Little Round Valley Campground

25905 Highway 243, Idyllwild, CA 92549

Tucked away in the pristine wilderness of Mount San Jacinto State Park, Strawberry Junction Campground beckons adventurous souls seeking a true backcountry experience. This remote sanctuary, reached only by hiking through mountain trails, rewards determined travelers with three intimate campsites where solitude reigns supreme. Basic vault toilets provide the only amenity in this primitive paradise, where the absence of modern conveniences amplifies your connection with the natural world.

25905 Highway 243, Idyllwild, CA 92549

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.

25905 Highway 243, Idyllwild, CA 92549

Escape to Stone Creek Campground, a hidden mountain sanctuary nestled 5 miles north of the charming alpine village of Idyllwild. This semi-primitive retreat in the San Jacinto Mountains offers 44 thoughtfully spaced sites where you can choose between traditional tent camping or sites equipped with electric hookups. Each site comes complete with a picnic table and fire ring, perfect for evening gatherings under the stars. Modern conveniences include vault toilets and potable water stations, while an extensive network of nearby hiking trails beckons adventurers to explore the surrounding wilderness.

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

Escape to Round Valley Campground, where 19 primitive sites await those willing to venture beyond the reach of roads and into the heart of true wilderness. This backcountry sanctuary, accessible only by foot, rewards hikers with an authentic connection to nature and the kind of profound solitude that's increasingly rare in our modern world. Here, beneath towering pines and star-filled skies, you'll discover what camping was meant to be.

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Escape the crowds at Dark Canyon Campground, where adventure begins the moment you arrive. This first-come, first-served gem rewards early birds and spontaneous travelers with wonderfully spaced campsites that offer the privacy many seek in the great outdoors. As a tent-only sanctuary, Dark Canyon strips camping down to its purest form—just you, your gear, and the whisper of wind through the canyon. Visitors consistently praise the tranquil atmosphere and generous spacing between sites, creating an intimate connection with nature that's increasingly rare to find.

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Tucked away in the heart of the Santa Rosa Mountains, Pinyon Flat Campground beckons those seeking an authentic desert escape without breaking the bank. This hidden gem delivers the perfect blend of solitude and adventure, where days begin with panoramic mountain vistas and end with some of Southern California's most spectacular stargazing. The whisper of wind through ancient pinyon pines and the distant call of desert wildlife create a natural soundtrack that reminds visitors why they ventured beyond the crowded campgrounds below.

P.O. Box 518, IDYLLWILD, CA 92549, USA

Tucked away in the San Bernardino National Forest, Fern Basin Campground beckons those seeking an intimate escape into nature's embrace. This hidden gem features approximately two dozen thoughtfully spaced campsites perfect for tent camping and small RVs, where the only sounds breaking the mountain silence are wind through the pines and distant bird calls. Adventure awaits just beyond your tent flap, with trail access to the magnificent San Jacinto Peak challenging hikers to explore the roof of Southern California.

Po Box 518, Idyllwild, CA 92549, USA

Nestled among towering cedars and pines, Marion Mountain Campground invites adventurers to experience the serene beauty of high-elevation camping. With approximately two dozen thoughtfully spaced sites accommodating both tent campers and small RVs or vans, this mountain retreat offers the perfect balance of accessibility and wilderness immersion. The mature forest canopy creates natural privacy between sites while providing welcome shade throughout the day. Adventure seekers will find themselves at the doorstep of renowned hiking trails, making this an ideal basecamp for those eager to explore the surrounding peaks and valleys on foot or tackle challenging climbing routes.

SAN BERNARDINO

Escape to Barton Flats Campground, where mountain adventures await at every turn. This beloved basecamp in the San Bernardino National Forest connects you to a world of outdoor pursuits—from tranquil mornings fishing the Santa Ana River to afternoon paddles across glassy Jenks Lake. Well-appointed with modern amenities including flush toilets, hot showers, and fresh drinking water, the campground strikes the perfect balance between wilderness immersion and creature comforts. Paved parking aprons welcome RVs and trailers, while the surrounding trails beckon hikers and horseback riders to explore the pine-scented heights.

