Camping near Idyllwild

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The soaring peaks of the Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains (as high as 10,834 feet) serve as the backdrop for Idyllwild, a mountain town nearly a mile higher than nearby Palm Springs (set on the other side of the mountains). Camping adventures are abundant here, including rock climbing at premier multi-pitch traditional crags: Tahquitz Rock and Suicide Rock. If belaying is not in your plans, miles of hiking trails, including a segment of the Pacific Coast Trail, pass through the region, and commanding views of the valley are at every turn for mountain bikers, too. The family-run supermarket and well-stocked general store serves as conveniences for campers staying in Idyllwild for a few days.

95% (12.4K) 4,891 campsites

Top-rated campgrounds near Idyllwild

Serene forest privacy for 4WD

1. Serene forest privacy for 4WD

99%
(63)
0.8mi from Idyllwild · 3 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
Learn more about this land: Beautiful private land. Mostly undeveloped, rugged, forest. 4WD accessible cleared areas for tent sites or Jeep-top tents. Canvas tent available. Container cabin for those looking for a little less rugged accomodations. You can relax, and hike nearby trails during the day (some walking distance, some driving distance), mountain bike, or hit nearby climbing spots. Maybe you want to go into town 2 miles away and enjoy local art, music, or just the eclectic vibe of Idyllwild. Come back and star gaze in the evening. Fires are NOT allowed under ANY circumstances. Propane backpacking stoves or self contained camp stoves only. Quiet hours enforced after 8pm. Guests who are making loud noise may be asked to leave and not refunded. Composting toilet available in camping area. Bring your own tent or stay in our canvas tent (bring your own bedding). Host on-site or nearby. Wi-Fi not reliable in area.
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Windy Point × Palm Springs

2. Windy Point × Palm Springs

98%
(20)
12mi from Idyllwild · 1 site · Tent, RV
Windy Point × Palm Springs: Private Off-Grid Desert Parcel Raw, off-grid camping in Palm Springs' aptly named Windy Point area, set against a dramatic mountain face. Stunning views, easy drive to town, built for self-sufficient campers and vehicles. THE SITE Secure 7,500 sq ft parcel, fully enclosed by a 5' chain-link fence and lockable gate (16' opening). The fence keeps your vehicle, gear, and pets secure from coyotes. A quiet, secluded-feeling spot on the edge of town, though the fence is open chain-link and a public road runs alongside, so expect occasional passing traffic. To enter, clear a standard 6" curb (no cut-out), slowly, especially on the way out. On-site parking inside the fence, plus street parking. A streetlight keeps the site from going pitch-black, helping with safety at night. Picnic table included. Pets welcome (supervise, clean up, keep the gate closed). OFF-GRID, FULLY SELF-CONTAINED Completely off-grid: no water, power, toilets, showers, or trash service. Bring your own water, power, and portable toilet. Leave No Trace, pack out all trash and waste (no cleaning fees!). RV dump stations roughly 15 miles off-site (Morongo Casino area, Pilot, Flying J). Supplies and fuel at Windy Cove Market & Gas (60490 Overture Dr), the only retail in the hamlet. VIEWS & QUIET Unobstructed views of the mountain face rising right behind you, with epic sunrises and sunsets. At night the desert goes quiet, you may hear coyotes in the distance. A low-cost basecamp for Cactus to Clouds hikers. WIND ADVISORY True to its name, this spot earns it, conditions range from calm to gale-force. Check the Windy app before and during your stay. Best for car, van, and RV camping. Standard free-standing tents generally don't work here, the wind will fight them most days; low-profile setups (rooftop or truck-bed tents) can do fine with earplugs. Bringing a regular tent? Plan to car camp instead. Custom wind report sent ahead of your visit. EXPLORE Minutes from the Aerial Tramway, downtown, museums, Acrisure Arena, plus hiking, canyons, and Joshua Tree day trips. REMINDERS Self-contained camping only Pack-it-in, pack-it-out (no cleaning fees!) Fire: no campfires, open flames, charcoal, or fireworks. Gas stoves and propane BBQs only. Prep for wind and temp swings (bring layer
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Villa Macala

