Camp in one of our many campgrounds at various locations in the San Jacinto Mountains.
The San Jacinto Mountains have remained relatively unchanged since the creation of this wilderness, this accomplishment was achieved due to the efforts of early pioneers. These pioneers had the foresight to protect the area and ensure the large, forested region remained intact. To keep our mountain well preserved, make sure to “Leave No Trace” and follow forest rules as you enjoy your time. Always check with the Idyllwild ranger station for road conditions and Permits & Passes needed.
Hurkey Creek Campground (951) 659-2050
Beautiful Hurkey Creek Park, located off of Hwy 74 in the San Jacinto Mountains just 4 miles southeast of Mountain Center, is the perfect locale for reconnecting with nature and our local mountain ecology. The park’s rustic but well maintained campground offers 130 individual campsites for overnight or extended stays of up to 14 days, as well as large group camping areas in 5 separate loops that can accommodate 80-100 campers each.
Idyllwild Campground (800)-444-7275
Open Year Round
The Idyllwild Campground is located in the town of Idyllwild and within walking distance of many shops and restaurants. It offers amenities like full hook-up and electric campsites, flush toilets, and coin-operated showers. The Idyllwild Ranger Station (park headquarters) is conveniently located at the campground entrance.
Idyllwild County Park (951) 659-2656
Popular Idyllwild Park, located on the perimeter of the eclectic mountain village of Idyllwild, boasts 202 acres of beautiful open space, mature forest and breathtaking hiking trails. Idyllwild Park also has day use areas.
Lake Hemet Campground (951) 659-2680
Lake Hemet is one of the most popular spots in Southern California for camping and fishing. The recent additions of the Soaring Pines Cafe serving delicious food and Splashing Eagle Waterpark has made Lake Hemet the vacation spot to be at during the spring and summer months.
Stone Creek Campground (800)-444-7275
Open Spring/Summer/Fall
44 sites total (tent, electric, and ADA-accessible sites available; no full hook-up sites)
Water spigots, vault toilets, picnic tables, fire rings and/or barbeques, day-use picnic area, amphitheater, and nature trails.
Thousand Trails (951)-659-4137
For those wanting to be active, a landscape of pine-covered mountains offers the perfect terrain for hiking in the summer and snowshoeing in the winter. Other activities include fishing in our pond or enjoying the sunshine at the swimming and wading pools. Come explore our RV campground in California.
Small Campgrounds
For the camper who wants a campground without the crowds. These are developed campgrounds with 25 sites or less. Most of these campgrounds are low cost. Some are on narrow side roads, well off the highways and may require a good map. Fire rings, picnic tables & pit / vault toilets are usually provided. Check with the ranger station for road conditions and Permits & Passes needed.
Fern Basin (909) 382-2921
Number of Sites: 22; Elevation: 6,300; Vegetation: Pines; Toilet: Vaulted; Water: Piped; Fee: $10; [Creek-side camping] Idyllwild 7 miles north on Hwy.243, right turn onto Forest Service Rd.#4S02 & continue 1 mile to the campground. Open April- October
Marion Mountain (909) 382-2921
Number of Sites: 24; Elevation: 6,400; Vegetation: Pines; Toilet: Vaulted; Water: Piped; Fee: $10; [near Mount San Jacinto State Park] Idyllwild 7 miles north on Hwy.243, right turn onto Forest Service Rd.#4S02 & continue 2 miles to the campground. Open April- October
Primitive Camping
These include undeveloped & partially developed camp areas with dispersed remote camping. For the self-contained camper who wants some seclusion. Back roads to privacy lead the avid camper to out-of-the-way sites. The “yellow-post” fire safe areas in Southern Calif. National Forest Lands are among these listed. Some sites may be as bare as a rock fire ring in a small clearing. A detailed back country map is advised. A high clearance vehicle/sport utility vehicle (SUV) is sometimes needed to reach these wilderness roads/camping spots. Check with the ranger station for road conditions and Permits & Passes needed.
Thomas Mountain; Number of Sites: 6; Elevation: 6,800; Vegetation: Pines; Toilet: None; Water: None; Fee: $0; [Good mountain back road exploration & pretty secluded spots] Hwy.74 east, pass Lake Hemet, right turn onto Forest Service Rd.#6S13 for 4 miles & left on Forest Service Rd.#5S13 & go 3 miles to the camping area.
Boulder Basin; Number of Sites: Few; Elevation: 6,500; Vegetation: Pines; Toilet: None; Water: None; Fee: $0; [Good mountain. Back road exploration & pretty secluded spots] Idyllwild 9 miles north on Hwy.243, right turn onto Forest Service Rd.#4S01.
Little Round Valley; Number of Sites: 6; Elevation: 9,700; Toilet: Pit; Water: None; Fee: $5 per person. Rugged, secluded campground. As you ascend San Jacinto, your second to last hike-in camping option is Little Round Valley.
Round Valley; Number of Sites: 28; Elevation: 9,100; Toilet: Pit; Water: None; Fee: $5 per person. Round Valley is your first of four, primitive hike-in campsites. Rugged, secluded campground.
Strawberry Junction; Number of Sites: 3; Elevation: 8,000; Toilet: Pit; Water: None; Fee: $5 per person. This campsite is located at the junction of the Deer Springs Trail and the PCT.
Tamarack Valley; Number of Sites: 13; Elevation: 9,200; Toilet: Pit; Water: None; Fee $5 per person. If Round Valley’s full or you’re not quite ready to set down your pack, head 20 feet up the hill and sleepover at Tamarack Valley Group Campground.
South Ridge Trail Yellow Post; Forest Rte 5S11, Idyllwild.
Camp Fire Permits
California suffers numerous wildfires every year. Please don’t be the cause of one. Campfire permits are issued at no charge to ensure fire restrictions are followed correctly.
Idyllwild Ranger station: (951)-659-2607
Idyllwild Ranger Station / Park Headquarters:
25905 Highway 243, Idyllwild, CA 92549