Pinyon Flat Campground
4.2117 reviewsPinyon Flat Campground
$5.00 - $8.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$8.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
The campsite fees are $8 per night for a primary vehicle, and an additional $5 per night for a secondary vehicle. Payments are collected at the kiosk within 30 minutes of site selection.
About this campground
Discover your perfect desert retreat at Pinyon Flat Campground, where 18 intimate first-come, first-served campsites await beneath the starlit sky. Nestled at the edge of the Santa Rosa Wilderness Area, this hidden gem becomes a hiker's paradise each spring when the desert explodes in a spectacular wildflower display that transforms the landscape into nature's own impressionist painting.
Pinyon Flat Campground is best suited for tent and small RV camping with limited facilities. It is not reservable, offering sites on a first-come, first-served basis.
Historical SignificanceYour campsite rests within the magnificent Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains National Monument, a protected sanctuary where the Sonoran and Mojave deserts meet in an extraordinary tapestry of life. This remarkable ecosystem has captivated naturalists and desert enthusiasts for generations, offering a living museum of adaptation and survival in one of North America's most diverse desert environments.
Weather and SeasonsExperience the desert's dramatic personality throughout the year at Pinyon Flat. Spring and fall bring crisp, refreshing days perfect for exploration, while summer's warmth invites early morning adventures and lazy afternoon siestas in the shade. During seasonal transitions, playful desert winds sweep through the canyon, carrying the scent of sage and reminding visitors of nature's ever-changing moods.
ElevationPerched at 4,000 feet above sea level, Pinyon Flat offers a refreshing escape from the desert floor below. This elevated position creates a unique microclimate where cool mountain breezes provide natural air conditioning, making summer nights surprisingly comfortable and winter mornings delightfully crisp under crystal-clear skies.
Natural Features and SceneryWake up to panoramic vistas where ancient pinyon pines stand sentinel over a landscape punctuated by the dramatic silhouettes of yucca plants reaching skyward. Wilderness trails beckon from your doorstep, leading through a desert wonderland that reveals its secrets slowly – from hidden spring blooms to weathered rock formations that tell stories millions of years in the making.
Geological RegionPinyon Flat Campground sits at the crossroads of geological wonder within the Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains National Monument. Here, high desert terrain meets chaparral-covered slopes in a dramatic collision of ecosystems. Ancient pinyon pines mingle with hardy yucca plants across rugged terrain sculpted by eons of wind and weather, creating a landscape that feels both timeless and alive with possibility.
Campsite details
AccessibilityThe campground does not specify additional accessibility features.
Sites SizeSites are mostly flat and can accommodate various camping setups.
Sites PrivacyThe campsites provide a decent amount of privacy due to the spacing between them. However, limited tall vegetation means not all sites have complete seclusion.
Total Campsites18 campsites
Recommended Campsites"Select campsites on the northern part of the loop to reduce traffic noise and enhance nighttime serenity."
Best Campsites"North portion of the loop tends to be quieter due to reduced proximity to road disturbances."
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
As first-come-first-serve, immediate site selection is permitted upon entry.
Check-out
As adherence is to self-pay regulations, guests are required to vacate sites by noon.
Stay Limit
Typically restricted to 14 consecutive nights per visit.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Each site can accommodate up to 8 guests per booking.
Groups
- Group camping is not available
- the campground features 18 individual sites.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Site layout"The layout of the campground is circular, with 18 spaced-out campsites surrounding the center pay station and facilities."
Open and Closed SeasonOpen year-round, with access limited by seasonal weather conditions.
Reservation Platforms"First-come, first-served basis only. Payments are collected on-site."
Walk-in Availability"All 18 sites are exclusively first-come, first-served, as no reservation system is available."
Cancellation Policy"Reservations are not enabled for Pinyon Flat Campground, and all entries are first-come, first-served. Refunds and cancellations are not applicable under this policy."
Amenities available
Potable water
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
The campground provides easy access to nearby hiking trails, making it especially attractive for outdoor enthusiasts. Visitors can also enjoy wildlife viewing, stargazing, and exploring the desert flora.
