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Moderate to BookNational Forest

Fern Basin Campground

San Bernardino National Forest, California

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As of October 2026, Fern Basin Campground is a campground in San Bernardino National Forest, California with 15 campsites. Fern Basin Campground is booked through Recreation.gov.

PermitSnag checks Fern Basin Campground for availability and tells alert holders when a site opens up.
Fern Basin Campground is located at 33.7886° N, 116.7378° W.

people allowed on each site: 8

Fern Basin Campground reservations and next available dates

October 2026

November 2026

open, tap to book on Recreation.govsold outin your alert

Next Available Dates

Oct 4 (14 sites)Oct 5 (14 sites)Oct 6 (14 sites)

14 sites open on Oct 4 at Fern Basin Campground. Book one now, or pick your dates above and get an alert when a site opens.

As of 30 September 2026, 21:02 UTC.

Campsites at Fern Basin Campground

456789101213141516171819

Standard 15

What an RV fits

20 ft15 sites

Amenities

restrooms
potable water

At a glance: Setting: Mountain.

Things to do: hiking, photography.

All sites at Fern Basin Campground, as listed by Recreation.gov

Every site is in the FERN loop.

Site	Type	Sleeps	Max RV
004	Standard	8	20 ft
005	Standard	8	20 ft
006	Standard	8	20 ft
007	Standard	8	20 ft
008	Standard	8	20 ft
009	Standard	8	20 ft
010	Standard	8	20 ft
012	Standard	8	20 ft
013	Standard	8	20 ft
014	Standard	8	20 ft
015	Standard	8	20 ft
016	Standard	8	20 ft
017	Standard	8	20 ft
018	Standard	8	20 ft
019	Standard	8	20 ft

About Fern Basin Campground

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.

Rules and notices at Fern Basin Campground

Recreation.gov does not date these notices. We last read them on September 29, 2026. Check Fern Basin Campground on Recreation.gov

Notices from Recreation.gov

Fire Restrictions may be in effect, check in with the San Jacinto Ranger District by calling (909) 382-2921 to confirm. Wood and charcoal fires are permitted. Cooking stoves or fireplaces using gas, jellied petroleum, or pressurized liquid fuel are still allowed.

Please be aware that potable (safe for drinking) water may or may not be available at this campground. Please plan accordingly.

Basic camping fee ($20.00) covers the first vehicle. Extra vehicle fee of $5.00 / night / vehicle should be deposited into the fee tube located at the entrance to the campground within 30 minutes of arrival.

Sites may be available on a first-come, first-served basis

Click here for more information on the San Bernardino National Forest

Don't Move Firewood: Protect California's forests from tree-killing pests by buying your firewood locally and burning it on-site. For more information visit firewood.ca.gov.

Recreation.gov permit and campground cancellations →

Fern Basin Campground FAQ

How hard is it to get a campsite at Fern Basin Campground?

Fern Basin Campground is rated "Moderate to Book" based on historical demand. With 15 sites available, you have good chances of finding availability, especially on weekdays.

How do I find last-minute availability at Fern Basin Campground?

Cancellations happen frequently at Fern Basin Campground, especially 1-2 weeks before check-in dates. PermitSnag monitors availability 24/7 and sends instant alerts when sites open up due to cancellations. This is often the best way to snag popular campsites.

How many campsites does Fern Basin Campground have?

Fern Basin Campground has 15 campsites.