How much does camping cost at Little Round Valley Campground?

Camping fees at Little Round Valley Campground range from $5/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Little Round Valley Campground first-come first-served or reservation?

Little Round Valley Campground accepts online reservations. We recommend booking in advance, especially during peak season (typically summer weekends). Use campsite alerts to get notified when spots become available.

Can I see photos of campsites at Little Round Valley Campground before I book?

Yes! Little Round Valley Campground has 43 campsite photos on Outdoorithm, contributed by campers who've stayed there. Browse real photos of individual sites to see what to expect before you reserve. You can also add your own photos after your trip to help the next family plan theirs.

What is the best time to visit Little Round Valley Campground?

Little Round Valley Campground is open Summer weekends are the busiest; reservations recommended at least four weeks in advance during this period.. The best time to visit depends on your preferences—summer offers the warmest weather and most activities, while spring and fall provide fewer crowds and milder temperatures. Check current conditions before your trip.

Are there showers at Little Round Valley Campground?

Little Round Valley Campground does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

Can I have a campfire at Little Round Valley Campground?

Fire policies at Little Round Valley Campground: No fires permitted; use portable stoves with an on/off switch for cooking.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

How many campsites does Little Round Valley Campground have?

Little Round Valley Campground has 6 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Little Round Valley Campground?

Pets are not allowed at Little Round Valley Campground. This policy helps protect local wildlife and other campers. Consider nearby pet-friendly campgrounds if traveling with animals.

What amenities are available at Little Round Valley Campground?

Little Round Valley Campground offers: Restrooms. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Little Round Valley Campground?

Popular activities at Little Round Valley Campground include Hiking, Wildlife Viewing. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Little Round Valley Campground

3.63

8 reviews

Mount San Jacinto State Park, Little Round Valley Campground, Idyllwild, CA 92549

Peace & QuietGreat Hiking

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

9,800 ft

Price

$5/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

6 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

No Pets

Book on California State Parks Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

9,800 ft

Price

$5/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

6 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

No Pets

Book on California State Parks Official Website

Get Directions

Little Round Valley Campground

$5.00 - $5.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Wilderness camping permits are $5.00 per person and are required for camping. The fee includes access to designated backcountry campsites.

Hike and Bike Site Fee$5.00

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Reserve California

Provider

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

I manage this campground

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Campground Map

Mount San Jacinto State Park, Little Round Valley Campground, Idyllwild, CA 92549

Little Round Valley Campground

Mount San Jacinto State Park, Little Round Valley Campground, Idyllwild, CA 92549

Nearby places

Idyllwild (5 miles, approx. 15-minute drive), Hemet (35 miles, approx. 55-minute drive), Palm Springs (60 miles, approx. 90-minute drive)

Nearby supplies

Idyllwild town (5 miles away) offers groceries, camping supplies, and fuel. Shops and restaurants are within walking distance of Idyllwild Campground.

Weather at Little Round Valley Campground

Current alert: No active alerts; check with ranger stations for trail conditions and weather updates.

Best Time to Camp at Little Round Valley Campground

Summer brings the most reliable access and pleasant conditions: daytime highs around 60–75°F, nights dropping into the 40s. Trails to San Jacinto Peak are typically snow-free from late June through September, the prime window for hiking and scrambling. Afternoon thunderstorms can roll in on hot summer days. Winter transforms the area into snow country with below-freezing temperatures, limiting access to experienced, well-equipped visitors.

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Most reliable access, pleasant temps (60–75°F) and wildflowers — summer is the peak season.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: Summer weekends are the busiest; reservations recommended at least four weeks in advance during this period.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open year-round, but accessibility is subject to weather conditions, with snow coverage common from November through April.

About Little Round Valley Campground

Little Round Valley Campground sits at 9,800 feet in Mt. San Jacinto State Park, accessible only by a strenuous hike into the backcountry. The six primitive sites offer solitude near San Jacinto Peak, but visitors should prepare for challenges: no potable water, no food lockers, and limited or nonexistent cell service. Fees run $5 per night.

The campground exclusively supports primitive camping, with no modern amenities or hookups, emphasizing self-reliance and connection to nature.

