How much does camping cost at Boulder Basin?

Camping fees at Boulder Basin range from $20-$33.97/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Boulder Basin first-come first-served or reservation?

Boulder Basin 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 Boulder Basin before I book?

Yes! Boulder Basin has 4 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 Boulder Basin?

Boulder Basin is open May 21 to October 27. 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 Boulder Basin?

Boulder Basin does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

How many campsites does Boulder Basin have?

Boulder Basin has 32 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Boulder Basin?

Yes, pets are allowed at Boulder Basin. Dogs must typically be kept on a leash (usually 6 feet or shorter) and under control at all times. Be sure to clean up after your pet and check for any breed or size restrictions.

What amenities are available at Boulder Basin?

Boulder Basin offers: Restrooms, Pets Allowed. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Boulder Basin?

Popular activities at Boulder Basin include Hiking, Fishing, Biking, Wildlife Viewing. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Boulder Basin

Q: Can I have a campfire at Boulder Basin?

Fire policies at Boulder Basin: Fire Restrictions may be in effect, check in with the San Jacinto Ranger District by calling (909) 382-2921 to confirm. Wood and charcoal fires are permitted. Cooking stoves or fireplaces using gas, jellied petroleum, or pressurized liquid fuel are still allowed.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

4.28

76 reviews

PO Box 518, Idyllwild, CA, 92549, USA

Top 16% in CASummer

Scenic Views

Featured in:Spring Camping California

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

7,300 ft

Price

$20 - $33.97/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

32 campsites

Season

Open from May 22, 20...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Book on San Bernardino National Forest Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

7,300 ft

Price

$20 - $33.97/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

32 campsites

Season

Open from May 22, 20...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Book on San Bernardino National Forest Official Website

Get Directions

Boulder Basin

$20.00 - $33.97 / night

Campsite Fees

MANAGEMENT: $33.97; STANDARD NONELECTRIC: $20.00; Scan & Pay Standard: $20.00; Scan & Pay Tent: $20.00; TENT ONLY NONELECTRIC: $20.00. Plus...

No paid fee categories listed.

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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

909-382-2922

I manage this campground

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Campground Map

PO Box 518, Idyllwild, CA, 92549, USA

Boulder Basin

PO Box 518, Idyllwild, CA, 92549, USA

Nearby places

San Bernardino (50 miles, ~1 hour drive)

Idyllwild (14 miles, ~30 minutes drive)

Weather at Boulder Basin

Current alerts(5)

Basic camping fee ($20.00) covers the first vehicle. Extra vehicle fee of $5.00 / night / vehicle should be deposited into the fee tube located at the entrance to the campground within 30 minutes of arrival.
Click here for more information on the San Bernardino National Forest
Don't Move Firewood: Protect California's forests from tree-killing pests by buying your firewood locally and burning it on-site. For more information visit firewood.ca.gov.
Sites may be available on a first-come, first-served basis. Camping fees of $20.00 / night and $5.00 / night / extra vehicle is due within 30 minutes of arrival at the campground.

Best Time to Camp at Boulder Basin

Best season: summer. Summer offers the most reliable, comfortable high-country weather — daytime highs typically 65–80°F with crisp nights from the mid-30s to low 50s — making it ideal for long hikes, mountain biking, bouldering, and evening stargazing. Trails and access are fully open (campground operating May 22–Oct 27), wildflower displays and active wildlife viewing peak from late June through August, and technical rock routes are in prime condition. Expect moderate crowds on summer weekends and holiday periods, Peak months: July, August, June, September Avoid: November, December, January, February

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.5 / 5

Top 16% in CA

Summer temps 65–80°F, trails open, wildflowers peak and bouldering thrives; busiest season.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: May 21 to October 27. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open from May 22, 2025, to October 27, 2025. Reservations become available starting six months in advance.

About Boulder Basin

Boulder Basin sits high in the San Bernardino National Forest near Idyllwild, offering alpine tent, RV, and primitive camping with vault toilets and fire rings. Managed by the Forest Service, the campground operates seasonally and draws climbers, hikers, and mountain bikers to its spacious, private sites. Reviewers praise the bouldering access, trail connections, and mountain views, though vault toilet conditions and noise from upper sites can be drawbacks.

Boulder Basin Campground supports tent camping and small RVs or vans. Sites are primitive and best suited for campers seeking a remote and natural experience.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: summer. Summer offers the most reliable, comfortable high-country weather — daytime highs typically 65–80°F with crisp nights from the mid-30s to low 50s — making it ideal for long hikes, mountain biking, bouldering, and evening stargazing. Trails and access are fully open (campground operating May 22–Oct 27), wildflower displays and active wildlife viewing peak from late June through August, and technical rock routes are in prime condition. Expect moderate crowds on summer weekends and holiday periods, Peak months: July, August, June, September Avoid: November, December, January, February

Elevation7300 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryGranite boulders give the basin its name and its character. They rise between campsites, creating natural dividers and climbing routes that reviewers consistently mention. Mixed conifers (pine, fir, cedar) provide shade and frame views across the surrounding peaks. At this elevation, the forest shifts with every contour change. The rock and trees combine to make sites feel carved into the landscape rather than imposed on it.

Lodging & AccommodationsThere are no formal lodging accommodations such as cabins or lodges at Boulder Basin. The campground is designed for tent and small RV camping.

Programs & ActivitiesNo cultural or educational programs are specifically mentioned.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

Maximum stay of 14 nights per visit.

