OutReserve

Fern Basin

Roadway with Fern Basin Campground sign.
Roadway with Fern Basin Campground sign.

About Fern Basin

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.

Number of accommodations: 15

Nearby Activities & Attractions

Hiking

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 open - May 21 to Nov 8

Campground Amenities

Water and Hygiene

Water and Hygiene

  • Potable Water
Missing information?

Rates, Sites & Availability

Select check-in and check-out dates to see real-time availability for each site.

15 Sites Available

Site
Price
🚐 004, Loop: FERN
No Hookups
Price not available
🚐 005, Loop: FERN
No Hookups
Price not available
🚐 006, Loop: FERN
No Hookups
Price not available
🚐 007, Loop: FERN
No Hookups
Price not available
🚐 008, Loop: FERN
No Hookups
Price not available
🚐 009, Loop: FERN
No Hookups
Price not available
🚐 010, Loop: FERN
No Hookups
Price not available
🚐 012, Loop: FERN
No Hookups
Price not available
🚐 013, Loop: FERN
No Hookups
Price not available
🚐 014, Loop: FERN
No Hookups
Price not available
🚐 015, Loop: FERN
No Hookups
Price not available
🚐 016, Loop: FERN
No Hookups
Price not available
🚐 017, Loop: FERN
No Hookups
Price not available
🚐 018, Loop: FERN
No Hookups
Price not available
🚐 019, Loop: FERN
No Hookups
Price not available

Reviews (162)

What Guests Are Saying

Fern Basin is a charming and peaceful campground ideal for tent campers, offering friendly park rangers and clean vault toilets. Visitors appreciate the shaded sites, beautiful surroundings, and opportunities for nature exploration, with many highlighting the tranquility and lack of noise. Some challenges include tight roads, limited privacy, and occasional mosquito issues, but overall, it is well-regarded for a restful camping experience.

Review Summary

4.2
162 reviews
5
54.3%
88
4
23.5%
38
3
13.6%
22
2
3.7%
6
1
4.9%
8

Alexandra A

Verified

October 15, 2021 Stayed at: 013, Loop: FERN

5

Great campground, lots of shade.

Dwayne F

Verified

October 15, 2021 Stayed at: 014, Loop: FERN

5

A beautiful, well-maintained camp ground. I don't think there is a bad site in the place. Access to the Marion Mountain trail and an easy 15-minute drive into Idyllwild.
There is intermittent cell service in the campground and surrounding woods/boulders. Coverage is not reliable, but good enough for some texts here and there.
Pit toilets were clean, stocked with toilet paper, and had very few flies

Kate W

Verified

October 10, 2021 Stayed at: 013, Loop: FERN

1

Site 13 is basically a domed hill where you risk your life caring gear to the site or back to your car. A simple rock staircase could save lives. Bees in full effect. No dogs on trails.

Kate W

Verified

October 10, 2021 Stayed at: 013, Loop: FERN

1

Site 13 is basically a domed hill where you risk your life caring gear to the site or back to your car. A simple rock staircase could save lives. Bees in full effect. No dogs on trails.

Ellen M

Verified

October 1, 2021 Stayed at: 018, Loop: FERN

5

I stayed at campsite #18 and it was perfect! It was very shady and peaceful spot, and the parking spot was across the road but still very close by. The campground was so peaceful and quiet, I had a great time just listening to the squirrels and woodpeckers!

Ellen M

Verified

October 1, 2021 Stayed at: 018, Loop: FERN

5

I stayed at campsite #18 and it was perfect! It was very shady and peaceful spot, and the parking spot was across the road but still very close by. The campground was so peaceful and quiet, I had a great time just listening to the squirrels and woodpeckers!

tiffany f

Verified

July 15, 2021 Stayed at: 016, Loop: FERN

5

Love this place, will be returning soon:):)

tiffany f

Verified

July 15, 2021 Stayed at: 016, Loop: FERN

5

Love this place, will be returning soon:):)

Rodrigo M

Verified

June 14, 2021 Stayed at: 008, Loop: FERN

5

Very nice campground with a very nice location. Highly recommend.

Rodrigo M

Verified

June 14, 2021 Stayed at: 008, Loop: FERN

5

Very nice campground with a very nice location. Highly recommend.

Location Fern Basin

Address:
P.O. Box 518
Idyllwild, CA, 92549
United States

Latitude & Longitude: 33.7886 / -116.738

Elevation: 1906 feet

Policies & Rules

Cancellation policy

  • Reservation fees are non-refundable. For campsites, cabins, lookouts, yurts, group sites, and similar stays, we charge a reservation service fee of $8.
  • Standard cancellations usually have a $10 cancellation fee. Customers can generally cancel before the check-in date online.
  • Late cancellation rules differ by stay type.
    • Individual campsites: cancelling after 12:00am local time the day before arrival usually means a $10 cancellation fee plus forfeiting the first night's fee.
    • Cabins, lookouts, and yurts: cancelling less than 14 days before arrival usually means a $10 cancellation fee plus forfeiting the first night's fee.
    • One-night reservations: a late cancellation usually forfeits the full amount paid, up to the total original reservation cost.
  • Modifications are allowed before the cut-off window, but fees depend on the change. Changing to dates completely outside the original reservation dates may trigger a $10 change fee. Extending or shortening a stay that still includes original dates usually has no change fee, though refunds may depend on timing and facility rules. Switching to the same type of campsite for the same dates usually has no change fee, but price differences are charged or refunded.
  • Early departures may or may not be refunded. At certain facilities, partial refunds may be possible if staff can mark the site available for other visitors. No refund is given for a night if the early departure is requested after that day's check-out time.
  • Security deposits are separate. Security deposits may be refunded to the original payment method if the facility is left in acceptable condition, as determined by the property.

Nearby Campgrounds

Nearby destinations


Last updated: June 5, 2026

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Managed by USDA Forest Service