Map showing campground location near Idyllwild, California

Camper submitted image from Round Valley Campsite — Mount San Jacinto State Park

Round Valley Campsite — Mount San Jacinto State Park

SUMMARY PRESENTED BY

At 9,100 feet on the flanks of Mount San Jacinto, Round Valley Campsite sits well above the desert floor, accessible only by hiking in from the Palm Springs Aerial Tram. The tram ride deposits visitors into a different climate zone, and the roughly two-mile hike to camp gains enough elevation that hikers consistently report the exertion taking longer than expected. Permits are required for both day hikes and overnight stays, cost $5 per person, and must be secured up to eight weeks in advance. Reservations go fast. No pets are allowed.

The campground is the largest on the mountain, with 28 designated sites and pit toilets on-site. A stream runs through the area, giving campers access to water for filtration, though bringing a reliable filtration device is essential since there are no potable water facilities. Wind can be a real factor overnight, with some visitors noting gusts that made already cold temperatures feel significantly colder. Campers heading to San Jacinto Peak often use Round Valley as a staging camp before summiting.

Johnny H. called it "a dream come true," though the practical reality involves careful preparation around water, wind, and the physical demands of the approach. Cell service is listed as available. Nearby options within the park include Tamarack Valley Campground — Mount San Jacinto State Park and Little Round Valley — Mount San Jacinto State Park for those planning a multi-night route. Submit permit requests as early as the eight-week window opens, and plan for cold nights regardless of season.

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There is 1 alert for this campground. Camp safely!

Air Quality at this campground may currently be unhealthy for sensitive groups.

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Map & DirectionsRound Valley Campsite is located in California near Idyllwild

Public Campground

Address

25905 Highway 243
Idyllwild, CA 92549

Coordinates

33.80448881 N
116.66189155 W

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Access

Walk-In
Park in a lot, walk to your site.
Hike-In
Backcountry sites.

Site Types

Tent Sites
Group

Features

For Campers

Phone Service
Reservable
Toilets

Contact

General Info

Drive Time

2 hrs 6 min from San Diego, CA
2 hrs 11 min from Los Angeles, CA
2 hrs 37 min from El Centro, CA
4 hrs 12 min from Lake Havasu City, AZ

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Reviews4 Camper Reviews - Round Valley Campsite

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5 Stars

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5.0

out of 5

4 Reviews

Visitors often highlighted this high-elevation campground's stunning mountain scenery and peaceful isolation at 9,100 feet. Basic facilities require water filtration and advance planning, but many mentioned the excellent value at $5 per person.

SUMMARY PRESENTED BY

Johnny H.

Scout

Reviewed Apr. 30, 2021

Awesome next level campground

Roind Valley campground in the San Jacinto mountain was a dream come true. A very moderate hike from the aerial tram that put us in the heart of the San Jacinto Mountain just hours away from the peak! We didn't mind our 30 pound packs knowing we would enjoy the beautiful trails and streams that lead to our site. This place is close to magical high above the desert floor where the temperature was hot but our spot was cold. Only disappointing part was the wind gust blowing like crazy all night making the cold feel way colder!! But the place was too nice with the flowing water for easy drink refills and the amazing hike to and from the tram station. Can't wait to go back again!!

SiteR2

Month of VisitApril

Cody B.

Guide

Reviewed May. 1, 2019

Largest Campsite on Mt. San Jacinto

Like the title says this is the largest Campsite on Mt. San Jacinto with 28 Campsite and pit toilets. This Campsite is only about 2 miles from the tram but the elevation of Round Valley is 9,100 ft.

Reservations go fast so you need to submit your permit starting 8 weeks before your trip, however waiting until 4 weeks may be too late.

The permit only reserves your space on the mountain you will need to selected your exact campsite once you get to the ranger station after getting off the tram.

Permits are only $5 per person but the tram is like $25.

Katie O.

Ranger

Reviewed Jul. 14, 2018

adventure

we stayed at the round valley campground in March of this year. there was still some snow and it was beautiful. we took the tram up from palm springs and backpacked to the campground before summiting up San Jacinto peak. the views were breathtaking and the elevation was a killer. it took us longer than we expected. the campground is nice but there are no facilities so make sure to bring plenty of water or filtration device to filter the water. permits are required bor both day hikes and overnight.

(7) View All

Katie O.

Ranger

Reviewed Jul. 14, 2018

peaceful

isolated and peaceful backpacking campsite. make sure to grab a permit before heading up. bring a filter for the water because drinking it is iffy, I wouldn't trust it. we didnt see a single person camping, it was very isolated so make sure to let friends/family know your travel plans and when to expect you to return. the permits have this info but just be safe. it is a well traveled trail year round but weather is unpredictable.

(5) View All

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a map available for Round Valley Campground trails and facilities?

Yes, maps for Round Valley Campground are available through Mount San Jacinto State Park. When obtaining your required wilderness permit, you'll typically receive information about the trails and facilities. Maps show the 2-mile trail from the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway to the campground, as well as routes to San Jacinto Peak. Since this is a wilderness area, it's highly recommended to have a proper map before starting your journey. Contact the state park directly for the most current trail maps and campground layout information.

What is the elevation of Round Valley Campground near Idyllwild?

Round Valley Campground sits at an elevation of 9,100 feet on Mount San Jacinto. This high-altitude location creates breathtaking views but can make hiking more challenging, especially when carrying full backpacking gear. The significant elevation means visitors should be prepared for cooler temperatures, even during summer months, and should take appropriate precautions to avoid altitude sickness, particularly if coming from lower elevations.

What camping options are available at Little Round Valley Campground?

Little Round Valley Campground offers primitive backcountry camping experiences. This is a hike-in only site requiring wilderness permits, which should be reserved up to 8 weeks in advance as they fill quickly. The campground provides a true wilderness experience with pit toilets but limited amenities. Campers need to pack in all supplies and be prepared for variable mountain conditions. Water is available but requires filtering for safe consumption. This site is ideal for experienced backpackers looking for solitude and serves as a potential stopping point when hiking to San Jacinto Peak.

Where is Round Valley Campground located in San Jacinto?

Round Valley Campground is located on Mount San Jacinto, accessible via the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway. The campground sits in a beautiful mountain setting, about 2 miles hiking distance from the tram station. It's situated within Mount San Jacinto State Park, providing backcountry camping opportunities with stunning views. Many visitors use this campground as a base for summiting San Jacinto Peak, as it provides a convenient overnight location before completing the climb to the mountain's summit.

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