Round Valley camping - any recommendations as to sites?

[Norris]

Hi, I've climbed San Jacinto many times, but never camped. I'm taking my 9 year-old son and we plan to camp in Round Valley. Apparently one must camp in designated sites marked with posts. These have been given names like "upper mistletoe" and "grey squirrel" and the like
So, any recommendations? I know where the water is, and its not a priority to be near the tap or the outhouses. Prefer a spot with some rocks or logs to sit on. So, anybody out there with some Round Valley campsite beta, lay it on me!

[KathyW]

I checked out a campsite near Round Valley that's a nice spot with a view of the desert and the Santa Rosas. I think the sign said Lily Camp and there was a trail to it from just before you get to the Wellman's Divide Junction. This is about where it is (not exact location) - where the green tent is on the map:

[Norris]

Thanks Kathy! Ummm... I neglected to mention that we are committed to camping in Round Valley itself since we are going with others and have a permit to camp there. This is a first-time wilderness camping experience for the folks we are going with, so after a lot of soul-searching I ended up recommending Round Valley due to the short hike from the tram. So, although I didn't make it clear, I was really looking for information as to relative desireability of Round Valley designated campsites from anyone who has camped there. But thanks for the recommendation, I'll keep that in mind for another trip. It looks like a good bet to get away from the crowds.

[tkvance]

Norris,
there are a ton of camping spots in Round Valley---it is not as "structured" as the permit and website make it seem. The spots are not really marked, and it's pretty much camp wherever you find a nice little clearing, and keep as much space between campers as possible. This time of year, you probably won't see too many people up there----it's easy to be spread out at Round Valley.

Enjoy the trip!

[kgw]

At the outflow of the creek from the meadow, on the north side of the creek, there are several good sites. There is even an outhouse a short walk away

As you come up Long Valley from the tram, there is a crossing at the creek just as you get to Round Valley. These campsites are just a ways up the other side just off the meadow.

[Reego]

Norris,

I just camped at Round Valley this past weekend for the first time. I wouldn't stress out about it. There are lots of spots there, and also in Tamarack Valley, which is adjacent to Round Valley. I found a nice spot with plenty of logs to sit on and some flat wood that I used as my kitchen to put my stove on. Also I couldn't see or hear any other campers near my spot. When I first arrived at Round Valley I took the time to walk into various campsites and see what they were like before deciding on one. On the back of the permit there is a map that shows all the campsites at Round Valley. Just plan on getting to Round Valley knowing that you will be able to compare many sites before deciding on one.

-Brian

[Rumpled]

The Round Valley sites are all really seperated, I was shocked how much space there was. I didn't stay there, just wandered around.

I took a picture of the map on the Ranger Station in Round Valley.
I'm heading home for lunch and will try to post a link for it.

[Rumpled]

Here's the layout of the campground

[Hikin_Jim]

Thanks Kathy! Ummm... I neglected to mention that we are committed to camping in Round Valley itself...

Norris, I think the site Kathy is talking about is considered Round Valley.

Nice photo from Rumpled; that pretty much clears things up. The site name is "Mariposa Lily."

[Perry]

The ones named after flowers and trees are more quiet and secluded. If you like to hang out with the noisy boy scouts or party with strangers at night, the ones named after animals, bushes, and rocks are a better choice. But this time of year, it's usually more quiet in general.