3. Villa Macala

100%
(397)
15mi from Idyllwild · 6 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
Villa Macala is a 20-acre oasis of detailed landscape, orchards and Southern CA native planting while complimenting the natural rocks and gorgeous views. Enjoy the many hiking trails and rest in the peace, quiet and beauty. Overlooking the Hemet Valley with gorgeous panoramic views of the San Jacinto Mountains, Villa Macala is reminiscent of an Italian Villa. The property landscape includes Olive Orchards throughout, a growing vineyard, fig trees, pomegranate trees. Villa Macala is 15 minutes from Diamond Valley Lake where you can enjoy a wildflower trail, fishing or mountain bike trails, museum and water park. It is 20-30 minutes to Pachea Trail and Simpson Park where you can enjoy more great hiking and mountain bike trails. It is also a 30-minute drive to Temecula Wine Country. We have 2 full outdoor bathrooms, one was most recently added at our Elderberry Camp Site (site 1), and is also close to site 4 our Oaks Campsite as well. (Please note our 2nd bathroom is a good walk uphill from the campsites). Our larger bathroom campers can use with a shower and small fridge to store your food. We also have a playground with swing set for kids to enjoy. PLEASE NOTE: Bookings must be made at least 48 hours in advance. FIRES: No fires are to be lit by the campers without verbal consent from property owner and instruction. SEE property owner/camp host upon arrival about what you may use on the property. He will provide instructions. TASTINGS: *Temporarily tastings are shut down.* Macala Orchards Olive Oil, Various Jellies and Jams Pomegranate Juice all made from what we grow are available for tasting upon request. Please let us know prior to arrival if you are interested in a scheduled tasting during your stay! We can provide a tasting if we have the proper staff during your visit. Our products are available for purchase, with or without a tasting. We recommend you bring cash if you are interested. We also take Venmo! GETTING TO VILLA MACALA: The road up to Villa Macala is a dirt road uphill, all vehicles fair well, we attempt to keep the road maintained as well as possible, after heavy rains it is a bit more bumpy but safe. Drive slow!
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Mount San Jacinto State Park

4. Mount San Jacinto State Park

96%
(107)
State park 9.2mi from Idyllwild · 173 sites
At 10,833 feet in elevation, this is the second highest peak in California. There are two ways to get to the summit. You can hike the whole thing or shave off about 6000 vertical feet by riding the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway. Either way, the summit is not to be missed. For a real challenge try the epic Cactus to Clouds trail. It was rated as one of the hardest day hikes in the world by Backpacking Magazine. Its 21 miles take you skyward through sub-alpine forests, mountain meadows, snow-dusted crags, and gnarled granite. An alpine start is required to avoid the midday heat so be prepared and take plenty of water. Campers have plenty to choose from. The San Jacinto area offers two drive-in campsites, four hike-in primitive campsites, and adventures for every brand of wilderness craving. If you want to backpack to the summit over a day or two try the Deer Springs Trail. This park has adventures for every brand of wilderness craving.
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San Bernardino National Forest

5. San Bernardino National Forest

94%
(154)
National forest 23mi from Idyllwild · 863 sites
Test your summiting skills on some of Southern California's most picturesque peaks.
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Electrical hookup
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Anzabella

6. Anzabella

96%
(46)
15mi from Idyllwild · 3 sites · Tents, RVs
Experience the serenity of open spaces and breathtaking 360-degree views of mountains and natural landscapes at our peaceful location. Situated just 2 miles away from the renowned Pacific Crest Trail at Table Mountain Truck Trail, this area offers some of the most picturesque scenery in Southern California. Bring your furry friends or horses along to enjoy the freedom of the open space. Embark on exhilarating mountain biking adventures or engage in other outdoor activities to make the most of this beautiful setting. Rest assured knowing that the owners reside nearby, ensuring support is readily available if needed. Embrace the tranquility and beauty of this location as you create unforgettable memories surrounded by nature's splendor. Please know: Strict fire ban during windy conditions
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Granite Mountain

