96% (107 reviews)
Top camping in Mount San Jacinto State Park
96% (107 reviews)
Discover the most magical spots to pitch your tent or park your rig on your next Mount San Jacinto State Park adventure.
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Michael
4 days ago
Tent
What an amazing Idyllwild camping space! Nestled in the hills just a six minute drive to the center of town, this property is spacious with plenty of room to set up a couple of tents or small camper per site. The host greeted us as soon as we pulled in and gave us the grand tour of the property, with a BBQ, hammocks, an air-conditioned common room with a refrigerator and coffee machine, a shower, fruit trees, and all with a peaceful hideaway feel. I highly recommend staying here if you are visiting Idyllwild
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Cynthia
4 days ago
Tent
With kids
This spot is in a private property off a smaller, less trafficked street. With just a handful of available sites. It was private and quiet and just a couple of blocks away from some spectacular views! Worth a serene walk down the street!
There is a lounge room that is nice and cool, or warm, with a TV fridge microwave and some much-needed coffee or hot chocolate! Even filtered water! Love that! There’s only one bathroom that has private shower. It’s beautiful and comfortable! Only downside is no one can go to the restroom when someone is in the shower. I had to ask my son to hurry his shower up because somebody new arrived and needed to use the restroom.
WiFi worked amazing! There was electricity at both tent sites. Which I very much appreciated!
The two tent sites are a little close together. But there was still more than enough room for us to run around and play and have a good time.
Everything was well kept and beautiful. There’s a lot of love that goes into the property. There, you get to have an experience of abundance and generosity and nature all in one spot! Close to town so nothing is too far of a drive.
Lovely! There is nothing bad I can say about this location 🥰 Good for families.
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Deb
1 week ago
Tent
Beautiful property, neatly maintained; access to deck, deluxe shower/bathroom, TV, and kitchenette shared with other campers. Friendly and welcoming hosts. 3 of 4 sites are shaded with scrub oak. 4th site gets full sun.
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Daisy
1 week ago
Weekend Trip to The Sunrise Sanctuary
Camping area was clean and easy to find! Make sure to bring your own water. Summer days will be a little hot but the night was perfect temperature. It was definitely a nice spot to watch the sunset and gaze at the stars ⭐️
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Steve
2 weeks ago
Tent
With kids
Loved our stay! Grounds are beautiful and the host was very responsive to our questions. Would highly recommend!
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Omid
2 weeks ago
2 nights at Skyrocket Ranch
It was an excellent experience that I have for glamping I really recommend this place very quiet. I’m living at Sandiego and I was looking for a place like here long time I found here very accidently on internet but you guys be sure if your looking for glamping tent this is that what you want. Thank you John and Jenifer 🤍🤍🤍
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Grace
2 weeks ago
1 night at Granite Mountain
We loved our stay at the Eagles Nest Cabin! Very comfortable bed, incredible shower, the compost toilet was also very convenient. Ken was a fantastic host - incredibly communicative, helpful, and respectful of privacy. We'll definitely be back!
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Clint
2 weeks ago
Tent
Great spot! Jensen's Peak had a great view and was nice and quiet. Jordan and Rheanna communicated well. I will be booking again soon.
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Coral
2 weeks ago
Tent
The campground has beautiful views, private campsites, nice hiking trails, bathrooms, hot showers.
Loved it here, and will definitely come back!
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Pam
2 weeks ago
Tent
Thanks Benjamin. Wonderful camp out after a sick park.Amidst the phone's stop rocks utterly spectacular geology and the magnificent hundred foot palm trees the great amenities location and vibe we'll come back again and again. PAM
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Letty
2 weeks ago
16 ft car
Had a lovely weekend with other campers in the oak grove communal area - site 10, Superb
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Shirley
2 weeks ago
16 ft car
What a lovely spot! There are so many trails and multiple gorgeous views. The individual spaces were very large and varied from shaded to sunny, from remove, to nearer to others. Having the goats run around freely was just so much fun to watch. Every employee we encountered was helpful and really friendly. The bathrooms were always clean and well stocked. I never used the showers, but they looked clean and private enough for being outside. I can't wait to go back. If there was on less than perfect thing to mention, it was that the shop had no ice. It was advertised that they sell ice. Because it was Sunday afternoon, maybe they sold out as people so many people were leaving/checking out. Other than that, absolutely glorious!!
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Teri
2 weeks ago
21 ft campervan
Wonderful property. Camped with a group of 7 women under the old oak tree. Benjamin was a fabulous host and we enjoyed the goats and llama. We will be back with more Butterfly Tribe—women who camp.
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Tammy
2 weeks ago
Tent
I can't rave enough about this place. It was breathtakingly beautiful. We stayed at the Oak community camp and it was amazing, there were goats and a lama that wander around and we also saw a quail with her chicks. The staff went above and beyond for us and bathrooms are spotless, it was so nice to have a hot shower available. We will definitely be back.
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Daniela
2 weeks ago
1 night at Granite Mountain
The glamping site on Ken’s land was A M A Z I N G. Picturesque views from the eagle’s nest cabin with great amenities and beautiful cabin and outdoor bathroom. 10/10 recommend - I WILL be coming back.