Hiking
The nearby Pinyon Trail (5E03) is located on the western side of the campground and offers a good hiking experience through the local flora and fauna.Wildlife viewing
Wildlife viewing is possible, with species adapted to the desert and pinyon-juniper ecosystem.Winter Activities
Winter-specific activities such as snowshoeing are not recorded at this location.Water Sports
Water sports are not applicable in the desert setting of this campground.Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- "Fires permitted within designated fire pits, subject to seasonal restrictions."
- "Quiet hours are enforced between 10 PM – 6 AM."
Hazards
General hazardsPotential hazards include active wildlife such as coyotes. It is recommended to store food securely and avoid leaving pets unattended.
Active alerts"Seasonal fire restrictions may limit the use of campfires and charcoal grills. Additionally, windy conditions may pose challenges during transitional spring and fall seasons."
Weather forecast
72
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Strong wind, exercise caution
Humidity: 42%
Comfortable humidity levels
Wind: 10.1 mph
Strong wind, exercise caution
Overcast
7-Day Forecast
Access to 7-day forecasts tailored to each campground—covering temperature, precipitation, wind, and sky conditions.
Daily & Hourly Insights
View hourly forecasts with expected weather patterns throughout the day.
Temperature Trends
Visualize how temperatures shift over the month to help pick the most comfortable days for your trip.
Precipitation Trends
Plan around rain or snow with monthly visualizations of expected precipitation patterns.
Weather Summaries
Assess conditions with visuals for easier decision-making on when and where to camp.
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Emergency Services
"Palm Desert offers the closest emergency services including hospitals, police stations, and additional resources."
Good to know
Peak season datesSpring and Fall seasons typically experience ideal weather for camping, with reduced temperatures during summer.
Trash and recyclingTrash cans are provided, but recycling facilities are not specifically mentioned.
Proximity to water featuresThe campground does not feature direct access to water bodies.
Common complaints"Complaints include the uneven campground circle road with deep potholes, proximity to Highway 74 creating occasional noise disturbances, and lack of shaded sites during high summer temperatures."
Host"No campground host is available for Pinyon Flat Campground."
Campground Map
Driving directions"Take Highway 74 east from Hemet and continue for approximately 15 miles. The campground is located on the highway, at an elevation of approximately 4,000 feet. There are multiple reliable map links available for reference."
"The access road to Pinyon Flat Campground is mostly paved and accessible by typical passenger vehicles, although it can be rough in some areas within the campground. High-clearance vehicles are recommended for certain sections." Nearby places
Hemet (approx. 15 miles, 20-30 minutes)
Palm Desert (approx. 16 miles, 20-30 minutes)
Nearby supplies
"Grocery stores, fuel stations, and accessible services are 16 miles away in Palm Desert."
Camper Reviews
4.2
17 reviews
Pinyon Flat Campground is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews
Reviews mostly praise the quiet and scenic nature of the campground, along with its affordability. However, concerns are noted about the road conditions and lack of shade.
Review Summaries
Based on 17 reviews
What Campers Love
Clean bathrooms, affordable fees ($8/night), good privacy between sites, and a peaceful environment.
Based on 17 reviewsCommon Concerns
Rutted roads inside the campground, lack of tall trees for shade, and occasional loud neighbors or disturbances.
Based on 17 reviewsPro Tips & Recommendations
Choose a site on the north portion of the loop for less road noise. Bring all necessary supplies as stores are 30 minutes away.
Based on 17 reviewsSeasonal Insights
The campground is quieter during weekdays and off-peak seasons. Spring and fall are popular for hiking and moderate weather.
Based on 17 reviewsCamper Quotes
1. "You can’t beat $8 for a place to stay overnight." - Kate L. 2. "The best part is that you are surrounded by pinyon trees, mountains and calm!" - Wayne Salvatti 3. "Great cell service, safe and...
Based on 17 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Site-specific details are not documented in the reviews.
Based on 17 reviewsAccessibility Features
Accessibility experiences are not described by the reviewers.
Based on 17 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Pets are allowed, and no specific complaints or praises regarding pets have been recorded.
Based on 17 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025