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The San Jacinto Mountain area in Southern California features multiple established campgrounds catering to diverse camping styles. Mount San Jacinto State Park offers several camping options including Idyllwild Campground and Stone Creek Campground, which accommodate both tent and RV campers. Nearby Lake Hemet Campground and Hurkey Creek Park provide waterfront camping with amenities for families and outdoor enthusiasts. The region's campgrounds range from primitive sites to fully developed facilities with electrical hookups, showers, and picnic areas.
Many campgrounds in the San Jacinto area require advance reservations, particularly during peak summer months. Elevation varies significantly across the region, affecting temperatures and camping conditions throughout the year. "We took longer to get through northern LA on the Hwy 101 so we needed to stop earlier than Palm Desert. Found Country Hills RV Park. Most amazing sunset on a full moon night and incredibly quiet but wonderful bird sounds welcomed us at dusk," noted one visitor. Road conditions generally allow standard vehicle access to most established sites, though some remote areas may require high-clearance vehicles. Several campgrounds like Marion Mountain operate seasonally, typically open from May through November, while others such as Lake Hemet and Idyllwild remain accessible year-round.
Campers consistently rate Mount San Jacinto State Park facilities highly, with Stone Creek and Idyllwild campgrounds receiving ratings above 4.4 stars. According to feedback on The Dyrt, visitors appreciate the tranquil settings and mountain views at these locations. Tent campers favor Idyllwild for its walk-in sites and proximity to hiking trails, while RV travelers often choose Lake Hemet Campground or Lake Perris State Recreation Area for their full hookup capabilities. Wildlife viewing opportunities abound throughout the region, with early morning and evening hours offering the best chance to observe local fauna. Some campgrounds like Banning Stagecoach KOA provide amenities specifically for families, including playgrounds and swimming pools, though visitor experiences vary regarding maintenance and noise levels from nearby highways.
"Already been here twice once in 01/25 and 11/25 great campsite some have access to running water facet if not there are some that are close by, have also close by trash bins, has a little shop near by"
"It is right next to the lake which has a swimming area, bike path, climbing area, Hiking trails, along with a camp store which has boat rentals and much more! "
from $25 - $300 / night
Check Availability"This is a great family campground right around the corner from Temecula, Murrietta, and Menifee."
"The charge $10 per person per day to fish in their Lake. And you can’t swim or let the kids play in the lake because it’s a reservoir."
from $25 - $45 / night
Check Availability"Trail leading up to Mount San Jacinto is within walking distance. Lots of trees , very inexpensive. Not many sites."
"Great campsite within 5 minute walk of downtown idyllwild. Plus less than 2 hours from drive to Palm Spring Tram up to Mt."
from $25 - $45 / night
Check Availability"In the back of a small town 2 miles behind a stater brother's. Most sites are near level on gravel and close together. Laundry uses quarters or a third party app to pay."
"I had a reservation at Wilderness Lakes, and I was a day early, so they let me in! Off to a good start! Full hook-ups, laundry and showers about 50 yards away, no matter which way you go."
"You can fit two 10' x10' canopies to cover the bench table, and fit 2 individual tents (4-6 person) OR a bigger 12p tent however you decide to position it. It has its own Fire pit."
"I've been camping at Lake Hemet since I was a kid, and absolutely love it there."
from $45 / night
Check Availability"Bathrooms were clean considering there is only one location for bathrooms. Not much space for tents but lots of sites if you have a trailer or motor home."
"Stone Creek Campground in San Jacinto Mountain State Park is the perfect getaway for coastal Southern California residents."
"I was really excited to head out to this campground/ site because it was a close drive from my home, but far enough away to get up in the mountains."
from $20 - $35 / night
Check Availability"Tons of hiking trails and within 30 min drive of major shopping/grocery stores. Big Bear is about an hour away with and awesome drive up the mountain."
"Close to the city but far enough away from the lights. There is a ton of stuff to do here. Fishing, kayaking, hiking, water slides, disc golf, bike trails. The RV spots are beyond huge!"
"The bumpy six mile drive up a dirt road to reach this campground is well worth it. The campground has garbage cans and pit toilets."
