Park Headquarters (Idyllwild)
Everyday 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM
Long Valley Ranger Station
Open every day, hours may vary
(951) 659-2607
Trailer: Up to 24 Feet
Camper/Motorhome: Up to 24 Feet
Park Headquarters (Idyllwild)
Everyday 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM
Long Valley Ranger Station
Open every day, hours may vary
Yes
Dogs allowed only in the Idyllwild and Stone Creek Campground. Dogs not allowed in the wilderness or on the Palm Springs Tram, with exception of service animals.
Visitors will be able to reserve campsites and lodging six months in advance from the current date. Bookings may extend from the arrival date to the desired departure date – based on availability and the park’s maximum stay rules.
No events scheduled at this moment.
Mount San Jacinto State Park and Wilderness is located at a high altitude where the growing season is short. Plant life has little opportunity to recover from overuse from one season to the next, and unless we take the steps to protect these areas, they could be lost to us forever. To ensure the preservation of the natural environment and assure the visitor of a quality visitor experience, the Department of Parks and Recreation has instituted a Wilderness Permit System.
Everyone entering the Mount San Jacinto State Wilderness, both for the day and overnight camping, must have a permit in their possession. Groups are limited to 15 people, and juvenile groups must have at least one adult leader for each 14 juveniles. Dogs are not permitted in wilderness areas of the State Park.
Day-Use Wilderness Permits
These permits are FREE and available 24 hours. Please confirm whether you are starting your hike in Idyllwild or via the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway as it is a substantial distance from one corner of the Park to the other. One person may fill out the permit for the hiking group (up to 15 people), provided everyone is always together. When you fill out your permit, take the carbon copy with you on your hike and place the original copy in the box labeled "Permits”. You may acquire one by:
Wilderness Camping Permits
These permits are $5.00 per person and subject to availability, as each backcountry campground has a limited number of designated campsites to preserve the wilderness. It is recommended you call first to confirm your itinerary and availability. Wilderness camping permits may be acquired up to 8 weeks before your desired camping date. One person may fill out the permit for the hiking group (up to 15 people), provided everyone is always hiking together. You may acquire one by:
Special Event-Use Permits
These permits are required for organizations, institutions or non-profits interested in leading group hikes, trainings, or anything outside of the normal scope of Park visitation. There is a $25.00 Filing Fee as well as additional fees depending on the type of event. You may acquire one by:
Film Permits
These permits are at the discretion of State Parks and may accumulate Review and Monitor Fees. You may acquire one by:
The San Bernardino National Forest has a similar day use permit system in effect for its federal wilderness area known as the San Jacinto Wilderness. Both the State Park and National Forest honor each other's DAY USE PERMITS; however, each agency has its own camping permit system that you must apply for separately. San Bernardino National Forest permits are issued at the San Jacinto Ranger District located at 54270 Pine Crest, Idyllwild, CA 92549, (909) 382-2921.