Here is some general information that you will find useful when travelling
in the San Jacinto Mountains. Click here or hit your back button to return to the main San Jacinto Mountain page.

The San Jacinto mountains are located between Hemet on the west and Palm Springs on the east. The western slopes are mainly covered by chapparrel until you hit the 4500 foot level. Above this limit, you will find Pines, Cedars, Oak. The area features some of the best granite rock-climbing areas in the state.

Most of the 'high country' is designated as a State Park, while the balance of the mountains are part of the San Bernardino National Forest.

Address all inquiries to:
San Jacinto Ranger District
Idyllwild Ranger Station
P.O. Box 508
Idyllwild, CA 92549
(909) 659-2117

Many parts of this forest are subject to fire closures during the summer months. These areas are rarely shown on maps, so call ahead before planning backcountry trips on the forest.

The Forest Service maintains 'Developed Campgrounds' and 'Yellow Post Sites'. Dispersed Camping is also available.

Developed Camping is camping at family campgrounds and group campgrounds that have services and facilities. Family campgrounds are generally equipped with vault or flush toilets, fire rings and/or stoves, tables and parking spaces. Some provide drinking water. A few have showers and electrical hookups. Most campgrounds open in May and close in October. Fees are charged.

Yellow post sites are campsites within remote areas on backroads or trails where campfires are allowed all year as long as the fire stays within the designated fire ring. A visitor permit and a National Forest Adventure Pass are required. Campers can reserve some of these sites in advance by contacting the appropriate Ranger Station.

Remote (dispersed) camping areas are designated areas away from highways and development where camping along back roads or trails is permitted. In times of low fire danger (usually winter and early spring) campers can make wood fires or use BBQ's or chemical or propane stoves. During the high fire season (summer and fall), wood fires and BBQ's are not permitted. Check at the nearest Ranger Station for a map with the boundaries of the Remote Camping Areas and a description of the current fire restrictions when you obtain your free fire/stove permit there. The general rules for remote camping are to camp at least 200 feet away from springs, water, meadows, trails and forest roads. Your camp should be more than 0.25 miles away from any designated campgrounds, picnic areas, trailheads, private property, or state highways. Camp out of sight of others and do not disturb them.

Some parts of the forest are designated as 'wilderness'. The number of visitors admitted to the Wilderness is limited. On summer weekends, some Wilderness areas can fill to capacity well in advance. All Wildernesses, except Santa Rosa and Bighorn Mountains, require free permits for day hiking and camping. Permits can be obtained in person or by mail from the local Ranger Station (no phone, FAX, or internet permits) up to 3 months in advance. An Adventure Pass is also required. Group size is limited to 12 people per permit; 8 stock per permit. Except for a few designated sites in the San Jacinto Wilderness, fires are not permitted in Wilderness areas.

On the rest of the forest, the usual rules apply. You will need an 'Adventure Pass' to park on the forest. A free campfire permit is required for any open fire (wood or charcole). Permits are also available for wood cutting at $25 per cord. Unlike most National Forests, the San Jacinto Ranger District does NOT issue permits for Fern Collection or Christmas Tree cutting.

Those wishing to collect seeds, pine cones, plant specimens, and other forest products are required to obtain a permit before removing anything from National Forest land. The permit will tell you where you may collect and any restrictions which may apply.

Contact the Ranger Station in the area you would like to visit to find out how to obtain your permit. Be sure to plan ahead, as some permits require advance notice.

Permits are Required to Collect:
Pine Cones
Pine Boughs
Mistletoe
Manzanita
Seeds
Acorns
Mushrooms
Rocks
Plant Specimens