Bouldering enthusiasts and hikers will find Boulder Basin Campground serves as a convenient base camp for rock climbing adventures, with bouldering opportunities available right within the campground boundaries. This Forest Service campground sits at elevation in San Bernardino National Forest, accessible via a challenging dirt road that requires high-clearance vehicles or 4WD.
The six-mile switchback approach deters many RVs and trailers, creating a more secluded atmosphere despite the campground's proximity to popular climbing areas. Elden A. notes the forest features "pinecones as big as your head, and a great excess of firewood." Each of the sites includes a picnic table and fire ring, though many are positioned on sloped terrain that requires careful tent placement. Water spigots are present but frequently turned off during drought periods, making it essential to pack sufficient water supplies.
The vault toilets receive regular cleaning and restocking, though multiple campers mention persistent odors that require quick visits. Cell service reaches most areas of the campground, and the facility allows pets throughout. A nearby fire lookout tower provides hiking opportunities and elevated views of the surrounding forest. For broader exploration, campers can find sites around San Bernardino National Forest that offer different terrain and access levels.
Reserve sites in advance during peak summer months, as this campground fills quickly with climbing groups and families seeking cooler mountain temperatures.
Description
Overview
Black Mountain Road is is poor condition at this time. A four-wheel drive (4WD) vehicle is recommended with a minimum ground clearance of 6 inches. Drive at your own risk. The San Bernardino National Forest is submitting a proposal to increase fees at various sites across the Forest and is seeking public input. Please visit the https://www.fs.usda.gov/sbnf for more information and to submit comments regarding this proposal.Boulder Basin Campground offers solitude and primitive camping in a scenic mountain landscape. The area provides ample recreational opportunities, including hiking, mountain biking, boulder climbing and more. Black Mountain Road, which accesses Boulder Basin Campground, is a narrow rough dirt road which may not be suitable for all vehicles.
Recreation
The campground provides access to a number of trailheads, including the Black Mountain Trail, a 3.6-mile, moderately strenuous hiking, mountain biking and horseback riding trail that travels through the forested slopes of Black Mountain. The trail provides excellent views of the Banning Pass and Mt. San Gorgonio. The trail provides access to the famed Pacific Crest National Scenic Trail, which begins at the Mexico border in Southern California and leads to Washington border of Canada.
Facilities
The campground offers multiple single-family campsites, available for tent and small RV / van camping. Each site is equipped with tables and campfire rings with grills. Vault toilets are also provided.
Natural Features
The campground is located in a mixed conifer forest, which provides ample shade throughout the day. It is situated at an elevation of about 7,300 feet. Roads to the campground are not paved but the campground does have paved roads.
Nearby Attractions
This group site is located approximately 50 miles southeast of San Bernardino, California, and 14 miles north of Idyllwild, where fuel and a variety of small town shops and restaurants are available.
Warning 1 Alert is In Effect
There is 1 alert for this campground. Camp safely!
Warning 1 Alert is In Effect
There is 1 alert for this campground. Camp safely!
A bear or multiple bears have been spotted in the area. Please be aware at all times, and visit our agency website for bear safety tips and more information.
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsBoulder Basin is located in California near Idyllwild-Pine Cove
Directions
From Idyllwild, travel north for about 8 miles on State Route 243. Turn right onto Black Mountain Road/Forest Route 4S01 and continue about 5 miles to the campground. Black Mountain Road is an unpaved forest road, not recommended for low clearance vehicles or trailers.
Address
PO Box 518
Idyllwild, CA 92549
Coordinates
33.8263889 N
116.7538889 W
Connectivity
T-Mobile5GExcellent Coverage
VerizonLTESome Coverage
AT&T5GGood CoverageVerified by 1 userLast on 4/12/26
Connectivity
- T-Mobile5GExcellent Coverage
- VerizonLTESome Coverage
- AT&T5GGood CoverageVerified by 1 userLast on 4/12/26
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
Features
For Campers
- Trash
- Picnic Table
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Water Hookups
Drive Time
- 2 hrs 39 min from Los Angeles, CA
- 2 hrs 54 min from San Diego, CA
- 3 hrs 10 min from El Centro, CA
- 3 hrs 27 min from Oxnard, CA
