Idyllwild Campground

4.45

247 reviews

25905 Highway 243, Idyllwild, CA 92549

Featured in:RV Camping California#3

Quick Facts

5,400 ft

Price

$25 - $45/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

28 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV FriendlyElectricShowers

Opens California State Parks site

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Quick Facts

5,400 ft

Price

$25 - $45/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

28 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV FriendlyElectricShowers

Opens California State Parks site

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Idyllwild Campground

$25.00 - $45.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Developed campgrounds have a tent site fee of $25. Full hook-up sites are $45 per night, and electric-only sites are $35 per night. Additional...

Standard Site Fee$25.00

Hookup Site Fee$45.00

Premium Site Fee$0.00

Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00

Group Site Fee$0.00

Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

Get Notified When Available

We'll monitor this campground and alert you the moment sites become available.

Free with account · Checks every 2 minutes

150,000+ sites monitored · Email, SMS, or in-app notifications

Share this campground

Reserve California

Provider

(951) 659-2607interp@parks.ca.gov

Help improve this page

See something outdated or incorrect? Let us know!

What Campers Say

4.45

Recommended

Based on 247 reviews

205 Google reviews

Most mentioned

cleanshowerswell-maintained

Some mention

noisesmall

"User reviews are mixed, praising the cleanliness and amenities but noting issues with noise and site size/terrain."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

25905 Highway 243, Idyllwild, CA 92549

Idyllwild Campground

25905 Highway 243, Idyllwild, CA 92549

Driving directionsFrom Riverside, take Interstate 10 East to Hwy 243 South to the park. From San Diego, take Interstate 15 North to 215 North, exit Hwy 74 east to Hwy 243 north to the park.

Accessible via paved roads with good conditions. Maximum trailer/motorhome length is 24 feet. Roads to the campground can be challenging during winter due to snow; snow chains are recommended.

Nearby places

Idyllwild (1 mile, 5 minutes), Hemet (28 miles, 45 minutes), Palm Springs (55 miles, 1 hour 15 minutes)

Nearby supplies

Groceries, camping supplies, and fuel are available in downtown Idyllwild, which is within walking distance from the campground.

Best Time to Camp at Idyllwild Campground

Experience the best of mountain weather at Idyllwild, where summer days bring refreshing 75°F temperatures that feel like nature's air conditioning compared to the valleys below. As evening approaches, temperatures dip to a comfortable 55°F—perfect for campfire gatherings and stargazing. When autumn arrives, the mountain transforms into a canvas of golden aspens and rust-colored oaks beneath crystal-clear skies. Winter brings its own enchantment, occasionally dusting the campground with snow and creating a wonderland that rewards prepared visitors with pristine beauty and peaceful solitude. Pack your warm layers and embrace the mountain's seasonal moods.

Summer(Jun-Aug)

3.5 / 5

Peak season with pleasant ~75°F days but increased traffic, noise and crowded weekends.

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.0 / 5

Should be pleasant with fewer crowds and strong forest/mountain appeal (implied by seasonal notes).

Best

Spring(Mar-May)

4.0 / 5

Spring offers good mountain weather and trail access; fewer explicit reviews but implied positive.

Winter(Dec-Feb)

3.5 / 5

Top 23% in CA

Open year-round; snowy scenery and quieter stays reported, though chains may be required.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: Summer season (May to September) is peak, and reservations are highly recommended during weekends.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open year-round; snow chains may be required during winter.
Current Alerts: Fire restrictions are in place during dry months. No campfires allowed during peak fire alert periods.

About Idyllwild Campground

Nestled in the heart of the San Jacinto Mountains, Idyllwild Campground seamlessly blends the charm of wilderness camping with the convenience of modern comforts. Whether you're setting up a tent under towering pines, pulling in with your RV to enjoy full hookups, or seeking electric-only sites for a simpler stay, this mountain retreat accommodates every camping style. The thoughtfully designed ADA-accessible facilities ensure everyone can experience the magic of mountain camping. Best of all, you're just a pleasant stroll away from downtown Idyllwild's galleries, cafes, and shops—making it perfect for adventurers who appreciate having civilization within reach while still waking up to birdsong and pine-scented breezes.

Idyllwild Campground offers standard campsites for tent camping, RV sites with hookups, and ADA-accessible sites.

Historical SignificanceLong before modern campers discovered this mountain paradise, the Cahuilla people traveled these ancient paths, following seasonal rhythms of hunting and gathering in the San Jacinto Mountains. Their legacy lives on in the landscape—keen-eyed visitors might spot grinding stones (mortars) worn smooth by centuries of use, silent testimonies to the generations who called these mountains home. Today's campground continues this tradition of mountain hospitality, offering modern travelers a chance to connect with the same stunning landscape that has sustained and inspired people for thousands of years.

Weather and SeasonsExperience the best of mountain weather at Idyllwild, where summer days bring refreshing 75°F temperatures that feel like nature's air conditioning compared to the valleys below. As evening approaches, temperatures dip to a comfortable 55°F—perfect for campfire gatherings and stargazing. When autumn arrives, the mountain transforms into a canvas of golden aspens and rust-colored oaks beneath crystal-clear skies. Winter brings its own enchantment, occasionally dusting the campground with snow and creating a wonderland that rewards prepared visitors with pristine beauty and peaceful solitude. Pack your warm layers and embrace the mountain's seasonal moods.

ElevationPerched at 5,400 feet above sea level, Idyllwild Campground offers a refreshing escape from the heat of lower elevations. This mile-high setting creates a natural climate haven where summer visitors find relief from sweltering valley temperatures, while winter adventurers might wake to find their tents dusted with fresh snow. The elevation brings crisp, clean mountain air that makes every breath feel rejuvenating, and clear nights that reveal a stunning tapestry of stars impossible to see from sea level.

