Thomas Mountain - Yellow Post Site #10

For California residents seeking an authentic, off-grid camping experience far removed from the hustle of developed recreation areas, Thomas Mountain - Yellow Post Site #10 represents a pristine opportunity. Situated high on the mountain ridge within the San Jacinto Ranger District of the San Bernardino National Forest, this site is not a typical campground. It is a designated primitive camping area, part of the unique Yellow Post Site system designed to offer free, single-party-only camping to self-sufficient adventurers.

Site #10 is located significantly further up the unpaved Forest Road 6S13 (Thomas Mountain Road). This placement on the rugged interior path means it offers some of the deepest solitude available in the area, appealing directly to those who value absolute privacy and a challenging drive. Unlike Site #1, which is often busy due to its accessibility, the journey to Site #10 naturally restricts traffic and preserves a quiet, secluded atmosphere.

The core philosophy of the Yellow Post Site program is primitive camping with minimal impact. Campers at Site #10 will find no running water, no restrooms, and no trash services. This 'Leave No Trace' environment demands that visitors are fully prepared to pack in all necessary supplies—especially water—and diligently pack out all waste, including human waste, in accordance with wilderness ethics. The reward for this self-reliance is up to 14 days of complimentary camping with unrivaled peace and quiet amid the beautiful San Jacinto Mountains.

This location is a destination for the dedicated overlander, the seasoned tent camper, and the individual looking to disconnect completely, making it a highly valued resource among Southern California’s most committed outdoor community.

Thomas Mountain - Yellow Post Site #10 is found on the upper portions of Thomas Mountain, a prominent feature of the San Jacinto Ranger District in the San Bernardino National Forest, near the unincorporated community of Anza, CA. Its elevation provides a crucial reprieve from the intense heat of the surrounding low deserts and valleys, offering a distinct high-country climate.

• Geographical Area: San Jacinto Ranger District, San Bernardino National Forest
• Approximate Address: J88Q+FQ, Anza, CA 92561, USA (A Plus Code indicating a specific, remote location on the mountain)

The road to Site #10 is a major determining factor for visitors:

• Access Road: The site is reached via Thomas Mountain Road (Forest Road 6S13), which is a long, unpaved dirt and gravel fire road.
• Vehicle Requirement: Due to its distance from the highway and position further along the rugged ridge, **high-clearance and 4-wheel drive (4WD) are highly recommended** and often necessary. The road features significant ruts, rocks, and tight turns, making it unsuitable for large RVs or low-clearance passenger cars.
• Nearest Services: The closest communities for last-minute supplies, fuel, and assistance are Anza and Mountain Center. Lake Hemet Campground, located closer to the base of the mountain, offers an RV dump station and potable water for a fee, which can be crucial for self-sufficient campers.

As a Yellow Post Site, Site #10 maintains a strict primitive standard to preserve the natural environment. Campers must adhere to Forest Service regulations designed to protect the natural resources of the mountain.

• Cost: **Free** (First-come, first-served basis; no reservations taken).
• Site Amenities: The site is marked by a distinctive yellow post and generally includes a designated metal fire ring and a picnic table.
• Campfire Regulations: Fires are permitted only in the provided metal fire ring, and only when fire restrictions are lifted. A **free California Campfire Permit is required** for any open flame, including campfires, charcoal grills, and propane/gas stoves.
• Water: **NO potable water** is available. All water must be packed in by the visitor.
• Sanitation: **NO restroom or trash facilities**. All human waste must be buried properly (6-inch deep cat hole, 200 feet from water/trails/campsites), and all trash must be packed out.
• Group Limit: Restricted to a maximum of **eight persons** per site.
• Vehicle Limit: Restricted to a maximum of **two vehicles** per site.
• Stay Limit: Limited to a maximum of **14 consecutive days** in any 30-day period.

Choosing Thomas Mountain - Yellow Post Site #10 is a choice for true wilderness immersion. The features here cater to a specific type of California outdoor enthusiast.

• Maximum Privacy: Positioned far along the rough access road, this site offers unparalleled distance from other camping parties, ensuring a quiet, private, and truly restorative experience.
• Stargazing Potential: The high elevation and remote location, far from city lights, provide exceptional opportunities for clear, dark night skies and spectacular stargazing.
• Excellent Basecamp for Exploration: The site provides direct access to the network of dirt forest roads and trails on Thomas Mountain, popular for challenging 4WD excursions, mountain biking, and backcountry hiking. The location is ideal for hunters during open seasons, provided all state and federal regulations are followed.
• Mature Forest Setting: Campers are immersed in the native vegetation and towering mature trees of the San Bernardino National Forest, enjoying the natural shade and forest ambiance.
• Peace and Quiet: With very minimal traffic and neighbors, the primary sounds are those of the surrounding wildlife and the wind through the trees, a precious commodity in Southern California.

Given the site’s primitive nature and the necessity of checking conditions, always contact the Forest Service before heading out, especially regarding fire restrictions and road status.

• Responsible Ranger District: San Jacinto Ranger District (San Bernardino National Forest)
• Main Forest Phone: (909) 382-2921
• Mobile Phone: +1 909-382-2921
• Address of the Site (Approximate): J88Q+FQ, Anza, CA 92561, USA

You should choose Thomas Mountain - Yellow Post Site #10 if your camping priority is **ultimate solitude and a genuine backcountry feel** within a few hours' drive of Southern California's major metropolitan areas. This is the choice for campers who are confident in their ability to navigate rough roads—a reliable, high-clearance 4WD vehicle is non-negotiable for this location. By choosing this site, you are committing to a self-reliant, free camping experience with a minimal footprint. You are trading the conveniences of developed campgrounds for the silent immersion of the mountain wilderness, allowing you to camp under the stars for up to two weeks without the restriction of reservations or fees. It is the perfect spot for the seasoned Californian who views the challenge of the journey as part of the reward of the destination.

Thomas Mountain - Yellow Post Site #10

J88Q+FQ, Anza, CA 92561, USA