The San Jacinto Mountains surrounding Idyllwild, California feature numerous developed campgrounds and primitive sites at elevations between 5,000-8,000 feet. Mount San Jacinto State Park contains several campgrounds including Stone Creek and Marion Mountain, while nearby Lake Hemet and Hurkey Creek Park offer lakeside camping options. The region includes a mix of tent-only areas, RV-accessible sites with hookups, and cabin rentals. Thousand Trails Idyllwild and Lake Hemet Campground provide more developed facilities with amenities like showers, picnic tables, and fire rings, while yellow post sites on Thomas Mountain offer more primitive experiences.
Camping in the Idyllwild area requires planning around seasonal conditions, with many campgrounds operating only from May through September due to winter weather. "The campground has room for 1 car, and was allotted 8 people. A long picnic table and a campfire ring with a grill option!" noted one camper about Stone Creek Campground. Fire restrictions frequently impact the region during dry summer months, with some campgrounds prohibiting wood fires during high-risk periods. Most developed sites require reservations, particularly on weekends and during summer months. Temperatures at higher elevations can be significantly cooler than surrounding valleys, often 10-15 degrees lower than Idyllwild town itself, making this area popular for summer escapes from coastal heat.
Proximity to the town of Idyllwild represents a significant advantage for many campgrounds in the area. Several campers mentioned the convenience of being able to walk or drive a short distance to town for supplies, restaurants, or entertainment. The campgrounds vary in privacy levels, with Boulder Basin offering more secluded sites while Idyllwild Campground sites are described as "close to each other" by some reviewers. Many campgrounds connect to hiking trails, including access to the Pacific Crest Trail from certain locations. A camper described Marion Mountain as having "fairly spaced out sites offering privacy to take in all nature has to offer," highlighting the natural setting that draws visitors to the area. Wildlife sightings, particularly deer, are common throughout the region's campgrounds.
$45 / night
"Really a fun lake to actually catch some fish. Kayaking, biking & boat rentals. Busy on weekends and empty during the week; it’s a great place to bring a tent or RV."
"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."
$25 - $45 / night
"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."
"Nice quiet campground within walking distance to downtown Idyllwild. Water available near sites. We were in a pop up camper."
$30 - $35 / night
"Lots of trails nearby and close to Idyllwild CA. Free entry into a few other attractions with camping, Idyllwild Nature Center is one."
"This is one of our family's favorite campgrounds because it's a quick drive from San Diego (and OC) and it gives us our "mountain fix" when we don't have time to drive to the Sierra Mountains."
$20 - $35 / night
"My sister, her 3 kids, and 2 dogs jumped into the car and headed out towards Idyllwild, CA."
"Located near Idyllwild, this is the smaller, less rowdy campground associated with the tourist town."
$20 / night
"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."
"Marion mountain is located about 6 miles north of the town of Idyllwild and offers shaded campsites and basic car camping amenities."
"We stayed at the Idyllwild RV Resort over Labor Day weekend 2020 and we had a great time."
"When I first got to Idyllwild, a little heat wave was hanging around, but by the 2nd week, the weather was beautiful. They have plenty of spots for tents, RV’s, and cabins."
$20 / night
"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."
"The Campground is set off the main highway about 5 miles and only accessible if have a suv or truck as it is a switchback dirt road. Trailers would not be able to make this trek."
"I had service up there, not to crowded and the spots are a good ways away from each other!"
"This campsite is about 45 minutes down a 4 wheel drive only dirt path. Pot toilets and trash cans available at the site. Nothing else much around to do other than hang out at the campground or hike."
"Very nice to find a campsite this private on a weekend in southern California elevation is high enough that temperatures were very enjoyable (mid 80's)"
"Yellow Post #2 – San Bernardino National Forest Secluded, free, first-come-first-served tent site tucked deep in the forest near Hemet, CA."
$25 - $45 / night
"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."
GuideBeautiful scenic camping in the boulders! Most sites suitable for tents. Larger vehicles will likely require leveling blocks. We made our 24' RV close to level with 40 blocks. Many clean pit toilets around camp ground. Nice 1/2 mile walk at upper end of camp ground. Quiet night. Would stay again.
