Thomas Mountain - Yellow Post Site #9

For the seasoned California camper seeking solitude and breathtaking vistas away from crowded reservations, **Thomas Mountain - Yellow Post Site #9** presents a premier choice. Tucked away high in the San Jacinto Ranger District of the San Bernardino National Forest, this location embodies the best of primitive, dispersed camping. It is one of a series of designated "Yellow Post Sites," which are unique to the San Bernardino National Forest and are renowned for providing a free, first-come, first-served backcountry experience.

Site #9 specifically stands out for its exceptional scenery. Local campers consistently highlight the **nice views** it affords—a reward for navigating the challenging access road. Furthermore, the campsite is described as having **enough space to park a few vehicles**, meaning it is generous in size, allowing a single party (up to eight persons) to spread out comfortably within the allowed two-vehicle limit. This sense of openness, combined with the quiet environment of the high mountains, makes it a favored spot for groups prioritizing privacy and an authentic connection with the California wilderness.

As a Yellow Post Site, it offers minimal facilities, demanding that visitors are fully **self-sufficient**. This is camping in its purest form: no running water, no restrooms, and no trash service. It is essential to carry in everything you need, especially water, and strictly practice the "Pack It In, Pack It Out" principle to preserve the pristine nature of this mountain haven.

The approximate location for navigation is **J88Q+G7, Anza, CA 92561, USA**. This GPS marker points to a location further along the unpaved Forest Road 6S13 (Thomas Mountain Road), distinguishing it from the lower, more accessible Yellow Post Sites.

Accessing Site #9 requires preparation and the appropriate vehicle. The road to the higher-numbered Yellow Post Sites along the ridge is **rough, rutted, and rocky**. It is generally not suitable for standard passenger cars, large RVs, or trailers (other than the smallest possible trailers).

• **Required Vehicle:** A **high-clearance vehicle** is highly recommended.
• **Preferred Vehicle:** A **4WD or AWD vehicle** is often necessary, especially when road conditions are wet or worn.
• **Travel Time:** Expect a slow drive, potentially taking 30 to 45 minutes from the highway turn-off, due to the challenging terrain.

It is vital for visitors to check the current fire restrictions and road conditions with the San Jacinto Ranger District prior to departure, as seasonal closures or recent weather events can drastically affect accessibility.

• **Campsite Designation:** A single, large designated site marked by the iconic yellow post, limited to one party.
• **Stay Duration:** Camping is allowed for a maximum of **14 consecutive days** within any 30-day period.
• **Group and Vehicle Limits:** Restricted to a maximum of **eight persons** and **two vehicles** per site.
• **Fire Ring:** An agency-provided metal **fire ring** or pit is typically available for campfires, subject to current fire restrictions. A free California Campfire Permit is always required for any fire, including propane stoves.
• **Picnic Table:** A basic **picnic table** is usually provided at the site.
• **Water Supply:** **No potable water** is available; all drinking and cleaning water must be packed in.
• **Sanitation:** **No trash service** (pack it out) and **no developed restrooms** are available at the site. Campers must follow Leave No Trace guidelines for human waste disposal (burying waste in a 6-inch deep cat hole).
• **Cost:** **Free** to use, operating on a first-come, first-served basis without reservations.

• **Panoramic Mountain Views:** The most significant highlight is the opportunity for **nice, expansive views** of the mountain landscape and surrounding valleys, making sunrises and sunsets particularly spectacular.
• **Ample Parking/Camp Space:** The generous size and open layout of the site provide **enough space to park a few vehicles** (within the two-vehicle limit) and accommodate a comfortable camp setup for the group size, a notable feature for those bringing extra gear.
• **Total Privacy:** Being one of the higher, more remote Yellow Post Sites, it provides excellent separation from other campers and is an ideal location for **solitude and quiet**.
• **Cooler Climate:** The high-elevation location ensures significantly **cooler temperatures** than the desert areas of Anza and Hemet, making it a preferred spot for summer camping in Southern California.
• **Unspoiled Wilderness Access:** It serves as a secluded trailhead for accessing the network of mountain bike and hiking trails throughout the Thomas Mountain area of the National Forest.
• **Cellular Service (Variable):** While service is not guaranteed, some Yellow Post Sites in the Thomas Mountain area report fair to average cellular signal strength (especially for Verizon), which can be a valuable, if unexpected, feature in a remote setting.

• Managing District: San Jacinto Ranger District, San Bernardino National Forest
• Address: J88Q+G7, 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**
• **Essential Tip:** It is a responsibility of every camper to confirm fire restrictions by contacting the Ranger District directly. Fire regulations in California are subject to change based on weather and dryness, and the rules are strictly enforced for the safety of the entire forest community.

If your camping style leans toward backcountry self-reliance—where you bring all your own water, toilet facilities, and trash containers—and you value a large, private campsite that can comfortably accommodate your two-vehicle limit and gear, Site #9 is an exceptional destination. Its location further up the mountain ensures that only the most determined, well-equipped, and environmentally conscious campers arrive, rewarding them with an unforgettable, high-altitude Southern California wilderness experience that is completely free of charge.

Thomas Mountain - Yellow Post Site #9

J88Q+G7, Anza, CA 92561, USA