Thomas Mountain - Yellow Post Site #4

For California residents seeking an authentic, off-the-grid mountain camping experience without the crowds and fees of a developed facility, the Thomas Mountain - Yellow Post Site #4 offers a pristine wilderness escape within the vast expanse of the San Bernardino National Forest. Located in the Thomas Hunting Grounds area near Anza, this specific campsite belongs to a network of designated primitive sites—known as 'Yellow Post Sites'—that are highly valued by Southern California's self-sufficient campers. These sites provide a crucial middle ground: they are officially designated, helping to protect the surrounding habitat, yet they remain rustic and free of charge.

Yellow Post Site #4 is particularly notable for its seclusion. Situated atop a small hill along a sometimes rugged forest road, it offers a sense of privacy that is rare in the heavily used recreation areas of Southern California. Unlike many developed campgrounds which can feel like crowded parking lots, Site #4 is designed to host a single party, fostering a true feeling of solitude amidst the towering pines and cedars of the San Jacinto Ranger District. This spot is perfect for those who embrace the "pack it in, pack it out" ethos and are prepared to bring all necessary supplies, including water, for a truly immersive mountain adventure.

As a designated Yellow Post Site, camping is permitted on a **first-come, first-served** basis, meaning reservations are not necessary—a major draw for spontaneous California road-trippers. However, this level of seclusion and ruggedness comes with a requirement: a **high-clearance vehicle is strongly recommended**, if not necessary, to navigate the rough and unpaved forest road leading to Site #4, as noted by previous visitors. This access restriction helps to naturally manage the number of visitors, preserving the tranquility for those who make the journey.

Thomas Mountain - Yellow Post Site #4 is located in the beautiful, high-elevation terrain of Thomas Mountain, part of the San Jacinto Ranger District of the San Bernardino National Forest in Southern California. This area is nestled between the communities of Anza and Idyllwild, offering cooler temperatures and a dramatic mountainous backdrop that contrasts sharply with the nearby desert valleys.

The closest geographical marker is the small community of Anza. The specific location is approximately marked by:

• Address: J8C9+65, Anza, CA 92561, USA (This is an approximate Plus Code location, reflecting the remote nature of the site).
• Forest Location: Thomas Hunting Grounds area, accessible via unpaved Forest Service roads (e.g., Thomas Mountain Road) off Highway 74.
• Elevation: The Thomas Mountain area is high elevation, ensuring a refreshing escape from the heat of the lower desert and inland empire areas.

Accessibility is a defining feature of this site, demanding preparation from California campers:

• Vehicle Requirement: A **high-clearance vehicle is essential** for accessing Site #4, as the middle section of the trail leading to this post and others (#3 and #5) is often rough, rutted, and requires careful navigation. Four-wheel drive (4WD) may be necessary, especially after rain or snow.
• Road Conditions: The access roads are unpaved dirt and gravel fire roads. They are not suitable for large RVs, long trailers, or low-clearance passenger cars.
• Proximity to Resources: Despite the remote feeling, the site is a manageable drive from the small town of Anza for emergency supplies, though campers must be prepared for a fully primitive stay.

The Yellow Post Site #4 epitomizes primitive or "boondocking" style camping. The limited services are intentionally designed to preserve the wild nature of the forest while offering minimal infrastructure for safety and environmental protection.

• Designated Campfire Ring: A metal fire ring is provided for safe campfires, *but only when fire restrictions are lifted*. A **free California Campfire Permit is required** for any use of the fire ring or a gas/propane stove. Campers must check current fire danger status before any visit, as campfires are frequently banned in Southern California mountains.
• Picnic Table: Most Yellow Post sites, including Site #4, are equipped with a single picnic table for food preparation and dining.
• Vehicle Limit: Camping is restricted to a maximum of **two vehicles** per site.
• Group Limit: The site is limited to a maximum of **eight people** per single party, ensuring privacy and minimizing environmental impact.
• Waste and Water: There is **NO potable water, NO restrooms (pit toilets or otherwise), and NO trash service** at Yellow Post Site #4. Campers must bring all water and adhere strictly to the "Pack It In, Pack It Out" principle for all trash and waste.

For experienced California outdoor enthusiasts, the Thomas Mountain Yellow Post Site #4 offers compelling features that elevate it above crowded developed campgrounds.

• Unmatched Seclusion and Privacy: Positioned on its own small hill, the site is separated from other Yellow Post Sites, offering a deeply tranquil and private camping environment. This is a significant advantage for those seeking a true wilderness feel.
• Panoramic Mountain Views: Due to its elevation and location on a rise, the site provides excellent views of the surrounding San Bernardino National Forest landscape and possibly the Anza valley below.
• Free Camping: This is a **free, first-come, first-served** camping opportunity, making it a highly valuable resource for budget-conscious Californians.
• Access to Forest Recreation: The location on Thomas Mountain provides direct access to a vast network of dirt roads and trails, ideal for activities like mountain biking, hiking, and 4x4 exploring through the pines. The Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) is accessible in the general area, providing extensive hiking possibilities.
• High-Altitude Escape: Nestled in the mountains, the site offers cooler temperatures than the inland valleys, providing a much-needed retreat during California's hot summer months.
• Animal Friendly: The primitive nature of the site makes it an excellent choice for responsible campers traveling with pets.

Since Thomas Mountain - Yellow Post Site #4 has no dedicated on-site staff, all inquiries, especially those concerning fire restrictions and current road conditions, should be directed to the responsible Ranger District.

• Responsible Ranger District: San Jacinto Ranger District (or Mill Creek Ranger Station, which handles general SBNF information).
• Main Forest Phone: (909) 382-2921 (San Jacinto Ranger District/San Bernardino National Forest)
• Address of the Site (Approximate): J8C9+65, Anza, CA 92561, USA
• Mobile Phone (General SBNF Contact): +1 909-382-2921

Thomas Mountain Yellow Post Site #4 is the optimal choice for a specific type of California camper: the well-prepared, high-clearance vehicle owner seeking **free, unparalleled privacy and an authentic mountain experience**. For those tired of the crowded, fee-based campgrounds with limited availability, this site is a prized find. The requirement of a rugged vehicle acts as a natural barrier, ensuring that only determined adventurers reach this hilltop perch, thereby preserving its quiet atmosphere.

You should choose Site #4 for its strategic position—away from other campers but close to vast recreational opportunities like the Thomas Mountain Trail system. While the lack of amenities requires careful planning (e.g., bringing a portable toilet system and all your water), the rewards are worth the effort: a stunning campsite with a fire ring, surrounded by the native forest, all operating under a simple, first-come, first-served policy. It’s an essential destination for self-sufficient Californians who prioritize solitude and value the wilder side of the San Bernardino National Forest.

Thomas Mountain - Yellow Post Site #4

J8C9+65, Anza, CA 92561, USA