Marion Mountain Campground San Bernardino National Forest California
Marion Mountain Overview
Marion Mountain campground has 24 campsites sites and is located in a forested area at near the town of Idyllwild in the San Bernardino National Forest. Mature cedar and pine trees provide ample shade and privacy between campsites.
Campsites can accommodate tents, trailers and small RVs (up to 20 feet). There are 16 sites that are reservable and 9 are first-come, first-serve. Campsites with a bit of a walk-to include 7, 8, 9, 16, 18, 20 and 24. Each site also has a table, fire ring and grate. Amenities include vault toilets. No water is available at this campground. You can also purchase firewood from the camp host (if on duty) or in Idyllwild.
There are also a number of hiking trails close to the campground. These include the 11.8 mile Marion Mountain Trail which is also the shortest route to the peak of Mount San Jacinto.
Other campgrounds in the area include Stone Creek (50 campsites), Idyllwild (34 campsites), Fern Basin (24 campsites) and Dark Canyon (17 campsites).
Marion Mountain – 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.
Make a Reservation for Marion Mountain
Amenities
- BBQ Grills
- Campground Host
- Campsite Tables
- Cell Service Fair
- Cell Service Poor
- Drinking Water
- Equestrian trail
- Fire Pit
- Fire Rings
- Golden Age & Access Passports accepted
- Grills
- Pets OK
- Picnic Tables
- Restrooms (Vault Toilets)
Activities
- Backpacking
- Bird Watching
- Hiking
- Horseback riding
- Mountain Biking
- Nature Trails
- Photography
- Picnicking
- Stargazing
- Walking Trails
- Wilderness Area
- Wildlife Viewing
Idyllwild, California 92549
951 659-2607
Lat / Long:
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Campsite Types
- ADA
- RV
- Tent
- Trailer
# of Campsites:
24
Campsite Vehicle Size:
Up to 20 feet.
Season:
Late May – Early September
Elevation:
6,400
Marion Mountain Comments & Reviews
Visited Marion Mountain 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 Marion Mountain?
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campsitephotos.com
Why can’t I make a reservation at Marion Mountain campground using either your link above or reservecalifornia site?
Hi Vee,
That may depend on when you’re trying to make a reservation. You can make reservations at Marion Mountain (through ReserveCalifornia) 6 months prior to the day of arrival. For example, if your arrival date was July 1, then the first time you can make a reservation is on January 1 (8am PST).
Are portable BBQs allowed?
Hi Kris,
Yes, portable/self-contained BBQs are allowed at Marion Mountain. However, in extremes fire-danger conditions the ranger may not allow.
Is there a place near by to take a shower or can we use a solar shower in a shower tent?
Hi Kerri,
There are no public showers in the vicinity of Marion Mountain campground, but you can use a solar shower in a shower tent.
Is the campground open? How about the trail to the peak?
Thanks
Hi Neil,
Due to the 2019 severe winter weather events the campground may or may not open as scheduled. Please contact the San Jacinto Ranger District at (909) 382-2921 for any updated information on campground status before booking reservations.
As for the trail – that is open, but does still have some snow patches up toward the top.
I keep seeing comments on the web that potable water isn’t on during the weekdays. Is this true?
Do you have to reserve online or can I take the chance and just show up and find a spot?
Hi Sarah,
All campsites are reserved at Marion Mountain over the weekend ( through Sep 6 ), but mid week you should be able to walk in an reserve a campsite. Weekend availability opens up after Labor Day weekend.
Is there water up there during the weekdays?
Hi Jeannie,
Marion Mountain Campground does not have water available. You’ll need to bring it with you.
Does this campground have any bear sightings? And are there bear boxes in each site?
Hi Katherine,
Bears are generally active this time of year, but we have not heard of any reports. You may try calling the USFS office to double check at: 951 659-2607
I booked site 6 and wanted to know if the toilet/restroom was visible from this site? I would prefer a site away from the restroom both in distance and sight. Thanks!
HI Cosmos,
Campsite #6 is one of our favorites – nice view, good size and privacy. You’re quite a ways from the restroom and pretty sure you can’t see if from site #6.
What are the requirements for food storage if any?
Not really any requirements for food storage at Marion Mountain, but it’s highly recommended that you store food in vehicle or a critter proof container.
Just wanted to say THANK YOU for the site photos! It sucks booking it blind on Recreation.gov ! Was getting nervous that I booked a sucky site (I originally was thinking I book at Fern Basin CG) but after seeing the photo of site 24, I am excited! I will try and remember to send an update after my trip! Thanks again!
You are welcome Brittany and thank you!
You should really like Marion Mountain – very peaceful up there, with access to some nice trails.