Dark Canyon Campground San Bernardino National Forest California
Dark Canyon Overview
Dark Canyon Campground has 15 campsites for tents, trailers and small RVs and is located hear the town of Idyllwild in the San Bernardino National Forest. All campsites are first-come, first-serve. The North Fork of the San Jacinto River (more like a creek) is also located next to the campground. The campground is first-come, first-serve.
Dark Canyon opens toward the end of May and closes mid September. Amenities include paved parking spurs, drinking water and vault toilets. Each campsite also has a table, fire ring and grill.
Other campgrounds in the area include Stone Creek (50 campsites), Idyllwild (34 campsites), Fern Basin (24 campsites) and Marion Mountain (24 campsites).
Dark Canyon – Area Recreation
There are many trails in the area and hikers can access San Jacinto Mountain (the 2nd highest point in Southern California). The granite peaks, sub-alpine forests and mountain meadows offer visitors a primitive high-country experience. Other outdoor activities include biking, picnicking and fishing. Wildlife viewing is also nice here.
Reservations:
First Come, First Served
Amenities
- BBQ Grills
- Campsite Tables
- Drinking Water
- Equestrian trail
- Fire Rings
- Grills
- Pets OK
- Picnic Tables
- Restrooms (Vault Toilets)
Activities
- Backpacking
- Bird Watching
- Climbing
- Creek
- Hiking
- Horseback riding
- Mountain Biking
- Nature Trails
- Photography
- Stargazing
- Walking Trails
- Wilderness Area
- Wildlife Viewing
Idyllwild, California 92549
(909) 382-2921
Lat / Long:
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Campsite Types
- ADA
- RV
- Tent
- Trailer
# of Campsites:
15
Season:
Late May – Late September
Elevation:
6,400
Dark Canyon Photos
Dark Canyon Comments & Reviews
Visited Dark Canyon Campground lately? We'd love to hear about your adventure. Did you find us useful? Did we forget something? Anything our community should know before heading out to Dark Canyon?
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can we have a fire, this month? We’ll be there the tenth thru the 16th.
We loved it last year, we we’re there around September month. Very enjoyable and quiet, and peaceful. Coming back this next week. spending an entire week up there this time. Yay, it’s my vacation time. Chose Black Canyon for rest, and peace of mind with Nature.
Hi Annette,
Dark Canyon Campground does allow fires in the campsites (fire rings) – fire restrictions permitting. You should contact the San Jacinto District Ranger office at (909) 382-2921 to check on fire restrictions.
I use to camp at dark canyon when I was a kid would like to camp there again could you please let me know when it will be open again
Thank you Vicki
Hi Vicki,
Agreed – Dark Canyon is a really special campground/location. We’re hoping it opens soon. We were just up there last week to check and it’s still closed. Last we heard that it probably won’t open until 2022 season.
Do you need a vehicle with 4×4 to get here or is the road paved/ maintained?
Hi Jacob,
You do not need a 4×4 vehicle to reach Dark Canyon Campground. The road is dirt and may be a bit rutted in spots. A high-clearance vehicle is recommended.