Camping options near Idyllwild, California range from primitive yellow post sites to established campgrounds at elevations between 5,000-9,100 feet in the San Jacinto Mountains. The region experiences dramatic temperature variations, with summer daytime highs in the 80s dropping to the 40s at night, while winter temperatures can plunge below freezing with occasional snow. Several campgrounds require high-clearance or 4WD vehicles to access due to rugged forest service roads.
What to do
Hiking the Ramona Trail: Access this trail directly from Tool Box Springs Yellow Post Campground where it starts behind the washhouse. "Awesome spot! Just got back this past weekend and the service road to get up was absolutely covered in mud and snow. Would 100% recommend it, but if it's been snowing or raining, you'll need high clearance and 4x4," notes Kyle M.
Summit Mount San Jacinto: Start your hike from Round Valley Campsite for a challenging but rewarding trek. "We stayed at the round valley campground in March of this year. There was still some snow and it was beautiful. We took the tram up from palm springs and backpacked to the campground before summiting up San Jacinto peak. The views were breathtaking and the elevation was a killer," reports Katie O.
Fishing at multiple lakes: Yucaipa Regional Park offers three lakes stocked for fishing throughout the year. "Great tent camping facilities, privacy from neighbors, access to Zanja Peak Trail head, 3 lakes for fishing, water park during the summer, and friendly helpful staff," according to Bryan H.
What campers like
Privacy between sites: At Thomas Hunting Grounds Yellow Post Campites, campsites are widely spaced for solitude. "The campsites were wonderful- fair warning only a few campsites have a fire pit. A fire pit is a must in the winter - chilled winds, come prepared. Beautiful hiking trails and wildlife," mentions Katie S.
Free camping options: Several yellow post sites offer no-cost alternatives to paid campgrounds. "If you're looking for a quiet, more remote campsite while hiking the Idyllwild area then look no further. These 'yellow post' sites are essentially boondocking in the forest off dirt fire service roads. The best part is that you don't need reservations and they're free," explains Mark C.
Wildlife viewing: Many campers report animal sightings throughout the San Jacinto Mountains. "Labor Day weekend. We occupied the only spot out of five. Lots of wildlife. Raccoons in the night, gray squirrel, other squirrels, many birds," writes Rhyn E. about Tool Box Springs.
What you should know
High elevation effects: Prepare for colder temperatures and possible altitude sickness above 9,000 feet. "Like the title says this is the largest Campsite on Mt. San Jacinto with 28 Campsite and pit toilets. This Campsite is only about 2 miles from the tram but the elevation of Round Valley is 9,100 ft," warns Cody B.
Water filtration needs: Streams near tent campsites near Idyllwild require treatment before drinking. "Isolated and peaceful backpacking campsite. Make sure to grab a permit before heading up. Bring a filter for the water because drinking it is iffy, I wouldn't trust it," advises Katie O. about Round Valley.
Road conditions: Many yellow post sites require suitable vehicles. "Need high clearance vehicle!! I loved the site! It has a bathroom at the very start, but can be a little ways from the sites. I had service up there, not too crowded and the spots are a good ways away from each other! The only downfall is without a high clearance vehicle, it took me an hour and a half to go six miles up," cautions Jake P.
Tips for camping with families
Water activities in summer: Tamarack Valley Campground provides a cooler alternative to lower-elevation camping. "We stayed at group sites and man, it was unreal. We came here once a month last year and had the time of our lives. This place is gorgeous," shares Taylor.
More developed options: Family-friendly alternatives with amenities exist within driving distance. "This is your typical regional park Campground. There's a lot to do here, including fishing, playgrounds, and even a waterpark in the summer. The bathrooms are decent, no showers. There's no larger wildlife, like bears, so less stressful when you have pets or kids," explains Mary F. about Yucaipa Regional Park.
Bring warm clothing year-round: Mountain camping near Idyllwild requires preparation for cold nights even in summer. "Complete Serenity! Beautiful, private, and secluded. The campgrounds were wonderful- fair warning only a few campsites have a fire pit. A fire pit is a must in the winter - chilled winds, come prepared," suggests Katie S. about Thomas Hunting Grounds.
Tips from RVers
Limited RV options: Most tent campsites near Idyllwild are not suitable for large RVs. "There's a few designated camp areas up this way. Went out in early Sept 2024 and the road was fine. I drive a lifted AWD overloaded Honda Element and I had no issue. There were two sections on the final ascent loop to the top of Thomas Mountain that were a little scratchy," reports Molly A. about Tool Box Springs.
Consider alternative vehicles: Small camper conversions may access some primitive sites. "So I converted my Honda Fit into a camper for mine and my pup camping adventures. This was our test location. The drive was extremely easy with a couple of rocky areas that made me slow down to 5mph and under to not damage the bottom of my H Fit," explains Sandra L. about camping at Thomas Hunting Grounds.
Concrete pads available: Regional parks offer more accommodating RV facilities than wilderness sites. "Excellent campground. Well maintained. Large concrete pads that can handle any rig. So much to do all around a park. Does get very cold, was in the teens overnight when I was there in Feb. Fires allowed which is nice," notes Paul C. about Yucaipa Regional Park.
