Black Mountain sits at 7,500 feet in the San Bernardino National Forest, designed for groups that want serious solitude with their camping. The single site holds up to 100 people, but getting there requires 4WD and the commitment to haul your own water.
Campground Details
- ⛺Type
- Group
- 💵Fee per Night
- Free
- 📍GPS
- 33.83417, -116.73889
- 🐾Pets Allowed
- No
- 📞Phone
- 909-382-2922
- 🗺️Address
- CA
The Camp
You get one large group site in heavy forest, surrounded by classified wilderness. Multiple tables and fire circles with grills handle the crowd, and vault toilets cover the basics. The parking area fits 25 vehicles, but the rough, unpaved roads rule out trailers entirely. Views stretch across the desert divide to the San Jacinto Mountains, and on clear days you can see north to the San Gabriels.
What to Know
Black Mountain Road is in poor condition — 4WD is recommended, not suggested. The Forest Service has it flagged as high-priority for maintenance, with work planned for June 2023, but plan accordingly. No drinking water at the campground, but Cinco Posa Spring sits along Black Mountain Road about two miles before you reach camp. The Forest Service is considering fee increases across various sites, with public input being collected.
Nearby
The Fuller Ridge Trail starts steps from your campsite, following the Pacific Crest Trail along the high ridge above Snow Creek at 7,600 feet. The trail connects to Deer Springs Trail for the strenuous push to San Jacinto Peak at 10,804 feet. The surrounding wilderness offers hiking, climbing, fishing, and biking opportunities. Idyllwild sits 16 miles south with local shops and restaurants for resupply runs.