Idyllwild Camping
Idyllwild offers some of the best camping locations around. From fishing to hiking or just enjoying the beautiful views, there’s something for everyone in this area. You’ll find a variety of wildlife, horseback riding opportunities, and fun for the whole family.
Idyllwild is conveniently located for all of your outdoor needs and has plenty of variety when it comes to landscapes.
Let’s take a look at some of the best camping spots in Idyllwild. We’ll talk about what to expect from each site, along with some of the rules and regulations for each location.
1. Idyllwild Campground (Mount San Jacinto State Park)
Idyllwild Campground is between Palm Springs and Hemet in Mount San Jacinto State Park. The state park is the perfect place to get away but still have access to comfortable conveniences.
The town center of Idyllwild is close to the campground, and towering pines surround each camping site to provide seclusion from nearby urban areas. The Idyllwild campground offers 31 sites for trailers, RVs, and tent campers. Maximum length for trailers, and campers or motorhomes is 24 feet. Nine of the sites are designated for tent camping only.
A few of the sites have electric hookups while others offer full hookups. This destination is a good choice for people who want to camp but still have access to the town nearby for shopping and meals. You can walk to the downtown Idyllwild area in just a few minutes and enjoy the local restaurants and bars. This state park and wilderness area is situated at a high altitude and the fauna has a short growing season.
Many people come to the area to enjoy the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway which begins near Palm Springs and climbs to an 8,500-foot elevation near the breathtaking San Jacinto Peak.
The state park headquarters and campgrounds are located along Highways 74 and 243. You’ll find trails leading through the wilderness that connect to the famous Palm Springs Aerial Tramway.
If you decide to take the tram, make sure you enjoy the natural history museum, gift shop, observation deck, and extensive hiking trails. Note that dogs are only allowed in the campground, not on the Palm Springs Tram or wilderness (these restrictions don’t apply to service animals). The park headquarters hours are 8 am to 4 pm.
2. Hurkey Creek Park
Hurkey Creek Park is the ideal location for getting some fresh air and checking out the mountain ecology in the area. Located in the San Jacinto Mountains off highway 74, this getaway spot boasts towering pine trees, majestic mountain views, and a seasonal creek.
The forested area provides what you’d expect from a classic recreation area in the woods. However, Hurkey Creek Park provides some unique features, including a picnic area, playground, and bike course. Also, it’s just a mile away from Lake Hemet which is a favorite spot for fishing and boating.
Getting to this campground just takes a quick drive from Orange County or San Diego. Hurkey Creek Park has 130 sites with grills, fire rings, and space for RVs. You’ll also find coin-operated showers and restrooms with flush toilets onsite.
Idyllwild is a short eight miles away from this campground, so going to town is easy in case you need some extra supplies. Hurkey Creek Park is also an ideal location for horseback riding and viewing wildlife such as weasels, chipmunks, bobcats, coyotes, racoons, deer, and more. Birdwatchers can find red crossbills, mountain chickadees, Steller’s jays, and other beautiful species.
Note that hiking the San Jacinto Peak summit is best in spring or fall seasons. Whether you want to get away to do some hiking, creek fishing, biking, canoeing, or bird watching, this is a great spot to pick.
You can enjoy winter cross-country skiing in the Winter months at Hurkey Creek Park. It offers a pay phone and drinking water. You’ll also find plenty of trails to enjoy and optimal stargazing conditions at night.
Park regulations request visitors to respect quiet hours from 10 pm to 6 am, so you can’t use speakers or generators during this time. If you bring your dog, keep it on a leash, clean up after it and don’t leave it unattended. Also keep in mind that Hurkey Creek Park doesn’t permit ground fires.
3. Stone Creek Campground
Located along highway 243, Stone Creek Campground is only about five miles from Idyllwild and provides all the conveniences of a state park with a remote atmosphere. Biking, horseback riding, and hiking are accessible either in Stone Creek Campground or close by.
You can access the camping area by driving, walking, or hiking in. It’s ADA accessible, provides drinking water, and allows alcohol. Many of the sites at Stone Creek Campground are on a slant. Make sure you plan for that so you can find a level spot to pitch your tent.
Equipped with 50 well-shaded campsites, this location has fire rings, picnic tables, and drinking water available, but no WiFi or market. Stone Creek Campground provides phone service and reservable campsites. Trash and firewood are also available there.
The location provides water hookups for trailers and RVs, but note that the maximum allowed length is 30 feet. The campsites are decently large and can easily accommodate a family or group of friends.
Pets are allowed but make sure you follow the park regulations if you decide to bring your dog. Visitors report that the bathrooms are clean and that the sites aren’t too close together.
Stone Creek Campground is near enough to town to be convenient but still provides a nice, quiet wilderness getaway for the family. While Stone Creek Campground provides electric hookups at the campsites, it has basic vault toilets and doesn’t have showers.
Since these campgrounds are primitive and remote, make sure you pack everything you’ll need to accommodate your trip. Note that this area has a 24-foot limit on trailers. If you decide to visit Stone Creek Campground, make sure you check out the trailheads accessible from the camp.
More Camping Options Near Idyllwild, California
For more camping options in and around Idyllwild, check out Idyllwild.com’s camping recommendations. If you’re staying in a cabin and not camping, be sure to check out some of the best hiking in the Idyllwild area.