Sites & Rates
Average nightly rates15 total sites
RV Sites
15 sites
About Fern Basin
Number of accommodations: 15
Activities & Attractions
Nearby
Hiking
Year-round
Hiking
Seasonal information
2026 Season availability
Campground Amenities
Most popular amenities
Picnic Table
Restrooms
Fire Pit
Water and Hygiene
- Potable Water
- Restrooms
Cooking and Fire
- Picnic Table
- BBQ
- Fire Pit
On Site Services
- Fish Cleaning Station
Rates, Sites & Availability
15 Sites Available
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Site Details
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15 Sites Available
No available sites
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Reviews (179)
What Guests Are Saying
Fern Basin is a lovely, quiet campground located close to town, ideal for those seeking a peaceful retreat in a beautiful area with ample shade and large, secluded sites. While some facilities, such as running water and campfires, were lacking, the well-maintained vault toilets and friendly park rangers contributed to a positive experience. Visitors appreciated the clean environment and proximity to hiking trails, though they noted issues like mosquitoes and tight roads that may require caution while driving.
What Guests Are Saying
Fern Basin is a lovely, quiet campground located close to town, ideal for those seeking a peaceful retreat in a beautiful area with ample shade and large, secluded sites. While some facilities, such as running water and campfires, were lacking, the well-maintained vault toilets and friendly park rangers contributed to a positive experience. Visitors appreciated the clean environment and proximity to hiking trails, though they noted issues like mosquitoes and tight roads that may require caution while driving.
Review Summary
michael m
VerifiedAugust 11, 2026 • Stayed at: 015, Loop: FERN
water pumps were not working- fortunately I brought enough with me, but on the website it says that potable water is available. location is nice and easy to access
Haili B
VerifiedAugust 11, 2026 • Stayed at: 008, Loop: FERN
Very lovely area! lots of shade, huge lot and secluded compared to most. You will absolutely have no reception at this area no matter what rec gov says. The map given to this area isn’t correct you need to keep driving down the road and you’ll eventually get where you’re going on the left. The road is also very tight and full of brush so if you’re not comfortable driving in that I definitely don’t recommend driving at night. My one and only thing about this site is getting to the bathrooms, the bathrooms are basically like glorified portajohns and felt like I had to walk or hike 10 minutes to get to them. It’s that or walk through peoples campsites. And my group was pretty bummed about the no campfires but that part is totally understandable.
Holly M
VerifiedAugust 16, 2026 • Stayed at: 010, Loop: FERN
Close to the town.
Quiet camping.
No running water even though there are spigots by the camp sights.
No hiking trails at camp sight.
Cory H
VerifiedAugust 23, 2026 • Stayed at: 008, Loop: FERN
Fantastic campground. #8 was a huge site with lots of room for 2 tents! Just bring all the water you will need! And toilet paper, cause the pits ran out of them at the end of the weekend.
Alyn L
VerifiedAugust 27, 2026 • Stayed at: 007, Loop: FERN
No water
Alyn L
VerifiedAugust 27, 2026 • Stayed at: 016, Loop: FERN
Need to get the water working but otherwise nice campground in the mountains!
Brittany N
VerifiedSeptember 2, 2026 • Stayed at: 009, Loop: FERN
Loved our stay. Quite campground. Bathrooms were well kept for drop pit toilets. Half the sites are first come first serve, the others are reservable.
Epifanio S
VerifiedSeptember 18, 2026 • Stayed at: 014, Loop: FERN
Needs portable water but other than that was a nice stay peaceful and quiet
Christopher M
VerifiedSeptember 28, 2026 • Stayed at: 014, Loop: FERN
There is a hidden rope swing behind campsite 14, and a clearing with the best view of the sunset when you find it. I love this campground and will be back. Bring a headlamp to the bathrooms, even during the day.
Location & Directions for Fern Basin
P.O. Box 518, Idyllwild, CA 92549 United States
Elevation: 1,906 ft
Getting There
From Idyllwild, travel north on State Route 243 about 4 mi. 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 tur...
From Idyllwild, travel north on State Route 243 about 4 mi. 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.
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: October 16, 2026
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