7. Granite Mountain

100%
(176)
17mi from Idyllwild · 3 sites
Looking for a getaway that blends rugged mountain beauty with upscale luxury and comfort? Welcome to your private luxury escape—where the stars shine brighter, the air feels cleaner, and every detail is designed to help you unplug, unwind, and reconnect. Tucked into the hills, each cabin is surrounded by breathtaking views of towering peaks and wide open valleys. Wake to golden light pouring over the ridges and fall asleep to the sound of crackling fire and distant owls. This is more than a place to sleep- it’s a destination made for connection, reflection, and adventure. Whether you’re planning a surprise getaway, celebrating a special occasion, or chasing peace in the wild, our mountain sanctuary gives you the space and luxury to make it unforgettable. Spend your days exploring nearby hiking trails, tasting your way through award-winning wineries, or visiting the renowned local olive oil farm just minutes away—offering free daily tastings of oil made fresh on site. When night falls, cook dinner under the stars, sip wine by the fire, and let the stillness wrap around you. 🌟 And yes—you’ll have great cell service 📱 if you need it (or want to post that amazing view). 🚗 Easy access by car—no 4WD required ⸻ At each private site, you’ll enjoy: 🛏️ A plush queen memory foam bed for a luxurious night’s sleep 💧 A private hot rain shower 🚽 A modern composting toilet—clean, comfortable, and private 😊 Stay Cozy with Cold A/C on those warm days and Warm Heat on those cold winter nights 🔥 A personal fire pit and string-lit seating area for evening magic 🧊 A mini fridge to keep your food and drinks cool 🍳 A private outdoor kitchen with:  • A 2-burner propane stove  • Fresh water for cooking and cleanup  • Complimentary coffee to start your mornings right ☕  • Basic cookware, pots, pans, dishes, and utensils ⸻ This is luxury redefined—immersed in nature but full of thoughtful touches that make your stay effortless. 🌲 ⛺️ 🔥 Book your escape today and discover why couples and adventurers call this their favorite off-grid luxurious getaway!
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DragonflyHill Desert Farm

