Can you reserve a site at Fern Basin?

Yes, Fern Basin is reservable through Recreation.gov.

How many campsites does Fern Basin have?

23 sites in total, of which 15 can be booked.

What is the maximum RV length at Fern Basin?

20 ft. That is the longest vehicle the sites here are recorded as taking; individual sites may be shorter.

Are pets allowed at Fern Basin?

Yes, pets are allowed at Fern Basin.

Are campfires allowed at Fern Basin?

Campfires are not allowed at Fern Basin.

Fern Basin, California — 15 sites, fees and cancellation alerts

Overview

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.

Recreation

Visitors to the area enjoy hiking on the Marion Mountain Trail, which leads to San Jacinto Peak. Views from the peak extend to the ocean and across the Palm Desert, as well as the San Bernardino and San Gabriel mountains on a clear day. The 11.8-mile Marion Mountain Trail is the shortest route up the mountain, but is also quite strenuous in areas.

Facilities

Please be aware that potable (safe for drinking) water may or may not be available at this campground. Please bring ample water for drinking, cooking etc. Fern Basin campground offers about two dozen campsites for both tent and small RV / van camping. All campsites are equipped with tables and campfire rings with grills. Vault toilets are available within the campground.

Natural Features

The campground is located in a grove of mixed oaks and shrubs. A surrounding mixed conifer forest provides spotty shade for the campground. It is situated at an elevation of about 6,300 feet, in the mountains overlooking California's desert.

Nearby Attractions

The campground is located approximately 50 miles southeast of San Bernardino, California, and about seven miles north of the small town of Idyllwild, which is known for its shops and restaurants.

The facts

15 bookable sites
23 sites in total, including non-bookable
Vehicles up to 20 ft
Up to 8 people per site
Loops: AREA FERN BASIN, FERN, S&P

Site types

15 Standard Nonelectric
8 Management

Amenities

Fire pits
Picnic tables
Pets allowed
Campfires allowed — not available

Not recorded upstream: electric hookups, water hookups, sewer hookups, grills, shade.

Book on Recreation.gov

23 campsites at Fern Basin

Site	Loop	Type	Entry	Surface	Max rig	People
001	AREA FERN BASIN	Management	—	—	—	—
002	AREA FERN BASIN	Management	—	—	—	—
003	AREA FERN BASIN	Management	—	—	—	—
020	AREA FERN BASIN	Management	—	—	—	—
021	AREA FERN BASIN	Management	—	—	—	—
022	AREA FERN BASIN	Management	—	—	—	—
XXX	AREA FERN BASIN	Management	Back In	Gravel	20 ft	8
004	FERN	Standard Nonelectric	Back In	Gravel	20 ft	8	🐾
005	FERN	Standard Nonelectric	Back In	Gravel	20 ft	8	🐾
006	FERN	Standard Nonelectric	Back In	Gravel	20 ft	8	🐾
007	FERN	Standard Nonelectric	Back In	Gravel	20 ft	8	🐾
008	FERN	Standard Nonelectric	Back In	Gravel	20 ft	8	🐾
009	FERN	Standard Nonelectric	Back In	Gravel	20 ft	8	🐾
010	FERN	Standard Nonelectric	Back In	Gravel	20 ft	8	🐾
012	FERN	Standard Nonelectric	Back In	Gravel	20 ft	8	🐾
013	FERN	Standard Nonelectric	Back In	Gravel	20 ft	8	🐾
014	FERN	Standard Nonelectric	Back In	Gravel	20 ft	8	🐾
015	FERN	Standard Nonelectric	Back In	Gravel	20 ft	8	🐾
016	FERN	Standard Nonelectric	Back In	Gravel	20 ft	8	🐾
017	FERN	Standard Nonelectric	Back In	Gravel	20 ft	8	🐾
018	FERN	Standard Nonelectric	Back In	Gravel	20 ft	8	🐾
019	FERN	Standard Nonelectric	Back In	Gravel	20 ft	8	🐾
Scan & Pay Standard	S&P	Management	Back In	Gravel	20 ft	8	🐾

Getting there

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.

33.78861, -116.73778 · 33°47'19.0"N 116°44'16.0"W

Directions (Google Maps) · Directions (Apple Maps)

Typical weather

Typically 86°F in Aug, down to 54°F in Dec.

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
High °F	55	55	59	64	71	80	85	86	81	72	62	54
Low °F	31	30	32	35	41	48	55	55	50	42	35	30
Precip in	4.7	5.3	3.3	1.7	0.7	0.1	0.5	0.6	0.8	1.2	1.9	3.6

1991–2020 averages from the nearest NOAA station, 2.8 mi away — not measured at the facility itself, and elevation can make a real difference over that distance.

Map

Common questions about Fern Basin

Can you reserve a site at Fern Basin?: Yes, Fern Basin is reservable through Recreation.gov.
How many campsites does Fern Basin have?: 23 sites in total, of which 15 can be booked.
What is the maximum RV length at Fern Basin?: 20 ft. That is the longest vehicle the sites here are recorded as taking; individual sites may be shorter.
Are pets allowed at Fern Basin?: Yes, pets are allowed at Fern Basin.
Are campfires allowed at Fern Basin?: Campfires are not allowed at Fern Basin.

Also listed by

Fern Basin also appears in other federal recreation data. Facts below are matched by name and location, not confirmed by Fern Basin's operator.

USDA Forest Service — data as of Aug 24, 2026

$10 per night (includes 1 vehicle) + $5 additional vehicle

Restrictions:

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. Fir

USDA Forest Service's own page

Camping near Fern Basin

Marion Mountain 0.4 mi · Campground · we watch it
Dark Canyon Campground 1.1 mi · Campground · we watch it
Boulder Basin 2.8 mi · Campground · we watch it
Black Mountain (San Bernardino) 3.1 mi · Campground · we watch it
Marion Mountain Campground 0.5 mi · Campground
San Jacinto River North Fork - Wild & Scenic River 0.6 mi · Facility
Fuller Mill Creek - National Wild & Scenic River 0.8 mi · Facility
Indian Vista Scenic Overlook 2.3 mi · Facility
Black Mountain Fire Lookout 2.6 mi · Facility
Black Mountain Yellow Post Sites 2.7 mi · Campground
Humber Park Trailhead Parking 3.4 mi · Facility
South Ridge Road 4 mi · Facility

Contact

Phone 909-382-2922
Book Recreation.gov

Recreation.gov last updated this record on 2026-05-19.

Fern Basin