Thomas Mountain - Yellow Post Site #6

For California adventurers who value space, seclusion, and a truly self-reliant camping experience, **Thomas Mountain - Yellow Post Site #6** offers an exceptional destination. Located high up on Thomas Mountain within the vast and scenic San Bernardino National Forest, this site is a prime example of the Forest Service’s Yellow Post system, providing free, dispersed camping for those willing to venture off the beaten path.

The defining characteristic of Site #6, as highlighted by local campers, is its **large, open space**. Unlike some smaller, more restrictive sites, this generous layout provides ample room for parking multiple vehicles (up to the two-vehicle limit) and spreading out your camp setup. This makes it an ideal spot for a larger family or a group of friends (maximum eight persons) who want to enjoy the mountain air without being cramped. The atmosphere is generally peaceful and quiet, offering a true escape from the noise and crowds of more developed campgrounds near Southern California's major population centers.

The trade-off for this isolation is its primitive nature and the challenging access road, underscoring that this location is best suited for experienced campers who arrive fully prepared with all their necessities, including water. For those seeking cooler, high-elevation camping and stunning views without the need for a reservation, Yellow Post Site #6 promises a memorable, authentic wilderness experience deep in the San Jacinto Ranger District.

The official approximate address for this specific area is **J8F9+6H, Anza, CA 92561, USA**. This GPS location pinpoints its spot along the Thomas Mountain Road (Forest Road 6S13), an unpaved fire road that winds up the mountain ridge.

Access to Yellow Post Site #6 is generally considered a **slow and difficult drive**. While some sections of Thomas Mountain Road may be manageable for sturdier 2WD vehicles in dry weather, the overall route to the higher-numbered sites like #6 involves rocky terrain, ruts, and steep inclines. A **high-clearance vehicle is strongly recommended**, and a **4WD or AWD vehicle is often advised**, especially if the road is wet or has experienced recent washouts. Campers should anticipate a slow drive—roughly 30 to 45 minutes—to cover the several miles of rough dirt road from the highway turn-off. Travelers should contact the San Jacinto Ranger District for up-to-date road condition information before their trip, as snow or heavy rain can temporarily close the road entirely.

• **Primitive Campsite:** Designated for a single camping party, perfect for tent camping and car camping.
• **Stay Limit:** You may camp for a maximum of **14 continuous days** within 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/Pit:** A basic, agency-provided metal **fire ring** or pit is typically available at the site for permitted fires.
• **Picnic Table:** Many Yellow Post Sites, including #6, may be equipped with a rustic **picnic table**.
• **No Developed Facilities:** There is **no running water or potable water**, **no restrooms/toilets** at the site itself (though a pit toilet may be located further down the road near other clusters of sites), and **no trash collection service**. Campers must carry in all water and pack out all trash to uphold Leave No Trace principles.
• **Free Camping:** There is **no fee** to camp at Yellow Post Site #6; it is strictly a first-come, first-served arrangement.

• **Exceptional Space:** The site is known for its **large, open layout**, providing significantly more room than standard developed campsites for vehicle parking, tent setup, and overall camp organization.
• **Supreme Seclusion:** Being located far up the mountain on a challenging access road ensures high levels of privacy and peace, offering a genuinely quiet escape from urban life.
• **High-Elevation Climate:** Enjoy the cooler temperatures and fresh air that come with mountain camping, which is a significant advantage during California's hot summer months.
• **Stunning Views:** The Thomas Mountain area is known for its excellent viewpoints, offering impressive vistas of the surrounding San Jacinto and Santa Rosa mountain ranges and the valleys below.
• **Access to Recreation:** The area provides access to a network of trails for hiking, mountain biking, and exploring the undeveloped forest land. It is positioned as an excellent basecamp for exploring the Thomas Mountain trail system.
• **First-Come, First-Served:** No reservations are needed, providing flexibility for last-minute weekend getaways, provided you arrive early enough to secure the site.

• Managing District: San Jacinto Ranger District, San Bernardino National Forest
• Address: J8F9+6H, 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**
• **Pro Tip for Campers:** Fire restrictions are frequently in place, especially in Southern California. Always call the Ranger District line before planning to use a fire ring, even with a Campfire Permit, to check the current fire danger status.

If the requirement for a difficult, unpaved drive is not a deterrent, Site #6 offers one of the best combinations of solitude and size in the Thomas Mountain area. You should choose this location if your priority is **maximum privacy, ample room for your vehicles and tents, and free-of-charge dispersed camping**. It’s perfect for those who want a true wilderness immersion, using the site as a private basecamp for extensive mountain exploration. The lack of amenities is a non-issue for those who come prepared to be entirely self-sufficient, turning the remoteness from a challenge into the ultimate reward.

Thomas Mountain - Yellow Post Site #6

J8F9+6H, Anza, CA 92561, USA