US Forest Service
Learn about camping and boondocking in national forests and grasslands.
Coon Creek Yellow Post Sites
Coon Creek Yellow Post Sites, San Bernardino NF Note: Sites 1-10 and 15-19 have been mapped above. We have not found sites 11-14. Sites 1-10 are easy to access by any vehicle, 2WD is fine, along trailers and motorhomes. These sites are large and can fit any sized RV. Sites 15-19 will require 4WD and high clearance due to steep inclines and rough road. Sites tend to be smaller here. How Crowded: Sites 1-10 tend to be very popular due to easier road access and larger sites. Site 15-19 offer more availability due to 4WD requirement. How Noisy or Peaceful: Sites 1-10 ... Read more
Coldwater Canyon Yellow Post Sites
Coldwater Canyon Yellow Post Sites, San Bernardino NF Note: All three sites require 4WD to access. Site #17 is large enough for several vehicles, but motorhomes and long trailers are not advised due to severe road conditions. How Crowded: These sites are very popular during the warmer months. On weekends, these sites are nearly impossible to find unoccupied. How Noisy or Peaceful: Site #17 offers to most peace because it’s isolated from the other two, and is set back about 100 feet from the road. The other two sites can get noisy due to being popular with party-goers. Cellular Phone Signal: Verizon comes ... Read more
Cockscomb Designated Camping Area, Sedona, AZ
Cockscomb Designated Camping Area, Sedona, AZ Crowdedness: The reviews indicate varying degrees of crowd density. One reviewer mentioned encountering several other campers, including some who set up their camp uncomfortably close to others. Another review notes that, even early in the season, the camping area could comfortably fit around 7-8 tents or RVs, indicating a potential for crowding during peak times. It seems the reduced camping areas due to new rules have impacted the overall solitude of the camping experience. Noise Level: The noise level appears to be a mixed bag. While one camper enjoyed a peaceful night with the sound of ... Read more
Clark’s Ranch Yellow Post Site
Clark’s Ranch Yellow Post Site, San Bernardino NF How Crowded: This single site is frequently occupied during the warmer months. You’re best to get here between Monday-Thursday in the afternoon. How Noisy or Peaceful: Very peaceful and quiet. Not many people pass by here. Cellular Phone Signal: Weak signal from all three carriers. Road Conditions: Hard packed dirt & gravel all the way in, 2WD vehicles are fine. However, we would not advise motorhomes over 30ft or trailers above 20 ft in length due to some hairpin turns and very rough, bumpy road. Amenities Within Campground: Just picnic tables and fire rings. Cost of Camping: It’s ... Read more
Black Mountain Yellow Post Sites
Black Mountain Yellow Post Sites, San Bernardino NF, San Jacinto Ranger District 4WD is definitely required due to steep inclines and rough road. Small trailers are fine as long as you have a 4WD tow vehicle. All six sites are intended for cars, vans, and pickup trucks. Motorhomes will not make it up here. How Crowded: These sites are not very busy due to the road conditions up here. How Noisy or Peaceful: Site #3 is probably going to be the most peaceful due to being isolated. The other sites are either paired together, while Site #6 is at a trailhead. Cellular ... Read more
Big Bear Yellow Post Sites
Big Bear Yellow Post Sites, San Bernardino NF Note: At one time there were as many 50-60 of these yellow post sites, today only 13 to 15 still remain usable. All of these sites are accessible via car, van, or pickup truck, and 4WD is not necessary. Small trailers are okay, but nothing larger than 20 feet due to very narrow roads in places, and hairpin turns. Do not drive Class A or Class C motorhomes into here. How Crowded: Most of these sites get filled up during the weekend. Your best bet is to get to a site between Monday-Thursday, ... Read more
Apple Canyon Yellow Post Sites
Apple Canyon Yellow Post Sites, San Bernardino NF Site #1 – Suitable for large RVs, easy to get into, however offers the least seclusion. Site #2 – The site itself is large enough for any size RV, and the site offers the most seclusion of the three yellow post sites. However the access road has some tight turns that might make this difficult. Site #3 – Suitable for large RVs, easy to get into, yet offers a good deal of seclusion. How Crowded: These sites are extremely popular. Site #3 seems to be the most popular. If you arrive on a Friday or Saturday, ... Read more
Angel Valley Designated Camping Area, Sedona, AZ
Angel Valley Designated Camping Area, Sedona, AZ Angel Valley Designated Camping Area, situated west of Sedona, AZ, within Coconino National Forest, offers a varied camping experience based on the day of the week and the time of year. Crowdedness: The campground’s popularity is evident, with varying levels of congestion reported. Some campers enjoy the peaceful atmosphere, while others note crowded conditions, especially during peak times. The dispersed spots, particularly the first one along the road, seem to fill up quickly, influencing the overall sense of crowdedness. Noise and Peacefulness: The reviews suggest a mixed experience regarding noise levels. While one visitor found ... Read more
A Guide to Boondocking in National Forests
Boondocking in National Forests! Boondocking in national forests and grasslands are perhaps the most popular way dispersed campers get set up for free camping. The US Forest Service operates properties across the entire United States making it a sure-fire option for boondocking. The US Forest Service has some laws and regulations that you should be aware of first. National Forest Boondocking Map This National Forest Boondocking Map contains locations of free boondocking and free campgrounds where bloggers and YouTubers have produced detailed reviews. Click on a map marker to access their reviews… [AK] [AL] [AR] [AZ] [CA] [CO] [CT] [DE] ... Read more
Are e-Bikes Legal in National Forests?
Yes, e-bikes are legal in national forests. The U.S. Forest Service published its official policy on e-bikes, electric bikes, electric bicycles, electric mountain bike, and other types of electric-assisted bikes, on March 31, 2022 in a press release. In short, e-bikes are legal on all forest roads and trails that are designated for motorized vehicle use.
