 5

Cooler months including spring are attractive; good hiking and stargazing likely.

Winter(Dec-Feb)

3.5 / 5

Higher elevation runs ~15°F cooler; cool pleasant winter camping implied.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: null. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: null
Current Alerts: null

About Pinyon Flat Campground (San Bernardino National Forest)

Tucked away in the heart of the Santa Rosa Mountains, Pinyon Flat Campground beckons those seeking an authentic desert escape without breaking the bank. This hidden gem delivers the perfect blend of solitude and adventure, where days begin with panoramic mountain vistas and end with some of Southern California's most spectacular stargazing. The whisper of wind through ancient pinyon pines and the distant call of desert wildlife create a natural soundtrack that reminds visitors why they ventured beyond the crowded campgrounds below.

Pinyon Flat Campground caters to tent and RV camping, with no dedicated group or luxury camping options. Campsites are first-come, first-served.

Historical Significancenull

Weather and SeasonsThanks to its elevated perch, Pinyon Flat enjoys a delightful climate that defies desert stereotypes—running about 15 degrees cooler than the scorching Coachella Valley below. Marine breezes drift up from the coast, creating what one visitor perfectly described as 'warm sunshine during the day, cool calm nights.' This natural air conditioning makes the campground a refreshing retreat when valley temperatures soar, offering comfortable camping conditions that extend well into seasons when lower elevations become unbearable.

ElevationPerched at 4,000 feet above sea level, Pinyon Flat occupies a sweet spot where desert meets sky. This elevation transforms the camping experience entirely—cool marine air mingles with mountain breezes, creating a microclimate that feels worlds away from the desert floor below. The altitude not only provides relief from heat but also delivers crisp, clear air that makes every sunset more vivid and every star more brilliant.

Natural Features and SceneryStep into a living gallery where ancient pinyon pines and twisted junipers frame sweeping views of the Santa Rosa and San Jacinto mountain ranges. The landscape tells the story of desert resilience through its cast of characters: stately saguaros standing sentinel, clusters of hedgehog cacti blooming in impossible colors, and forests of cholla that glow like lanterns in the golden hour. As one enchanted visitor noted, 'The views are awesome. Hike around, camp for the night and enjoy the night sky'—a simple prescription for the perfect desert adventure.

Geological RegionPinyon Flat occupies a fascinating ecological crossroads within the Sonoran life zone, where 4,000 feet of elevation creates a unique botanical tapestry. Here, the signature pinyon pines share the stage with aromatic junipers, while the understory bursts with desert diversity—hedgehog cacti nestle between rocks, prickly pear paddles catch the morning light, and the infamous jumping cholla remind hikers to watch their step. This elevation creates a transitional ecosystem where mountain and desert species mingle, offering naturalists and casual observers alike a front-row seat to the Sonoran Desert's incredible adaptability.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Check-in

Null

Check-out

Null

Stay Limit

Visitors are advised to check directly with the facility regarding stay limits, as specific details are null.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Most sites accommodate one to two vehicles as per user reviews.

Groups

Group camping facilities are not available.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Site layoutMostly flat ground with picnic tables and adjustable BBQ/fire pits. "Individual parking for 1-2 vehicles each with its own wooden table and bench and fire pit." (Wayne Salvatti, user review).

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made via Recreation.gov mobile app for Scan & Pay or at the kiosk.

Walk-in AvailabilityThe campground operates exclusively on a first-come, first-served basis. "This campground is first-come, first-served only. The campground is lightly used, and rarely is busy." (Authoritative source)

Cancellation PolicyReservations can be canceled with a $10 fee. Late cancellations will incur additional fees, such as forfeiting the first-night recreation use fee. Specific rules apply to Scan and Pay transactions, which cannot be refunded, modified, or canceled.

AccessibilityAccessibility features are not explicitly mentioned in the provided materials.

Site SizeCampsites are described as mostly flat and capable of hosting one or two vehicles. One review notes 'several large back-ins.

PrivacyThe sites offer a 'decent amount of privacy' between them, though some users mention sparse vegetation providing limited shade.

Total Campsites19 campsites

Recommended SitesChoose sites furthest from the road for reduced noise. Sites on flat ground have picnic tables and adjustable BBQ/fire pits.

Amenities available

Potable water

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

Visitors to Pinyon Flat Campground can enjoy hiking, wildlife viewing, and stargazing. The nearby Sawmill Trail complex offers accessible outdoor exploration opportunities. The campground also allows for a serene experience surrounded by desert flora such as pinyon pines, juniper trees, and cacti.

HikingHiking trails are nearby, including the Sawmill Trail complex, which offers scenic views of the landscape extending to Joshua Tree National Park. Trails are suitable for mountain biking and horseback riding.

BikingMountain biking trails are accessible near the campground, providing an additional recreational option for visitors.

Wildlife viewingWildlife such as coyotes are present in the area, and visitors are advised to keep pets on a leash to avoid attacks.

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsCoyotes are a known hazard, as per user reviews. "DO NOT allow your dog to be off-leash or it will be attacked." (John Warden, user review). Wind conditions may produce unsettling sounds, as noted by Kate L.

Active Alertsnull

Fire PolicyFirewood is unavailable on-site. Burning vegetation from the camp is strictly prohibited.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours are null

Emergency ServicesClosest emergency services are available at the Idyllwild Ranger Station; further details are null.

Trash & RecyclingTrash cans are available throughout the campground, but there is no mention of recycling facilities.

Water FeaturesWater spigots are available on-site. Closest off-site water features are null.

Camp Hostnull

Weather at Pinyon Flat Campground (San Bernardino National Forest)

Reviews

3.9

78 reviews

Mixed Reviews

Pinyon Flat Campground (San Bernardino National Forest) has mixed reviews, placing it in the bottom 85% of campgrounds based on reviews

Pinyon Flat Campground receives an average sentiment score of 4.21, with visitors appreciating its affordability, peacefulness, and scenic desert setting. However, concerns about road conditions and limited amenities are common.

Review Summaries

Based on 78 reviews

What Campers Love

Positive aspects include 'clean' vault toilets, accessible hiking trails, and stargazing opportunities. The campground's low cost ($8 per night) and quiet ambiance are frequently praised.

Based on 78 reviews

Common Concerns

Common complaints include 'deep holes' in the access road, limited shade, and occasional disruptive visitors. Some users also noted the lack of a camp host.

Based on 78 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Campers recommend bringing a sheet protector and zip tie for securing payment receipts, arriving early for the best site selection, and keeping pets leashed due to coyotes.

Based on 78 reviews

Seasonal Insights

The campground is particularly appealing during cooler months when temperatures are mild. However, reviews warn of extreme heat and strong winds during summer.

Based on 78 reviews

Camper Quotes

'You can’t beat $8 for a place to stay overnight.' - Kate L. | 'The campground has a 4-stall vault toilet and piped water at multiple locations.' - John Warden | 'Perfect weather warm sunshine during...

Based on 78 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Sites on the North portion of the loop are quieter due to less road noise. Larger back-in sites are available, but shade is minimal.

Based on 78 reviews

Accessibility Features

No specific accessibility reviews are available.

Based on 78 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Coyotes are noted as a danger to pets, emphasizing the need for leashes.

Based on 78 reviews

0 review

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Last updated January 5, 2026

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