Secluded/NF Camping Near Idyllwild

Bump!!
What no Tradiban?

Benjamin Chapman wrote: Bump!!
What no Tradiban?

I have a secret spot #localsonly but it burned down today!

Due to the recent Cranston Fire, all recreation in the San Jacinto Wilderness has been suspended until at least August 31 2018. Call the Idyllwild ranger station before even attempting to come up the mountain. ARSON SUCKS!!!

J Dowd wrote: Due to the recent Cranston Fire, all recreation in the San Jacinto Wilderness has been suspended until at least August 31 2018. Call the Idyllwild ranger station before even attempting to come up the mountain. ARSON SUCKS!!!

I have good Intel that says it will be open much sooner, like this weekend. I will spray incessantly when I can confirm.

How is South Ridge? Burned to crisp? I absolutely love that place and hiking to the ledges mid-way to the summit is my favorite little SoCal escape - would be absolutely gutted if that’s no longer going to be possible (or if the place is now completely charred).

Kristian Andersen wrote: How is South Ridge? Burned to crisp? I absolutely love that place and hiking to the ledges mid-way to the summit is my favorite little SoCal escape - would be absolutely gutted if that’s no longer going to be possible (or if the place is now completely charred).

It's totally gone.

Tradiban wrote:

I have good Intel that says it will be open much sooner, like this weekend. I will spray incessantly when I can confirm.

As for the camping, South ridge camping is totally burned up.

You are correct Tradiban. The Forest Service here has re-opened all areas not affected by the Cranston Fire. I was up at Black Mountain yesterday, gates are open. Humber Park has re-opened giving access to Tahquitz. 

What's the latest on camping near Idyllwild? I've never been to South Ridge but I'm assuming it hasn't miraculously been repaired. Any alternatives? 

Kailey Cox wrote: What's the latest on camping near Idyllwild? I've never been to South Ridge but I'm assuming it hasn't miraculously been repaired. Any alternatives? 

There's a state park and a county park in town you can camp in. For a fee.

FrankPS wrote:

There's a state park and a county park in town you can camp in. For a fee.

Which ones? I was there the other week and both the state and county parks were around $25 a night. I’d be interested to know with SR down due to the fire.

Justin. S wrote:

Which ones? I was there the other week and both the state and county parks were around $25 a night. I’d be interested to know with SR down due to the fire.

Not sure I understand your question. You know where both are. I said "for a fee," not, "for free."

FrankPS wrote:

Not sure I understand your question. You know where both are. I said "for a fee," not, "for free."

Yeah that’s my mistake. I read it as for free.

Check out Hurkey Creek if you’re coming in on the 74. It’s about 20 minutes to Humber and is surprisingly quiet and serene.

As of 11/11/2018, South Ridge is closed.

Casey Erin wrote: As of 11/11/2018, South Ridge is closed

Kailey Cox wrote: What's the latest on camping near Idyllwild? I've never been to South Ridge but I'm assuming it hasn't miraculously been repaired. Any alternatives? 

There are plenty of free,and secluded, yellow-post sites open year-round in the Idy area. Garner Valley has a high number of these sites and is a little warmer than Idy, while being only 10 minutes away from town. Freecamping.com shows all of the sites. The NFS website has some info too. 

Bump. Lets revive this thread.

Hi all! Coming at you from 2022. Just wondering what the recommendation would be for someone who wants to retreat to nature during the July 4 weekend? I only have a Camry but I'm so tempted to try a yellow post campsite. I have tent camping gear. Looking to get away for 1-2 nights (Sunday and/or Monday). This will be my 2nd solo camping trip. Just don't want to be around crowds but I'm considering staying at a regional park or something if my car won't make it and hoping that the town of Idyllwild won't be so crazy (wishful thinking?) My hope is that everyone flocks to the beach or vacations elsewhere. Any input would be appreciated. Thanks! 

Krystal Nguyen wrote:

Hi all! Coming at you from 2022. Just wondering what the recommendation would be for someone who wants to retreat to nature during the July 4 weekend? I only have a Camry but I'm so tempted to try a yellow post campsite. I have tent camping gear. Looking to get away for 1-2 nights (Sunday and/or Monday). This will be my 2nd solo camping trip. Just don't want to be around crowds but I'm considering staying at a regional park or something if my car won't make it and hoping that the town of Idyllwild won't be so crazy (wishful thinking?) My hope is that everyone flocks to the beach or vacations elsewhere. Any input would be appreciated. Thanks! 

Everywhere is gonna be busy this weekend, even the yellow post sites. With that being said I’ve seen Camry’s at the lower spots at south ridge, lower Thomas mountain, and apple canyon. They’re not a lot of spots so they’ll fill up quick but it could be worth a try. I would try the primitive campgrounds or whatever they call them, Marion mountain is a paved road to get there but you kind of feel “out there”. Anywhere you choose I would just get there really early and hope for the best 

Caleb Milner wrote:

Everywhere is gonna be busy this weekend, even the yellow post sites. With that being said I’ve seen Camry’s at the lower spots at south ridge, lower Thomas mountain, and apple canyon. They’re not a lot of spots so they’ll fill up quick but it could be worth a try. I would try the primitive campgrounds or whatever they call them, Marion mountain is a paved road to get there but you kind of feel “out there”. Anywhere you choose I would just get there really early and hope for the best 

Hey Caleb, thanks for the quick reply and suggestions! I dont live too far away (~2 hours) so if I don't get a site, I'll be content just to hike and chill before driving home for the day. That actually gives me an idea to drive to Joshua Tree for stargazing at night. Thanks again!