Pinyon Flat Campground (San Bernardino National Forest)
4.2117 reviews: null
Quick Facts
4,000 ftPrice
$8/night
Booking
Reservable
Sites
19 campsites
Season
null
Cell
Has Service
Pets
Not Allowed
RV Friendly
Get DirectionsQuick Facts
4,000 ftPrice
$8/night
Booking
Reservable
Sites
19 campsites
Season
null
Cell
Has Service
Pets
Not Allowed
RV Friendly
Get DirectionsPinyon 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...
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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
Total Campsite Fees$8.00
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Recreation Dot Gov
ProviderN/Anull
What Campers Say
4.21
Satisfactory
Based on 17 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."
Fees & Passes at Pinyon Flat Campground (San Bernardino National Forest)
$8/night
Campsite fees
Standard Site
Basic tent/RV spot
Stay Limit: Visitors are advised to check directly with the facility regarding stay limits, as specific details are null.
Cancellation: Reservations can be canceled with a $10 fee. Late cancellations will incur additional fees, such as ...
Prices verified November 24, 2025
Prices may vary by season and site type. Always confirm current rates on the official San Bernardino National Forest website.
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.
Spring (Mar-May)
Wildflowers bloom, mild temperatures, fewer crowds. Great for hiking and photography.
Best
Summer (Jun-Aug)
Peak season with warm days. Most facilities open. Reserve ahead.
Fall (Sep-Nov)
Beautiful fall colors, cooler temps, quieter campgrounds. Ideal for peaceful trips.
Winter (Dec-Feb)
Snow activities available. Some facilities may close. Check conditions.
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.
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Campsite details
AccessibilityAccessibility features are not explicitly mentioned in the provided materials.
Sites SizeCampsites are described as mostly flat and capable of hosting one or two vehicles. One review notes 'several large back-ins.'
Sites PrivacyThe sites offer a 'decent amount of privacy' between them, though some users mention sparse vegetation providing limited shade.
Total Campsites19 campsites
Recommended CampsitesChoose sites furthest from the road for reduced noise. Sites on flat ground have picnic tables and adjustable BBQ/fire pits.
Best Campsites
Curated by campers, for campers
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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 are 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).
Open and Closed Seasonnull
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.
Amenities available
Potable water
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Cell phone service
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.
Hiking
Hiking 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.Biking
Mountain biking trails are accessible near the campground, providing an additional recreational option for visitors.Wildlife viewing
Wildlife such as coyotes are present in the area, and visitors are advised to keep pets on a leash to avoid attacks.Winter Activities
No specific winter activities are detailed, though the campground is open year-round and offers cooler temperatures during the winter months.Water Sports
No water sports are available at the campground.Advertisement
Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- Firewood is unavailable on-site. Burning vegetation from the camp is strictly prohibited.
- Quiet hours are null
Hazards
General hazardsCoyotes 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
Weather at Pinyon Flat Campground (San Bernardino National Forest)
63
°F
Dec 7
Sunday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 26%
Very dry conditions, stay hydrated
Wind: 6.2 mph
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Clear sky
Weather History
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Detailed 7-Day Forecast
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Reveal forecast
Emergency Services
Closest emergency services are available at the Idyllwild Ranger Station; further details are null.
Good to know
Peak season datesnull
Trash and recyclingTrash cans are available throughout the campground, but there is no mention of recycling facilities.
Proximity to water featuresWater spigots are available on-site. Closest off-site water features are null.
Common complaints"The state of the campground circle road... MANY deep holes." (Optimistic Chris Rumbelow, user review). Lack of shade: "Not a lot of shade as there are not many tall trees in this area." (Jason Morruthers, user review).
Hostnull
Campground Map
: null
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).
Reviews from booking and map sources
4.2
17 reviews
Pinyon Flat Campground (San Bernardino National Forest) is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% 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 17 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 17 reviewsCommon 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 17 reviewsPro 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 17 reviewsSeasonal 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 17 reviewsCamper 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 17 reviewsShow more
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 17 reviewsAccessibility Features
No specific accessibility reviews are available.
Based on 17 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Coyotes are noted as a danger to pets, emphasizing the need for leashes.
Based on 17 reviewsCamper Reviews by Outdoorithm campers
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Last updated November 24, 2025
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