Fern Basin

P.O. Box 518
IDYLLWILD, CA 92549

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.

Camp site features

Across 15 camp sites:

Fire pit: all 15 sites
Picnic table: all 15 sites
Pets allowed: all 15 sites
Longest RV: 20 ft
Largest party: 8 people

Services within 25 miles · OpenStreetMap

Nearest dump station: 16.9 mi · Reflection Lake RV Park

Directions

From Idyllwild, travel north on State Route 243 about 4 miles. Turn right at the campground sign and continue to Forest Service Road 4S02. Turn left and proceed less than a mile to an intersection. Continue straight on the Forest Service Road and turn left into the campground.

Stay Limit

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

Reviews

99 reviews

5 stars

4 stars

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1 stars

Benjamin J

Loop:Fern

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Reviewed 16 days ago

This was a beautiful campsite; amazing views, peaceful, got some great views of the night sky as well.

Christopher M

Loop:Fern

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Reviewed a month ago

There is a hidden rope swing behind campsite 14, and a clearing with the best view of the sunset when you find it. I love this campground and will be back. Bring a headlamp to the bathrooms, even during the day.

Epifanio S

Loop:Fern

Site:

Reviewed 2 months ago

Needs portable water but other than that was a nice stay peaceful and quiet

Brittany N

Loop:Fern

Site:

Reviewed 2 months ago

Loved our stay. Quite campground. Bathrooms were well kept for drop pit toilets. Half the sites are first come first serve, the others are reservable.

Alyn L

Loop:Fern

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Reviewed 2 months ago

No water

Alyn L

Loop:Fern

Site:

Reviewed 2 months ago

Need to get the water working but otherwise nice campground in the mountains!

Availability

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