"You can also camp at nearby yellow post sites for free. There is bouldering available right in the campground - doesn't get much more convenient than that!"
from $20 / night
Check Availability"Located in the San Bernardino National Forest, within the San Jacinto District, Marion Mt. Campground is one of the best camping sites in Southern California."
"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."
from $20 / night
Check Availability
ScoutFive miles up the mountain via dirt road. High clearance vehicle recommended. Great choice of campsites. Some can be reserved some first come. Not a bad choice among the 24 or so sites. I was there overnight on a Monday and just 3 campsites occupied.
TravelerAwesome spot not far outside of town, dirt road has some bumps but nothing crazy. Got up in a 2wd compact SUV with no issues, tons of spots and nice and quiet
GuideI came through for an overnight on my trip down from SEKI and ultimately toward the southeastern USA. The drive in was not the most enjoyable, bumpy with 15mph hairpins, but the campground was quiet, and the showers we're VERY clean and hot... (They are push button, but you can keep pushing the button every 8 seconds (it lasts only 10 if you don't). The cleanliness of this place alone would leave it on my list of potential return stops.
TravelerCheck in was a breeze even coming in after hours. Found our park site easily. Lots of amenities, 18 hole putting golf, pools, spas, laundry was easy, game room, 24 hour fitness....VERY NICE FACILITY.
GuideMostly Park Model mobile homes and permanent RV's. There's 20 spots in the back for overnight stays. There is a pool but I didn't use it.
TravelerThe entrance is opposite of lone pine canyon rd . At night the train goes by . We saw a dead drop pickup in the morning. We woke to a car and motorcycle parked nearby- a lady and heavily tattooed guy were out walking around. They dug out 3 black bags from some brush and took off. So that was exciting.
GuideNice and green, front row is directly in the beach. Toilets are not the best but the location makes up for it
TravelerThe Oceanside RV Park Resort is an RV park. We're close together. There are little short wooden fence bits that separate us and there are amenities. There are full hookups. There are pull-through spots. There's laundry. There's a swimming pool and a hot tub. All the things. However, the train that runs every. single. hour. is quite loud. It is but feet from the outer edges and the horn that they blow is jarring. I have had now several times, during my week stay here, that it has awoken me from being asleep. Besides that, great little spot. The people that work here. Great people that darn train though...
ScoutPlace is super cool but there's a sign that says No overnight camping :(
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best campgrounds near San Jacinto?
The San Jacinto area offers several outstanding campgrounds within Mount San Jacinto State Park. Idyllwild Campground is highly rated for its proximity to downtown Idyllwild (just a 5-minute walk) and access to hiking trails. Marion Mountain in the San Bernardino National Forest provides peace and tranquility in a beautiful mountain setting, making it one of Southern California's best camping destinations. For backpackers, the campgrounds accessible via the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway offer stunning high-elevation experiences with incredible views. Most campgrounds in the area fill quickly during peak seasons, so reservations are recommended.
Where can I find free or affordable camping sites in San Jacinto?
Thomas Hunting Grounds Yellow Post Campites offer free camping in the San Jacinto area. These dispersed sites don't have amenities like picnic tables, though there is a restroom near where the campsites begin. Sites are widely spaced with spectacular views overlooking the landscape. For affordable options, Stone Creek Campground near Idyllwild provides a budget-friendly alternative that's less crowded than other nearby sites. Most free camping in the area is on Forest Service land, requiring a free California Campfire Permit if you plan to have a campfire or use a stove.
Are there RV camping options in San Jacinto?
Yes, there are several RV-friendly options near San Jacinto. Sky Valley RV Resort is a highly-rated option with nearly perfect winter weather conditions, making it ideal for snowbirds. Lake Hemet Campground near Mountain Center accommodates RVs and offers water and toilet facilities. For those wanting full hookups and resort amenities, Banning Stagecoach KOA provides a convenient location with easy access to San Jacinto Mountain attractions. Most RV sites in the area require reservations, especially during peak seasons, and some mountain roads have restrictions for larger rigs.
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