Boulder Basin Campground

California's Best Camping

San Jacinto Mountains, California
San Jacinto Mountains, California

Boulder Basin Campground

San Bernardino National Forest


Boulder Basin Campground

Boulder Basin Campground is located at an elevation of 7,400 feet near the summit of Black Mountain in the San Bernardino National Forest. Access to the campground is 6 miles up unpaved Black Mountain Road. The road is not recommended for low clearance vehicles or trailers. Visitors to the campground are less than a mile from the Black Mountain Lookout Tower with spectacular views of the area. Boulders around the camp provide plenty of opportunities to hone rock climbing skills.

Boulder Basin Campground has 34 campsites among a magnificent Ponderosa and sugar pine forest. Nine campsites are tent-only sites and the other 7 can accommodate small RVs and tents. There is no potable water at the campground, but it can be found at the Cinco Posa Spring tap only a short distance away. Campaites must be reserved for a minimum of 3 nights on major holidays.

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Boulder Basin Campground Basics
Boulder Basin Campground Location: Black Mountain Rd., 6 miles off Highway 243, 9 miles north of Idyllwild
Elevation: 7,400 feet
Mileage from Gateway Cities: Riverside - 56 miles
San Diego - 128 miles
Camping Season: Open late May through late October, depending on weather
Number of Sites: 34
Max. People per Site: 8 (including children)
Vehicles per Site: 1 vehicle and 1 towed vehicle, ($5 per night for other vehicles)
Pets: On leash, always attended
Operated by San Bernardino National Forest
San Jacinto Ranger District: (909) 382-2921

Reservations for Boulder Basin Campground
Reservations Available Reservations are available for camping dates whenever the campground is open. First-come, first-served sites may available.
Booking Window: Reservations can be made from 3 days up to 6 months in advance of arrival date.
Maximum RV/Trailer Length: 15 feet
Wheelchair Accessible Sites: None designated
Fees: $10 per night
Reservations: Boulder Basin Campground Reservations
Check-in, check-out: 2:00 PM, 1:00 PM

Boulder Basin Campground Amenities
Campsites: Picnic table, fire ring with grills; no hook-ups
Campground: Vault toilets, no potable water
Showers: No
Dump Station: No
Attractions near Boulder Basin Campground: Trail to summit of Black Mountain and to Lookout Tower, 2½ miles to the Fuller Ridge Trailhead on the Pacific Crest Trail, Fairview Point Scenic Viewpoint,
Mount San Jacinto State Park and its Panorama Point Trail (universal access, 1-mile loop to scenic viewpoint),
Lake Fulmor Picnic Area and trail,
Idyllwild Nature Center,
Humber Park, Devil's Slide Trail to Tahquitz Peak,
Indian Mountain OHV Trail



San Jacinto Mountains
Attractions and Activities

The San Jacinto Mountains provide great outdoor experiences year-round.

  • Birders look for Steller's jays, mountain chickadees, Clark's nutcrackers, red crossbills and others.
  • 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 raccoon, weasels, squirrels, chipmunks, deer, coyotes, foxes, bobcats, and perhaps even a bear or bighorn sheep
  • Winter cross-country skiing


Key Boulder Basin Campground Regulations

  1. Dogs must be kept on leash and attended at all times.
  2. Confine campfires to the provided fire pits. Fire restrictions may be imposed at any time due to hot, dry weather conditions.
  3. Obtain firewood locally to avoid bringing in pests.

    Check San Bernardino National Forest - Boulder Basin Campground for any campground updates.