Boulder Basin

Star4.37
76 reviews
PO Box 518, Idyllwild, CA, 92549, USA

Quick Facts

7,300 ft

Price

$10/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

32 campsites

Season

Open from May 22, 20...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Opens San Bernardino National Forest site

Official Website
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Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026
Boulder Basin
$10.00 - $10.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Camping fees are $10 per night for standard and tent-only nonelectric sites. Extra vehicles incur a $5 per night fee, payable within 30 minutes of...
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Standard Site Fee$10.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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Provider
909-382-2922
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What Campers Say

4.37

Recommended

Based on 76 reviews

42 Google reviews

Most mentioned

viewsprivacyspaciouslocation

Some mention

noise

"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."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

PO Box 518, Idyllwild, CA, 92549, USA

Boulder Basin

PO Box 518, Idyllwild, CA, 92549, USA

Driving directionsFrom Idyllwild, travel north for about 8 miles on State Route 243. Turn right onto Black Mountain Road/Forest Route 4S01 and continue about 5 miles to the campground. Black Mountain Road is an unpaved forest road, not recommended for low clearance vehicles or trailers.
Black Mountain Road is a narrow, rough dirt road. It is not recommended for low clearance vehicles or trailers. "Road conditions aren't terrible," but several reviews note that a high-clearance vehicle is strongly advised. "Drive at your own risk," as the road is bumpy, winding, and steep in sections.
Nearby places
San Bernardino (50 miles, ~1 hour drive)
Idyllwild (14 miles, ~30 minutes drive)
Nearby supplies
Idyllwild (~14 miles from campground), offering fuel, stores, and restaurants.

Best Time to Camp at Boulder Basin

Experience the crisp mountain air that defines Boulder Basin's unique climate throughout the year. Summer transforms this high-altitude haven into a perfect escape from valley heat, with comfortable temperatures that make afternoon hikes and evening campfires equally enjoyable. Winter brings a dramatic change, as cold, dry conditions create crystal-clear skies ideal for stargazing, though campers should come prepared with warm gear. The low humidity year-round means you'll wake to dew-free mornings and enjoy comfortable conditions for climbing and hiking, though savvy visitors note that occasional insects remind you this is their home too.

Best
Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.5 / 5
Top 14% in CA

Open and busiest in summer; cool high-elevation escape from valley heat; peak season.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.0 / 5

Open through Oct; early fall popular and scenic with quieter midweek conditions.

Spring(Mar-May)
3.0 / 5

Mostly closed until May 22; late-spring openings possible but bugs can be an issue after wet winters.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Campground is closed in winter (open May 22–Oct 27).

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: May 22, 2025, to October 27, 2025.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Open from May 22, 2025, to October 27, 2025. Reservations become available starting six months in advance.
  • Current Alerts: Road conditions are poor; maintenance expected by June 2023. Fire restrictions may be in place during the season.

About Boulder Basin

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.
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.
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Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit
Maximum stay of 14 nights per visit.

Amenities available

Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets

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.
HikingThe campground provides access to the Black Mountain Trail, a 3.6-mile, moderately strenuous trail suitable for hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding. The trail features forested slopes and views of Banning Pass and Mt. San Gorgonio. 'Even better views are available up the trail to the fire lookout tower,' noted one camper.
ClimbingClimbing opportunities may be available in nearby natural areas such as rocky outcrops, boulders, or cliff faces. Visitors should bring appropriate gear and check local regulations or park guidelines before attempting any climbs.
BikingMountain biking is supported on the Black Mountain Trail and other nearby trails. 'The campground provides access to a number of trailheads,' including those for biking.
Wildlife viewingWildlife viewing opportunities abound, as the campground is located in a mixed conifer forest that provides habitat for various species.
Winter Activities
Water Sports
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsPotential hazards include the rough, unpaved access road and vault toilet odors. Wildlife, including bears, may require vigilance in food storage.
Active AlertsRoad conditions are poor; maintenance expected by June 2023. Fire restrictions may be in place during the season.
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.

Weather at Boulder Basin

Reviews

4.4
76 reviews
Recommended
Recommended
Boulder Basin is recommended, placing it in the top 40% 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...
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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,...
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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...
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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...
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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

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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