Idyllwild State Park

[mercedes1976]

This summer we stayed both at State Park proper in Idyllwid, CA and at the Stone Creek loop about 6 miles away.

Neither of these campgrounds have hookups.  Stone creek has (nasty) vault toilets, Idyllwild has clean restrooms with flush toilets and free hot showers.  Generally, I prefered staying at Stone Creek, even with the icky toilets.  The sites were larger and more secluded.  Campground host was very nice, and the ranger came by our site and took care of the one complaint we had promptly.  (A fellow camper's unleashed dog.)  Part of the Idyllwild loop backs up to a lumber yard, not exactly what I wanted to see while camping.

There are many hiking trails nearby, and a nature center.  The volunteers at the nature center were very nice, and the kids liked the live animals they had on display.  They have a self guided hiking loop, with info on trees/plants.
 
The town of Idyllwild is a typical small mountain town with restuarants, small shops, gas station, and a Grocery store.

You can reserve online at Reserve America, but we were able to get spaces both weekends without reservations.
http://www.sanjac.statepark.org/

Mercedes

[abbear]

Used to stay here many years ago when we were climbing at Tahquitz rock.  We would get there late and leave early to avoid paying the fee  Oh - those were some fun days.