California / Riverside County / San Bernardino National Forest

Black Mountain

Closed — Closed for the season. Reservations can be made up to 12 months in advance through Recreation.gov.

About

Black Mountain Group Campground provides a remote, high-elevation camping experience in the San Bernardino National Forest at 7,500 feet. Designed exclusively for large groups of up to 100 people and 25 vehicles, this campground offers spectacular views encompassing the desert divide, San Jacinto Mountains, and on clear days, as far north as the San Gabriel Mountains. The campground is heavily forested and situated in a classified wilderness area, with the Fuller Ridge Trail (part of the famous Pacific Crest Trail) located just steps away. This section of trail follows the high, timbered ridge above Snow Creek at 7,600 feet, offering spectacular desert views before joining Deer Springs Trail for a strenuous climb to San Jacinto Peak at 10,804 feet. Bear activity has been reported in the area, so proper food storage and awareness are essential. Access to Black Mountain requires a high-clearance, four-wheel-drive vehicle, as Black Mountain Road is unpaved and in rough condition. Trailers are not recommended. The campground is located approximately 50 miles southeast of San Bernardino and 16 miles north of Idyllwild. Reservations must be made at least 3 days in advance with a minimum 3-night stay required on major holidays.

Directions

From Idyllwild, 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, four-wheel-drive vehicle required.

Nearby Campgrounds