Idyllwild Campground, near Idyllwild, California, is a fantastic spot for those looking to immerse themselves in nature while enjoying some modern conveniences. With sites that come equipped with picnic tables and fire rings, it’s perfect for cozy evenings under the stars, though be prepared for cooler nights—some campers noted it can get quite chilly.

This campground offers clean facilities, including well-kept bathrooms and showers, which visitors appreciate after a day of hiking the nearby trails. As one camper mentioned, “The sites were clean and nice,” making it a comfortable base for your outdoor adventures. Plus, you can find drinking water and electric hookups, which are great perks for RVers.

If you’re up for exploring, you’ll find plenty of hiking trails right at your doorstep, with stunning views of the surrounding pines and boulders. The charming town of Idyllwild is just a short walk away, where you can grab a bite to eat or stock up on supplies. While some campers mentioned a bit of street noise, the overall vibe is relaxed and family-friendly, making it a solid choice for your next camping trip.

Idyllwild Campground — Mount San Jacinto State Park

Looking for the best campgrounds near Idyllwild, CA? Idyllwild is a great camping destination for everyone. There are tons of nearby hikes, adventurous activities, and sights to see. You're sure to find the perfect spot for your California camping adventure.

Idyllwild

The Best Camping Near Idyllwild, California

There are 2 yellow post campsites located about 5 miles from the city center that are free to camp in. Each site has a total of 8 camping spots that are first come, first serve. The road leading up to the sites is a bit bumpy as its paved only half way but my Honda Civic made it just fine. It's a primitive area with only a picnic table. It's a great place to camp if you plan to hike the South Ridge of Tahquitz.

Idyllwild Yellow Post Campsites for Tahquitz 

The town of Idyllwild is a quaint, artsy mountain community in Southern CA. Access to hiking and climbing is excellent. The county park is a good base-camp. Coin-op showers are pretty lukewarm, but better than nothing. It can get crowded here, and reservations are a good call - they have a user-friendly online system. 

Idyllwild is a great place to visit

This campsite is one of a few areas near the base of the south rim of Tahquitz. If planning on doing an overnight in Idyllwild and want to skip the crowded campgrounds in town, as well as skip the permitting process for the popular Devil's Slide trail, then this is your spot. Just a few miles from the ranger station (you will still need to get a permit from there even if you are just hiking the south rim) there are a series of "yellow-post" camping sites that are quiet and free of charge. Along with being free, these sites need no reservations but are first come first serve and only 8 parties are allowed up on the road per night. For perspective, we stayed at this site in August and had the entire area to ourselves. The road to get up to the sites is an uneven dirt and rocky (very steep at times) road, but can be accomplished even with a smaller car. The road turns from dirt to pavement before turning to dirt again to the campsites and finally to the south rim trailhead. 

If you are planning on camping like this then you probably already know what you're getting yourself into in regards to water and food/no amenities, but the road is very nice and the site we stayed at was at the end of a sort of dirt cul-de-sac overlooking the ridge. The ridge has plenty of flat (not rocky which was nice) ground for small tents, but also is interspersed with a very large rocky outcrop which makes cooking dinner and watching the sunset/sunrise just perfect.  The only negative thing I can think of to mention for this site was the fact that is indeed very buggy at the campsites (and for the first 1/3 of the hike up to Tahquitz if that is what you're planning) so plan accordingly with spray. Campfires are not allowed because it is so dry, so keeping the bugs away can be challenging at times. There were some mosquitoes, but it is mostly gnats and flies that are seemingly endless as well as relentless at times. However, this absolutely shouldn't deter you from staying at this beautiful site. 

Fire Road Camping for Tahquitz Peak - South Rim

_Although_ this campground is within walking distance of the touristy town of Idyllwild, upon entering the campground a sense of wilderness literally engulfs you. The facilities are well kept and provide flush toilets(actually clean and working,y’all!), ample privacy between campsites(a must for me being an Introvert) and a responsible recycling bin system. I’ve camped here in all the seasons and the place is consistently maintained. I must confess; I have ventured into the town to stock up on ice and forgotten toothpaste...and a refreshing beer or three at the Idyllwild Brewery(killer pizza by the way). This convenience is a points getter when taking a Lady for the first time camping.

