Fern Basin
San Bernardino National Forest
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.
Due to an unanticipated water leak within the water distribution system, potable water is not currently available at the 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.
Need to Know
Fire Restrictions are in place for the 2024 season, wood and charcoal fires are currently prohibited. Cooking stoves or fireplaces using gas, jellied petroleum, or pressurized liquid fuel are still allowed.
Basic camping fee ($10.00) covers the first vehicle. Extra vehicle fee of $5.00 / night / vehicle should be deposited into the fee tube located at the entrance to the campground within 30 minutes of arrival.
- Sites may be available on a first-come, first-served basis
- Click here for more information on the San Bernardino National Forest
- Don't Move Firewood: Protect California's forests from tree-killing pests by buying your firewood locally and burning it on-site. For more information visit firewood.ca.gov.
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.
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.
Contact Information
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P.O. Box 518 IDYLLWILD CA 92549
Phone Number
For campground inquiries, please call: 909-382-2922
Rental Options
Learn more about gear rental options for your trip
Driving 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.
Available Campsites
- Site 016, Loop FERN, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 008, Loop FERN, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 012, Loop FERN, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 019, Loop FERN, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 005, Loop FERN, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 013, Loop FERN, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 004, Loop FERN, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 014, Loop FERN, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 010, Loop FERN, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 015, Loop FERN, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 006, Loop FERN, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 018, Loop FERN, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 009, Loop FERN, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 007, Loop FERN, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 017, Loop FERN, Type Standard Nonelectric
