Black Mountain
Open for the 2026 season from May 21 through October 25. Bear activity has been reported in the area. Reservations required through Recreation.gov at least 3 days in advance. Fire restrictions may apply; call the San Jacinto Ranger District to confirm current fire regulations before your trip.
Extreme Heat Watch issued July 12 at 12:00PM PDT until July 16 at 8:00PM PDT by NWS San Diego CA
* WHAT...Hot and humid conditions with elevated overnight temperatures. High temperatures will range from the 90s in the mountains below 6,000 feet, 95 to 105 or more for inland valleys, and 80s for areas near the coast. * WHERE...Orange County Coastal Areas, Orange County Inland Areas, Riverside County Mountains, San Bernardino County Mountains, San Bernardino and Riverside County Valleys-The Inland Empire, San Diego County Coastal Areas, San Diego County Mountains, San Diego County Valleys, San Gorgonio Pass near Banning, and Santa Ana Mountains and Foothills. * WHEN...From Tuesday morning through Thursday evening, hottest on Wednesday. * IMPACTS...Heat related illnesses increase significantly during extreme heat events.
From Recreation.gov
A bear or multiple bears have been spotted in the area. Please be aware at all times, and visit our agency website for bear safety tips and more information.
About
Black Mountain Group Campground provides a remote, high-elevation camping experience in the San Bernardino National Forest. Situated at approximately 7,500 feet in a heavily forested area, the campground offers sweeping views of the desert divide, San Jacinto Mountains, and on clear days, the San Gabriel Mountains to the north. The single large group site accommodates up to 100 guests for tent camping only. The campground features vault toilets, multiple picnic tables, and campfire circles with grills. No potable water is available at the campground itself, though tested water may be available from Cinco Posa Spring approximately 2 miles away along Black Mountain Road. The parking area can hold up to 25 vehicles. Access requires high-clearance vehicles, with 4-wheel drive recommended due to rough road conditions on Black Mountain Road. Trailers are not recommended. The Fuller Ridge Trail, part of the famous Pacific Crest Trail, begins just steps from the campground, following the high timbered ridge above Snow Creek and connecting to Deer Springs Trail for a strenuous climb to San Jacinto Peak at 10,804 feet.
Directions
From Idyllwild, California, travel north on Highway 243 about 9 miles. Take a sharp right turn onto Black Mountain Trail/Forest Route 4S01 and continue just over 2 miles. Forest Route 4S01 turns slightly left and becomes Black Mountain Truck Trail, which leads to the campground. High-clearance vehicle recommended; 4WD advised.
Location
Amenities
| Water | No |
| Fires Allowed | — |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | Yes |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | — |
| Water Hookups | — |
| Sewer Hookups | — |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $50 - $140 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | — |
| Max Trailer Length | — |
| Big Rig Friendly | No |
| Pull Through Sites | No |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (909) 382-2921 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | None |
| Verizon | Yes |
| T-Mobile | None |
Availability
Photos
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