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
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Rates, Sites & Availability
15 Sites Available
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Site Details
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15 Sites Available
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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.
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
Kyle W
VerifiedAugust 19, 2020 • Stayed at: 006, Loop: FERN
The Fern Basin campground was a clean, quiet, and well shaded camping location. The bathrooms are drop toilets and mid-day did have a few fly's but were generally clean with plenty of toilet paper. The individual camp sites vary in size and distance from assigned parking location; however, each site has a fire ring and picnic table. I used this camp site to hike the Marion Mountain Trail to the peak of San Jacinto and this only added a short distance to the trail head. There is no service for TMobile in the camp ground itself but there was service in town if you need to check up on things. Idylwild is approximately 15 minutes away and there are plenty of places to purchase ice, food/drinks, and fire wood. Overall the campground was well kept and shaded. I will certainly camp here again.
Kyle W
VerifiedAugust 19, 2020 • Stayed at: 006, Loop: FERN
The Fern Basin campground was a clean, quiet, and well shaded camping location. The bathrooms are drop toilets and mid-day did have a few fly's but were generally clean with plenty of toilet paper. The individual camp sites vary in size and distance from assigned parking location; however, each site has a fire ring and picnic table. I used this camp site to hike the Marion Mountain Trail to the peak of San Jacinto and this only added a short distance to the trail head. There is no service for TMobile in the camp ground itself but there was service in town if you need to check up on things. Idylwild is approximately 15 minutes away and there are plenty of places to purchase ice, food/drinks, and fire wood. Overall the campground was well kept and shaded. I will certainly camp here again.
Estefania G
VerifiedAugust 27, 2020 • Stayed at: 016, Loop: FERN
Campgrounds were clean. There is running water nearby. The only issue for me were the toilets. Lots of flies at the time we camped. Please maintain the lid closed. Also, might be haunted. Had some spooky experiences.
Estefania G
VerifiedAugust 27, 2020 • Stayed at: 016, Loop: FERN
Campgrounds were clean. There is running water nearby. The only issue for me were the toilets. Lots of flies at the time we camped. Please maintain the lid closed. Also, might be haunted. Had some spooky experiences.
Molly M
VerifiedAugust 31, 2020 • Stayed at: 007, Loop: FERN
Nice campground. Lots of shade and the bathrooms are stocked with TP!
Molly M
VerifiedAugust 31, 2020 • Stayed at: 007, Loop: FERN
Nice campground. Lots of shade and the bathrooms are stocked with TP!
Kimberly G
VerifiedSeptember 4, 2020 • Stayed at: 004, Loop: FERN
This camping spot is best for tent camping. There are a few that allow for trailer camping but ours was very uneven (site 4). The bathrooms were also so dirty (also no working lights) that we did our business outside. It's a good location but otherwise, I was unimpressed.
Kimberly G
VerifiedSeptember 4, 2020 • Stayed at: 004, Loop: FERN
This camping spot is best for tent camping. There are a few that allow for trailer camping but ours was very uneven (site 4). The bathrooms were also so dirty (also no working lights) that we did our business outside. It's a good location but otherwise, I was unimpressed.
Sean N
VerifiedSeptember 7, 2020 • Stayed at: 007, Loop: FERN
It was a nice quiet camp site.
Sean N
VerifiedSeptember 7, 2020 • Stayed at: 007, Loop: FERN
It was a nice quiet camp site.
Location Fern Basin
Address:
P.O. Box 518
Idyllwild, CA, 92549
United States
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.
Elevation: 1906 feet
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.
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Last updated: September 2, 2026