P.S thanks for bringing me first aid items when I needed them!
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Alyssa
2 weeks ago
3 nights at Campo Nopalito
I had a wonderful stay at the casita—it’s a super cool, spacious, and bright cabin with tons of charm and privacy. The twinkling lights, fire pit, hammocks, shaded seating areas, and even a disco ball made the outdoor space feel magical. The professional community kitchen was fully stocked with everything I needed, and the plumbing, sinks, and unique outdoor shower were clean and convenient. The large property is incredibly dog-friendly, and the host was warm and welcoming. The only downsides were the midday heat, which made it tough to stay cool, and a few too many flies and ants—but overall, it was a truly special and memorable stay!
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Inseok
2 weeks ago
Tent
Group trip
We had a fantastic time here! The campsites offer a wonderful sense of privacy, surrounded by beautiful scenery. The newly renovated restrooms are truly exceptional – a very pleasant surprise! The entire campground has a peaceful and relaxing atmosphere, perfect for a getaway. We did notice there was no hot water in the shower, which was okay for us given the hot weather, but we were curious if this was a temporary issue. Aside from that small detail, everything else was perfect. A truly great place to stay!
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Spencer
2 weeks ago
Weekend Trip to Campo Nopalito
The host is incredibly kind has provided an escape to nature that retains modern comforts. If you want the outdoor itch to be scratched but don't have the bandwidth to plan a camping trip, this is the perfect escape.
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Carlos
2 weeks ago
Tent
Group trip
Very underrated lakeshore campsite! Has everything you need for several days of camping with a private dock to fish from and hold your jetski or kayak overnight. Highly recommend. Very level ground and although the lake water isn’t the cleanest it was a great experience.
See moreTop-rated campgrounds near Mount San Jacinto State Park
Other options near Mount San Jacinto State Park
Camping in Mount San Jacinto State Park guide
Overview
About
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.
Nearby attractions
- Camping near Sand to Snow National Monument is like stepping into an outdoor paradise. With a diverse landscape from desert to snowy peaks, the camping experience here is as rich as the area's biodiversity. Embrace the true spirit of Sand to Snow camping!
- Soak in panoramic views of towering peaks and vast deserts when camping near the Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains National Monument. The serenity and beauty of this area offer a distinct camping experience that will leave you rejuvenated and inspired.
- Experience the joy of camping near Frank G. Bonelli Regional Park, a haven for outdoor enthusiasts. Overlooking the shimmering Puddingstone Lake, it offers abundant recreational activities, making your camping trip fun-filled and memorable.
- Embark on an unforgettable camping adventure near Tahquitz Rock, a majestic rock formation in Southern California. Camp in the serene wilderness, marvel at the towering rock, and witness breathtaking views.
- Experience the thrill of camping near Suicide Rock, a majestic rock formation with breathtaking views. Set up camp amidst the scenic landscapes, hike to the summit, and be rewarded with panoramic vistas.
96%
107 ratings · 28 reviews
Recommends
· May 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.
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Eddie D.
3 years on Hipcamp
October 2021
How the campsites are reserved?
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Roohollah A.
3 years on Hipcamp
August 2021
Pretty campground within walking distance to shopping in town - best of both worlds!
GREAT mountain shop nearby (Nomad Adventures) with friendly staff who know their stuff and provide great hike advice.
Site #4 is heavily shaded, #17 has dappled shade (our stay) - you will want shade during summer months.
Sites 21-25 have uninspiring view of a truck facility next door, so avoid if you can.
Pines, oaks, manzanita and STARS!
5 minute showers are enough to clean body and a few items of clothing before shut-off.
Some have mentioned noise of road - not too bad for us, but we were midweek. Some folks come up to party LOUDLY all night and this was an issue, but camp host and a ranger # that is posted on bathrooms took care of this promptly.
Karen S.
8 years on Hipcamp
August 2021
Pretty campground (for the most part) with walking distance access to town. GREAT mountain shop (Nomad Adventures) in town with terrific friendly staff who really know their stuff.
The campground has nice showers that are set at 5 minutes, which is long enough to do a good wash-up of body and a few items of clothing before the water shuts off. It is cold at first, then goes to a medium heat throughout - there's no hot/cold controls.
Some sites have great shade, some not so much, which you will want in summer. #4 is heavily shaded by oaks, #17 has dappled shade. 21-25 have uninspiring views of a truck facility next door. Noise can be an issue. Some folks come to party all night, but campground host and a nighttime # to call fixes it fast.
Karen S.
8 years on Hipcamp
Not recommend
· September 2019
Nice campground but don’t expect peace and quiet. It is right next to Hwy 243 with heavy traffic all night and on the LAX flight pattern. Not to mention loud kids and barking dogs.
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Ben B.
5 years on Hipcamp
Recommends
· December 2018
Know where the bathrooms are
Vincent M.
6 years on Hipcamp
August 2018
Yes, I went by myself on July 21 and it was so hard I had to make a 2 day trip a 3 day to rest in between...whew! I wrote a review with pics. haven't seen it posted yet.