8. DragonflyHill Desert Farm

97%
(342)
18mi from Idyllwild · 10 sites · Tents, RVs
About Welcome to DragonflyHill Desert Farm & Wildlife Habitat where you can experience desert magic, starry skies, and natural mineral water from our private well. Remote enough for a quiet retreat yet easy to get to and only a short drive to amenities and outdoor adventures! Please review our rules and read our entire listing description prior to requesting to stay here, to assure we’re the right space for you. Copies of our rules, registration documents, liability waiver and amenities are provided in our photos. Guests must agree to adhere to our rules and honor our cancellation policy to book with us. If you have any questions, please make an inquiry and we will get back to you very quickly. We really do love this work. LOCATION: We are located one mile down a well maintained and navigable dirt road, 20 minutes to Palm Springs, Desert Hot Springs and Palm Desert, and 15 minutes to the 10 freeway. We're near the Cabazon outlets, 2 hours to Los Angeles, San Diego, Disneyland, mountain areas, and beaches. Nearby there are local wildlife preserves, hiking and outdoor activities. We are 45 minutes to Joshua Tree and a half hour to Coachella. We truly are in the middle of nowhere and the center of everything. For folks traveling in winter, we’re considerably warmer than Joshua Tree and the High Desert. In summer we are cooler than Palm Springs. Immediate neighbors are small farmers and ranchers. Local spas and resorts are available for day use and access to their pools and ponds for as little as $10 a day ($5 seniors). We can provide space for events and entertainment for a small fee. ARRIVAL: Upon approving your reservation we'll send you a welcome message with information we need prior to your arrival to process your reservation, prepare for your arrival and provide you with check in information and accurate directions as gps apps to our location are often wrong. Please answer that initial email as soon as possible. We'll follow up with check in information and driving directions. Once in the gate, stay on the driveway and meet us on the patio with the blue shade sails. We will provide you with an approximately 15 minute orientation and tour, register you, check identification and show you to your campsite. Guests are required to fill out a liability waiver and a simple registration form. (See photos for copies of these forms.) OUR SPACE: Our land is 130 feet wide by an eighth of a mile deep in a residential neighborhood with lots 2.5-10 acres. We can see and hear our neighbors. We maintain a very quiet space but occasionally our neighbors have their own activities and events. Let us know if the neighborhood gets too noisy and we'll try to mitigate those situations. We can also provide free earplugs for those very rare occasions. Guests wanting a totally isolated experience may want to book elsewhere. DragonflyHill Desert Farm is a working farm in a wilderness area. Guests should check weather forecasts prior to arrival and assure that they have the right equipment. We have a moderate cancellation policy that allows guests to cancel 3 days prior to their arrival date to receive a refund. This allows enough time to check weather reports. There are occasional heavy rains and frequent high winds. It can get very hot in summer and reach freezing temperatures in winter. Despite our proximity to the freeway and nearby cities, and our location in a residential neighborhood, this is very much a wilderness area. DragonflyHill is not responsible for the weather. We are not a resort. Expect dry plants and patches during summer and into the fall. As a farm, we may be a bit more rustic than your typical farm to allow for shelter for local wildlife. Our cultivation methods encourage biodiversity and though we are growing food, many of our crops resemble landscaping or natural habitat rather than garden patches. Currently we have habitat viewing areas, an herb garden, an orchard, an outdoor classroom, a sheltered social distancing patio, an outdoor kitchen, meditation gardens, our (seasonal) mineral pool, community library, game boards and toys, and a tree bath. Plant varieties, wildlife and presentation may vary by season. Our farm specializes in herbs, fruit trees, desert and native plants, and edible flowers. We also grow some sprouts and microgreens indoors. We cultivate community and share what we grow with our neighbors and our guests. Guests have shared access to the outdoor kitchen and BBQ area, the orchards, gardens, patios, and grounds of the Desert Farm and Wildlife Habitat, and (for safety reasons) limited access to the pool pond and spa -both unheated. The pool pond is filled with local mineral water from our own well. The pool pond is cleaned regularly & is chlorinated. The pool pond is not cleaned daily and is shared with wildlife. including bees and birds who drink water pool side. Debris from high winds and wildlife may contribute to the pool pond environment. Currently neither the pool pond nor the spa is heated. We also have wheelchair accessible hot water outdoor showers and wheelchair accessible porta potties. The pool area is accessible to guests year round but the pool itself is winterized and unavailable from mid October through mid to late April. We work hard to keep the home well maintained & clean; we're vigilant & do due diligence with professional quarterly visits from Truly Nolen 4 Season Pest Prevention (a green company.) We doubt you'll see any unwanted critters inside or near the house or other structures during your stay, but if you do, please advise us & we will promptly address the situation. DragonflyHill Desert Farm and Wildlife Habitat is in a remote area of the desert with lots of wildlife. To help us keep wildlife OUT of the house and campsites, please keep food out of reach of critters & clean up after every meal. We affirmatively welcome children, but as this is a working farm in a wilderness area, parents will need to be vigilant of their child's safety and activity while here. We are constantly adding activities and features for children and adults. We are child friendly and we are a good location for groups. (Just message us with your details and we can tailor your stay to meet your needs.) We have 1 cat and 1 service dog. Other guests may have pets or assistance animals. Neighbors have chickens, farm animals and pets. There are a few feral cats in the vicinity as well as a variety of desert wildlife. At night you can hear the coyotes though we’ve never seen them or their tracks on our land. Common sightings of road runners, rabbits, hares, lizards, snakes, hawks, doves, desert wrens, migrating ducks (in the Spring), scorpions, mantises, crickets, mockingbirds, insects and spiders. WHO WE ARE: DragonflyHill is a community of artisans, activists, craftspeople and farmers, working together to cultivate community, develop methodologies for living and working together in ever increasing paradigms of social justice and sustainability. We are a safe and sober space that is disability and LGBTQIA affirmative, anti-racist, anti-sexist, anti-imperialist and de-colonialist, because anything else is just a bandaid. Core values of our work include attention to detail, fine craftwork and cultivating community. Some members of the Dragonfly Team live on the premises at all times and will be here for the duration of your stay. The rest of the team are community members. All Team members work at DragonflyHill Desert Farm and Wildlife Habitat in different capacities, in cooperation and collaboration with each other. It should be noted that we are not a museum community and our collective is not on display. Only 2-3 members of the community are currently responsible for hosting guests. Community members are autonomous and, much of our community functions virtually. There are also occasional community events at the farm, including farming, though many activities are just coming back after the pandemic. We hope to offer activities in the Fall. All activities will continue to be held outdoors and social distancing is required. We speak: English and Spanish. We can communicate somewhat in French, Italian and Portuguese. DRAGONFLYHILL CONSEIRGE We love to hear about your travels and share our knowledge of our community and Southern California with our guests. Our library, located on the Blue Patio, offers children’s books, local history including indigenous history, farming and gardening, wildlife guides, hiking trails, entertainment and tourist attractions. We can recommend activities on and off site including places to go with children, local hiking, museums, restaurants and shopping. In addition to campsites, for additional fees, we offer reiki, a private jacuzzi hot water mineral bath, farm tours, firewood, tutoring, tax preparation, vehicle storage, event and space rental, and classes. Three of us are licensed to officiate weddings. RULES, DOCUMENTS & AMENITIES Carefully read our listing description and our rules to determine if we're the right space for you. We know we have excellent reviews but take the time to assure that we offer what you are looking for. Each Hipcamp host is autonomous and has their own rules, amenities and features. Hipcamp does not provide guests a copy of the house rules until after you have selected a location and then requires you to agree to the house rules before finalizing your decision. There is not enough space in the listing description to include the rules so guests can see them prior to booking. If you would like to see our rules, registration documents or a list of amenities please find them in our photos or message us prior to booking and we will send you a copy. We welcome guests new to Hipcamp but please take the time to familiarize yourself with the Hipcamp platform. Hipcamp travel is very different from public campgrounds. At DragonflyHill Desert Farm and Wildlife Habitat you will be guests in our home. We welcome and encourage guests with service and support animals to stay with us. All animals must have current vaccination records.
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Shadow Hills

