Mount San Jacinto

Ideal for first-timers

Perfect for families with young kiddos

Driving to and sleeping at a campground

Immersing yourself in the idyllic wilderness of Idyllwild at Mount San Jacinto

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Last updated

July 31, 2024

Trip · 3-day camping trip

For · Families and first-time campers

Vibe · Relaxing and fun

Drive · 2.5 hours from LA

Ideal dates · May to June or September or October

Pets · Not allowed in the park

Mount San Jacinto State Park has 54 miles of hiking trails, prominent peaks, like Mt. San Jacinto Peak (10,804 ft), the second highest mountain in SoCal, two campgrounds and four backcountry wilderness camps: Round Valley, Tamarack Valley, Little Round Valley, and Strawberry Junction.

‍Official State Park Website

Water Sources and Trail Conditions‍

Directions to Campground

Main image credit: Christopher Khoi Tran

Prep Itinerary Gear Food

Stuff to know

San Jacinto Trail Report is a project by Jon, a local resident, who voluntarily provides the latest trail and water conditions in the San Jacinto Mountains. Thank him by donating to his site!

Check the weather

Idyllwild Campground

Open year-round

28 sites total (hike/bike, tent, electric, full hook-up sites, and ADA-accessible sites available)

Water spigots, flush toilets, coin-operated showers, picnic tables, fire rings and/or barbeques, day-use picnic area, amphitheater, nature trail

Maximum vehicles: 2

Maximum occupancy: 8

Check-in time: 2:00 PM

Check-out time: 12:00 PM

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Reserve your campsite

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Itinerary

Day One

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Leave LA by 10 AM and grab brunch at Mama’s Egg House

A classic breakfast spot nestled in the woods
Located 54241 Ridgeview Dr in Idyllwild-Pine Cove
Open everyday from 8 AM to 3 PM on weekdays and 4 PM on weekends
This campground is located near the town of Idyllwild, so you’ll be near gas stations and groceries for the entire trip

Head to the campground and get set up

Arrive at camp, find your site, and get set up

Hike up Sawmill Flats

This four mile out and back trail starts at Stoney Creek Campground and up into the mountains
Since you’re on an out and back trail, feel free to turn around at any point for a shorter and easier hike

Return to camp and cook up dinner

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Day Two

Idyllwild is an unincorporated community with no local government, except for an honorary mayor named Max, a golden retriever.

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Cook up brekkie and prep for your day

Make sure you bring water, snacks, and some sun protection for the whole crew

Head to Idyllwild Nature Center to learn more about the local nature

This nature center features stuffed animals and exhibits where you can learn more about the local flora and fauna
They also have five miles of hiking trails around the center, so choose your own adventure!

Grab lunch in Idyllwild and explore the downtown

Idyllwild has a great downtown with small town mainstreet vibes
Keep your eye out for murals from local artists. If you’re lucky, you might meet the mayor, Max, a golden retriever.

Return to camp for dinner and a relaxing evening

It’s time to unwind under the stars with the family

The Cahuilla tribe once used this area for seasonal hunting. Their trails still cross the mountain, and bedrock mortars can be seen in the park

Day Three

Idyllwild is a small-town antidote to city life in Southern California | by Noah Smith | The California Sun — Downtown Idyllwild. Source: The California Sun.

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Break camp and head back home

Practice Leave No Trace and check your campsite for any litter

Head home!

The northeast face of the San Jacinto Range plunges down 9,000 feet in less than four miles. It's the steepest and most spectacular slopes in North America.

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