Description

At 9100 feet in elevation, Round Valley is your first of four, primitive hike-in campsites and also your most plentiful. With 28 spots, Round Valley offers a great first stop for a longer trip.

Round Valley has a couple of rugged outhouses and smooth-faced boulders to picnic on. Overnight permits are required. Neither fires nor dogs are permitted in the hike-in campgrounds, so leave your pup behind and plan meals sans flame-broiled menus.

Day use wilderness permits are free and are available at the State Park Headquarters in Idyllwild or at the Long Valley Ranger Station. Overnight permits can be applied by mail 1-8 weeks in advance.

Campsite area
Tent sites
28 sites
Up to 15 guests per site
Other
No wheelchair access
Essentials
Campfires allowed
Toilet available
Amenities
Picnic table available

Activities

Offered near the campground.

Hiking

When you imagine the second highest mountain range in Southern California, imagine hikes that double as your quadricep boot cam...Read more

Climbing

Legendary naturalist, John Muir, said that mountain parks are fountains of life (and he was most definitely a fan of Mount San...Read more

Snow sports

In the winter, Mount San Jacinto’s summer climbing action shapeshifts into the lateral movements of snowshoe and cross country ...Read more

Wildlife watching

As you climb in elevation from the cozy perch of a tram car , put your binoculars away. You won’t need to magnify the soaring ...Read more

Terrain

Natural features you'll find at Round Valley Campground.

Forest
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11 Reviews

750
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Drop some Round Valley Campground knowledge on us.
Hipcamper Eddie
Eddie D.
recommends this listing.
May 15th, 2022

Be advised that there is no connection with Verizon, AT& or T-Mobile.

I'm not sure why they don't allow campfires while other campsites still allow it. That kind of ruined it for us.

Nice campsite, the bathrooms are pretty gross and far from the camp depending on where you are.

We use them more as a base camp to climb to the peak.

Hipcamper Sarah
Sarah E.
recommends this listing.
October 7th, 2017

Taking the tram up was a great way to escape the heat of Palm Springs. We still broke a sweat with a solid 7 miles of hiking, but it was really enjoyable. I would say it was definitely worth the $25.

Hipcamper Joey
Joey N.
didn't provide a recommendation.
September 11th, 2017

Fires were not allowed while we were here. The sites are spaced far apart, so you should have plenty of privacy. Afternoon thunderstorms aren't uncommon, so always be prepared for weather. The water tastes great once it's been filtered.

It's an easy two miles uphill from the tram station. Recommend taking the high trail on your way back, as it provides better views and a change of scenery from the creek trail.

Hipcamper Jeremy
Jeremy F.
recommends this listing.
March 1st, 2017

Be sure to hike until you actually see the campsite markers. The rangers are very particular about people camping in the designated sites.

Hipcamper Jeff
Jeff S.
didn't provide a recommendation.
May 26th, 2016

We absolutely love Round Valley. We use it as a fun training site for longer trips in the High Sierra. Take the tram up from the valley for a truly thrilling experience.

Hipcamper Gabriel
Gabriel O.
didn't provide a recommendation.
May 7th, 2015

You need to apply for a permit ($5.00 per person) via snail mail to camp at this location. From time of mailing, it'll be approximately 7-10 business days to receive your permit (if spaces are available).

Hipcamper Eric J.
recommends this listing.
May 19th, 2018
Hipcamper Brad  B.
recommends this listing.
April 15th, 2018
Hipcamper Jeff W.
recommends this listing.
October 20th, 2017
Hipcamper Mitchell G.
recommends this listing.
May 24th, 2017
Hipcamper Keith H.
recommends this listing.
February 16th, 2017
Park
Mount San Jacinto State Park
State
California
Country
United States
Phone Number
(951) 659-2607
Directions
View on Google Maps
Official Website
View Website
Coordinates
33.805° N, 116.663° W
$5/night
Tent Only - Hike In: 28 Sites
(Up to 15 people per site)