9. Shadow Hills

97%
(198)
19mi from Idyllwild · 3 sites · Tents, RVs
Minutes from the heart of Temecula Wine Country, Shadow Hills provides beautiful panoramic views in a peaceful setting. Enjoy your morning coffee while watching hot air balloons glide through the morning sky. Then make the short trip to Wine Country for award winning wines, food and events. Shadow Hills is a former eucalyptus farm on 4 acres in Temecula Wine Country. We love our little SoCal ranch and look forward to sharing it with you! The campsites are located near the top of the property and are easily accessed using the paved driveway. The local wildlife includes hawks, bunnies, birds, lizards, coyotes, and, on rare occasions, deer, snakes and bobcats. Shadow Hills provides a quiet and rustic environment within reach of Temecula wines, events, and cuisine.
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Cleveland National Forest

10. Cleveland National Forest

93%
(85)
National forest 64mi from Idyllwild · 436 sites
Hike, camp, or gaze up at the Milky Way in California’s southernmost national forest.
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Lake Perris State Recreation Area

11. Lake Perris State Recreation Area

73%
(13)
State park 28mi from Idyllwild · 409 sites
Hike, climb, swim, or take your boat out on the water at this SoCal reservoir.
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Palomar Mountain State Park

12. Palomar Mountain State Park

93%
(68)
State park 30mi from Idyllwild · 61 sites
High elevation hiking with a world-renowned observatory.
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Joshua Tree National Park

13. Joshua Tree National Park

97%
(767)
National park 36mi from Idyllwild · 493 sites
Joshua Tree camping offers access to a desert wonderland of crooked trees and boulders, where hiking and rock climbing sublime.
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Native Falls Campground

14. Native Falls Campground

90%
(118)
20mi from Idyllwild · 14 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
We are very glad you found us! Our hours are from 9am to 5pm everyday. Check in time starts at noon. Accommodations include fully furnished cabins, RV sites, and tent camping. The campground includes a lake with a waterfall, a sandy beach, lake toys, and catch & release fishing. Additional amenities include a Pickleball Court, shuffleboard, Pool Table, fire pits, picnic tables, hiking trails, and more!
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Full hookups
Hidden Falls Preserve