PO Box 518, Idyllwild, CA, 92549, USA

Perched high in the San Bernardino National Forest, Black Mountain Group Campground beckons adventure-seekers with its dramatic mountain vistas and pristine wilderness setting. This remote sanctuary offers groups an authentic back-to-nature experience, where towering pines frame sweeping views of the San Jacinto and San Gabriel Mountains. Here, far from the hustle of civilization, campers discover the true essence of primitive camping amid some of Southern California's most spectacular high-country scenery.

PO Box 518, Idyllwild, CA, 92549, USA

Escape to Boulder Basin Campground, where towering conifers and ancient granite formations create a natural sanctuary at 7,300 feet. This hidden gem in the San Bernardino National Forest beckons adventurers seeking authentic wilderness experiences far from crowded campgrounds. Whether you're drawn by world-class bouldering, challenging mountain bike trails, or simply the promise of starlit nights in pristine solitude, Boulder Basin delivers an unforgettable high-country retreat. The journey here via the rugged Black Mountain Road is an adventure in itself—a winding, unpaved forest route that filters out casual visitors and rewards the determined with one of Southern California's most spectacular primitive camping experiences.

HWY 38 FOREST RD. 1N02, ANGELUS OAKS, CA 92305, USA

Perched high in Southern California's pine-studded mountains at 8,000 feet, Coon Creek Group Campground offers an authentic wilderness escape where history meets adventure. This rustic mountain retreat features weathered historic cabins that stand as silent witnesses to the area's past, while sweeping vistas of the Coachella Valley stretch endlessly below. Adventure seekers will find themselves at the doorstep of the legendary Pacific Crest Trail, where epic journeys begin with a single step into the wilderness.

HWY 38 BARTON FLATS RD, ANGELUS OAKS, CA, 92305, USA

Nestled in the heart of the San Bernardino Mountains, Council Group Campground stands as a haven for large gatherings seeking both connection and solitude. This exclusive-use facility transforms group camping into an intimate mountain retreat, where your party enjoys complete privacy amid towering pines. As visitor Tony Reeves notes, you can "rent the whole site which makes it quite private," creating your own wilderness sanctuary. Beyond your secluded basecamp, adventure beckons with accessible hiking trails threading through the forest, prime fishing spots waiting to be discovered, and a pristine mountain lake shimmering just a short journey away.

HWY 38 HEART BAR F.S. 1N02

Gather your favorite people and escape to Skyline Group Campground, where towering pines create the perfect backdrop for unforgettable memories. This mountain retreat welcomes extended families and groups seeking adventure, with pristine wilderness trails beckoning hikers and crystal-clear mountain creeks offering peaceful fishing spots just a short walk from camp.

HWY 38 FOREST SERVICE RD 1N02

Escape to Heart Bar Campground, where towering pines whisper secrets of the San Bernardino National Forest at nearly 7,000 feet above sea level. This mountain sanctuary serves as your gateway to Southern California's most cherished outdoor adventures—from sun-dappled hiking trails that wind through ancient forests to exhilarating mountain biking routes and peaceful horseback riding paths. Each generously-sized campsite offers modern comforts while maintaining that authentic wilderness feel, creating the perfect balance between accessibility and seclusion that modern adventurers crave.

9800 Black Rock Canyon Road

Perched at 4,000 feet where the high desert meets the sky, Black Rock Campground invites adventurers into a world where ancient Joshua trees stand sentinel under vast desert skies. This elevated oasis offers the perfect balance of shaded retreats and sun-drenched spaces, with well-maintained facilities including potable water and flush toilets just steps from your site. A network of hiking trails beckons from your tent flap, promising encounters with the Mojave's most iconic landscapes. While the access roads may test your vehicle's suspension, the reward is a front-row seat to one of the desert's most enchanting theaters.

