Camping in Idyllwild-Pine Cove occurs primarily between elevations of 5,000 to 7,500 feet in the San Jacinto Mountains, creating distinct seasonal conditions. Summer temperatures average 75-85°F during the day with nighttime lows dropping to 50-60°F, requiring campers to pack layers regardless of season. Winter brings occasional snow, with some campgrounds closing or limiting services from November through April.
What to do
Hiking from camp: Marion Mountain Trail begins directly at Marion Mountain campground and offers challenging terrain with elevation gain. "Marion mountain is located about 6 miles north of the town of Idyllwild and offers shaded campsites and basic car camping amenities. The campsites are fairly spaced out offering privacy to take in all nature has to offer," explains Shannon C.
Stargazing: Dark skies at Palomar Mountain State Park Campground provide exceptional night viewing with minimal light pollution. "The birds are loud, but if you don't care about that they're very fun to watch! The largest critter we saw was a wild turkey. We didn't hike much because we brought our pet, but the rains this year produced out a lot of beautiful native flowers," notes Matty F. The nearby Palomar Observatory is only 5 miles from the campground.
Water recreation: Lake Hemet Campground offers fishing, boat rentals, and seasonal water attractions. "We had the best time here! The lake with all the blow up toys was a blast! The section we were in only had a volt potty but there were showers there in another section. Every site has a picnic table and fire ring. We rented a boat and went out on the lake to do some fishing," shares Jennifer D.
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Thousand Trails Idyllwild offers sites with natural separation. "The sites are very large and there are adequate amenities. We tent camped 3 days 2 nights during Memorial weekend with 3 other families. We really enjoyed the drive up Idylwild, beautiful scenery," reports Angela.
Hot spring pools: Luxury glamping in Idyllwild-Pine Cove area extends to nearby Desert Hot Springs where Catalina Spa and RV Resort features mineral pools. "This was my first time staying at one of these big RV resorts with all the bells and whistles you could possibly need from the place. The pool/spa is currently open, which is a little surprising considering pandemic restrictions so we chose to abstain. We had a nice back-in site," explains Sarah M.
Varied terrain: Campgrounds around Idyllwild offer distinctive settings from mountain forests to desert landscapes, each with unique wildlife. "Awesome quiet campground for a more 'dispersed' camping feel. Dispersed due to the fact there's only a few water spigots at select sites and the bathroom were a hike from our spot. We took site #20, it was little bit of a trek from the parking spot to our camp, but the site was extremely spacious and secluded," describes Collier T.
What you should know
Seasonal closures: Many facilities and amenities close during colder months. "We drove up for an impromptu camp trip, it was only about an hour drive. I've never been up to Palomar Mountain although I've lived here for 30 years! It's a very picturesque drive with lots of twists and turns and watch out for those motorcycles," advises Lindsey W.
Reservation planning: Premium sites book quickly, especially for glamping in Idyllwild-Pine Cove. "We were 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," explains Isabelle S.
Fire restrictions: Fire regulations vary by season and location. "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," notes one camper from Marion Mountain.
Tips for camping with families
Water play options: Lake Skinner Recreation Area offers splash pads when swimming isn't permitted in the reservoir. "I loved this campground but wasn't a fan of the extra fees. 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. On the flip side they have a super nice splash pad park that's no additional cost," notes Jennifer D.
Site selection for kids: Choose sites away from steep drop-offs. "We stayed at 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," advises a visitor to Thousand Trails Idyllwild.
Pack for temperature swings: Mountain elevations mean 30°F drops from day to night, even in summer. "Nice weather not too hot in the summer. The closest general store is about a 10 minute drive and has limited supplies so bring everything you'll need," recommends one camper at Palomar Mountain State Park.
Tips from RVers
Leveling challenges: Many mountain sites require extensive leveling equipment. "Our Site was not level at all. We carry a lot of leveling blocks and are not even close to level still nose down with 4 2x8s and Jack at max extension. Side to side level took one board under left side. We Had to get more lumber in town to level travel the trailer from front to rear," shares a visitor to Thousand Trails Idyllwild.
Access considerations: Mountain roads present navigation challenges for larger rigs. "Quiet wooded campground off the main road. Windy (paved) road to get in so could be tricky for rigs >25 feet. Water only turned on during weekends while we were there, though water available down the road in another campground. Many sites a little slopey," notes David R.
Winter preparation: Pack freeze prevention for water lines during winter camping. "Weather was cold and windy but not too bad. 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 from Lake Hemet.
