Hikers planning to summit Mount San Jacinto have a practical staging point at Marion Mountain: the trailhead sits directly within the campground, making it a natural base for that route through San Bernardino National Forest. Stone Creek Campground — Mount San Jacinto State Park sits about a mile to the southwest, and San Bernardino National Forest Fern Basin Campground is just under half a mile west for those comparing options in the area. The campground runs from late May through mid-November, with sites at $20 per night.
The layout here takes some getting used to. Sites in the outer loops tend to be more spacious and secluded, while those in the center cluster closer together with less privacy between neighbors. Reviewers specifically recommend sites 22, 23, and 24 on the western side, and note that site 6 has open views but minimal shade. A few sites require a short walk from the parking area, and some terrain runs noticeably sloped, though most spots have a flat area for a tent and picnic table. David R. calls it a "quiet wooded campground off the main road," which holds true on weekdays. Weekends and holiday periods draw larger crowds, and long-time visitors advise against those windows if low noise is a priority.
Drinking water is available at select spigots throughout the campground, not at every site, so confirming your site's proximity to water is worth doing when reserving. Pit toilets serve the campground. No showers or electrical hookups are available. Fire restrictions can limit campfire use depending on conditions, so check current Forest Service rules before arrival. The paved access road handles most vehicles well, though the winding route makes anything over 20 feet impractical.
Mosquitoes can be heavy, particularly in midsummer, so pack accordingly. Most sites are reservable in advance, though a handful remain first-come, first-served with cash or check payment at the drop box. Shannon L. notes "lots of hiking trails with great views," and nearby Lake Fulmor adds a short drive-out option for fishing or a change of scenery. Campers who time their visit for a weekday in the shoulder season tend to find the campground nearly empty, which gives the forested sites a more spread-out feel worth planning around.
Description
Overview
The Marion Mountain Campground offers a beautiful retreat in the San Bernardino National Forest. It provides access to a number of hiking trails that lead to some of the most spectacular views of Southern California. 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.
Recreation
Visitors enjoy sport climbing on rocks within the campground. Hiking on the nearby Marion Mountain Trail, which leads to San Jacinto Peak, is also available. Views from the peak extend to the ocean and across the Palm Desert, as well as the San Bernardino and San Gabriel mountains on a clear day. The 11.8-mile Marion Mountain Trail is the shortest route up the mountain, but also quite strenuous in areas. Shorter hikes can be enjoyed on other nearby trails.
Facilities
Marion Mountain campground offers about two dozen campsites for both tent and small RV / van camping. All campsites are equipped with tables and campfire rings with grills. Vault toilets are available within the campground.Please be aware that potable (safe for drinking) water may or may not be available at this campground. Please plan accordingly.
Natural Features
The campground is located in a forested area at an elevation of 6,400 feet. Mature cedar and pine trees provide ample shade and privacy between campsites.
Nearby Attractions
The campground is located approximately 50 miles from San Bernardino, California, and seven miles north of Idyllwild, which is popular for its small-town atmosphere and variety of shops and restaurants.
Fee Info
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsMarion Mountain is located in California near Idyllwild-Pine Cove
Directions
From Interstate 10 in Banning, take Highway 243 south for about 20 miles to Alandale. Travel east on Stone Creek Campground Road for about 2 miles to Marion Mountain Campground.
Address
Po Box 518
Idyllwild, CA 92549
Coordinates
33.7916667 N
116.7319444 W
Connectivity
T-MobileLTESome Coverage- VerizonLTESome CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 8/7/26
AT&T5GGood Coverage
Connectivity
- T-MobileLTESome Coverage
- VerizonLTESome CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 8/7/26
- AT&T5GGood Coverage
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Group
- Tent Cabin
Features
For Campers
- Trash
- Picnic Table
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- Drinking Water
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Big Rig Friendly
Drive Time
- 1 hr 51 min from Los Angeles, CA
- 2 hrs 7 min from San Diego, CA
- 2 hrs 22 min from El Centro, CA
- 2 hrs 39 min from Oxnard, CA
