Stone Creek Campground (Mt. San Jacinto SP)
21181 CA-243, Idyllwild-Pine Cove, CA 92549
Overview
Located within Mount San Jacinto State Park off Highway 243, Stone Creek Campground offers approximately 44 campsites. Some are for tents only, while others can accommodate RVs and motorhomes of varying sizes.
A limited number of electric hookups are available. Campground amenities include vault toilets, drinking water, picnic tables, and fire rings. There is no group camp, and each site has a maximum of 8 guests.
Dogs are allowed within the campground as long as they’re on a leash at all times. The campground is open from early May through the end of October.
Best Campsites at Stone Creek Campground (Mt. San Jacinto SP)
Below are Power Camper’s recommended sites if you want to have the best experience at Stone Creek Campground.
Most Convenient Tent-Only Sites: #11–12
- Easy access to drinking water and toilets
- Located next to parking
- Quick access to nature trails
- Away from entrance and potential noise
- Downside: farther from camp host and campfire center
Most Private RV Site: #7
- Located at the end of a loop
- Not far from toilets and drinking water
- Short distance from nature trails and parking
Best Accessible Sites: #1, #31
- Electric available at site #1 for large tents or small RVs
- Next to accessible toilet and drinking water
- Somewhat close to camp host and campfire area
- Downside: farther from accessible parking and nature trails
Electric Hookups Available: Sites #1, #4, #21, #33, #45, #50
- ADA-accessible sites for large tents or small RVs: #1
- Tent-only sites: #4
- RVs or motorhomes: #21, #33, #45, #50
Unique Experiences
- If you’re truly adventurous and searching for a more rugged outdoor experience, challenge yourself with the difficult hike to the top of San Jacinto Peak.
- Take a day trip to the nearby Idyllwild Nature Center to learn more about the mountain habitats or spend an enjoyable day strolling the trails with your four-legged friend.
- Ride the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway up the mountain for spectacular views, unforgettable photo opportunities, and grab a delicious meal at the Mountain Station’s restaurant.
- Head into town to visit Idyllwild Earth ‘N Fire, where you can paint your own pottery and make a custom keepsake of your time at San Jacinto.
Stone Creek Campground (Mt. San Jacinto SP) Campground Rules
Pet Friendly
YesMax Trailer/RV Length
24 feetMax People per Site
8Max Vehicles per Site
2Fires Allowed
YesStone Creek Campground (Mt. San Jacinto SP) Reservation Information
Reservations Allowed?
Reservations Required?
YesReservations can be made via Reserve California’s website at www.reservecalifornia.com or by phone at 1-800-444-7275. There is a $7.99 reservation fee for all bookings.
Standard sites are $25 per night and don’t include hookups of any kind. Electric-only hookups are available for an additional $10, and additional vehicles can be added for $10 as well.
Group Camping Reservations
There is no formal group site at Stone Creek Campground. Guests are welcome to reserve multiple individual sites to function as a shared space, but all requirements for single reservations must be met.
Campsite Reservation Cancellations
Cancellations can be made by phone at 1-800-444-7275 or online at www.reservecalifornia.com. Cancellations will be charged a $7.99 fee and forfeit the initial reservation fee. Any guest canceling after 6 p.m. the night before their planned arrival will also be charged the cost of one night in the campground.
Stone Creek Campground (Mt. San Jacinto SP) Campground Cost
Tent Sites
$25Electric Sites
$35Activities
Backpacking
Hiking
Bike Trails
Photography
Horseback Riding
Amenities
RV/Trailers
Hookups
Pull Through Spots
Pet Friendly
ADA Sites
Showers
Campfire Rings
Picnic Tables
Storage Lockers
Potable Water
Grills
Recycling
Directions
FAQs
Nearby Campgrounds to Stone Creek Campground (Mt. San Jacinto SP)
Stone Creek is relatively primitive compared to other campgrounds. Neighboring campgrounds tend to offer more amenities, which range from flush toilets and showers to luxuries like full hookups. Costs vary, but Stone Creek has extremely competitive rates that make this an appealing option for budget travelers.
However, Stone Creek does not have a group site, so guests traveling together are limited to 8 people per reservation. The relatively short RV and trailer limit of 24 feet can be restrictive for travelers in larger trailers or certain classes of motorhome.
Idyllwild Campground
Idyllwild Campground is located within the same state park, so the environment is somewhat similar to Stone Creek’s. However, Idyllwild is more centrally located and close to restaurants and shopping. This campground also has more amenities, including showers, flush toilets, fire rings, and drinking water. Guests can choose from tent-only sites, electric hookups, or full hookups. The cost of full hookups is $45 per night, making Idyllwild a more expensive option than its neighboring campground.
Bear Basin Lookout
Bear Basin Lookout is located on a ridge over 5,000 feet in the air, giving guests a much different perspective than at Stone Creek. The lookout structure and cabin can be rented together for up to 4 nights from July 1 through the end of September for $75 per night. The cabin sleeps 8 people on a standard reservation but can accommodate up to 12 for an extra cost. A vault toilet, picnic tables, and fire ring are provided, but no other amenities are available. High-clearance vehicles are recommended due to rough terrain that may be difficult to navigate.
Black Mountain Campground
Black Mountain is a similar size to Stone Creek, featuring 37 primitive campsites and 3 with electric only. Some double sites are available that can fit up to 16 people. This campground is slightly more developed since it offers hot showers, flush toilets, and a camp store that sells firewood and supplies. The views are much different at over 3,000 feet in elevation, and the campground is only open from mid-April through the end of October.
