Best Dog-Friendly Camping near San Jacinto, CA

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. Located in a beautiful mountain setting this site provides all the peace and tranquility a soul longs for.

We arrived early on Friday morning and snagged one of two remaining spots. Trail leading up to Mount San Jacinto is within walking distance. Lots of trees , very inexpensive. Not many sites.

Roind Valley campground in the San Jacinto mountain was a dream come true. A very moderate hike from the aerial tram that put us in the heart of the San Jacinto Mountain just hours away from the peak! We didn't mind our 30 pound packs knowing we would enjoy the beautiful trails and streams that lead to our site. This place is close to magical high above the desert floor where the temperature was hot but our spot was cold. Only disappointing part was the wind gust blowing like crazy all night making the cold feel way colder!! But the place was too nice with the flowing water for easy drink refills and the amazing hike to and from the tram station. Can't wait to go back again!!

Great campsite within 5 minute walk of downtown idyllwild. Plus less than 2 hours from drive to Palm Spring Tram up to Mt. San Jacinto and a great way to cool off in the summer or see snow in the winter. Showers and clean bathrooms!

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. it took us longer than we expected. the campground is nice but there are no facilities so make sure to bring plenty of water or filtration device to filter the water. permits are required bor both day hikes and overnight.

Our family of 3 just left the campground this morning, and we had a great time during our 1 night stay.  To find it, just plug the GPS coordinates into Google maps and follow the instructions.  It’s fairly primitive (outhouse and water spigot), but the sky is clear and the whole place is very serene with trees and nature. They have several protective, very human-friendly dogs on the property.  They also open the barn around 0800 and allow campers to pet the rabbits, chickens, cats, pigs, turkey, ducks, and even feed the goats.  Sites have campfire rings (bring your own wood), picnic table, and a couple Adirondack style chairs.  The staff is also very friendly and informative.  We will certainly be back.

even in the snow there is a lot to see and do. we stayed here in the winter and it was beautiful. very cold though so make sure to prepare for snow and freezing temps. most of the hikes require a permit that you can pick up at the ranger station. we used the team to ride up to the top before hiking to san jacinto peak. the weather can be unpredictable so make sure to check in with the ranger to see if they have any warnings. on the way back, make sure to grab some food at the restaurant, it's good!

If you're backpacking San Jacinto, this is the way to go! Take the Marion Mtn Trail that goes from Marion Mtn & Fern Basin Campgrounds and spend the night here at Little Round Valley. We did it in late August, and there was still water running in the stream across from the camp. There are several spots that you need to get a permit for, and they're spread out right off the trail. Be sure to follow the path one or two hundred feet off the main trail. We set up camp right off the trail which was fine, but there are spots further in.

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.

Reservations go fast so you need to submit your permit starting 8 weeks before your trip, however waiting until 4 weeks may be too late.

The permit only reserves your space on the mountain you will need to selected your exact campsite once you get to the ranger station after getting off the tram.

Permits are only $5 per person but the tram is like $25.

People are complaining about freeway noise, we stayed in site 3 (the closest site to the freeway) and it was quiet as a mouse from inside our (insulated) RV. Amazing amenities. Dog park, pool, clubhouse. We loved site 3 so close to the amenities and restrooms. Overall amazing stay

Although this campground is within walking distance of the touristy town of Idyllwild, upon entering the campground a sense of wilderness literally engulfs you. The facilities are well kept and provide flush toilets(actually clean and working,y’all!), ample privacy between campsites(a must for me being an Introvert) and a responsible recycling bin system. I’ve camped here in all the seasons and the place is consistently maintained. I must confess; I have ventured into the town to stock up on ice and forgotten toothpaste...and a refreshing beer or three at the Idyllwild Brewery(killer pizza by the way). This convenience is a points getter when taking a Lady for the first time camping.

There is a very accomplished trail system into the San Jacinto wilderness, connecting to the Pacific Crest Trail( PCT) but be forewarned that dogs are NOT allowed on the trails. You must research local trails that do allow Bowser; do not find out the hard way as I did the second time I camped here.

Idyllwild has been my respite for some years now. I am very picky with campsites and will give negative reviews to be honest. This is a site worthy of my young grand daughters who still explore and believe that there are trolls and fairies and hidden gems in the forest. Yes dear, this is one of them.

This campground was small, but cozy. They have an unheated pool (which looked a little dirty) no hot tub, and about 3 recreational rooms. One had a pool table with a comfy looking couch, and the other had tables for card playing.

There was a dog park outside, but not much more. There was a picnic table and a grill in just about every spot.

Water pressure was fantastic, and I got t-mobile cell service here.

These sites aren't monitored and don't have picnic tables or any amenities, although there is a restroom down the road a little ways where the campsites start, but that's it. It is free to camp here, the sites are spaced really far apart. Most of the sites have incredible views looking out over Lake Hemet and of the San Jacinto mountains. You have to drive quite a ways up a dirt road from 74 to get to the sites, the road is pretty bumpy but not hard too bad. I made it up in my Nissan Rogue which is not AWD or 4WD. You are also pretty close to Idyllwild, which is a fun destination to go spend a day if you don't want to hang out at the campground. Lake Hemet is also very close by.

I had site 126 in the fields, corner site and lake view. This campground has a pool, splash pad, park, dog park and access to the lake. They also have a band on Saturday nights. The only bad part is they strictly enforce quiet time at 10pm. I felt like a kid being told to go to bed. I feel like on weekends people should be able to stay up late in front of their camper with low voices. Shouldn’t be hounded night after night! That was my only complaint.

We stayed at Sky Valley in January, February, April and May. It's a lovely location with almost perfect weather in the winter. April very windy and May, it starts getting hotter. However, you can take the tram up majestic Mt. San Jacinto, about 1/2 hour away, and hike in the cool forest there. Joshua Tree entrances are within the hour to get to. The Coachella Valley preserve is just a few minutes drive from Sky Valley and is a delightful walk among Palm trees and springs. Sky Valley RV resort has nice places to walk, plus a great little market with fresh baked goods, soft serve ice cream and other items. Once a week, a farmer's market sets up near the entrance and they offer all kinds of produce, local and more. We didn't try the spring-fed pools until second trip - wow! So soothing and temperature slightly varies but not too hot or too cold. Swimming felt really good. Sites are pretty well maintained. First site on level gravel, good power, water pressure decent. They have a mailroom with nice staff, laundry rooms have ample machines and they have fitness center, which we haven't tried yet. People are pretty friendly here, a nice community.

The campsite itself is very well maintained. Metal fire pits are available and bathrooms. The last place I camped was $30 and had neither.

The scenery is beautiful but very desert. Cholla cacti are everywhere so watch your pets paws (my poor dog kept getting them in between her paw pads). Also didn’t get very cool in the evening, but had a beautiful night sky.

There are trails; no dogs allowed.

Did see a tarantula.