Idyllwild Campground

California's Best Camping

San Jacinto Trail, California
San Jacinto Trail, California

Idyllwild Campground

Mount San Jacinto State Park


Idyllwild Campground

Idyllwild Campground is located in Mount San Jacinto State Park, between Hemet and Palm Springs. The San Jacinto Mountains are well known for the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway which runs from near Palms Springs to an elevation of 8,500 feet near the summit of 10,834-foot San Jacinto Peak. Mount San Jacinto State Park's campgrounds and headquarters are on the west side of the mountain range, along Highway 243 and 74. Trails lead through the park's wilderness area and connect with the tramway.

Visitors to Idyllwild Campground enjoy hiking on local trails. A majority of the park is designated as wilderness. Permits to enter the wilderness are required even for day hikes.

Idyllwild Campground has 31 developed campsites. Nine sites are designated for tents only. All the rest of the campsites can accommodate RVs, trailers, and tents. A couple of those campsites have full hook-ups, while campsites 4, 5, 6, and 28 have electric hook-ups. There is also a Hike & Bike site available for those arriving on foot or by bicycle.

Pacific Crest Trail information button

Idyllwild Campground is a popular stopping place for hikers on the Pacific Crest Trail, even though the campground is 5.2 miles west of the trail via Devils Slide Trail. At Idyllwild Campground hikers can stay in the Hike & Bike campsite next to site #7. A restroom and shower are available for registered campers. Shower tokens are available from a machine near the campground office.

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Idyllwild Campground Basics
Idyllwild Campground Location: Highway 243 south 26 miles from Banning
Elevation: 5,400 feet
Mileage from Gateway Cities: Riverside - 58 miles
San Diego - 110 miles
Number of Sites: 31
Camping Season: Open year-round
Max. People per Site: 8 (including children)
Vehicles per Site: 1 covered by campground fee, additional fee for extra vehicles
Pets: On leash, always attended
Operated by California State Parks
Idyllwild Campground and Park Information: {951} 659-2607

Reservations for Idyllwild Campground
Reservations available: year-round
Campsites 8, 9, and 11-20 closed Nov.-Apr.
Booking Window: Reservations can be made from 2 days up to 6 months in advance of arrival date.
Maximum RV/Trailer Length: 24 feet
wheelchair Accessible Sites: #3 (with 30amp electric hook-up) and #24
Accessible restrooms and other features are provided.
Fees: $25 per night (including all ADA sites)
Full hook-up sites $45,
Electric hook-up sites $35
Hike & Bike campsite - $7
Online Reservations at ReserveCalifornia: Idyllwild Campground Reservations
or call (800) 444-PARK (7275) between 8 AM and 6 PM
Check-in, check-out: 2:00 PM, Noon

Idyllwild Campground Amenities
Campsites: Picnic table, food locker, fire ring, a few sites with full hook-ups and some with electric only hook-ups
Campground: restrooms with flush toilets, tap water, campfire circle
Showers: Yes, purchase tokens at Ranger Station
Dump station: Yes
Campground map: Idyllwild Campground Map (PDF download)
Attractions near Idyllwild Campground: Nature Trail, park headquarters, Visitor Center, hiking trails, Idyllwild Nature Center, Humber Park, Devil's Slide Trail to Tahquitz Peak

Pacific Crest Trail Information

Trail Miles Northbound from PCT Junction with Devils Slide Trail

  • Marion Mountain Junction - 5.7 miles
  • Deer Springs - 6.2 miles
  • Fuller Ridge Trailhead - 11.1 miles
  • Snow Canyon Road - 26.3 miles
  • Canada Border - 2,470.6 miles

Trail Miles Southbound from PCT Junction with Devils Slide Trail

  • Spitler Trail Junction - 10.8 miles
  • Fobes Ranch Trail Junction - 12.9 miles
  • Highway 74 (Paradise Cafe + 1 mile west) - 27.5 miles
  • Mexico Border - 179.4 miles

Nearest Town

Idyllwild and Idyllwild Campground - 5.2 miles west of the PCT via Devils Slide Trail
  motels, restaurants, grocery, natural food store, laundry, Rough Riders Sporting Goods, Sam Jacinto Ranger Station, and a post office.

Always confirm mileages and directions with a reliable PCT source such as the Pacific Crest Trail Association's The Pacific Crest Trail: Exploring America's Wilderness Trail.




Silver Falls State Park, Oregon.

Silver Falls State Park


Mount San Jacinto State Park
Attractions and Activities

The 14,000-acre Mount San Jacinto State Park offers a wilderness experience less than two hours from San Diego or Los Angeles. Campers at Idyllwild Campground are close to many of the attractions in the area.

  • Birders look for Steller's jays, mountain chickadees, Clark's nutcrackers, red crossbills and others.
  • Find enjoyable hiking and horseback riding on mountain trails.
  • Visit the Idyllwild Nature Center.
  • Join a guided tour in Mount San Jacinto State Park.
  • Take the Panorama Point Trail Interpretive Audio Tour.
  • Ride the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway.
  • Children ages 7 to 12 participate in the Junior Ranger Program in the state park.
  • Make the arduous hike to the summit of San Jacinto Peak. (best in spring or fall)
  • Watch for wildlife such as raccoons, weasels, squirrels, chipmunks, deer, coyotes, foxes, bobcats, and perhaps even a bear or bighorn sheep.
  • Winter cross-country skiing is popular.

Key Campground Regulations

  1. Dogs must always be on leash and are not permitted on wilderness trails. At night they must be in a vehicle or tent.
  2. Fires are only allowed in established fire rings or camp stoves.
  3. Quiet Hours are from 10:00 PM to 6:00 AM.
  4. Generators may only be operated from 10 AM to 8 PM.

    Check Mount San Jacinto State Park for any campground updates.

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Mount San Jacinto State Park


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General Camping Information

Not all campsites can accommodate trailers or RVs of all lengths. If using a reservations website, check to be sure your vehicles will fit in the provided parking space.

Winter conditions may require chains to reach the campground.

Accessible Sites

Designated Accessible sites in the state park are reserved for people with disabilities who have a vehicle displaying an accessible parking placard or license plate.