San Bernardino National Forest

Saddle up for an unforgettable mountain adventure at Wild Horse Equestrian Family Campground, where the spirit of the Old West meets modern comfort. This specialized haven for horse lovers offers 8 intimate single-family sites and 3 spacious double sites, each thoughtfully equipped with sturdy tables, campfire rings with grills, and the luxury of flush toilets and hot showers after a long day on the trail. Over two dozen well-maintained single-horse corrals ensure your equine companions rest as comfortably as you do. Beyond the essentials, you'll find a convenient horse watering station, ample staging area, and sturdy hitching racks. The real magic begins when you hit the trails—direct access to the legendary Santa Ana River Trail and portions of the iconic Pacific Crest Trail awaits, along with peaceful streams perfect for casting a line. Previous guests rave about the spotless facilities and the warmth of the campground hosts, though they advise arriving with a vehicle suited for mountain roads and bringing earplugs for occasional nighttime sounds.

54270 PINECREST AVE PO BOX 518

Perched high in the San Bernardino National Forest, Ribbonwood Equestrian Campground beckons horse lovers with a rare combination of mountain serenity and desert vistas. This specialized haven for equestrian adventurers features private corrals at every campsite, allowing you and your four-legged companions to rest comfortably after a day exploring Southern California's diverse terrain. Modern conveniences including flush toilets, hot showers, and fresh drinking water ensure comfort without sacrificing the authentic outdoor experience. From your campsite, watch the sun paint the distant Salton Sea in shades of gold while Palm Desert sparkles below.

39755 Highway 79

Tucked away at the edge of the pristine Agua Tibia Wilderness, Dripping Springs Campground offers an intimate escape into nature's tranquility. This hidden gem provides the perfect basecamp for wilderness explorers, with well-maintained hiking trails that wind through diverse ecosystems, refreshing potable water stations, and clean vault toilets. Despite its modest size, the campground delivers an authentic outdoor experience where the only sounds you'll hear are rustling leaves and distant bird calls.

9800 Black Rock Canyon Road

Saddle up for an unforgettable camping experience at Black Rock Equestrian Campground, where the high desert meets horse country in the heart of Joshua Tree National Park. This specialized equestrian haven welcomes riders and their four-legged companions exclusively—horses are mandatory for all reservations, and arriving without them means forfeiting your stay without refund. Set within an enchanting Joshua tree forest, this primitive campground offers essential amenities for horse camping including sturdy hitching posts and convenient shared water sources. Best of all, you'll have direct access to trails reserved solely for equestrian adventurers, allowing you and your horse to explore the desert's raw beauty without competing with hikers or mountain bikers.

San Bernardino National Forest

Discover your perfect desert retreat at Pinyon Flat Campground, where 18 intimate first-come, first-served campsites await beneath the starlit sky. Nestled at the edge of the Santa Rosa Wilderness Area, this hidden gem becomes a hiker's paradise each spring when the desert explodes in a spectacular wildflower display that transforms the landscape into nature's own impressionist painting.

HWY 38 ON F.S. 1N02

Saddle up for an unforgettable mountain escape at Heart Bar Equestrian Campground, where riders and their four-legged companions discover a hidden sanctuary in Southern California's high country. This exclusive horse-friendly haven opens doors to endless backcountry trails that wind through pristine wilderness, offering everything from gentle meadow rides to challenging mountain passages. Purpose-built with equestrian amenities at every turn, this secluded retreat ensures both horses and riders feel right at home beneath towering pines.

Highway 38 Fawnskin, CA 92333

Nestled high in the San Bernardino National Forest at 6,400 feet, South Fork Family Campground offers an authentic mountain escape where the whisper of wind through towering pines replaces the buzz of daily life. This intimate 28-site haven draws families seeking genuine outdoor connections, with the melodic Santa Ana River providing nature's soundtrack to unforgettable camping memories. Here, rustic simplicity meets mountain majesty, creating the perfect backdrop for starlit conversations and dawn adventures.

