Fern Basin

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

Featured amenities

Picnic Table Picnic Table
Restrooms Restrooms
Fire Pit Fire Pit

Sites & Rates

Average nightly rates

15 total sites

RV Sites

15 sites

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

Activities & Attractions

Nearby

Hiking

Hiking

Year-round

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

Most popular amenities

Picnic Table Picnic Table
Restrooms Restrooms
Fire Pit Fire Pit
Water and Hygiene

Water and Hygiene

  • Potable Water
  • Restrooms
Cooking and Fire

Cooking and Fire

  • Picnic Table
  • BBQ
  • Fire Pit
On Site Services

On Site Services

  • Fish Cleaning Station
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 RV
No Hookups
Price not available
🚐 005, Loop: FERN RV
No Hookups
Price not available
🚐 006, Loop: FERN RV
No Hookups
Price not available
🚐 007, Loop: FERN RV
No Hookups
Price not available
🚐 008, Loop: FERN RV
No Hookups
Price not available
🚐 009, Loop: FERN RV
No Hookups
Price not available
🚐 010, Loop: FERN RV
No Hookups
Price not available
🚐 012, Loop: FERN RV
No Hookups
Price not available
🚐 013, Loop: FERN RV
No Hookups
Price not available
🚐 014, Loop: FERN RV
No Hookups
Price not available
🚐 015, Loop: FERN RV
No Hookups
Price not available
🚐 016, Loop: FERN RV
No Hookups
Price not available
🚐 017, Loop: FERN RV
No Hookups
Price not available
🚐 018, Loop: FERN RV
No Hookups
Price not available
🚐 019, Loop: FERN RV
No Hookups
Price not available

Reviews (173)

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

4.2
173 reviews
5
53.2%
92
4
24.9%
43
3
13.3%
23
2
4.0%
7
1
4.6%
8

John S

Verified

January 23, 2020 Stayed at: 009, Loop: FERN

5

Great place. We'll definitely go back soon.

Brian P

Verified

January 23, 2020 Stayed at: 007, Loop: FERN

4

we've been to Fern Basin many times over the years. it's a great spot, not too crowded, well maintained.
we certainly appreciate this and other campgrounds in the area.

John S

Verified

January 23, 2020 Stayed at: 009, Loop: FERN

5

Great place. We'll definitely go back soon.

Brian P

Verified

January 23, 2020 Stayed at: 007, Loop: FERN

4

we've been to Fern Basin many times over the years. it's a great spot, not too crowded, well maintained.
we certainly appreciate this and other campgrounds in the area.

Gary M

Verified

January 24, 2020 Stayed at: 014, Loop: FERN

4

Fern Basin is the place to go for a good camping experience. The campground is very clean and not noisy at all. Beautiful surroundings, great hiking. In the summer be prepared for not having a camp fire though which is a drag. But some people still do. There was one thing though that was very irritating. Every time you get ready to cook out comes the bees. Very irritating ‼️Almost didn’t want to cook because of it. But other than that it is fine. I will go there again if we can have a campfire. But still a very beautiful place. 🇺🇸☮️

Gary M

Verified

January 24, 2020 Stayed at: 014, Loop: FERN

4

Fern Basin is the place to go for a good camping experience. The campground is very clean and not noisy at all. Beautiful surroundings, great hiking. In the summer be prepared for not having a camp fire though which is a drag. But some people still do. There was one thing though that was very irritating. Every time you get ready to cook out comes the bees. Very irritating ‼️Almost didn’t want to cook because of it. But other than that it is fine. I will go there again if we can have a campfire. But still a very beautiful place. 🇺🇸☮️

Christopher B

Verified

July 11, 2020 Stayed at: 009, Loop: FERN

4

We really enjoyed this quiet spot. We liked how much space there was between sites, and all our "neighnors" were respectful tent campers, no RVs. Plenty to do close by.

Christopher B

Verified

July 11, 2020 Stayed at: 009, Loop: FERN

4

We really enjoyed this quiet spot. We liked how much space there was between sites, and all our "neighnors" were respectful tent campers, no RVs. Plenty to do close by.

Jamie F

Verified

July 25, 2020 Stayed at: 015, Loop: FERN

5

Excellent Campground. Very Quiet, although there weren't too many people. A bit of a drive for Wood and Ice. The kids liked all the boulders to climb on. We'll be back.

Jamie F

Verified

July 25, 2020 Stayed at: 015, Loop: FERN

5

Excellent Campground. Very Quiet, although there weren't too many people. A bit of a drive for Wood and Ice. The kids liked all the boulders to climb on. We'll be back.

Location Fern Basin

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

Elevation: 1906 feet

Distance to downtown

7.1 mi drive to downtown Idyllwild (about 15 min)

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: September 2, 2026

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