Fern Basin Campground

Fern Basin Campground is located in the beautiful San Jacinto Mountains and the San Bernardino National Forest north of Idyllwild. Visitors to the area enjoy mountain biking, horseback riding, hiking, rock climbing, and ATV/OHV riding. The campground is close to Mount San Jacinto State Park.

Fern Basin Campground has 23 campsites in an oak and conifer forested setting. Most campsites can accommodate small RVs, trailers, and tents. Campaites must be reserved for a minimum of 3 nights on major holidays. Water has been a problem at the campground and may not be available. Call the San Jacinto Ranger District Office to confirm if potable water is available, (909) 382-2921.

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Fern Basin Campground Basics
Fern Basin Location:	Marion Mountain Rd., off Azalia Trail Rd, off Highway 243, 6 miles north of Idyllwild
Elevation:	6,300 feet
Mileage from Gateway Cities:	Riverside - 53 miles San Diego - 117 miles
Camping Season:	Open late May through early-November, weather permitting
Number of Sites:	23
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

Fern Basin Reservations
Reservations Avaiable	All campsites may be reserved prior to arrival. Some campsites may be available first-come, first-served.
Booking Window:	Reservations can be made from 3 days up to 6 months in advance of arrival date.
Maximum RV/Trailer Length:	15 feet
Wheelchair Accessible Sites:	None designated
Fees:	$10 per night
Reservations:	Fern Basin Campground Reservations
Check-in, check-out:	2:00 PM, 1:00 PM

Fern Basin Campground Amenities
Campsites:	Picnic table, fire ring with grills; no hook-ups
Campground:	Vault toilets, piped water may not be available
Showers:	No
Dump Station:	No
Nearby attractions:	Marion Mountain Trail leading to wilderness camps and connecting to Pacific Crest Trail, 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, Idyllwild Nature Center, Humber Park, Devil's Slide Trail to Tahquitz Peak, Indian Mountain OHV Trail

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San Jacinto Mountains
Attractions and Activities

The San Jacinto Mountains provide great outdoor experiences year-round. Campers at Fern Basin Campground are near most of the most popular destinations.

Make the arduous hike to the summit of San Jacinto Peak. (best in spring or fall)
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.
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 Fern Basin Campground Regulations

Dogs must be kept on leash and attended at all times.
Build campfires in 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 invasive pests.

Check San Bernardino National Forest - Fern Basin Campground for any campground updates.

Fern Basin Campground

California's Best Camping

Fern Basin Campground

San Bernardino National Forest