GuideRelatively secluded but I have neighbors. Close to town. Looks like the road may get kinda messy with rain. ☔️
ScoutSpent 5 nights to be able to motorcycle the area
GuideCheckin was easy and friendly. Sites were huge. As all parks are in AZ and Palm Springs, it’s all sand and gravel. Not a sprig of grass which makes it difficult to get dogs to pee and it tracks in SO BAD! ALSO not the parks fault but 2 small trailers pulled in next to us around 10 pm and had lots of people and lots of kids. It was noisy and they were using what sounded like power tools for some reason. They were clearly together as doors faced one another. If they had been longer it wouldn’t have been an issue but when you stepped out of our MH there they were up close and personal. We had absolutely no privacy as everyone one faced our camper. It was just I’ve big happy family. NOT!
ScoutI went there with my daughter her husband and our dogs.We camped for the weekend and had a great time !!
ScoutJust happened on this campground and had it to ourselves. Only 1.5 miles from the end of pavement beyond Ocotillo Wells up the wash. Washboard but easy slow drive. Didn’t even air down tires because it was only a short drive. We towed in a 16 ft MDC trailer with no problem. Unfortunately we only have one night. Will be back.
ScoutThe site is a good price for 55+ and is reasonable. Nice year-round people as well.
GuideArrived here yesterday. One long road with "sites" along it. The land is part of the Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, but there is no fee and no permit required to stay here. And you can stay, free, for up to 30 days. We tow a 33' 5th wheel and got in with no problem. The mountains are beautiful!
ScoutLiving at resort for over 15 months. Good landscaping and and helpful and friendly staff.
Camping near Idyllwild, California ranges from high-elevation mountain sites at 7,000-8,000 feet to lower-elevation options around 4,000 feet near Lake Hemet. The San Jacinto Mountain region experiences temperature variations of 20-30 degrees between day and night, especially at higher elevations where overnight temperatures can drop to the 40s even in summer months. Water availability varies significantly by location, with some campgrounds offering no potable water.
Hiking from camp: Several campgrounds connect directly to trail systems. Stone Creek Campground offers immediate trail access with "a trail in the back of camp" and "Multiple hiking trails led out of camp including one right from next to our site that led to multiple other trails heading up San Jacinto Mountain," according to one camper at Stone Creek Campground.
Mountain biking: The area around Hurkey Creek Park features extensive trail networks. One camper noted, "We hiked around and explored and wished we brought our mountain bikes, lots of good riding around the area." Another mentioned at Hurkey Creek Park that "hiking and relaxing area.. the views are great and it's never to over crowded."
Bouldering: Boulder Basin Campground offers rock climbing opportunities right within the camping area. A visitor mentioned, "Love this small campground, lots of bouldering in the campground. Beautiful scenery." Many campers noted that the bouldering access makes the challenging drive worthwhile.
Fishing at Lake Hemet: Located near several campgrounds, Lake Hemet provides fishing opportunities. A camper reported, "We rented a boat and went out on the lake to do some fishing. We didn't catch anything but we did see some bald eagles which was super cool!"
Privacy between sites: Marion Mountain Campground offers well-spaced sites. One camper described it as having "fairly spaced out sites offering privacy to take in all nature has to offer." Another at Marion Mountain noted that "the campsites are fairly spaced out offering privacy to take in all nature has to offer."
Hot spring pools: For campers willing to drive to Desert Hot Springs, unique amenities await. A visitor to Catalina Spa and RV Resort reported, "They are fed by natural hot springs and warmer than most hot tubs. The camp ground was tidy and the sports were separated by shrubbery for privacy."
Wildlife viewing: The mountain environment supports diverse wildlife. At Hurkey Creek, a camper shared, "You can hear owls and coyotes at night.. I love it here!!!" Others reported deer sightings at various campgrounds throughout the area.
Town proximity: Idyllwild Campground offers unique walkable access to Idyllwild. A camper at Idyllwild Campground noted it's a "Great campsite within 5 minute walk of downtown idyllwild" and another mentioned it "seems seculed from downtown and quiet."
Seasonal water limitations: Water availability varies by campground and season. At Boulder Basin, "Although water is sometimes available, it is not potable and spigots are off during droughts. So make sure to pack enough water ahead of time." Many high-elevation sites require bringing all water.
