Closed

Closed for the season. The campground operates seasonally but no specific reopening date is posted. When open, sites are first-come-first-served only with payment via fee envelope (cash or check) or Recreation.gov mobile app QR code. Bears have been spotted in the area.

Flood Watch issued October 10 at 11:36AM PDT until October 11 at 8:00PM PDT by NWS San Diego CA

11:36 AM — 10:15 PM

* WHAT...Flooding caused by excessive rainfall continues to be possible. * WHERE...A portion of Southwest California, including the following areas, Apple and Lucerne Valleys, Coachella Valley, Riverside County Mountains, San Bernardino County Mountains, San Diego County Coastal Areas, San Diego County Deserts, San Diego County Mountains, San Diego County Valleys and San Gorgonio Pass near Banning. * WHEN...From 11 PM PDT this evening through Sunday evening. * IMPACTS...Excessive runoff may result in flooding of rivers, creeks, streams, and other low-lying and flood-prone locations. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS... - Tropical Storm Rachel will bring periods of moderate to heavy rain to all of San Diego County, Riverside County mountains and deserts, and San Bernardino County mountains and deserts. Maximum hourly rainfall rates of 0.50 to 0.60 inches per hour are possible for San Diego Coast and Valleys. Maximum hourly rainfall rates of 0.50 to 0.70 inches per hour are possible across area deserts and 0.70 to 1 inch per hour rates are possible across area mountains. Heaviest rainfall is most likely late Saturday night through early Sunday afternoon. Rainfall will taper off from south to north Sunday. Lingering lighter showers are expected to continue into Monday. - https://www.weather.gov/safety/flood

Wind Advisory issued October 10 at 11:31AM PDT until October 12 at 5:00AM PDT by NWS San Diego CA

11:31 AM — 10:30 PM

* WHAT...Gusty easterly winds will pick up early Sunday turning southwest by mid-morning. Winds 20 to 30 mph with gusts 50 to 60 mph expected. * WHERE...Riverside County Mountains. * WHEN...From 2 AM Sunday to 5 AM PDT Monday. * IMPACTS...Gusty winds will blow around unsecured objects. Tree limbs could be blown down and a few power outages may result.

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

Dark Canyon Campground offers a rustic camping experience in the San Jacinto Mountains of San Bernardino National Forest. Located about 50 miles southeast of San Bernardino and 8 miles north of the mountain town of Idyllwild, the campground provides a forested retreat at higher elevation. All sites are first-come-first-served and include picnic tables and fire rings, with vault toilets located nearby. The campground operates seasonally and does not offer potable water, so campers must bring their own supply. A dumpster is available for trash. Dogs are welcome but must remain on a leash no longer than six feet at all times. The North Fork of San Jacinto River runs near the campground, though access to the stream is closed to protect the endangered mountain yellow-legged frog population. Nearby attractions include hiking trails, rock climbing, horseback riding, and mountain biking. The town of Idyllwild offers additional amenities including grocery stores and restaurants. Bears have been spotted in the area, so proper food storage is essential.

Directions

From San Bernardino, travel approximately 50 miles southeast. From Idyllwild, head north on Highway 243, then turn left on Azalea Trails Road and continue for 2.5 miles to the campground. The road and spurs are paved.

Amenities

Water No
Fires Allowed Yes
Toilets Yes
Dump Station —
Wifi No
Pets Allowed Yes
Showers No
Electric Hookups —
Water Hookups —
Sewer Hookups —
Camp Store No
Price $12

Vehicle

Max RV Length —
Max Trailer Length —
Big Rig Friendly —
Pull Through Sites No

Contact

Phone +1 (909) 382-2921

Cell Service

AT&T None
Verizon Yes
T-Mobile None

Availability

Photos

Community Posts

No posts yet. Be the first to share your experience!