Campsite for booking · Idyllwild-Pine Cove

Fern Basin

via Recreation.gov Idyllwild, CA, Idyllwild-Pine Cove, California, United States

Overview

Pitches
15
Pitch types
caravan, motorhome, tent
Season
Not stated: check on Recreation.gov
Check-in / out
14:00 / 14:00

Facilities

  • Dogs allowedListed by Recreation.gov
  • Hardstanding pitchesListed by Recreation.gov

Policies

PetsYes
SmokingNot stated: check on Recreation.gov
Instant bookingNot stated: check on Recreation.gov
CancellationNot stated: check on Recreation.gov

About this campsite

Overview

The picturesque Fern Basin Campground is a perfect escape from a busy lifestyle. It provides peace and quiet in the mountains of southern California as well as access to countless recreational opportunities.

The San Bernardino National Forest is submitting a proposal to increase fees at various sites across the Forest and is seeking public input. Please visit the https://www.fs.usda.gov/sbnf for more information and to submit comments regarding this proposal.

Recreation

Visitors to the area enjoy hiking on the Marion Mountain Trail, which leads to San Jacinto Peak. Views from the peak extend to the ocean and across the Palm Desert, as well as the San Bernardino and San Gabriel mountains on a clear day. The 11.8-mile Marion Mountain Trail is the shortest route up the mountain, but is also quite strenuous in areas. Facilities

Please be aware that potable (safe for drinking) water may or may not be available at this campground. Please bring ample water for drinking, cooking etc. Fern Basin campground offers about two dozen campsites for both tent and small RV / van camping. All campsites are equipped with tables and campfire rings with grills. Vault toilets are available within the campground.

Natural Features

The campground is located in a grove of mixed oaks and shrubs. A surrounding mixed conifer forest provides spotty shade for the campground. It is situated at an elevation of about 6,300 feet, in the mountains overlooking California's desert.

Nearby Attractions

The campground is located approximately 50 miles southeast of San Bernardino, California, and about seven miles north of the small town of Idyllwild, which is known for its shops and restaurants.

Managed by a US federal agency. Data source: ridb.recreation.gov.

Description supplied by Recreation.gov.

Where you can stay nearby

Campsites, aires and parking within 30 km, from OpenStreetMap.

  1. Fern Basin Campground
    Campground · Idyllwild-Pine Cove, CaliforniaWater
    140 m from the pick-up area
  2. Marion Mountain Campground
    Campground · Idyllwild-Pine Cove, California
    680 m from the pick-up area
  3. Stone Creek Campground
    Campground · Idyllwild-Pine Cove, California · Paid
    1.0 km from the pick-up area
  4. Lawler Lodge and Alpine Cabins
    Campground · Idyllwild-Pine Cove, California
    1.1 km from the pick-up area
  5. Dark Canyon Campground
    Campground · Idyllwild-Pine Cove, California
    1.8 km from the pick-up area
  6. Camp Azalea Trails
    Campground · Idyllwild-Pine Cove, California
    2.4 km from the pick-up area

Nearest dump station and water

  1. Service point near Yucaipa
    RV dump station · Yucaipa, California · FreeWaterWaste
    41 km from the pick-up area
  2. Water point near Big Bear City
    Water fill station · Big Bear City, California
    47 km from the pick-up area
Pick-up10 kmPlot of OpenStreetMap data
Map of 6 places to stay near Fern Basin. CampsiteFull map

Similar campsites nearby

Marion Mountain

Idyllwild, CA, California · 640 m away

Campsite · via Recreation.gov

  • Hardstanding pitches
  • Dogs allowed
Price on partner site

Dark Canyon Campground

Idyllwild-Pine Cove, California · 1.8 km away

Campsite · via Recreation.gov

    Price on partner site

    Boulder Basin

    Idyllwild, CA, California · 4.5 km away

    Campsite · via Recreation.gov

    • Hardstanding pitches
    • Dogs allowed
    Price on partner site

    Black Mountain (San Bernardino)

    Idyllwild, CA, California · 5.1 km away

    Campsite · via Recreation.gov

    • Hardstanding pitches
    • Dogs allowed
    Price on partner site

    Data: Recreation.gov (RIDB), from ridb.recreation.gov, last updated 13 October 2026. Federal agencies provide this data and are responsible for it; it may be incomplete. Not endorsed by Recreation.gov or the U.S. Government. About this data. Places data © OpenStreetMap contributors.

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