Groups

Group sites are not specifically mentioned.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made via Recreation.gov online or the mobile app.

AccessibilityThe campground does not provide specific information on accessibility features. Roads to the campground are unpaved and may be challenging for individuals with mobility issues.

Site SizeSites at Boulder Basin vary in size but are noted as being generally spacious. 'Nice big camp site,' one user commented. Another noted that some sites are 'relatively spread out for privacy.

PrivacyPrivacy at the sites is described as decent, with sites being 'relatively spread out.' However, noise from upper sites can echo to lower sites, according to one user review.

Total Campsites32 campsites

Recommended SitesChoose sites away from upper-level noise sources if seeking tranquility. Avoid sites near day-use bouldering areas unless participating in climbing.

Best CampsitesSite 31 sits on level terrain. Site 30 offers views and a drop-off behind it. Sites 20 and 21 give direct bouldering access but attract day users, so expect traffic.

Need help booking Boulder Basin?

Reservation tips, booking windows, and free cancellation alerts.

Recreation.gov Guide

Booking tips & windows

When to Book

Find your booking window

Cancellation Alerts

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Amenities available

Boulder Basin Campground offers a range of basic but essential amenities. Each site is equipped with picnic tables and campfire rings with grills. Vault toilets are provided, but there is no running water at the campground. Roads to and within the campground are not paved, and access is challenging due to the rough dirt road leading to the site. 'The bathrooms need work though, the smell is horrible,' noted one user review. Another stated, 'Vault toilets are under used, so they stink horribly like chemicals.' Trash collection is available, but potable water is not provided on site, and visitors are advised to bring their own supply. Firewood must be purchased locally to prevent the spread of pests. Cell service is spotty, and there is no Wi-Fi available.

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

I manage this campground

RV details

Activities you can enjoy

Boulder Basin offers a variety of recreational activities, including hiking, bouldering, mountain biking, and picnicking. 'The bouldering is epic,' one user stated. Hiking opportunities include access to the Black Mountain Trail, which connects to the Pacific Crest Trail and offers breathtaking views. Wildlife viewing is also popular.

Hiking

Fishing

Biking

Wildlife viewing

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

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

No Cell ServiceCell phone service is not available at this campground. Plan accordingly for emergencies and download offline maps before arriving.

No Flush ToiletsFlush toilets are not available at Boulder Basin. Vault toilets are in place, but multiple user reviews have criticized their condition. 'The pit toilets at Boulder Basin were some of the worst I’ve ever experienced,' according to one review. Another noted, 'The bathrooms were unbearable. The smell made some of our scouts sick and vomit.'

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 PolicyFire Restrictions may be in effect, check in with the San Jacinto Ranger District by calling (909) 382-2921 to confirm. Wood and charcoal fires are permitted. Cooking stoves or fireplaces using gas, jellied petroleum, or pressurized liquid fuel are still allowed.

Trash & RecyclingTrash collection is available, but recycling facilities are not mentioned. Campers are reminded to pack out all waste.

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

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Reviews

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From Booking Sources

4.3

76 reviews

Satisfactory

Boulder Basin is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews praise Boulder Basin for its scenic beauty and quiet, remote setting. However, the road access and vault toilet conditions are common points of complaint.

Review Summaries

Based on 76 reviews

What Campers Love

Highlights include 'beautiful views,' 'excellent bouldering opportunities,' and 'spacious campsites with privacy.' Many users appreciate the remote location and access to trails.

Based on 76 reviews

Common Concerns

Complaints focus on the poor condition of vault toilets, rough access roads, and occasional noise from other campers. 'The bathrooms need work though, the smell is horrible,' is a recurring...

Based on 76 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site 30 is praised for its 'amazing view and drop behind it.' Site 25 is described as 'excellent,' while site 31 is noted for being level. Conversely, sites 20 & 21 experience heavy day use due to...

Based on 76 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Tips include bringing plenty of water, as no potable water is provided, and ensuring your vehicle can handle the rough dirt road. Many reviewers recommend 4WD or high-clearance vehicles. 'Remember,...

Based on 76 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Reviews suggest that the campground is busiest during summer and early fall, with quieter experiences midweek. Bugs can be an issue in June after wet winters.

Based on 76 reviews

Camper Quotes

- 'The bouldering is epic too.' - 'Beautiful campground up in the mountains with pretty spacious spots.' - 'Vault toilets are under used, so they stink horribly like chemicals.' - 'This campground...

Based on 76 reviews

Accessibility Features

No reviews specifically address the campground's accessibility features for individuals with disabilities.

Based on 76 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are allowed, and many campers bring their dogs. 'Lots of dogs throughout the campground,' one review noted.

Based on 76 reviews

Outdoorithm Community

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Go if

You want a seasonal mountain base camp with privacy, bouldering nearby, and room for tents or RVs.

Skip if

You need flush toilets or a quiet guarantee from neighboring campsites.

Nearby Campgrounds

Less Visited

4.1

(21)

Black Mountain (San Bernardino)

PO Box 518, Idyllwild, CA, 92549, USA

Black Mountain sits high in the San Bernardino National Forest near Idyllwild, operated by the Forest Service for summer-season group and primitive camping. This alpine campground offers vault toilets, fire rings, and picnic tables in a quiet, forested setting with mountain views. Visitors come for hiking, fishing, and rock climbing access, though the rough approach road and lack of water mean you pack everything in.