There is a very accomplished trail system into the San Jacinto wilderness, connecting to the Pacific Crest Trail( PCT) but be forewarned that dogs are NOT allowed on the trails. You must research local trails that do allow Bowser; do not find out the hard way as I did the second time I camped here.

Idyllwild has been my respite for some years now. I am very picky with campsites and will give negative reviews to be honest. This is a site worthy of my young grand daughters who still explore and believe that there are trolls and fairies and hidden gems in the forest. Yes dear, this is one of them.

So close and yet so far away...

Amazing place to catch your breath from the city life of Los Angeles. That is if you can with the elevation! There are so many hikes and with PCTers walking in and out of town you are sure to find great stories wondering through. 

You can hike and camp up to the peak or you can do a calming hike around the area and take in all the pines. 

Breathtaking

We arrived early on Friday morning and snagged one of two remaining spots. Trail leading up to Mount San Jacinto is within walking distance. Lots of trees , very inexpensive. Not many sites.

Under trees

Near many trailheads with wide variety of difficulty, clean bathrooms, and friendly staff.

Short hop from LA and OC

even in the snow there is a lot to see and do. we stayed here in the winter and it was beautiful. very cold though so make sure to prepare for snow and freezing temps. most of the hikes require a permit that you can pick up at the ranger station. we used the team to ride up to the top before hiking to san jacinto peak. the weather can be unpredictable so make sure to check in with the ranger to see if they have any warnings. on the way back, make sure to grab some food at the restaurant, it's good!

beautiful year round

Great campsite within 5 minute walk of downtown idyllwild. Plus less than 2 hours from drive to Palm Spring Tram up to Mt. San Jacinto and a great way to cool off in the summer or see snow in the winter. Showers and clean bathrooms!

Idyllwild and palm springs home base

3 minute walk into downtown idyllwild, with its great bars and restraunts. Strangely also seems seculed from downtown and quiet. About 2 hours drive and you can take the tram car in palm springs up to the top of Mt. Jacinto and cool off, maybe there will be snow?

Close to all the action

Its nice to find a campground close to the town. I met some PCT hikers and had a great time listening to their stories. Well maintained and easy to find.

Great campground close to town!

Idyllwild County campground is not that easy to find, but when you finally find it you will be glad you did. It is dog friendly, clean restrooms, showers and very friendly staff. The fees for camping are low and it's exciting to be away from everything but know there is a safety net of rangers and other staff around if you need them. Hike to the Nature Center using Perimeter or Hillside trails and you are in for a treat. They have good exhibits, and a bonus bird watching area. I love this park for day use as well - when it's 100 degrees + in the summer a drive up to Idyllwild is like going to heaven.

Hidden Gem 

Offers wide range of tent camp sites, RV camping, showers, toilets. Beautiful scenic hikes. Small creek runs through property. Campsite grills and picnic tables.

Quiet Mountain Camping 

We’ve gone camping here a few times and are completely in love. We went in January and were definitely a bit unprepared for the cold but we made it work and it was so beautiful, well maintained, and we loved all the trails near by and the little town walking distance

My favorite place

This campground is right by the town. You can walk there within minutes. That could be a good thing or a bad thing. A little louder than what I would want. It’s still a nice spot. A couple guys and I went up there to get away and we enjoyed our time. Good hiking spots within a few minutes of driving. Not much to do around the campsite other than go into town.

Mountian Men

The campground is in a great spot but it has alot of traffic and minimal privacy

Crowded and No Privacy

5 star for the fact that they are open year round. Great camp ground and amenities. Good spacing between spots but doesn't really matter in the winter because there was no one else there. Great option when you need a place to crash for the night. 

Winter wonderland

I love this park. It is beautifully maintained, has showers, lots of manzanita trees, and large boulders to play on. The fire rings and trash cans are emptied regularly. There is a lot of Raccoon activity in town so keep your food secured. If you are up for it, you can visit the Raccoon rescue in town too. Maybe meet a friend like Fred (see picture). 

You are nestled in the middle of the town with easy walking access to shops, restaurants, and the nature center. The nature center is lovely for a smaller mountain town and can give you in depth information in regards to the local flora and fauna. 