Coon Creek Cabin Group Campground, Sand to Snow National Monument, San Bernardino National Forest

Step back in time at Coon Creek Cabin Group Campground, where three weathered historic cabins stand as silent witnesses to the area's rich past. Nestled deep within a whispering pine forest in the Sand to Snow National Monument, this unique group camping destination offers an authentic frontier experience. While the cabins retain their original roofed and walled structures, their open doorways and windows invite the forest breeze and starlight inside, creating a perfect blend of shelter and wilderness immersion. Modern conveniences haven't been forgotten—you'll find picnic tables for communal meals, a central group fire ring for evening gatherings, proper trash disposal, and a vault toilet facility.

San Bernardino National Forest

Escape to the wilderness at these five secluded camping sites, where the only sounds you'll hear are rustling leaves and crackling campfires. Perfect for adventurers seeking an authentic back-to-basics experience, these primitive sites welcome both tent campers and those arriving by car. Mature shade trees provide natural shelter, while simple metal fire rings mark each spot for evening gatherings under the stars. This is camping in its purest form – no running water, no picnic tables, no restrooms, and no trash services. Come prepared with everything you need, and leave only footprints behind.

Santa Rosa Mountain, San Bernardino National Forest

High above the desert floor, where eagles soar and the air grows thin, fourteen pristine Yellow Post Sites await those seeking true wilderness solitude on Santa Rosa Mountain. These remote sanctuaries offer adventurers the essentials—a sturdy picnic table and fire ring at each location—while leaving the rest to nature's grand design. Without the usual campground conveniences of running water or trash collection, these sites invite you to embrace a more self-sufficient camping experience. Remember to bring all necessary supplies and honor the wilderness ethic: everything you carry in must journey back out with you, preserving these untouched ridgeline retreats for future explorers.

Pyramid Peak Road off of Highway 74, near the community of Lake Hemet

Escape to the pristine wilderness of Thomas Mountain & Toolbox Springs Yellow Post Sites, where adventure meets tranquility in the heart of nature. These secluded camping havens invite tent campers and car adventurers to disconnect from the modern world and reconnect with the raw beauty of the outdoors. Each site features a simple metal fire pit for gathering around crackling campfires under starlit skies, embracing the authentic, back-to-basics camping experience without the crowds and amenities of developed campgrounds.

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

25905 Highway 243, Idyllwild, CA 92549

San Bernardino National Forest

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Po Box 518, Idyllwild, CA 92549, USA

PO Box 518, Idyllwild, CA, 92549, USA

PO Box 518, Idyllwild, CA, 92549, USA

P.O. Box 518, IDYLLWILD, CA 92549, USA

Pyramid Peak Road off of Highway 74, near the community of Lake Hemet

HWY 38 FOREST RD. 1N02, ANGELUS OAKS, CA 92305, USA

9800 Black Rock Canyon Road

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HWY 38 FOREST SERVICE RD 1N02

54270 PINECREST AVE PO BOX 518

Santa Rosa Mountain, San Bernardino National Forest

25905 Highway 243, Idyllwild, CA 92549

Coon Creek Cabin Group Campground, Sand to Snow National Monument, San Bernardino National Forest

HWY 38 HEART BAR F.S. 1N02

25905 Highway 243, Idyllwild, CA 92549

San Bernardino National Forest

Bishop Creek, South Lake Road, near Four Jeffrey Campground, CA

Escape to Mountain Glen Campground, where just five secluded sites await beneath a canopy of quaking aspens and graceful willows. This hidden gem along the melodic waters of Bishop Creek offers the perfect basecamp for tomorrow's alpine adventure or a tranquil week-long retreat from the demands of modern life. Here, intimacy meets wilderness, creating an atmosphere where every camper becomes part of the mountain's quiet rhythm.

