Boulder Basin

Show on map909-382-2922
PO Box 518
Idyllwild, CA 92549

Overview

Black Mountain Road is is poor condition at this time. A four-wheel drive (4WD) vehicle is recommended with a minimum ground clearance of 6 inches. Drive at your own risk.

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.

Boulder Basin Campground offers solitude and primitive camping in a scenic mountain landscape. The area provides ample recreational opportunities, including hiking, mountain biking, boulder climbing and more. Black Mountain Road, which accesses Boulder Basin Campground, is a narrow rough dirt road which may not be suitable for all vehicles.

Recreation

The campground provides access to a number of trailheads, including the Black Mountain Trail, a 3.6-mile, moderately strenuous hiking, mountain biking and horseback riding trail that travels through the forested slopes of Black Mountain.

The trail provides excellent views of the Banning Pass and Mt. San Gorgonio. The trail provides access to the famed Pacific Crest National Scenic Trail, which begins at the Mexico border in Southern California and leads to Washington border of Canada.

Facilities

The campground offers multiple single-family campsites, available for tent and small RV / van camping. Each site is equipped with tables and campfire rings with grills. Vault toilets are also provided.

Natural Features

The campground is located in a mixed conifer forest, which provides ample shade throughout the day. It is situated at an elevation of about 7,300 feet. Roads to the campground are not paved but the campground does have paved roads.

Nearby Attractions

This group site is located approximately 50 miles southeast of San Bernardino, California, and 14 miles north of Idyllwild, where fuel and a variety of small town shops and restaurants are available.

Camp site features

Across 16 camp sites:

  • Fire pit: all 16 sites
  • Picnic table: all 16 sites
  • Pets allowed: all 16 sites
  • Longest RV: 20 ft
  • Largest party: 8 people

Services within 25 miles · OpenStreetMap

Nearest dump station: 16.3 mi · Reflection Lake RV Park

Directions

From Idyllwild, travel north for about 8 miles on State Route 243. Turn right onto Black Mountain Road/Forest Route 4S01 and continue about 5 miles to the campground. Black Mountain Road is an unpaved forest road, not recommended for low clearance vehicles or trailers.

Stay Limit

Check in from 2 PM, check out by 2 PM.

Reviews

50 reviews
5 stars
25
4 stars
17
3 stars
5
2 stars
2
1 stars
1
Kassandra B
Loop:Boul
Site:
Reviewed a month ago
Boulder Basin is such a beautiful campground. There are plenty of trees and massive boulders throughout the area, making for a really beautiful contrast and a great setting to enjoy nature. The campground has a mix of reserved and first-come, first-served sites, along with about 3–4 standard camping restrooms. The 4mile road getting up there is a bit rough, so I would recommend a vehicle with decent clearance, preferably AWD or 4WD. Just take it slow. You'll also want to bring your own water and check with the local ranger station ahead of time for any fire restrictions. One thing I do want to point out is that this campground is also a popular spot for rock climbers, including people who come just for the day. While rock climbing is a hobby we absolutely respect and something that's fun to watch from a distance, it can be a bit disruptive when it's happening right in your campsite. If your site has a popular climbing boulder within it, be prepared for people to walk directly through your camping area and spend time climbing nearby. This was probably our biggest downside, as it takes away from the privacy you'd normally expect while camping. Overall, we really enjoyed the natural beauty of Boulder Basin. It's definitely worth a visit, but I would be mindful of which site you choose, especially if you're looking for a quieter, more private camping experience.
Jens N
Loop:Boul
Site:
Reviewed a month ago
The road up is super messed up. Would be nice if some of the nastier sections near the summit could get touched up. Campground itself was in great condition, pit toilets were good, really wish we could have done a fire up there, but I get it. Will def be back to this campsite
Stephanie R
Loop:Boul
Site:
Reviewed a month ago
Great spot, a little over 4 miles unpaved road to get there though. Highly recommend an suv at minimum but did see a few sedans. Just FYI to those who might not be comfortable with that or sharing the road. Otherwise great spot, lots of bathrooms. Check for restrictions as well.
Cesar G
Loop:Boul
Site:
Reviewed 2 months ago
Had a wonderful time at the campsite. Beautiful location and secluded. The road not too difficult, just have to go slow. Also it's a quick walk up to the fire and Watchtower and an amazing view from there
German L
Loop:Boul
Site:
Reviewed 2 months ago
The place was beautiful, and the drive up the mountain was fun. The restrooms were clean, even though they were vault-style. Surprisingly, it was cold at night during the 4th of July. The main issue was the rattlesnakes. Our tent was underneath a snake den, and a rattlesnake came right up to us during the day and went through our campsite like it owned it.
Josiah K
Loop:Boul
Site:
Reviewed 2 months ago
The campsite was well situated, quite, and well maintained. Currently a fire ban so no fires allowed, but a nice fire pit / grate when the ban is lifted. Definitely need a AWD or 4WD vehicle with ground clearance to make it up to the camp site though!
Availability

See the Camp Sites section below to find detailed booking availability.

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Season dates

Peak season

May 22, 2027 – Oct 27, 2027

Reservable online

Peak season

May 22, 2028 – Oct 27, 2028

Reservable online

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