Historical Significance

The Cahuilla people traveled these mountains seasonally for thousands of years. Bedrock mortars scattered throughout the region mark places where they processed food, evidence of long indigenous use of this high-country landscape.

Weather and SeasonsSummer brings the most reliable access and pleasant conditions: daytime highs around 60–75°F, nights dropping into the 40s. Trails to San Jacinto Peak are typically snow-free from late June through September, the prime window for hiking and scrambling. Afternoon thunderstorms can roll in on hot summer days. Winter transforms the area into snow country with below-freezing temperatures, limiting access to experienced, well-equipped visitors.

ElevationPerched at a breathtaking 9,800 feet above sea level, Little Round Valley places you among the clouds in Southern California's alpine crown. At this elevation, the air grows thin and crisp, offering a refreshing escape from the heat below while bringing you closer to the stars. Winter transforms this lofty perch into a snow-covered sanctuary, where the elevation ensures a proper mountain experience complete with all the challenges and rewards of high-altitude camping.

Natural Features and SceneryThe campground occupies a high-altitude valley surrounded by granite ridges and sub-alpine forest. Weathered granite formations frame mountain meadows where wildflowers bloom in summer. Towering pines and firs provide some shade, and views extend to San Jacinto Peak's granite slopes. The setting delivers genuine wilderness character, though reviews note the area can feel crowded during peak periods despite its remote location.

Geological RegionThe San Jacinto Mountains rise dramatically from the desert floor as a massive granite fault block, creating one of Southern California's most spectacular geological showcases. These ancient peaks, sculpted by millions of years of tectonic forces and erosion, offer a rugged playground of granite spires, hidden valleys, and sub-alpine forests. Mountain meadows nestle between weathered ridges, creating diverse ecosystems that support everything from tiny wildflowers to towering conifers in this sky-island wilderness.

Scenic ViewsPanoramic views of surrounding granite peaks and valleys, with potential vistas extending to the desert regions on clear days.

Lodging & AccommodationsNo hotel-style lodging or accommodations exist at Little Round Valley Campground. It is strictly a primitive camping site.

Programs & ActivitiesNo cultural or educational programs are offered at Little Round Valley Campground.

Best Campsites

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Reserving a campsite

Check-in

Open for check-in during wilderness hours.

Check-out

Open for check-out during wilderness hours.

Stay Limit

Maximum of 15 people per site and up to 56 days prior reservation.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Up to 15 people per campsite.

Groups

Group camping is not explicitly mentioned for Little Round Valley Campground.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Site layoutSix primitive sites marked by brown posts. The layout offers inherent solitude given the remote wilderness setting and limited site count, though spacing details aren't specified.

Reservation PlatformsApplications can be mailed to Mount San Jacinto State Park Headquarters or acquired in person at the Idyllwild Ranger Station.

Walk-in AvailabilityWalk-up availability is limited and subject to campsite capacity. It is recommended to plan and reserve early for weekend visits.

Cancellation PolicyFees are non-refundable in case of cancellation.

AccessibilityAccessibility features specific to campers with disabilities are not provided for Little Round Valley Campground, as it is a remote and primitive camping location.

Site SizeThe campground consists of six primitive sites, designated by brown posts. No specific size measurements are provided.

PrivacyNo detailed information on privacy levels at individual campsites is available, but the remote wilderness setting ensures solitude and limited interaction with other groups.

Total Campsites6 campsites

Recommended SitesSelect sites based on proximity to trails and scenic views. Early reservation recommended for summer visits.

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Amenities available

Little Round Valley Campground is located within Mount San Jacinto State Park and offers a primitive camping experience in a remote wilderness setting. It is one of four designated backcountry camping areas in the park. The campground is accessible only by foot and features six sites, each equipped with a brown post to designate the campsite. Vault toilets are provided, but no other facilities like potable water, showers, or electricity are available. Campers must pack in all supplies and pack out all trash.

Vault toilets

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Activities you can enjoy

Little Round Valley Campground offers a range of wilderness activities, including hiking, wildlife viewing, and winter sports, depending on the season.

