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

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

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

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

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

Idyllwild Campground Campsite
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Itinerary

Day One

Idyllwild. Credit: Wild Organics

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

Day Two

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

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.

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.

June 1, 2024

Bewilder at LAist Super-Fun Saturday

Make wildflower seed bombs with Bezzi the Yeti at LAist's Super Fun Saturday

Event in 2 days

Bewilder Basecamp: Spooky Wonders

Join Bezzi the Yeti on her first spooky camping adventure!

Shop curated gear

Everything your family needs for a fun and easy campout

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Price Range
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Price Range
Bezzi's Pick
$399.95

NEMO 4-person Aurora Highrise Tent

This colorful tent can fit 4 to 6 people, and is easy to set up and pack out!

Bezzi's Pick
$249.95

NEMO Stargaze Reclining Camp Chair

Lean back, and we mean all the way back, in this luxurious camp chair. You'll never want to sit up.

Bezzi's Pick
$249.95

NEMO Roamer Self-Inflating Mattress

These are the cushiest sleeping pads we've tried! They come in Extra Wide and Double (for extra cuddles).

Bezzi's Pick
$99.95

Big Mo Toddler Sleeping Bag

A sleeping bag that's designed for toddlers from ages 18-36 months.

Bezzi's Pick
$139.95

Big Mo 20° Down Kids Sleeping Bag

A sleeping bag designed for kiddos age 2-4 years old

Bezzi's Pick
$42

First Peak All-Season Sweatshirt

A cozy sweatshirt for ages 6 months to 4T designed for outdoor exploration.

Bezzi's Pick
$38

First Peak Flannel

A durable and soft flannel shirt that's kid-sized from 6 months to 4T

Bezzi's Pick
$59.95

NEMO Fillo Luxury Camping Pillow

Bring your own or splurge on this pillow that's designed for outdoor fun.

Bezzi's Pick
$100

GCI Outdoor Slim Fold Cook Station

Picnic tables don't always cut it for cooking outside. This one is easy to use and has plenty of counter space.

Bezzi's Pick
$89.99

Coleman Pack-Away Cot

Elevate your sleep system (literally) with this heavy-ish but easy to set up cot.

Bezzi's Pick
$69.95

Kelty Lowdown Chair

It's sturdy, reliable, well-designed, and a tad pricier than most camp chairs, but it'll last for awhile.

Bezzi's Pick
$189.99

Camp Chef Everest 2 Burner Stove

A popular and reliable dual-burner camp stove that stays hot in windy conditions.

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Meal & snack ideas

It turns out everything tastes better when we're outside

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Bezzi's Picks
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Bezzi's Faves
Bezzi's Pick
Dinner

Ham and cheese campfire sandwiches

Bezzi's Pick
Dinner

Moroccan apple beef stew

Bezzi's Pick
Breakfast

Apple sweet potato hash

Bezzi's Pick
Breakfast

Banana coconut french toast

Vegan

Bezzi's Pick
Lunch

Chicken soba noodle salad

Bezzi's Pick
Breakfast

Apple maple sausage sandwiches

Bezzi's Pick
Dinner

Chicken pad thai

Bezzi's Pick
Breakfast

Frittata

Gluten Free · Vegetarian

Bezzi's Pick
Dinner

Baked sweet potatoes and chili

Vegetarian

Bezzi's Pick
Breakfast

Huevos rancheros verdes

Vegetarian

Bezzi's Pick
Dessert

Banana boats

Gluten Free · Vegetarian

Bezzi's Pick
Breakfast

Scrambled eggs n' bacon

Gluten Free

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