Idyllwild Campground (Mt. San Jacinto SP)
25905 CA-243, Idyllwild-Pine Cove, CA 92549
Overview
Located in San Jacinto State Park in southern California, Idyllwild Campground is the more developed of the two campgrounds. Of its 28 sites, 3 have full hookups and 4 only have electric. One of the full-hookup sites is typically reserved for the camp host.
The remaining sites are either for mixed use or tents only based on size. Campground amenities include showers, flush toilets, drinking water, the Campfire Center, a camp host, and picnic areas.
There is no group site, but people who are passing through on the trail network can stay at the hike-and-bike campsite close to site #7.
Dogs are allowed in the campground itself as long as they’re properly leashed. They aren’t allowed in the wilderness or on trails.
Idyllwild Campground is open all year, but the most popular time is during the warmer months.
Best Campsites at Idyllwild Campground (Mt. San Jacinto SP)
Below are Power Camper’s recommended sites if you want to have the best experience at Idyllwild Campground.
Best Accessible Site: #3
- Only pull-through ADA-accessible site
- Close to showers, restrooms, and water
- Not far from camp host
- Downside: farther from parking, picnic areas, and Campfire Center
Most Private Primitive Sites: #10, #20
- Located at ends of the loop on the northern side
- No neighboring site on one side
- Farther from potential noise at campground entrance
- Downside: farther away from amenities
Best Full-Hookup Site: #1
- More privacy compared to other full-hookup site at #26
- Convenient to parking lot and Campfire Center
- Not far from picnic area and start of nature trail
- Downside: may have noise from the campground entrance
Unique Experiences
- Head over to the visitor center to start the 3.3-mile hike from Deer Springs to Suicide Rock, where the reward at the end is an incredible sweeping view of the valley below.
- In the winter, strap on your cross-country skis to enjoy pristine snow-covered landscapes throughout the wilderness.
- Grab your fishing pole, a picnic lunch, and a few friends for a tranquil afternoon spent by the confluence of the North San Jacinto River and Fuller Mill Creek.
- Drive into town to experience the quaint, quirky shops speckling the area, including The Funky Bazaar, The Sage & The Butterfly, and Merkaba Tea!
Idyllwild Campground (Mt. San Jacinto SP) Campground Rules
Pet Friendly
YesMax Trailer/RV Length
24Max People per Site
8Max Vehicles per Site
2Fires Allowed
YesIdyllwild Campground (Mt. San Jacinto SP) Reservation Information
Reservations Allowed?
Reservations Required?
YesReservations for Idyllwild Campground can be made by calling 1-800-444-7275 or by using the online portal at www.reservecalifornia.com. All reservations will be charged a $7.99 booking fee in addition to the nightly rate.
Sites without hookups are $25. Electric hookups are an additional $10 per night, and full hookups are an additional $20. Extra vehicles can be added for $10 each.
Group Camping Reservations
There is no group camp at Idyllwild. Guests who wish to reserve multiple sites to use them as a group space must make individual reservations.
Campsite Reservation Cancellations
Cancellations can be made by phone at 1-800-444-7275 or online at www.reservecalifornia.com. All canceled reservations will forfeit the $7.99 booking fee and be charged an additional $7.99 cancellation fee. Late requests that occur after midnight the day before a guest’s scheduled arrival will also be charged the cost of one night’s stay.
Idyllwild Campground (Mt. San Jacinto SP) Campground Cost
Primitive Sites
$25Electric Only Sites
$35Full Hookups
$45Activities
Fishing
Hiking
Bike Trails
Horseback Riding
Photography
Amenities
RV/Trailers
Hookups
Pull Through Spots
Pet Friendly
ADA Sites
Showers
Grills
Campfire Rings
Recycling
Visitors/Rec Center
Wood for Sale
Potable Water
Picnic Tables
Directions
FAQs
Nearby Campgrounds to Idyllwild Campground (Mt. San Jacinto SP)
Idyllwild Campground stands out from other campgrounds because of its variety of sites. From primitive tent-only sites to full hookups, guests can choose to spend more or less on amenities based on their personal preferences. Idyllwild is also open all year.
However, its lack of a group camp and the small number of campsites can be limiting for such a popular area. The pricing at $25 per night for primitive sites is quite competitive for the area, and even the $45 price for full hookups is very affordable compared to some California beaches and state parks.
Lastly, Idyllwild is more centrally located to a true town, making it simple to leave the woods in search of shopping, restaurants, and other activities outside the wilderness.
Stone Creek Campground
Stone Creek Campground is located in the same park as Idyllwild, but it’s only open from early May through the end of September. There are approximately 44 sites in total, and a handful of sites have electric hookups available. Amenities are very basic with only vault toilets, drinking water, fire rings, and picnic tables offered for guests.
Bear Basin Lookout
Bear Basin Lookout is a combination rental of a lookout structure and cabin. The site is on a ridge that’s over 5,000 feet in elevation. The lookout and cabin can be rented for a maximum of 4 nights between July 1 and the end of September. The rate is $75 per night, and the cabin can fit up to 12 guests (8 included with a standard price). The site has a vault toilet, picnic tables, and a fire ring. High-clearance vehicles may be necessary to reach this area.
Black Mountain Campground
Black Mountain is slightly larger than Idyllwild. It has 37 primitive sites and 3 sites with electric hookups. This may also be a better choice for medium-sized groups since Black Mountain has some double sites that can accommodate up to 16 guests. Amenities are comparable with the exception of Black Mountain’s camp store, which sells supplies and firewood. The campground is only open for part of the year from the middle of April to the end of October.
