Stone Creek Campground in Mount San Jacinto State Park offers campers a quieter alternative to the more popular Idyllwild Campground. Located at 5,000 feet elevation, this campground features 35 sites with varying levels of privacy, particularly in the outer ring. The region experiences significant temperature fluctuations, with summer days reaching the 80s while dropping to the 40s at night. "The vault toilets were clean and well stocked with TP and antibacterial soap. There were three on-site," notes one visitor about Stone Creek's facilities.
What to do
Hike the Marion Mountain Trail: Marion Mountain Campground serves as the starting point for hiking to Mount San Jacinto's summit. "This is a great place to camp if you plan to hike Mount San Jacinito via the Marion Mountain trail because the trailhead starts in the campground," explains a camper. The trail offers challenging terrain with significant elevation gain.
Fish at Lake Perris: Lake Perris State Recreational Area provides fishing opportunities for campers seeking water activities. "This lake has been good to me and my friends, always catch something, maybe not a lunker but fun," shares John H. The lake maintains stocked fish populations throughout the year, though a fishing permit is required.
Visit Idyllwild town: Idyllwild Campground provides easy access to the nearby mountain town. "3 minute walk into downtown idyllwild, with its great bars and restraunts. Strangely also seems seculed from downtown and quiet," reports Megan B. The town offers shopping, dining, and cultural attractions within walking distance of the campground.
What campers like
Mountain views: The San Jacinto area's elevation provides scenic vistas from many campgrounds. At Hurkey Creek Park, "if you reserve a spot at the back of the park you will have an amazing view of The San Jacinito mountain range," Shannon C. advises. These sites typically fill quickly during peak season.
Wildlife viewing: Many campsites offer opportunities to observe local wildlife. At Stone Creek, one camper reports: "There were warning signs for snakes, mountain lions, plague-infected squirrels and bears, but all we saw were deer." Morning and evening hours typically provide the best wildlife viewing opportunities.
Private campsites: Marion Mountain receives high marks for spacious sites. "We enjoyed the size and feel of the campground. We did find that spot to the west were the best ones for the most part," notes Brittany N. Sites 22, 23, and 24 are highlighted as particularly private, while central sites offer less seclusion.
What you should know
Elevation affects temperature: The San Jacinto mountains create significant temperature differences. At Stone Creek Campground, campers should "add 5-10 degrees to the temperature which is taken from a higher elevation weather station." Nighttime temperatures can drop significantly even in summer.
Campground amenities vary widely: Facility quality differs significantly between campgrounds. At Lake Hemet Campground, "Bring insulation for your water hose or have some type of method that will keep your water lines from freezing. Our water hose froze the first night," advises Donovan. Yucaipa Regional Park, in contrast, offers full hookups and shower facilities.
Fire restrictions change seasonally: Fire regulations vary throughout the year. "We didn't know until we arrived" that there was a "no open flame aloud because of how dry it was," reports one Stone Creek camper. Always check current fire restrictions before arrival, especially during summer and fall.
Tips for camping with families
Water play options: Several campgrounds provide water recreation for children. Yucaipa Regional Park offers "a super nice splash pad park that's no additional cost," according to Jennifer D. The park also features three lakes for fishing and multiple playgrounds.
Bees and insects: Parents should be prepared for insects, particularly at higher elevations. At Stone Creek, one camper warns about "the bees (the ones that like your food)" being a nuisance. Bug spray and food storage containers are recommended during warmer months.
Playground facilities: Several campgrounds feature dedicated play areas. Hurkey Creek Park offers "a nice playground, trails to walk and bike" reports Susan H. Banning Stagecoach KOA also includes "a cute campground with good park and pool and dogpark" for families with both children and pets.
Tips from RVers
Site leveling challenges: Many mountain campgrounds have uneven terrain. At Marion Mountain, "some sites were more slope-y than others," notes one camper. Lake Skinner Recreation Area provides "big open grassy area for activities" with more level sites suitable for larger rigs.
Hookup availability: Thousand Trails Wilderness Lakes RV Resort offers full hookups but has limitations. "They don't have enough 50amp sites and not all of them are always working... we have never been able to get in a 50amp site," cautions David N. RVers needing full hookups should consider Lake Perris or Lake Hemet as alternatives.
Access considerations: Mountain roads can challenge larger vehicles. Marion Mountain has a "windy (paved) road to get in so could be tricky for rigs >25 feet," advises David R. Sites closer to highways, like Lake Perris State Recreation Area, provide easier access for larger vehicles.
