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Fern Basin
FSU.S. Forest Service — IDYLLWILD · California · San Bernardino National Forest
| Agency | FSU.S. Forest Service |
|---|---|
| Area | San Bernardino National Forest |
| Location | IDYLLWILD · California · San Bernardino National Forest · 33.78861, -116.73778 · Map |
| Sites | 15 public sites counted from the federal listing — 15 standard nonelectric |
| Getting a site | Reservable — the federal listing marks this campground as taking reservations. Some sites or seasons may still be first-come; the listing’s own words are below. |
| Hookups | Electric at 0 of 15 sites Water hookups at 0 of 15 sites Sewer hookups at 0 of 15 sites Full hookups (all three at one site) at 0 of 15 sites Counted site by site from affirmative reports in the federal record. A site with no report is not counted either way. |
| Max RV length | Longest reported site fits 20 ft Sites that fit at least — 25 ft: 0 sites · 30 ft: 0 sites · 35 ft: 0 sites · 40 ft: 0 sites |
| Months open | Not in federal data — the federal listing does not publish a season for this campground. Check the official description below or Recreation.gov. |
| Fees | Not reported — the federal listing carries no fee description for this campground. |
| Check-in / out | In 2:00 PM · Out 2:00 PM (most common in the listing) |
| Pets | Allowed at 16 sites, as reported |
| Accessibility | N |
| Phone | 909-382-2922 |
Check availability & book on Recreation.gov →
This site takes no reservations and shows no live availability. Source: Recreation.gov (RIDB export pulled November 5, 2026); this listing was last updated in the federal record on 2026-05-19.
From the official listing
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.
Directions, from the listing
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.
Nearest federal campgrounds
0 mi straight-line · Idyllwild CaliforniaFSU.S. Forest ServiceDark Canyon Campground
1 mi straight-line · CaliforniaFSU.S. Forest ServiceBoulder Basin
3 mi straight-line · Idyllwild CaliforniaFSU.S. Forest ServiceBlack Mountain (San Bernardino)
3 mi straight-line · Idyllwild CaliforniaFSU.S. Forest ServicePinyon Flat Campground
21 mi straight-line · California
Trip Card — Fern Basin
IDYLLWILD · California · San Bernardino National Forest
| Agency | FS · U.S. Forest Service |
|---|---|
| Location | IDYLLWILD · California · San Bernardino National Forest |
| Fees | Not reported in the federal data |
| Getting a site | Reservable |
| Hookups | None reported |
| Max RV | Up to 20 ft |
| Months open | Not in federal data |
| Sites | 15 sites |
Book: recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/231969 · Source: Recreation.gov, pulled November 5, 2026. Facility details come from federal recreation data and may be out of date — this site takes no reservations and shows no live availability; confirm details and book through Recreation.gov or the managing agency.