Dark Canyon Campground

Dark Canyon Campground is in the San Jacinto Mountains and the San Bernardino National Forest north of Idyllwild. Activities in the area include mountain biking, horseback riding, hiking, rock climbing, and ATV/OHV riding. Wonderful views of the area can be achieved from the summits of nearby peaks.

Dark Canyon Campground has 17 campsites in a forested setting. The San Jacinto River passes next to the campground, but access is restricted in order to protect the yellow-legged frog.

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Dark Canyon Campground Basics
Location:	Azalia Trail Road, off Highway 243, 5 miles north of Idyllwild
Elevation:	5,800 feet
Mileage from Gateway Cities:	Riverside - 55 miles San Diego - 119 miles
Camping Season:	Late May through early September, depending on weather
Number of Sites:	17
Max. People per Site:	8 (including children)
Vehicles per Site:	1 vehicle and 1 towed vehicle, ($5 per night for other vehicles)
Pets:	On leash, always attended
Operated by	San Bernardino National Forest
San Jacinto Ranger District:	(909) 382-2921

Reservations
Reservations	There are no reservations available. All campsites are first come, first served.
Maximum RV/Trailer Length:	17 feet
Wheelchair Accessible Sites:	None designated
Fees:	$12 per night
Check-in, check-out:	2:00 PM, 1:00 PM

Dark Canyon Campground Amenities
Campsites:	Picnic table, fire ring with grills, food storage boxes; no hook-ups
Campground:	Vault toilets, piped water
Showers:	No
Dump Station:	No
Nearby attractions:	Seven Pines Trail leading to wilderness camps and on to San Jacinto Peak, Mount San Jacinto State Park and its Panorama Point Trail (universal access, 1-mile loop to scenic viewpoint), Black Mountain Scenic Area, Lake Fulmor Picnic Area and trail, Pacific Crest Trail, Idyllwild Nature Center, Humber Park, Devil's Slide Trail to Tahquitz Peak, Indian Mountain OHV Trail

Cape Blanco

San Jacinto Mountains
Attractions and Activities

The San Jacinto Mountains provide great outdoor experiences year-round.

Birders look for Steller's jays, mountain chickadees, Clark's nutcrackers, red crossbills and others.
Hiking and horseback riding on mountain trails
Visit the Idyllwild Nature Center
Join a guided tour in Mount San Jacinto State Park
Take the Panorama Point Trail Interpretive Audio Tour
Ride the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway
Children ages 7 to 12 participate in the Junior Ranger Program in the state park.
Make the arduous hike to the summit of San Jacinto Peak. (best in spring or fall)
Watch for wildlife such as raccoon, weasels, squirrels, chipmunks, deer, coyotes, foxes, bobcats, and perhaps even a bear or bighorn sheep
Winter cross-country skiing

Key Dark Canyon Campground Regulations

Dogs must be kept on leash and attended at all times.
Confine campfires to the provided fire pits. Fire restrictions may be imposed at any time due to hot, dry weather conditions.
Obtain firewood locally to avoid bringing in pests.

Check San Bernardino National Forest - Dark Canyon Campground for any campground updates.

Dark Canyon Campground

California's Best Camping

Dark Canyon Campground

San Bernardino National Forest