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Mount San Jacinto offers a variety of camping experiences. The park hosts two developed campgrounds, Stone Creek and Idyllwild Campground, as well as secluded backcountry camping at Little Round Valley and Strawberry Junction. With modern amenities and stunning views, campers can immerse themselves in the beauty of Mount San Jacinto, whether they're seeking adventure or peaceful relaxation under the stars.

Developed Campgrounds

Mount San Jacinto State Park has two (2) developed campgrounds accessible from Highway 243.
 
The Idyllwild Campground is located in the town of Idyllwild and within walking distance of many shops and restaurants. It offers amenities like full hook-up and electric campsites, flush toilets, and coin-operated showers. The Idyllwild Ranger Station (park headquarters) is conveniently located at the campground entrance.
 
Park Fees are due upon entry into the park. The campsite fee covers one vehicle. Extra vehicles are allowed for a $10.00 fee. There is a maximum of two vehicles per campsite. There is no charge for a towed-in vehicle.
 
The Stone Creek Campground is located about 5 miles north of Idyllwild on Highway 243. Although it offers electric campsites (no full hook-ups), it is a little more primitive as it only has vault toilets and no shower facilities.

Fees

  • Day Use: $10.00
  • Tent Site: $25.00/night
  • Site with Electric: $35.00/night
  • Site with Full Hook-Ups: $45.00/night
  • Additional Vehicle: $10.00/night
  • ReserveCalifornia.com Reservation Fee: $7.99
 

Campground Information 

Idyllwild Campground
Open year-round
28 sites total (hike/bike, tent, electric, full hook-up sites, and ADA-accessible sites available)
Water spigots, flush toilets, coin-operated showers, picnic tables, fire rings and/or barbeques, day-use picnic area, amphitheater, nature trail
Maximum trailer length: 24 feet
Maximum vehicles: 2
Maximum occupancy: 8
Check-in time: 2:00 PM
Check-out time: 12:00 PM
Online reservations at ReserveCalifornia.com
Stone Creek Campground
Open Spring/Summer/Fall
44 sites total (tent, electric, and ADA-accessible sites available; no full hook-up sites)
Water spigots, vault toilets, picnic tables, fire rings and/or barbeques, day-use picnic area, amphitheater, nature trail
Maximum trailer length: 24 feet
Maximum vehicles: 2
Maximum occupancy: 8
Check-in time: 2:00 PM
Check-out time: 12:00 PM
Online reservations at ReserveCalifornia.com

Primitive Wilderness Campgrounds

There are four (4) primitive wilderness campgrounds in Mount San Jacinto State Wilderness. Because these campgrounds are remote and are only accessible by foot, the hearty backpacker will gain a true sense of peace and solitude. 
 

Permit Information

There is no dispersed camping in the State Wilderness. All campers must have a Wilderness Camping Permit issued by Mount San Jacinto State Park in their possession and camp in a designated wilderness campground. To both prevent overuse and to provide everyone an opportunity for solitude, carrying capacities have been established for these wilderness campgrounds.
 
Wilderness Camping Permits are $5.00 per person and are available at the Idyllwild Ranger Station or Long Valley Ranger Station. You may also apply for a Wilderness Camping Permit in advance by printing and mailing the following application: Wilderness Camping Permit. Wilderness Camping Permit applications will be accepted up to 56 days (8 weeks) in advance. It is important to mail your permit application in at least 14 days prior to your camping dates. No telephone, fax, or email requests will be accepted. Summer is the busiest time for the park, and these wilderness campgrounds can fill to capacity four (4) or more weeks in advance. Campers who do not have reservations may be turned away if these campgrounds are full.
 
The San Bernardino National Forest has a similar 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.
 

Backcountry Preparedness

Because these wilderness campgrounds are remote and very primitive, you must plan on packing in everything you may need for an overnight stay in the backcountry. For more information on what you should consider bringing, read up on the Hiker's Ten Essentials.
 
All water in the backcountry must be properly purified or filtered before consumption, including water flowing from the water spigot at Round Valley Campground. 
 
There are no wildlife-proof lockers in the State Wilderness. Although not required, storing food and scented items in a wildlife-proof container is highly recommended. 
 

Wilderness Rules and Regulations

  • Must possess State Wilderness camping permit
  • Must camp at designated campsite
  • No more than 15 people per campsite
  • No fires
  • No smoking
  • No dogs
  • No firearms, bows, or slingshots
  • No mechanical/motorized devices
  • Pack out all trash and belongings

Fees

  • Camping Permit: $5.00/person

Campground Information

Round Valley
Open year-round
19 primitive sites total
Water spigot (must be filtered/purified, may run dry)
Vault toilets
Maximum occupancy per site: 15
 
Tamarack Valley
Open year-round
8 primitive sites total
Vault toilets
Maximum occupancy per site: 15
Little Round Valley
Open year-round
6 primitive sites total
Vault toilets
Maximum occupancy per site: 15
 
Strawberry Junction
Open year-round
3 primitive sites total
Vault toilets
Maximum occupancy per site: 15