Hiking

Wildlife viewing

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsPotential hazards include sub-freezing temperatures, high winds, icy trails, and wildlife encounters. It is essential to carry adequate gear and navigation devices.

No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

No Flush ToiletsFlush toilets are not available at Little Round Valley Campground. Only vault toilets are provided.

No Electric HookupsElectric hookups are not available at this campground. RV campers should arrive with a full battery and plan for off-grid power (generator hours/quiet rules permitting).

No Water HookupsSite-level water hookups are not available. RV campers should fill freshwater tanks before arrival; check the No Potable Water note above if applicable for drinking water.

Fire PolicyNo fires permitted; use portable stoves with an on/off switch for cooking.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours are Respect solitude; generators and loud noises not permitted.

Emergency ServicesIdyllwild Ranger Station (emergency contact: 951-659-2607), Hemet Valley Medical Center (approximately 35 miles away), and emergency services accessible via 911.

Trash & RecyclingCampers must pack out all trash and belongings from Little Round Valley Campground as there are no trash or recycling facilities provided.

Water FeaturesWater spigot available, but filtration is required. May run dry during certain seasons.

Camp HostNo hosts available at the campground. Rangers are stationed at Idyllwild and Long Valley for assistance.

Cell CoverageCell phone service information for Little Round Valley Campground is unavailable; however, due to its remote wilderness location, connectivity is likely limited or nonexistent.

Trip Planning Tools

Set an AlertGet notified when sites open up Check WeatherHistorical weather data Gear for This TripMatched gear recommendations Packing ListCustomizable checklist

Questions & answers

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Tips from campers

Short heads-ups about the road in, gear quirks, timing, and more. You don't have to have been here to share what you know.

Reviews

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From Booking Sources

3.6

8 reviews

Mixed Reviews

Little Round Valley Campground has mixed reviews, placing it in the bottom 85% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews praise the secluded wilderness experience at Little Round Valley Campground, emphasizing its serene environment and proximity to San Jacinto Peak. However, some caution about the challenging hike required to reach the site.

Review Summaries

Based on 8 reviews

What Campers Love

Campers appreciate the solitude and pristine wilderness environment, as well as the rewarding views of San Jacinto Peak accessible from the campground.

Based on 8 reviews

Common Concerns

Some users note the difficulty of the hike to reach Little Round Valley Campground, particularly for less experienced hikers. Others mention the lack of amenities, such as potable water and fire...

Based on 8 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

The six sites at Little Round Valley Campground are praised for their proximity to hiking trails leading to San Jacinto Peak. Users often note the serenity and isolation of these sites.

Based on 8 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Campers recommend bringing adequate water and supplies, as the campground provides no potable water. They also suggest filtering or purifying water from nearby spigots before consumption and planning...

Based on 8 reviews

Seasonal Insights

During the summer, the campground is more accessible, but it often fills to capacity weeks in advance. In winter, visitors highlight the need for specialized equipment like snowshoes and crampons due...

Based on 8 reviews

Camper Quotes

"The views from San Jacinto Peak are worth every step of the hike." "Little Round Valley Campground offers a true wilderness experience, but be prepared to pack in everything you’ll need." "Vault...

Based on 8 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Dogs are prohibited in the wilderness areas, leading to no pet-specific reviews for Little Round Valley Campground.

Based on 8 reviews

Outdoorithm Community

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Go if

Backpackers staging a San Jacinto Peak summit will find this spot hard to beat: late June through September offers snow-free trails, mild temps, and wildflower meadows right at camp. Pack all water and a filter, since there's nothing on tap.

Skip if

No potable water, no food lockers, no cell service, and a strenuous hike just to arrive makes this a bad fit for anyone who hasn't camped well above tree line before. Dogs are prohibited, full stop.

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Round Valley Campground

PO Box 308, 25905 Highway 243, Idyllwild, CA 92549

Round Valley Campground sits at 9,124 feet in Mt. San Jacinto State Park, accessible only by trail. The 19 primitive sites occupy Round Valley Meadow, marked by brown posts, and cost $5 per night. Each site accommodates up to 15 people under wilderness rules. This is genuine backcountry camping: no road access, vault toilets, and potable water that campers report can be unreliable.