Fire restrictions: Fire regulations change frequently, especially during dry periods. A recent visitor to Lake Hemet Campground shared, "Every campsite had a fire pit which was nice." However, another camper noted elsewhere, "No open fires this time of the year but nonetheless enjoyable and plenty of stars to be seen."
Road access challenges: Several campgrounds require high-clearance vehicles. A Tool Box Springs visitor advised, "Need high clearance vehicle for some of the ruts, or be VERY experienced driving through rough roads." Boulder Basin requires "a vehicle with 4wheel/AWD and/or something with at least 8-9 inches of ground clearance."
Toilets and facilities: Facility quality varies widely by campground. One camper at Stone Creek noted, "The vault toilets were clean, and well stocked with TP and antibacterial soap. There were three on-site." Meanwhile, at Boulder Basin, visitors warned, "the bathrooms are gnarly but tolerable if you're in and out quickly."
Playground access: Hurkey Creek Park offers dedicated play areas. A visitor mentioned, "Quiet campground with nice sites for tents or RVs. Dogs allowed. Hiking and fishing." Another noted it has a "nice playground, trails to walk and bike."
Swimming options: Lake Hemet offers water recreation for children. One family shared, "We had the best time here! The lake with all the blow up toys was a blast!" Another mentioned, "Every site has a picnic table and fire ring."
Educational opportunities: At Tool Box Springs, wildlife viewing becomes educational. A camper reported, "Lots of wildlife. Raccoons in the night, gray squirrel, other squirrels, many birds." Boulder Basin offers access to a fire lookout tower where "the woman staying there at the time was very knowledgeable and share a lot of information with us!"
Nature walks: Several campgrounds offer kid-friendly trails. A family at Stone Creek described, "We took the kids on the nature walk and they loved it! Big brother read the signs about the pine cones to his little sisters!"
Site selection for larger rigs: Not all campgrounds accommodate larger RVs. At Thousand Trails Idyllwild, a camper advised, "Site 414 Had No cell coverage for our Verizon phones. After a drive through the park we found Cell coverage only works in lower part of the park. Our Site was not level at all."
Water connection protection: Mountain temperatures require preparation. One RVer at Lake Hemet cautioned, "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."
Access route considerations: Mountain roads present challenges for RVs. A camper noted, "It is a windy, windy road up into the mountains, and people travel too fast. We saw some serious accident sites when people were traveling too fast."
Hookup variations: Services differ substantially between campgrounds. A visitor explained, "Limited FHU sites one is extremely lucky to find one available. Honey wagon is $25.00 per dump." Others mentioned that even electric sites may not offer 50-amp service at all locations.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best campsites at Idyllwild Campground?
At Idyllwild Campground — Mount San Jacinto State Park, the most desirable sites are those that offer both privacy and walking access to downtown. Sites nestled among the large trees provide better seclusion and natural shade. Many campers prefer the sites that back up to forest areas, as they create a stronger wilderness atmosphere while still providing modern amenities. The campground features clean flush toilets and showers (coin-operated). Most sites accommodate tents easily, though some can handle small pop-up campers with careful backing. Look for spots near the trailheads if you plan to hike directly from camp.
Where can I find a map of Idyllwild Campground?
Official maps of Idyllwild Regional Park are available at the entrance station when you check in, showing all campsite locations and amenities. For advance planning, you can download campground maps from the Riverside County Parks website or Mount San Jacinto State Park official page. The Dyrt app also provides interactive campground maps with site details and photos. For more detailed trail maps that connect to the campground, the visitor center in downtown Idyllwild sells topographic maps covering the surrounding wilderness areas, including paths that start within the campground boundaries.
How do Idyllwild Campground reviews compare to other camping options in the area?
Thousand Trails Idyllwild receives excellent reviews for RV camping, with spacious sites, multiple amenities, and a layout that prevents overcrowding even during busy weekends. For a more natural experience with water activities, Lake Hemet Campground is praised for fishing and kayaking opportunities but can get crowded and noisy on weekends. Those seeking a more secluded option appreciate Fern Basin Campground, which offers a more primitive experience outside town. Overall, Idyllwild Campground stands out for its balance of wilderness feel while remaining within walking distance of town amenities.
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