Boulder Basin Campground
Black Mountain Road is in poor condition at this time. 4-wheel-drive is recommended.
The campground has a "Q" configuration with camp sites on top of the letter having a delightful vista while sites on either side have tower boulders for a backdrop. Magnificent Ponderosa and Sugar pines and other conifers are found throughout the campground. This is a campground for hikers, mountain bikers, bouldering enthusiasts, and anyone looking for quiet and solitude - well worth the challenge of the road to the campground.
The Black Mountain Lookout Tower is accessed via hiking a dirt road from campground and offers breathtaking views of the area.
Holders of Golden Age, Golden Access, America the Beautiful Senior or Access Passports are entitled to 50% campsite fee reduction. Holder of the passport must be present.
Reservations
Booking Windows
Individual sites at this campground operate on a 6-month rolling basis:
- Availability is released from Thu, May 21st 2026 through Mon, July 13th 2026. Select dates for availability.
- On January 14, 2026 at 07:00 AM PST, availability will be released through July 14, 2026.
General Information
May 21, 2026 to October 25, 2026.
A site must be reserved for a minimum of 3 nights on major holidays. The fee allows for a maximum of 8 people per campsite and entry for 1 vehicle and 1 legally towed vehicle. Additional fees of $5 per extra vehicle will be collected at the campground. There are no refunds for inclement weather. Fire restrictions may be imposed at any time due to hot, dry weather conditions, at which time campfires and charcoal fires may not be allowed. For current Fire conditions or weather closures contact the Idyllwild Ranger Station at 1-909-382-2921 prior to making late fall reservations.
Know Before You Go! - View the Alerts & Fire Danger Status above.
Overnight Use:
Single Site: $10 per night
Additional Vehicle Fee: $5 per vehicle per night
$20 per night (incudes 1 vehicle) + $5 for each additional vehicle.
Dogs MUST be on a leash not longer than six feet, or otherwise under physical restrictive control [36 CFR 261.16(j)]. Read more info about pet ethics.
Address: P.O. Box 518 Idyllwild, CA 92549
Phone: (909) 382-2921
Hours: Thursday through Monday from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm; Closed for lunch 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm
Getting There
Latitude / Longitude
Latitude: 33.82611111
Longitude: -116.7561111
Elevation
7420
Directions
From I-10E exit 8th St. in Banning California, turn right onto 8th St, then left on Lincoln St. then right on San Gorgonio Ave/Highway 243.
From I-10W exit Hargrave St, turn left onto Hargrave St, then right on Lincoln St. then left on San Gorgonio Ave/Highway 243.
Go South on 243 for approximately 17.5 miles to Black Mountain Rd (4s01 dirt road) travel approximately 6 miles to Boulder Basin Campground.
Note: Black Mountain Road (4S01) is an unpaved forest road not recommended for low clearance vehicles or trailers.
Facility and Amenity Information
Restrooms
Restrooms are not available at this site.
Water
Potable water is not available at this site.
