Thomas Mountain - Yellow Post Site #3

For California's seasoned outdoor enthusiasts and those seeking a truly remote mountain experience, **Thomas Mountain - Yellow Post Site #3** offers a compelling, self-sufficient camping opportunity. Nestled high within the beautiful San Bernardino National Forest, this location is defined by its primitive nature, requiring campers to bring everything they need and leave nothing behind. Yellow Post Sites are a unique program in the National Forest system, setting aside free, single-party campsites in dispersed locations, offering a level of seclusion that is increasingly hard to find in Southern California.

Site #3, unlike some of its neighbors, comes with a particularly distinct feature: its proximity to a telecommunication tower. This unique characteristic offers a mix of conveniences and trade-offs. While it provides a rare, flat concrete slab ideal for setting up tents or parking a vehicle, it is important for campers to be aware of the associated ambient sounds. As reported by a Forest Ranger, the transformers in the telecommunication building may emit a noticeable humming sound at night. For those who prioritize a guaranteed flat surface and potentially better cell service over absolute silence, this site strikes an interesting balance between raw wilderness and a touch of utility.

Choosing this primitive campground means embracing the challenge of access and the necessity of self-reliance. This is not a quick roadside stop but a destination deep within the San Jacinto Ranger District that rewards prepared campers with cool, high-elevation air, stunning mountain views, and unparalleled privacy. It is an ideal getaway for local users from the metropolitan areas who are looking to disconnect for up to two weeks without the expense or formality of a developed facility.

The official approximate address for this area is **J899+VC, Anza, CA 92561, USA**. This address points to a specific point along the network of unpaved forest roads that traverse Thomas Mountain.

Access is via the unpaved forest road, Forest Road 6S13 (Thomas Mountain Road). Critically, access to Yellow Post Sites #3, #4, and #5 is known to be **significantly rougher** in the middle sections of the trail compared to sites closer to the highway. Due to deep ruts and rocky sections, a **high-clearance vehicle is absolutely necessary**. While 2WD vehicles might manage in perfect dry conditions, a **4WD or AWD vehicle is strongly recommended** to ensure safe passage, particularly if towing a small trailer or after inclement weather. This difficulty in access is what helps maintain the site’s isolation and peaceful setting. Campers must check with the San Jacinto Ranger District for the latest road conditions, as seasonal closures due to snow or storm damage are common.

• **Primitive Campsite:** Designated for a single camping party, suitable for tent camping and car camping.
• **Stay Limit:** Camping is permitted for a maximum of **14 continuous days** in any 30-day period.
• **Occupancy and Vehicles:** The site is strictly limited to a maximum of **eight persons** and **two vehicles** at any time.
• **Fire Ring:** A basic, agency-provided metal **fire ring** is available for use. Note that campfires, charcoal BBQs, and stoves are only allowed when fire restrictions are lifted and always require a valid, free **California Campfire Permit**.
• **Picnic Table:** The site may include a simple, rustic **picnic table**.
• **Unique Flat Area:** The presence of a flat, concrete slab adjacent to the site offers a solid, level surface for tent setup or vehicle parking.
• **No Developed Facilities:** There is **no potable drinking water**, **no restrooms/toilets**, and **no trash service** at the site. Campers must pack in all water, and pack out all trash. Proper disposal of human waste (burying in a 6-inch cat hole) is mandatory.

• **Free Wilderness Camping:** It offers a rare, no-cost way to camp for up to two weeks in a highly desirable region of the San Bernardino National Forest.
• **Guaranteed Privacy:** The single-party limit and remote access ensure a truly secluded experience, far from the congestion of crowded recreational areas.
• **Flat Ground for Camping:** The distinct concrete slab provides a flat, secure base for a tent, which is a significant advantage on the uneven, natural terrain of a primitive mountain site.
• **Mountain Scenery:** Enjoy the spectacular vistas of the high desert and surrounding peaks from a high-elevation vantage point, nestled among native forest vegetation.
• **Proximity to Communication Tower:** While the humming sound may be a consideration, this proximity may also translate into **better-than-average cellular phone service** compared to other remote sites, which is an increasingly valuable feature for safety and communication.
• **First-Come, First-Served:** Its non-reservable nature is a highlight for spontaneous travelers, though securing the site requires an early arrival, especially on weekends.

• Managing District: San Jacinto Ranger District, San Bernardino National Forest
• Address: J899+VC, Anza, CA 92561, USA (General Area Coordinates)
• Phone Number (San Jacinto Ranger District): **(909) 382-2921**
• Mobile Phone (San Jacinto Ranger District): **+1 909-382-2921**
• **Recommendation:** California campers are strongly advised to call the Ranger District directly before heading out to confirm current fire restrictions, road accessibility (especially during winter or after storms), and any temporary closures or alerts for the Thomas Mountain area.

If you are comfortable with true primitive camping—meaning you pack in all necessities, including water, and practice strict Leave No Trace principles—and the rough forest road doesn't deter you, Site #3 offers a magnificent mountain escape. It is particularly worthwhile for those who value the practical advantage of the concrete slab for stability and are willing to accept the low ambient hum from the nearby tower in exchange for the potential benefit of reliable cell service and guaranteed seclusion. This site is the quintessential choice for a weekend of boondocking, mountain biking, or hiking the extensive network of trails in the San Jacinto Ranger District.

Thomas Mountain - Yellow Post Site #3

J899+VC, Anza, CA 92561, USA