The sites are large and flat. Surrounded by sweet smelling pines too, which makes life even sweeter. There is tons to do nearby in addition to the town sites. Tons of hiking trails, scenic views, mountain lakes.

Secret Mountain Escape in the middle of SoCal

While I fully appreciated the location, the scenery, the quaint community of Idyllwild, the campsites were TOO close and on hills making relaxing and tent camping a bit of a downer. It felt like we were right on top of each other. We had loud campers on 2/3 sites near us. I don’t think I would camp here again.

Close to town and close to each other. 

 Kings Canyon is one of the coolest places I've been in a long time and Southern California

Very quiet and tucked in the corner

We keep coming back here. Great little campground with clean air, starry skies and big trees. Lake Fulmor is 3 miles away to take pups swimming off leash.  Idyllwild is a charming town for small town vibe. Nice trails close to PCT and rock climbing by Humber Park. Groceries are expensive on this mountain so pick up food in Hemet.  The Idyllwild campground is crowded and loud so we always stay at Stone Creek. Best electric site is #50 Best tent site is #26. Great little nature loop but watch out for the big cats and snakes!

Idyllwild Sweet Spot

Great overall experience. The sites have a lot of low trees which can be a bit annoying but provided a good bit of privacy. The drive up was very scenic. The Peak hike was challenging and definitely not for beginners.

Great hike

Not a bad campground, but not woodsy or remote enough for what I’m looking for when camping. 
Sites 56 and 57 are the best, stay away from the loop at the end in the 70s.

PROS: flush toilets, coin showers (if you like that kind of thing), not crowded mid-week in June. Somewhat woodsy so most spots have some shade, and interesting boulders with Native American Pictographs in the campground.

CONS: daytime Lawnmower and traffic noise, visible street lights and power lines, surprisingly busy air traffic at night. Some loud RV people but that’s unavoidable. Most campsites relatively close and no privacy between them, no views.

HIKES: there’s an interesting trailhead at the end of the campground loop with a pretty steep climb, mostly shaded. Better off driving 15 min to shared trailhead for Ernie Maxwell (easy, FANTASTIC views) or Devil’s Slide (harder) in nearby Humber park in San Bernardino Natl Forest.



Too urban and noisy for me

We like coming here because it’s close to us and a nice little getaway to relax and make sure all our gear is good to go for our longer camping trips. A lot of trails around and the town is close by with a store and restaurants. Bathrooms are always clean everyone at campsites are good on being quiet when it’s quiet hours. This campground is very family friendly 

Nice local getaway 

Nice quiet campground within walking distance to downtown Idyllwild. Water available near sites. We were in a pop up camper. Most sites are suitable for tents only, backing in to our site was an adventure. Great hiking trails start in the campground. Showers are coin operated. 

Midweek Summer in Idyllwild

First time I have stayed in this campground. Brought my 21 foot trailer and was able to stay in a spot with electric. The campground was very clean and the bathrooms and showers were very clean and well kept. Decent tree coverage. Most spots have some shade, but some are in full sun. I stayed two nights. Pretty quiet but some street noise from the highway. You can walk into town for dinner ad well. 

Very clean and close to town

Hiked saw mill flats and loved to views of the pines and large boulder formations. 
The path was relatively easy to hike and we’re looking forward to checking out the surrounding trails. 
The stone creek camp ground is great if you don’t mind company and weekend partiers. If you’d like seclusion you’d probably want to hike in to one of the deeper camp options. 
The main bathrooms smelled terrible but if you walk to one of the ones farther to the end of camp they are much nicer. Pro tip 
Hike and camp safe!

Stone Creek camp and Saw mill flats

Super quiet relaxing spot. Kinda close to main road. But, store close by. Around the corner next to the village.

San Jacinto camp ground

Had a nice time.  The sites were clean and nice. Had fire ring, picnic table, and easy access to water and toilets.  Also nice trails for hiking. 

Two things. It got really cold at night, about 10 degrees colder that Idyllwild Town limits. And there was a no open flame aloud because of how dry it was—which we did not know  until we arrived. Might want to check that out. 

Photos of Idyllwild Campground — Mount San Jacinto State Park

Real photos from real campers