OutReserve

Boulder Basin

Warning

General

A bear or multiple bears have been spotted in the area. Please be aware at all times, and visit our agency website for bear safety tips and more information.

Warning

General

A bear or multiple bears have been spotted in the area. Please be aware at all times, and visit our agency website for bear safety tips and more information.

View of Boulder Basin Campground with campground sign.
Campsite with picnic table.
Campsite with picnic table and parking area.
Campsite with picnic table and restroom.

About Boulder Basin

Black Mountain Road is is poor condition at this time. A four-wheel drive (4WD) vehicle is recommended with a minimum ground clearance of 6 inches. Drive at your own risk. 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.Boulder Basin Campground offers solitude and primitive camping in a scenic mountain landscape. The area provides ample recreational opportunities, including hiking, mountain biking, boulder climbing and more. Black Mountain Road, which accesses Boulder Basin Campground, is a narrow rough dirt road which may not be suitable for all vehicles.

Number of accommodations: 16

Seasonal information

2026 (Current year)

2026 Season availability

Current season
Upcoming seasons
Past seasons
Closed periods
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Currently closed - Opens on May 21

Sites & Availability

16 Sites Available

Site
Price
003, Loop: BOUL
8 guests · Pet Friendly
$20.00
/ per night
🚐 005, Loop: BOUL
No Hookups
$20.00
/ per night
008, Loop: BOUL
8 guests · Pet Friendly
$20.00
/ per night
🚐 009, Loop: BOUL
No Hookups
$20.00
/ per night
🚐 013, Loop: BOUL
No Hookups
$20.00
/ per night
🚐 015, Loop: BOUL
No Hookups
$20.00
/ per night
017, Loop: BOUL
8 guests · Pet Friendly
$20.00
/ per night
🚐 022, Loop: BOUL
No Hookups
$20.00
/ per night
023, Loop: BOUL
8 guests · Pet Friendly
$20.00
/ per night
025, Loop: BOUL
8 guests · Pet Friendly
$20.00
/ per night
026, Loop: BOUL
8 guests · Pet Friendly
$20.00
/ per night
🚐 027, Loop: BOUL
No Hookups
$20.00
/ per night
028, Loop: BOUL
8 guests · Pet Friendly
$20.00
/ per night
🚐 029, Loop: BOUL
No Hookups
$20.00
/ per night
030, Loop: BOUL
8 guests · Pet Friendly
$20.00
/ per night
032, Loop: BOUL
8 guests · Pet Friendly
$20.00
/ per night

Reviews (38)

What Guests Are Saying

Boulder Basin Campground is praised for its beautiful, remote setting, well-maintained facilities, and ample space between campsites, making it ideal for families and nature lovers. Many enjoy the scenic hikes and peaceful ambiance among the trees and granite boulders. However, some visitors have encountered issues with site reservations and challenging access roads, which may deter those with lower-clearance vehicles. Overall, the campground offers a solid getaway experience for those prepared for its remote nature.

Review Summary

4.2
38 reviews
5
50.0%
19
4
34.2%
13
3
7.9%
3
2
5.3%
2
1
2.6%
1

steve c

Verified

November 8, 2022 Stayed at: 009, Loop: BOUL

4

beautiful spot

Lacey R

Verified

November 6, 2022 Stayed at: 023, Loop: BOUL

4

Boulder Basin is the perfect site for campers who truly want to get off the beaten path. The site is at the end of a 5-mile dirt road which is difficult to access in anything but an SUV/truck. Many of the campers are climbers spending the weekend bouldering. Not too many families which is nice if you want a weekend away from the sound of kiddos. Will definitely go back next season.

Jeff C

Verified

October 1, 2022 Stayed at: 029, Loop: BOUL

5

Great time with the family.

Rebecca L

Verified

August 28, 2022 Stayed at: 026, Loop: BOUL

2

The pit toilets at Boulder Basin were some of the worst I’ve ever experienced. Other than that, it’s a nice campground with relatively spread out sites.

Sherry K

Verified

August 4, 2022 Stayed at: 028, Loop: BOUL

5

Beautiful and Quiet

Leonso N

Verified

July 29, 2022 Stayed at: 030, Loop: BOUL

5

Excellent Campsite

SANTIAGO R

Verified

November 1, 2021 Stayed at: 027, Loop: BOUL

5

Great spot. It was a little loud at night w a bunch of people partying but other than that it was perfect. Did a sunrise hike to lookout and it is a must do.

Aaron K

Verified

October 18, 2021 Stayed at: 032, Loop: BOUL

4

Abigail L

Verified

October 10, 2021 Stayed at: 027, Loop: BOUL

5

A large, beautiful campground with sites that are decently spaced out for privacy. Tons of great boulder problems are accessible just steps away from each campsite. The dirt road leading to the campground seems to help keep it from becoming overly crowded. We will definitely be returning!

Roberto M

Verified

September 19, 2021 Stayed at: 029, Loop: BOUL

5

Campground is awesome. However, beware that the dirt road to get to up the mountain is very long (5 miles), rugged, windy, and steep. 4x4 is not needed, but recommended.

Location Boulder Basin

Address:
Po Box 518
Idyllwild, CA, 92549
United States

Latitude & Longitude: 33.8264 / -116.754

Elevation: 2282 feet

Policies & Rules

Category About
General

Fire Restrictions are in effect, check in with the San Jacinto Ranger District by calling (909) 382-2921 to confirm. Wood and charcoal fires are NOT permitted. Cooking stoves or fireplaces using gas, jellied petroleum, or pressurized liquid fuel are still allowed. 

General

Water is not provided at this campground. Potable (tested monthly) water may be available from a natural spring along Black Mountain road. Bring your own containers.

General

Sites may be available on a first-come, first-served basis. Camping fees of $10.00 / night and $5.00 / night / extra vehicle is due within 30 minutes of arrival at the campground.  

General

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.

General

Click here for more information on the San Bernardino National Forest

General

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.

Warnings & Advisories

Warning

General

A bear or multiple bears have been spotted in the area. Please be aware at all times, and visit our agency website for bear safety tips and more information.

Warning

General

A bear or multiple bears have been spotted in the area. Please be aware at all times, and visit our agency website for bear safety tips and more information.

Nearby Campgrounds

Nearby destinations