1 Visitor Center Dr Lee Vining, CA 93541

Tucked into a scenic bend along the melodious Lee Vining Creek, Big Bend Campground invites adventurers to claim one of its 17 intimate campsites within the majestic Inyo National Forest. This hidden gem serves as the perfect basecamp for those drawn to both Yosemite's stunning Tuolumne Meadows entrance and the otherworldly landscapes of Mono Basin Scenic Area. Each site comes equipped with essential amenities including vault toilets, fresh potable water, and bear-proof food storage lockers to ensure both comfort and wildlife safety during your stay.

INYO, CA, USA

Nestled in the heart of the Eastern Sierra, Big Pine Canyon offers adventurers a gateway to some of California's most dramatic alpine wilderness. This stunning canyon serves as your basecamp for exploring ancient glaciers, crystal-clear mountain lakes, and towering granite peaks that pierce the sky at over 14,000 feet. Whether you're seeking challenging mountaineering routes or peaceful streamside camping, Big Pine Canyon delivers an authentic High Sierra experience that will leave you breathless—both from the altitude and the sheer beauty surrounding you.

Shasta-Trinity National Forest

Gather your favorite people at Camp 4 Group Campsite, where up to 35 adventurers can create lasting memories together in the heart of nature. This thoughtfully developed campground welcomes groups with everything needed for the perfect outdoor gathering – spacious picnic tables for shared meals under towering trees, crackling fire pits for evening storytelling, convenient vault toilets, and regular garbage collection that lets you focus on what matters most: quality time with friends and family.

Six Rivers National Forest

Tucked away in the vast wilderness of Six Rivers National Forest, Bailey Canyon Campground offers an authentic back-to-nature experience for those seeking solitude and simplicity. This hidden gem provides all the essentials for a comfortable stay, including vault toilets and fresh drinking water, while each thoughtfully arranged campsite comes complete with a sturdy table for meals under the stars and a campfire ring where stories and s'mores come to life after dark.

13652 Highway 79 Julian, CA 92036

Saddle up for an unforgettable equestrian adventure at Los Vaqueros Group Horse Campground, where the spirit of the Old West meets modern camping comfort. This specialized horse-friendly retreat beckons riders and their four-legged companions with direct access to the legendary California Riding and Hiking Trail. Well-appointed horse corrals ensure your equine partners rest as comfortably as you do, making this the perfect basecamp for exploring miles of scenic trails that wind through California's stunning backcountry.

Eldorado National Forest

Tucked away in the heart of Eldorado National Forest, Northwind Campground beckons those seeking solitude amid towering pines and whispering aspens. This hidden gem rewards visitors who venture off the beaten path with pristine natural beauty and the kind of peaceful atmosphere that's increasingly rare in today's busy world. The smooth paved roads leading to this intimate campground make it an accessible retreat where the only sounds you'll hear are birdsong and wind through the trees.

Sequoia National Forest

Perched at an impressive 7,800 feet elevation, this mountain retreat features 73 thoughtfully designed campsites nestled among towering pines and crisp mountain air. The campground welcomes RVs up to 24 feet, with each site featuring a paved parking spur for easy setup and bear-proof storage boxes for peace of mind. Adventure seekers will love the direct access to thrilling OHV trails right from camp, while fresh drinking water is available throughout the season. Whether you're seeking adrenaline-pumping off-road adventures or simply yearning to wake up above the clouds, this high-elevation haven offers the perfect basecamp for your mountain escape.

Sequoia National Forest

Rail Creek Rd, Klamath National Forest, California

Escape to the pristine wilderness of Kangaroo Lake Campground, where 18 thoughtfully placed sites await at 6,100 feet among towering conifers and fragrant manzanita. Choose from 13 convenient drive-in sites or venture to one of 5 secluded walk-in tent sites for a more intimate connection with nature. The crown jewel is the crystal-clear, 25-acre lake that plunges to depths of 110 feet—a tranquil haven for paddlers and anglers pursuing rainbow trout in its cool waters. A gentle, quarter-mile paved trail winds through the forest to the lake's edge, making this mountain paradise accessible to all. As you settle into this bear country sanctuary, proper food storage becomes part of the authentic wilderness experience under star-filled skies.