Marion Mountain

We had a great long weekend over 2023 Memorial Day with friends at this campground. Some items to note that aren't totally clear ahead of time:
- There was no camp host but a ranger made regular rounds during the day and was helpful
- Most sites are reservable and are noted with a permanent tag at the site saying to check the entrance board to see if they are already taken. There are also a handful of walk-up only sites that are managed by typical registration papers you attach to the site post.
- There was a lot of confusion about campfires because the emails for our reservation all said no fires, plus there was a sign on the way in saying no fires, yet many people were clearly having wood fires in the site fire pits. I finally asked the ranger and he confirmed that fires WERE allowed that weekend, plus we were allowed to gather wood. I expect this rule changes based on the season/weather, so check with the ranger.
- Many campsites are very sloped so it can be tough to fit two large tents on a site. We managed to get 4 large tents on 2 sites but it was tricky.
- The sites are super close together so it could be a bummer if you get a large party group next to you, but even on Memorial Day weekend everyone on our half of the campground was lights out by 10. Probably big party groups are less common given the small/remote/rustic nature of this campground.
- There was running non-potable water from a spigot near the pit toilets when we visited.

This was a great location and a fun weekend, definitely recommend.

Gorgeous campsite! Great view of the forest and mountains at a high elevation. Minutes away from the San Jacinto Trailhead and PCT. Highly Recommend!

Great location near the top of the mountain. Makes it great for an easy early morning short walk to the top for the sunrise

I made a reservation online and went, but the local ranger designated the camp site to those who came on the day, so there were a lot of duplicates. People were arguing because of duplicate sites.

I got to the campsite at 2pm Friday afternoon after a very helpful camp host pointed me in the right direction when I ended up at fish creek campground. Overall the campsite was very nice with clean bathrooms and no water (as mentioned when getting the permit). The other guests were respectful of the 10pm noise curfew. Early Saturday morning we hiked up to San Jaciento peak and got back to camp in time for the 2pm checkout. Would definitely recommend this campsite.

It is one of best trail with big pines and rocks and giant boulders. Also there was a nice water source for refill just before the litter round valley camping ground.

Site 17 is right next to sites 14 and 21. If you want privacy keep in mind. Campground was very quiet during our stay (July 19-22). We saw 2 dear on the way up to the campground on the forest road, but none at the campgrounds. Some flies and mosquitos but nothing too crazy. Put toilets on this side of the campground are well, pit toilets!!

Site 18 is up a little hill. Very private location but we couldn’t find a flat enough area to put our tent. We ended up moving down to site 17 after our first night…
Campground was very quiet during our stay (July 19-22). We saw 2 dear on the way up to the campground on the forest road, but none at the campgrounds. Some flies and mosquitos but nothing too crazy. Put toilets on this side of the campground are well, pit toilets!!

Good campground, quiet and close to trails. Water was not working, so make sure you bring any water you need for drinking and cleaning.

The campsite was Great except one of the toilets stunk REALLY bad while the second toilet was nice. I do not understand why one is so bad while the other was nice. The only other complaint is that the potable water line was broke and I do not think they have a plan to fix it anytime soon.