Keller Peak Yellow Post Site #4

For Californians seeking a true back-to-basics camping experience amidst the majestic San Bernardino Mountains, Keller Peak Yellow Post Site #4 offers an ideal primitive escape. Unlike many developed campgrounds, this site provides a minimalist approach to outdoor living, emphasizing self-reliance and an immersive connection with nature. If you're a local who values quiet solitude, stunning mountain vistas, and the challenge of a less-serviced campsite, Yellow Post Site #4 could be your next favorite high-altitude hideaway.

Keller Peak Yellow Post Sites are part of a unique camping program within the San Bernardino National Forest. Identified by distinctive yellow posts, these sites are designed for dispersed camping but with designated spots to minimize environmental impact. They offer a rare opportunity for free, first-come, first-served camping, making them highly sought after by those who appreciate spontaneity and a more rugged outdoor adventure. Site #4, specifically, is known to be a relatively spacious spot, tucked away into the landscape, providing a good degree of privacy despite being along Keller Peak Road. It’s a perfect base camp for exploring the surrounding forest, hiking, or simply enjoying the crisp mountain air.

It's important for prospective campers to understand the "primitive" nature of Yellow Post Sites. While they offer a picnic table and a fire ring, they do not provide restrooms or drinking water. This requires campers to be fully prepared and practice strict "Leave No Trace" principles, packing out everything they pack in, including human waste. This level of self-sufficiency appeals greatly to experienced California outdoors enthusiasts who are comfortable with wilderness ethics. Being located at an elevation that offers cooler temperatures in summer and potential snow in winter, Keller Peak Yellow Post Site #4 truly offers a four-season adventure for those prepared for varying conditions.

Keller Peak Yellow Post Site #4 is located within the San Bernardino National Forest, with its general address listed as San Bernardino County, CA 92314, USA. More specifically, these sites are found along Keller Peak Road (Forest Road 1N96), which winds its way up to the Keller Peak Fire Lookout. This places the campground within the mountains near communities like Running Springs and Arrowbear, making it a relatively accessible mountain escape for residents of Southern California.

Accessibility to Keller Peak Yellow Post Site #4 is primarily by vehicle along the paved Keller Peak Road. While the road is generally well-maintained, it can be narrow in places and may not be suitable for very long RVs or trailers (especially over 20 feet) due to tight turns and limited turnaround space. Standard cars, vans, and pickup trucks are generally fine. The site itself is positioned along the roadside, making it relatively easy to spot due to the distinguishing yellow post. Parking is limited to a maximum of two vehicles per site.

During winter months, access can be significantly impacted. Keller Peak Road often closes due to heavy snow accumulation, typically from late Fall to late Spring. However, even when the road is closed to vehicles, the sites can still be accessed by hiking, snowshoeing, or cross-country skiing, transforming the camping experience into a winter backcountry adventure for the prepared. The proximity of the sites to the Children's Forest Visitor Center and the Children's Forest Exploration Trail also means that while secluded, they are not entirely isolated, offering nearby points of interest for exploration.

Keller Peak Yellow Post Site #4 provides a minimalist set of services, emphasizing a primitive camping experience in alignment with the "Yellow Post Site" designation. Campers should be prepared for a self-sufficient outing, as developed amenities are intentionally limited.

• Picnic Table: Each Yellow Post site, including #4, is equipped with at least one picnic table, providing a convenient surface for meal preparation and dining.
• Fire Ring: A steel fire ring is provided at the campsite for contained campfires. However, it is crucial to note that fire restrictions are frequently in place due to high fire danger in California. Campfires and charcoal BBQs may be prohibited at certain times of the year (e.g., as of July 2, 2024, wood and charcoal fires were not allowed). A valid California Campfire Permit is always required for any type of fire use, including gas/propane stoves and lanterns.
• Tent Camping Area: While not formalized tent pads, the site offers relatively level and cleared areas suitable for pitching tents. These sites can also accommodate camper vans or small RVs, though space is limited.
• Vehicle Parking: Each site has limited space for a maximum of two vehicles (excluding motorcycles or bicycles).
• No Restroom Facilities: There are no restrooms or vault toilets provided at Yellow Post Sites. Campers must be prepared to manage human waste responsibly, typically by digging a 6-inch deep "cat hole" at least 200 feet away from water sources and campsites, or by using a portable toilet.
• No Potable Water: There is no source of drinking water available at the site. Campers must bring all their own water for drinking, cooking, and cleaning, or have a reliable method for filtering/treating natural water sources (if available nearby).
• "Pack It In, Pack It Out": There is no trash service. Campers are strictly required to pack out all trash, food scraps, and waste, adhering to Leave No Trace principles.
• First-Come, First-Served: These sites do not require reservations and are available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Keller Peak Yellow Post Site #4, along with the other Yellow Post Sites, offers several distinctive features and highlights that appeal to campers seeking a more rugged and authentic wilderness experience in the San Bernardino Mountains.

