Mount San Jacinto
Ideal for first-timers
Perfect for families with young kiddos
Driving to and sleeping at a campground
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.
Water Sources and Trail Conditions
Directions to Campground
Main image credit: Christopher Khoi Tran
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!
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
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
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.
This colorful tent can fit 4 to 6 people, and is easy to set up and pack out!
Shelters
Bezzi's Picks
Lean back, and we mean all the way back, in this luxurious camp chair. You'll never want to sit up.
Essential Items
Bezzi's Picks
These are the cushiest sleeping pads we've tried! They come in Extra Wide and Double (for extra cuddles).
Essential Items
Bezzi's Picks
A sleeping bag that's designed for toddlers from ages 18-36 months.
Essential Items
Sleep
A sleeping bag designed for kiddos age 2-4 years old
Essential Items
Sleep
A cozy sweatshirt for ages 6 months to 4T designed for outdoor exploration.
Clothes
Bezzi's Picks
A durable and soft flannel shirt that's kid-sized from 6 months to 4T
Clothes
Bezzi's Picks
Bring your own or splurge on this pillow that's designed for outdoor fun.
Essential Items
Sleep
Picnic tables don't always cut it for cooking outside. This one is easy to use and has plenty of counter space.
Kitchen
Elevate your sleep system (literally) with this heavy-ish but easy to set up cot.
Essential Items
Sleep
Camp underneath the stars and watch glorious sunrises in Joshua Tree National Park, the second largest national park in California.