15. Hidden Falls Preserve

97%
(204)
20mi from Idyllwild · 13 sites
This secret off-grid getaway on 80 acres provides stunning views at private tent sites with hiking, bird-watching, and wildflower-spotting. Relax in the shade of a eucalyptus grove, enjoy the sun shining over the sage scrub, enjoy the dark night, and find the hidden seasonal waterfalls. A short drive to Temecula, Diamond Valley Lake, and Lake Skinner, our private, scenic campsites offer both serenity and nearby activities including wine tasting, restaurants, hot air balloons, and paragliding. We are 100% off-grid with no hookups or potable water sources (yet), no showers (yet) in the middle of a conservation area. A significant portion of our proceeds goes directly to a local non-profit for habitat restoration efforts and other bird study projects. We hope to attract campers that want an off-the-beaten-path type experience without having to go to the mountains.
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Mineral Spring Date Farm

16. Mineral Spring Date Farm

96%
(568)
21mi from Idyllwild · 8 sites · RVs, Lodging
Get cozy with your Private Hot Spring ( Just for you to use) . This is a working Date Farm that is above an aquifer with a natural mineral spring water well. We are rehabilitating our Date Farm. Private Hot Spring fed tubs at each site located on a private 20-acre Date Farm on a Mineral Spring aquifer. **~18 minutes from Downtown Palm Springs. ** ~ 30 minutes from Joshua Tree **Perfect late-night check in** If you love traveling, nature, and adventure this place has features to help you maximize your travel experiences. Comfortable and right in the middle of the desert. Experience the best of both worlds. ** We keep trimmed Palm fronds on the side of our road for our goats to eat and to use as mulch. ** We are not the Hilton, a Spa or Resort. We are a working Date Farm on top of a Mineral Spring Aquifer.
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Relaxing Hide Away

17. Relaxing Hide Away

93%
(47)
22mi from Idyllwild · 4 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
Learn more about this land:Come relax and stargaze away from the city lights, this property sits on over 10 acres of desert landscape. Short drive from Los Angeles and San Diego.
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Agave Azul Del Sol

18. Agave Azul Del Sol

100%
(14)
22mi from Idyllwild · 1 site
Hi, I’m Eric. I host a unique mountaintop campsite overlooking the Palomar Mountains, just outside Temecula, CA. On the property, you’ll find a cozy A-frame cabin with views of the valley. Step out of your cabin to enjoy your own private lounge area with a propane fire pit—perfect for sunrise coffee or stargazing at night. We’re about 17 miles from Temecula Valley wine country, 45 miles from Julian, 45 miles from Palm Springs, and around 60 miles from the beaches in San Diego. Nearby, you’ll find plenty of options for wine tasting, hiking, and exploring the surrounding mountains. Garage 79, a local pub just down the road, is close by if you want to grab a drink or bite after a day of adventuring. It’s close enough for a quick getaway, yet far enough to feel completely removed from the busyness of everyday life. I look forward to hosting you on the mountain. (Any 2 wheel drive vehicle can make it up with ease.) Grocery stores are in Temecula 30min away.
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Scorpion Ranch

19. Scorpion Ranch

99%
(48)
22mi from Idyllwild · 3 sites · Tents, Lodging
Rumor has it our house was built by the famed western actor Alan Ladd as a secret getaway back in the 50s. There’s 5 acres, partly shaded by old mesquite trees and native Washingtonia palms that tower over rock lined paths. I recently fixed up our old 1949 tear drop camper for staying in after it had been abandoned for 30 years. It’s equipped with solar power, a gas burner, a pump sink, and a cooler. This is a place for people that love old stuff! No marble countertops and stainless steel will be found. For lovers of the funky. There’s an outhouse, an outdoor shower, and a 9 foot deep swimming pool too. We’re situated between the San Andreas fault and the the Little San Bernardino Mountains, so spectacular hikes are a short walk away. After every golden sunset, the stars do not disappoint.
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Saddle Up Camp

