Marion Mountain

We stayed in spot number 16 since it was one of the few that wasn’t reservable. Most are reserved but there is a chart at the pay area. Number 16 was such a great spot but horrible for getting your stuff up that hill. I recommend this spot if you are staying awhile. It was close to Idyllwild, which was convenient when we ran out of ice. There are no bear boxes, not sure if it was needed though. For the best spots, make sure to reserve. Not sure where to go to do that but definitely recommended. We were far enough away from neighbors to feel like we were almost camping alone. The only reason I wouldn’t come back is because there was no water.

We loved this campground. We enjoyed the size and feel of the campground. Well, every campground has ups and downs. This one literally has slopes. Hahah some sites were more slope-y than others, but most had a flat spot for a tent in for the picnic bench. We stayed in camp spot number 24 and it had a nice secluded feel to it. After walking around the entire campground well most spots were very nice. We did find that the spots in the center lacked privacy. And the spots to the East/backside of the campground were our least favorites. (#10, #16 especially wouldn’t recommend). We did find that spot to the west were the best ones for the most part . If you’re camping in a group numbers, 6,7,8,9 were nice as well as 22,23,24! There were a couple sites that you did have to walk through/near the other camp spot to get to it. I.e. Sites number seven and eight, as well as number 19 and 20, and 22 and 23.

Parking is a little funky, some of the closer camp spots, the parking was together. They each have their own spot, but you couldn’t fit more than one car. I would say that the center spots offered better dual parking if needed.

Final note: dogs do need to be on a leash in the campground, you will see my pup in the photo off leash because there was no one there at that time!

Was able to get a first come first serve site on a Saturday in October. Most sites were reserved but not everyone showed up. For first come first serve you must pay via cash or check using the drop box - no option for credit cards. Bathrooms were clean and parking was nice. Paved road all the way to your site. Not able to use fire pits due to fire restrictions.

It was nice being off the main road a bit and right off the Marion Mountain Trail. Great area to explore and hike around right off the campground! The trails were relatively quiet so I would recommend taking a hike if you are looking for quiet and solitude. Some sites can be pretty close to one another and unfortunately our camp neighbors were playing loud music into the night. Other than that I would give 5 stars.