Natural Features and SceneryStep into a living postcard where towering Jeffrey and Ponderosa pines create a natural cathedral overhead, their branches filtering sunlight into dancing patterns on the forest floor. Black oaks add variety to the canopy, their leaves rustling with stories in the mountain breeze. Beyond the immediate campground, dramatic granite peaks pierce the sky, their ancient faces catching the golden light of sunrise and sunset. Peaceful meadows dotted with wildflowers invite exploration, while the forest soundtrack features the cheerful chatter of Steller's jays, the rhythmic tapping of industrious woodpeckers, and the playful antics of gray squirrels gathering their treasures.

Geological RegionYour camping adventure unfolds within Mount San Jacinto State Park, where ancient geological forces have sculpted a landscape of stunning contrasts. Massive granite formations, born from volcanic activity millions of years ago, create the dramatic peaks that define the skyline. Between these stone sentinels, subalpine forests thrive in protected valleys, while hidden mountain meadows offer surprise encounters with delicate ecosystems. This unique geological setting creates diverse microclimates and habitats, making every hike an opportunity to discover something new—from wind-carved rock formations to pristine alpine environments that feel worlds away from Southern California's busy cities below.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Check-in

2:00 PM

Check-out

12:00 PM

Stay Limit

Maximum stay of 15 consecutive nights.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Each campsite accommodates up to 8 guests.

Groups

Group camping sites are not available directly at Idyllwild Campground.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Site layoutThe campground is organized into loops with a mix of shaded and open sites. Large sites are available for RVs; smaller ones are suited for tents.

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made online at ReserveCalifornia.com or by calling (800) 444-7275.

Walk-in AvailabilityLimited walk-up availability, particularly during summer weekends when sites tend to fill quickly.

Cancellation PolicyNon-refundable fees for cancellations, but partial refunds may be available depending on circumstances.

AccessibilityIdyllwild Campground offers ADA-accessible campsites and showers. Facilities like parking and picnic areas also adhere to accessibility standards. "The campground is perfect for new campers or campers who need access to amenities and necessities," one reviewer emphasized.

Site SizeSites vary in size and usability, with some described as spacious while others are smaller or sloped. Campsites like #12 are noted for having ample space, while others like #13 were described as small.

PrivacySite privacy varies. Some sites are surrounded by shrubs for partial privacy, while others have more open configurations. "Campsite 13 is definitely not the most popular site, as it is certainly the smallest we saw there - adequate for 2 people," one reviewer shared.

Total Campsites28 campsites

Recommended SitesSite 13 offers privacy due to surrounding shrubs but is small and best suited for two people. Sites 21-25 have proximity to nearby facilities but limited scenic appeal.

Amenities available

Showers

Potable water

Electricity hookups

Flush toilets

Fire rings

Food storage lockers

Activities you can enjoy

Idyllwild Campground provides access to various outdoor activities such as hiking, nature trails, and wildlife viewing. The proximity to Idyllwild town also offers visitors opportunities for shopping and dining.

HikingThe campground is near several trails, including the Nature Trail within the campground and access to longer trails in Mount San Jacinto State Park. "Most of the hikes we were interested in would require a drive," noted one user.

Wildlife viewingWildlife such as squirrels, Stellar's jays, and woodpeckers are commonly observed within the campground. "Small wildlife in the campground is plentiful! Squirrels, Stellar's Jays, and woodpeckers were almost constantly visible and/or audible," shared one reviewer.

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsBears have not been reported recently, but food lockers are provided as a precaution. Steep terrain may pose challenges for some visitors.

Active AlertsFire restrictions are in place during dry months. No campfires allowed during peak fire alert periods.

Food Storage RequiredLockers are available at each site to store food and scented items securely.

Fire PolicyFires are only allowed in designated fire rings. Firewood collection from the surrounding area is prohibited.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours are 10 PM to 6 AM

Emergency ServicesEmergency services are available at the Park Headquarters in Idyllwild (located at the campground entrance). For medical emergencies, the nearest hospital is Hemet Valley Medical Center (approximately 28 miles away).

Trash & RecyclingTrash receptacles are available. Campers are required to pack out their trash if bins are full to ensure cleanliness.

Water FeaturesNo lakes or streams are directly within the campground, but nearby hiking trails may lead to seasonal water bodies.

Camp HostHosts are available onsite and conduct rounds frequently to ensure compliance with rules. Contact details for emergencies are posted on restroom walls.

Weather at Idyllwild Campground

Reviews

4.5

247 reviews

Recommended

Idyllwild Campground is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews are mixed, praising the cleanliness and amenities but noting issues with noise and site size/terrain.

Review Summaries

Based on 247 reviews

What Campers Love

Clean bathrooms and showers, convenient proximity to Idyllwild town, and well-maintained spaces were frequently mentioned as positives.

Based on 247 reviews

Common Concerns

Common complaints include noise from nearby roads and neighboring campers, small campsite sizes, and limited privacy.

Based on 247 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Bring hand soap and sanitizer, and be prepared for smaller sites if booking campsites like #13. Check burn status before arrival, as campfires may be banned during high fire risk seasons.

Based on 247 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Winter reviews highlight snowy scenery and quietness, while summer reviews often mention heat and increased traffic/noise.

Based on 247 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. "The bathrooms were extremely well maintained, and another camper in our group said the showers were great." 2. "This campground is perfect for new campers or campers who need access to amenities...

Based on 247 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Sites #12, #13, and #17 are highlighted in reviews. Site #13 is noted for being small, while #12 has ample space.

Based on 247 reviews

Accessibility Features

ADA-accessible campsites and amenities received praise for inclusivity. "Facilities like parking and picnic areas also adhere to accessibility standards."

Based on 247 reviews