Yellow Post Site #5

For California locals yearning for a more rugged, secluded, and authentic camping experience away from the crowds of developed campgrounds, Yellow Post Site #5 near Fawnskin offers an intriguing opportunity. Located within the vast San Bernardino National Forest, these "Yellow Post" sites are a unique category of dispersed camping, providing a designated, minimalist spot in the wilderness. If your idea of a perfect getaway involves stunning views, direct access to trails, and a true sense of self-reliance, then this type of primitive camping might be exactly what you're looking for.

Yellow Post Site #5, like its counterparts, is identified by a distinctive yellow post, signifying a designated, undeveloped campsite. This means you won't find traditional amenities like flush toilets or potable water hookups. Instead, you'll discover a raw, natural setting where the beauty of Big Bear Lake and the surrounding mountains takes center stage. It's a fantastic option for experienced campers, those with high-clearance vehicles, and adventurers who prioritize solitude and immediate access to nature over creature comforts. Embrace the challenge and reward of truly disconnecting in the heart of Southern California’s high country.

Yellow Post Site #5 is located at 2N84, Fawnskin, CA 92333, USA. Fawnskin is a small community situated on the north shore of Big Bear Lake, placing this campsite deep within the San Bernardino National Forest. Its proximity to Big Bear Lake means scenic views are often part of the experience, particularly those overlooking the lake.

However, accessibility to Yellow Post Site #5 is a crucial point to understand. These sites are typically found along dirt forest roads, and as noted by a reviewer, the path to #5 can present challenges. "Deep mud in the driving path from melting snow" and the need for a "high clearance vehicle is a must" indicate that this is not a campsite easily reached by all vehicles, especially larger RVs or low-clearance passenger cars. Four-wheel drive may often be required, particularly after rain or snowmelt, or simply due to the rugged nature of the roads. Reviewers attempting to reach other Yellow Post sites also noted "extremely steep" paths. While located near the popular Big Bear region, reaching Yellow Post Site #5 requires preparation and a suitable vehicle. It's advisable to check current road conditions with the San Bernardino National Forest before attempting to visit, especially during the spring when snowmelt can create muddy and impassable sections.

Yellow Post Sites are classified as undeveloped or primitive camping. This means the services offered are minimal, focusing on providing a designated spot rather than extensive facilities.

• Designated Campsites: Yellow Post Site #5 is a specific, marked location within the forest for camping. This prevents random, unregulated camping and helps concentrate impact. Reviews mention finding "one designated camping spot; i.e. fire pit."
• Fire Ring: Each Yellow Post site is typically equipped with a metal fire ring for campfires. However, it is absolutely crucial for campers to be aware that fire restrictions are extremely common and frequently in effect in California's national forests, especially during dry seasons. Often, only propane stoves are permitted, and a valid California Campfire Permit is always required for any type of fire, including gas stoves. Always check current restrictions before your trip.
• Picnic Table: Most Yellow Post Sites include a picnic table, providing a convenient surface for food preparation and outdoor dining. Reviews for Yellow Post Site #5 specifically mention "Our site had two tables and a fire ring."
• No Potable Water: There is no running water or potable water source directly at Yellow Post Site #5. Campers must bring all their own drinking water for the duration of their stay.
• No Restroom Facilities: These sites do not have flush toilets or vault toilets. Campers must be prepared for primitive sanitation, adhering to Leave No Trace principles, which often means packing out all waste or properly burying human waste far from water sources.
• First-Come, First-Serve: Yellow Post Sites are available on a first-come, first-serve basis. No reservations are taken, meaning arrival time is key, particularly during popular seasons.
• Limited Parking: There is typically limited parking at these sites, generally for a maximum of two vehicles. Campers with larger setups or multiple vehicles might need to adjust their plans.

• Stunning Lake Views: A significant highlight of Yellow Post Site #5 is its potential for "gorgeous views of the lake," referring to Big Bear Lake. This elevated perspective offers a breathtaking natural backdrop for your camping experience.
• Access to Extensive Trails: The site is a "good spot to reach a number of trails." This is a major draw for hikers, mountain bikers, and explorers looking to immerse themselves in the San Bernardino National Forest's vast trail network.
• Seclusion and Privacy: Compared to developed campgrounds, Yellow Post Sites offer a much greater sense of solitude and privacy. They are designed for individual parties, ensuring a quiet wilderness experience away from crowds.
• Rustic, Primitive Camping: For those who truly enjoy "roughing it" and being self-sufficient, this site offers an authentic primitive camping experience. It’s ideal for testing outdoor skills and enjoying nature without distractions.
• "Leave No Trace" Ethos: These sites encourage a strong commitment to Leave No Trace principles, appealing to environmentally conscious campers who want to minimize their impact on the wilderness.
• Opportunity for Wildlife Viewing: Being deep within the national forest provides excellent opportunities for observing local wildlife in their natural habitat.
• Dark Night Skies: Away from significant light pollution, the night sky at Yellow Post Site #5 can be exceptionally dark, offering spectacular opportunities for stargazing and astrophotography.
• Unique Experience: Unlike typical campgrounds, Yellow Post Sites provide a distinct and memorable camping adventure for those willing to embrace their undeveloped nature.

Address: 2N84, Fawnskin, CA 92333, USA

Yellow Post Site #5 is part of the San Bernardino National Forest and is managed by the U.S. Forest Service. Since these are primitive, first-come, first-serve sites, there isn't a direct phone number for the site itself.

For the most accurate and up-to-date information regarding road conditions (especially crucial given the reviews about mud and steepness), fire restrictions, and any forest alerts, it is highly recommended to contact the relevant Ranger District for the Big Bear Lake area.

Mountaintop Ranger District (San Bernardino National Forest)

Address: 40971 North Shore Drive, Highway 38, Fawnskin, CA 92333

Phone: (909) 382-2790

Visitors can also check the official San Bernardino National Forest website for general information and maps related to Yellow Post Sites in the Big Bear area.

For California residents, Yellow Post Site #5 near Fawnskin represents a unique and incredibly rewarding opportunity for those who genuinely seek a more authentic, primitive, and solitary outdoor experience. While it demands a higher degree of preparedness and a capable vehicle—as highlighted by fellow campers navigating mud and steep terrain—the payoff is immense: unparalleled lake views, direct access to a network of trails, and a profound sense of peace away from the crowds that often characterize more developed campgrounds in popular areas like Big Bear.

This site is particularly suitable for adventurous locals who are well-versed in Leave No Trace principles and are comfortable with self-sufficiency (no potable water, no restrooms). For those with high-clearance or 4x4 vehicles, the journey to the site becomes part of the adventure, leading to a secluded spot where the sounds of nature prevail. The opportunity to set up camp with a stunning vista of Big Bear Lake, and then immediately step out onto trails for hiking or exploring, offers an immersive experience that traditional campgrounds simply can't match.

It’s a place for stargazers, nature photographers, and those who cherish quiet evenings around a private fire ring (when conditions allow). Yellow Post Site #5 offers Californians the chance to truly disconnect, recharge, and appreciate the raw, untouched beauty of their state's national forests. For the prepared and adventurous, it's not just a campsite; it's a gateway to an unforgettable wilderness experience right in their backyard.

Yellow Post Site #5

2N84, Fawnskin, CA 92333, USA