Marion Mountain Campground

California's Best Camping

Trail, San Jacinto Mountains, California
Trail, San Jacinto Mountains, California

Marion Mountain Campground

San Bernardino National Forest


Marion Mountain Campground

Marion Mountain Campground is located in the San Jacinto Mountains and the San Bernardino National Forest north of Idyllwild. Visitors to the campground enjoy hiking, rock climbing, mountain biking, horseback riding, and ATV/OHV riding.

Marion Mountain Campground has 24 campsites in a forested setting. Most campsites can accommodate small RVs, trailers, and tents. One campsite is designated for tents only. Beginning in 2019, all campsites must be reserved prior to arrival. No first-come, first-served sites will be available.

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Marion Mountain Campground Basics
Marion Mountain Campground Location: Marion Mountain Rd., off Azalia Trail Rd, off Highway 243, 5 miles north of Idyllwild
Elevation: 6,500 feet
Mileage from Gateway Cities: Riverside - 54 miles
San Diego - 118 miles
Camping Season: Open mid-May through mid-November, weather permitting
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)
A Maximum of 2 cars may be parked in each parking spur.
Pets: On leash, always attended
Operated by San Bernardino National Forest
San Jacinto Ranger District: (909) 382-2921

Reservations for Marion Mountain Campground
Reservations Available Reservations are available for camping dates whenever the campground is open. Some sites 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: 17 feet
Wheelchair Accessible Sites: None designated
Fees: $10 per night
Reservations: Marion Mountain Campground Reservations
Check-in, check-out: 2:00 PM, 1:00 PM

Marion Mountain Campground Amenities
Campsites: Picnic table, fire ring with grills; no hook-ups
Campground: Vault toilets, piped water may be available (call to confirm)
Showers: No
Dump Station: No
Attractions near Marion Mountain Campground: 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



General Camping Information

Not all campsites can accommodate trailers or RVs of all lengths. If using a reservations website, check to be sure your vehicles will fit in the provided parking space.

Winter conditions may require chains to reach the campground.

Accessible Sites

Designated Accessible sites in the state park are reserved for people with disabilities who have a vehicle displaying an accessible parking placard or license plate.


San Jacinto Mountains
Attractions and Activities

The San Jacinto Mountains provide great outdoor experiences year-round. Those who camp at Marion Mountain Campground are near many great destinations to explore.

  • Birders look for Steller's jays, mountain chickadees, Clark's nutcrackers, red crossbills and others.
  • Find enjoyable 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 raccoons, weasels, squirrels, chipmunks, deer, coyotes, foxes, bobcats, and perhaps even a bear or bighorn sheep.
  • Winter cross-country skiing is popular.

Key Marion Mountain Campground Regulations

  1. Dogs must be kept on leash and attended at all times.
  2. Parking off the pavement, in unoccupied parking spurs or on the campground road is prohibited. Additional free parking is available 1/4 -mile outside the campground at the Marion Mountain Trailhead parking area.
  3. Confine campfires to the provided fire pits. Fire restrictions may be imposed at any time due to hot, dry weather conditions.
  4. Obtain firewood locally to avoid bringing in pests.

    Check San Bernardino National Forest - Marion Mountain Campground for any campground updates.