Marcel G.
7 years on Hipcamp
Recommends
· May 2018
Great campground! It's got everything you might need and located a five minute walk away from downtown Idyllwild! Highly recommend it to campers of all experiences!
Rachel N.
8 years on Hipcamp
Recommends
· January 2018
I always try to be mindful of other campers and respect the volume, but at this campground, there's many that just go to party and make noise. Makes me sound like a grumpy old man, but when you're drunk and yelling at 1 am, there's just a limit.
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Ray B.
7 years on Hipcamp
November 2017
10/10 recommend! We stayed here this weekend so (late november). The weather was pretty chilly at night but the campground was so clean and beautiful. There were giant trees completely surrounding us. Each site was spread out enough so that we had enough privacy. The rate was only around 30 dollars a night. The bathrooms were spotless! We brought our dog along with us and you do have to keep them on a leash but she was happy to be sitting with us by the fire! This campsite is right by a TON of beautiful hiking/sightseeing spots. If you have pets, I would highly recommend the Ernie Maxwell trail in Humber Park. Also this campground is right by markets and cool little shops and restaurants. My husband and I will for SURE be returning.
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Reed K.
7 years on Hipcamp
Recommends
· October 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.
Sarah E.
7 years on Hipcamp
September 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.
Joey N.
7 years on Hipcamp
August 2017
We had a wonderful two nights backpack camping here in late May 2017. Temps ranged from 75 deg daytime to 50 at night. Running stream for filtered water, pit toilets, and plenty of space and privacy for each campsite. You can hike 4-5 peaks including San Jacinto at 10,800 ft over the two days. Take the PS tram to the top and enjoy your hike!
Kristine S.
7 years on Hipcamp
Not recommend
· July 2017
Beautiful!!! Nice and cool and surrounded by trees! Lots of places to hike and find time a lone or am adventure with a loved one! Don't forget to bring water! There is a lodge up the highway if you need anything.
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Mia S.
8 years on Hipcamp
Recommends
· May 2017
Very quiet and a great alternative if you are not able to snag a primitive site. Fire pits, bathrooms, running water. Close to Lake Hemit.
Nicole M.
2 reviews
Recommends
· March 2017
Nearby neighborhood has potential for some noise, especially in the evening. Otherwise a very calm and peaceful campground! Gorgeous paths within campground for exploring with kids and pets. Walking distance to town, but it's a long walk - I recommend driving into town, but walking inside campground. Nature Center nearby offers discount tickets for accessing its trails and museum if you're a camper!
Natalia R.
8 years on Hipcamp
Recommends
· March 2017
Be sure to hike until you actually see the campsite markers. The rangers are very particular about people camping in the designated sites.
Jeremy F.
10 years on Hipcamp
July 2016
The town is very close and you can walk there in 2 mins. They have bars, markets, restaurants and other small town stores. So if you forget bring water or wood for camp fires they're available. Plenty of hiking trails and if you want to go hiking up the mountains, permits available at the ranger station where you enter the campgrounds.
Ivan R.
10 years on Hipcamp
July 2016
Oh the sweet smell of pine! Stayed for 4th of July weekend watching the stars and milkyway go by. Awesome campsite, very clean toilets and showers. Surrounded by pine trees every where! there's a couple of lakes where you can go and fish. 5k elevation so day time gets hot even when the temp is low.
Ivan R.
10 years on Hipcamp
May 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.
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Jeff S.
9 years on Hipcamp
September 2015
Stayed one night 9/6/15: hiked up Devil's Slide via Humber Park. No water along trail. Stay north on PCT and take turn off where sign says "Strawberry Cienenga" Campsite is marked at left about 10 minutes past the Cienega. No picnic tables or fire rings, there is an out house. Clean and spacious with 3 campsites, not marked by posts. Great place to camp, with boulders to climb and a beautiful west facing view.
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Diane A.
9 years on Hipcamp
May 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).
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Gabriel O.
10 years on Hipcamp
April 2015
Be sure to get your wilderness permit from the US Forest system, as it's required whether you're hiking or camping. While you’re at it, check to see what’s open and what’s closed, so you don’t waste any time on your expedition.
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Hipcamper
10 years on Hipcamp
March 2015
Tram lines are long, get your tickets online and consider the ride and dine program if you want the full package deal!
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Hipcamper
10 years on Hipcamp
March 2015
Check out the town of Idyllwild, full of charm and a good place to stay if you’re not down to camp.
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Hipcamper
10 years on Hipcamp
March 2015
Be watchful for snakes on the ground when you’re overcome by San Jacinto’s jaw dropping views.
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Hipcamper
10 years on Hipcamp
March 2015
If you want a moderate in difficulty, but day-long hiking excursion, try the 10-hour round trip Deer Springs Trail to San Jacinto Peak.
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Hipcamper
10 years on Hipcamp
March 2015
Although charming, nearby shops and restaurants can be a little pricey - stock up before your trip if you’re on a budget.
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Hipcamper
10 years on Hipcamp
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- Mount San Jacinto State Park