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
Claudia M
VerifiedAugust 6, 2024 • Stayed at: 015, Loop: FERN
I really enjoyed the quiet and the sound of the forest. Specially the weather it was very pleasant.
Joanne J
VerifiedJuly 8, 2024 • Stayed at: 010, Loop: FERN
Very nice little campground of about 20-some sites. Well shaded; two functioning vault toilets (upper & lower campground) that are cinder block and well maintained. Trash is picked up regularly. Most of the sites are on a slight incline, others are walking distance from your vehicle. Only two sites allow you to open a hatch and set up a tent directly to your vehicle. Concrete picnic tables in good condition. No water; no fires; no/minimal cell. I've seen large RVs come through, but bc of the incline, they either seek other campgrounds or grab the one or two sites that would accommodate their long rig. Mostly tents/roof tents stay for any period of time.
Joanne J
VerifiedJuly 8, 2024 • Stayed at: 010, Loop: FERN
Very nice little campground of about 20-some sites. Well shaded; two functioning vault toilets (upper & lower campground) that are cinder block and well maintained. Trash is picked up regularly. Most of the sites are on a slight incline, others are walking distance from your vehicle. Only two sites allow you to open a hatch and set up a tent directly to your vehicle. Concrete picnic tables in good condition. No water; no fires; no/minimal cell. I've seen large RVs come through, but bc of the incline, they either seek other campgrounds or grab the one or two sites that would accommodate their long rig. Mostly tents/roof tents stay for any period of time.
Brian R
VerifiedJune 26, 2024 • Stayed at: 017, Loop: FERN
Site was advertised as rv/trailer but campsite was tiny, not allowing for a small trailer. All spots can accommodate a single care, maybe two. Not advised for folks with RVs or trailers.
Brian R
VerifiedJune 26, 2024 • Stayed at: 017, Loop: FERN
Site was advertised as rv/trailer but campsite was tiny, not allowing for a small trailer. All spots can accommodate a single care, maybe two. Not advised for folks with RVs or trailers.
Todd S
VerifiedNovember 13, 2023 • Stayed at: 017, Loop: FERN
Great campsite. The area is very dry and in need of some serious rain.
Todd S
VerifiedNovember 13, 2023 • Stayed at: 017, Loop: FERN
Great campsite. The area is very dry and in need of some serious rain.
nicholas s
VerifiedSeptember 27, 2023 • Stayed at: 004, Loop: FERN
MOSQUITOES AND FLIES AND GNATS!!!
I used 2 types of insect repellent and citronella candles….did not work. The campfire kept them away until the Forrest service worker came by and said no more campfires. The bugs were bad after that and I wound up leaving early.
nicholas s
VerifiedSeptember 27, 2023 • Stayed at: 004, Loop: FERN
MOSQUITOES AND FLIES AND GNATS!!!
I used 2 types of insect repellent and citronella candles….did not work. The campfire kept them away until the Forrest service worker came by and said no more campfires. The bugs were bad after that and I wound up leaving early.
Roger G
VerifiedSeptember 3, 2023 • Stayed at: 017, Loop: FERN
The site that I stayed at didn’t have any flat space (we ended up sleeping at an angle but made it work for the first night). The water near our site was not functioning (may have been posted that this was a dry site but was not any anything I read).
With all that said being this close to the forest made up for the inconveniences. The kids had a wonderful time adventuring in the wilderness.
Overall I would give this campground another try given more time to find a good site.
Last note T-Mobile didn’t have reception at this campground (a wonderful disconnect from technology).
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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