Permits
Permits are required for hiking and backcountry camping at Mount San Jacinto State Park and Wilderness. Wilderness permits ensure the preservation of the parks pristine environment and the safety of visitors.
Day Use Wilderness Permits
These permits are free and available 24 hours. Please confirm whether you are starting your hike via the Palm Springs tramway or by driving to Idyllwild, as it is a substantial drive from one corner of the park to the other. One person may fill out the permit for the hiking group (up to 15 people), provided everyone is hiking together at all times. When you fill out your permit, take the carbon copy with you on your hike and place the original copy in the box labeled "Permits." You may acquire one by:
- Visiting Park Headquarters at the Idyllwild Campground. Permits are available on the porch.
- Visiting Stone Creek Campground in Idyllwild, open May through October. Permits are available at the display board near day-use parking.
- Visiting the Long Valley Ranger Station at the top of the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway. Permits are available on the porch. You may need to inquire for a permit inside the ranger station during business hours.
Wilderness Camping Permits
These permits are $5.00 per person and subject to availability, as each backcountry campground has a limited number of designated campsites to preserve the wilderness. It is recommended you call first to confirm your itinerary and availability. Wilderness camping permits may be acquired up to 8 weeks before your desired camping date. One person may fill out the permit for the hiking group (up to 15 people), provided everyone is hiking together at all times. You may acquire one by:
- Visiting Park Headquarters at the Idyllwild Campground during business hours.
- Visiting the Long Valley Ranger Station at the top of the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway during business hours. Cash-only.
- Filling out our online application, printing it, and mailing it with a check or money order and a self-addressed stamped envelope to PO Box 308, Idyllwild, CA 92549. Incomplete applications will be rejected. Wilderness Camping Permit
- All applications are subject to review.
The San Bernardino National Forest has a similar day use permit system in effect for its federal wilderness area known as the San Jacinto Wilderness. Both the State Park and National Forest honor each other's DAY USE PERMITS; however, each agency has its own camping permit system that you must apply for separately. San Bernardino National Forest permits are issued at the San Jacinto Ranger District located at 54270 Pine Crest, Idyllwild, CA 92549, (909) 382-2921.
Special Event-Use Permits
These permits require a $25.00 Filing Fee as well as additional fees depending on the type of event. You may acquire one by:
- Visiting Park Headquarters at the Idyllwild Campground during business hours.
- Completing the online application packet (Mt. San Jacinto Special Event-Use Application Packet.pdf) and either emailing it to Donnell Norwood, Park Manager: donnell.norwood@parks.ca.gov OR printing and mailing it to PO Box 308, Idyllwild, CA 92549.
All applications are subject to review.
Film Permits
These permits are at the discretion of State Parks and subject to Review and Monitor Fees. You may acquire one by:
- Visiting Park Headquarters at the Idyllwild Campground during business hours.
- Completing the fillable DPR245A.pdf form and emailing it to Donnell Norwood, Park Manager: donnell.norwod@parks.ca.gov.
- You must also submit an online application with the California Film Commission at www.film.ca.gov. The California Film Commission charges no fees to process the permit.