• Secluded and Private Sites: While located along Keller Peak Road, the Yellow Post sites, including #4, are generally well-spaced and "tucked away into the rocks," providing a good sense of privacy and seclusion from neighboring campers.
• Quiet Atmosphere: Many visitors praise the Keller Peak Yellow Post Sites for being "amazingly quiet" with "no neighbors" at some sites, contributing to a peaceful and relaxing camping experience.
• Stunning Mountain Views: Depending on the specific site, campers can enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding mountains, including outcroppings of rocks and vistas of the Angeles National Forest. Site #9, for instance, is noted for its "unbelievable view."
• Proximity to Hiking Trails: The sites are near the Children's Forest Exploration Trail, which leads up to Keller Peak. This provides excellent opportunities for hiking, on or off established trails, allowing campers to explore the forest and reach viewpoints like the Keller Peak Fire Lookout.
• Keller Peak Fire Lookout: A historic landmark, the Keller Peak Fire Lookout (dating back to 1926 and the oldest standing fire tower in Southern California) is accessible by a short walk or hike from the campsites, offering unique insights into the area's history and providing expansive views.
• Wildlife Viewing: The remote, forested setting offers chances to observe various wildlife in their natural habitat.
• Free Camping: As part of the Yellow Post Site program, camping at Site #4 is free, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious outdoor enthusiasts.
• Winter Sports Access: When Keller Peak Road closes due to snow, the area transforms into a winter wonderland, allowing for hiking, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing directly from the campsites, offering a unique seasonal highlight.
• Dark Skies: Away from major light pollution, the night skies offer excellent opportunities for stargazing.

Keller Peak Yellow Post Site #4 is managed by the U.S. Forest Service as part of the San Bernardino National Forest. As a primitive, first-come, first-served site, there is no direct contact number for the individual campsite itself. All inquiries should be directed to the managing ranger district.

Address: San Bernardino County, CA 92314, USA (This refers to the general area within the San Bernardino National Forest.)

For all official information regarding Keller Peak Yellow Post Sites, including current fire restrictions, road conditions, and general forest regulations, please contact the San Bernardino National Forest, specifically the Mountaintop Ranger District:

• U.S. Forest Service - San Bernardino National Forest
• Mountaintop Ranger District Office (closest and most relevant office for Keller Peak):
• Phone: (909) 382-2790
• Address: 40971 North Shore Drive, Highway 38, P.O. Box 69, Fawnskin, CA 92333 (This office is typically open Thursday through Monday).
• For California Campfire Permits: These are mandatory for any fire use (even gas stoves) and can be obtained online from the CAL FIRE website (fire.ca.gov) or at any Forest Service, BLM, or CAL FIRE office.
• Current Fire Restriction Information: Always check the San Bernardino National Forest website or call the Mountaintop Ranger District for the latest fire restrictions before your visit, as these can change frequently.

Given the primitive nature of these sites, it is essential to be self-sufficient and well-informed before your trip. Cell phone signal can be weak or nonexistent in parts of the area, so rely on downloaded maps and printed information.

For Californians, especially those residing in Southern California, Keller Peak Yellow Post Site #4 offers a uniquely suitable and highly appealing camping experience. Its prime location within the San Bernardino National Forest provides a relatively accessible mountain escape, allowing locals to quickly transition from urban environments to a true wilderness setting. This proximity makes it perfect for spontaneous weekend trips or even a quick mid-week refresh, avoiding the longer travel times often associated with more distant national parks.

The primitive nature of Yellow Post Sites directly caters to the increasing desire among many Californians for a "back-to-basics" outdoor adventure. It fosters self-reliance, wilderness skills, and a deeper appreciation for nature, all while being free and first-come, first-served. This accessibility without a reservation system appeals to the adventurous spirit and flexibility of local campers who might find developed campgrounds consistently booked. The quiet atmosphere and the generous spacing between sites, a noted highlight, provide the solitude that many seek to truly disconnect and unwind from the busy pace of California life.

Furthermore, the abundance of hiking opportunities, including the nearby Exploration Trail leading to the Keller Peak Fire Lookout, makes it an ideal basecamp for active outdoor enthusiasts. The stunning mountain views are a constant reminder of California's diverse and beautiful landscapes. While the lack of water and restrooms demands careful preparation and adherence to Leave No Trace principles, these requirements are often embraced by environmentally conscious Californians eager to minimize their footprint. Keller Peak Yellow Post Site #4 is more than just a campsite; it’s an invitation for locals to experience the rugged beauty, peaceful solitude, and personal challenge of their own wild backyard, creating authentic and lasting memories in the process.

Keller Peak Yellow Post Site #4

San Bernardino County, CA 92314, USA