20. Saddle Up Camp

95%
(319)
22mi from Idyllwild · 12 sites · Tents, RVs
Saddle Up Ranch is a horse rescue that is ever growing. We have over 180 trees on the property (mostly beautiful flowing California Pepper Trees) and have gorgeous views of the surrounding mountains and horse pastures.We offer horseback riding, goat yoga, and goat milking. You can also volunteer and help care for the animals while you are here by feeding, grooming or simply petting them. TJ, our owner, is working her way through the race track. Our campsites are managed by Tony. He works closely with guests to expand our campsites. TJ and many of the guides volunteer hard hours to rehabilitate the horse and give them a good home. You should see how the animals flock to TJ. The ranch also has goats, pigs, chickens, dogs and cats. You can support our mission of rescuing horses by booking one of our horseback riding or other services! Thank you for your support! Guests love staying here: "Second stay and looking forward to returning again! <3 We were the only campers during the weekend, it was so serene. It gets very cold at night but the star filled skies are breathtaking. This time during our stay we had 3 kitty visitors and 3 dogs that rolled up to our camp multiple times, it felt like they were checking up on us. It was so cute. The sweet Aussie poked his head in our tent to say "you good?" haha It was so cute and they were extremely friendly and social! The black kitten stayed at our camp all night and cuddled on our laps by the fire. It was such a lovely experience. TJ and her crew have done an amazing job with this place, I don't have enough words to explain. Just see for yourself! You'll love it!! Can't wait to visit again!"
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Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community

Idyllwild camping guide

Where to go

Mount Jacinto State Park

Most visitors to the area head for Mount Jacinto State Park, which stretches from Idyllwild to Palm Springs. At the base of Mount San Jacinto, the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway lifts up and over the sheer eastern face, traveling 2.5 miles while rotating for a one-of-a-kind experience. At the top, 8,516 feet up from the valley floor, visitors arrive at a temperature difference that averages 40°F. The park houses a number of campgrounds for tent and RV campers, and more than 50 miles of hiking, biking and cross-country skiing trails are set just outside.

Idyllwild Nature Center

One mile west of Idyllwild, the Idyllwild Nature Center offers guided tours that focus on mountain ecology, local flora and fauna, Cahuilla Native culture, and the history of the San Jacinto Mountains. Nearby, Hidden Valley Nature Center opens onto 25 miles of hiking and equestrian trails.

Tahquitz Rock and Suicide Rock

Idyllwild is the hub for explorers seeking to climb Tahquitz Rock and Suicide Rock. If you do not have climbing gear at hand, bouldering is a mellower way to explore the crags. Both rocks are accessible via hiking trails from Idyllwild.

When to go

Winter conditions can be variable—passes can close without warning—and weather can change suddenly even in summer.

Frequently Asked Questions

In Idyllwild, visitors can enjoy rock climbing at premier multi-pitch traditional crags like Tahquitz Rock and Suicide Rock. There are also miles of hiking trails, including a segment of the Pacific Coast Trail, and commanding views of the valley for mountain bikers. The family-run supermarket and well-stocked general store serves as conveniences for campers staying in Idyllwild for a few days.

Idyllwild is the hub for explorers seeking to climb Tahquitz Rock and Suicide Rock. If you do not have climbing gear at hand, bouldering is a mellower way to explore the crags. Both rocks are accessible via hiking trails from Idyllwild.

One mile west of Idyllwild, the Idyllwild Nature Center offers guided tours that focus on mountain ecology, local flora and fauna, Cahuilla Native culture, and the history of the San Jacinto Mountains.

Most visitors to the area head for Mount Jacinto State Park, which stretches from Idyllwild to Palm Springs. The park houses a number of campgrounds for tent and RV campers, and more than 50 miles of hiking, biking and cross-country skiing trails are set just outside. The Palm Springs Aerial Tramway also offers a one-of-a-kind experience, lifting visitors up and over the sheer eastern face of the mountain.

Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field
Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

Popular Idyllwild, CA trips