Marion Mountain sits at 6,400 feet in the San Bernardino National Forest, where mature cedar and pine trees shade two dozen sites. It's a staging ground for serious hikers tackling San Jacinto Peak and sport climbers working the campground's rocks, seven miles north of Idyllwild's shops and restaurants.
Campground Details
- ⛺Type
- Developed
- 🏕️Total Sites
- 25
- 💵Fee per Night
- Free
- 📋Reservations
- Reservation Required
- 🏔️Elevation
- 6,400 ft
- 📍GPS
- 33.79167, -116.73194
- 🌤️Best Seasons
- spring, fall
- 🐾Pets Allowed
- Yes
- 📞Phone
- 909-382-2922
- 🗺️Address
- CA
Amenities
The Camp
The forest provides real privacy here. Mature cedar and pine trees create natural barriers between sites, so you're not staring into your neighbor's camp. All 25 sites accommodate tents and small RVs, each with a picnic table and fire ring with grill. Vault toilets handle sanitation, but water availability is uncertain — the Forest Service warns that potable water may or may not be available, so bring your own.
Sport climbers don't need to venture far; rocks within the campground boundaries offer routes for those who brought their gear.
The Peak Route
The Marion Mountain Trail starts nearby and provides the shortest route to San Jacinto Peak — though at 11.8 miles, "shortest" is relative. The trail is strenuous in sections, but the payoff spans from the Pacific Ocean to Palm Desert, with the San Bernardino and San Gabriel ranges filling the view on clear days. Other trails offer shorter options for those not committed to the peak push.
What to Know
Reservations are required. The campground operates during spring and fall seasons, avoiding the summer heat that bakes the lower elevations and winter snow that closes high-country access. Idyllwild sits seven miles south with restaurants and supplies, while San Bernardino lies about 50 miles away for major resupply runs.
The Forest Service is currently proposing fee increases across various sites, with public comment periods posted on their website.