Little Round Valley Campground
5.006 reviewsMount San Jacinto State Park, Little Round Valley Campground, Idyllwild, CA 92549
Little Round Valley Campground
$5.00 - $5.00
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$0.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$5.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
Wilderness camping permits are $5.00 per person and are required for camping. The fee includes access to designated backcountry campsites.
About this campground
Deep in the heart of the San Jacinto wilderness, Little Round Valley Campground awaits those seeking true mountain solitude. This primitive backcountry haven sits just a stone's throw from the majestic San Jacinto Peak, where experienced adventurers can disconnect from the modern world and reconnect with nature's raw beauty. Here, the only sounds breaking the silence are the whisper of wind through ancient pines and the occasional call of mountain wildlife.
The campground exclusively supports primitive camping, with no modern amenities or hookups, emphasizing self-reliance and connection to nature.
Historical SignificanceLong before modern trails wound through these mountains, the Cahuilla people followed ancient pathways across this sacred landscape, hunting game and gathering sustenance with the changing seasons. Their legacy lives on in the weathered bedrock mortars scattered throughout the region—silent testimonies to thousands of years of indigenous life. These stone artifacts remind visitors that they're walking in the footsteps of California's first people, who understood these mountains' moods and mysteries like no one else.
Weather and SeasonsMother Nature keeps you guessing at Little Round Valley, where mountain weather writes its own rules. Summer days warm to a pleasant 70°F, perfect for alpine exploration, before cooling to crisp 50°F nights ideal for stargazing around the campfire. When winter arrives, this high-country retreat transforms into a snow-dusted wonderland, with temperatures plunging below freezing and blankets of snow creating a pristine wilderness playground for the well-prepared.
ElevationPerched at a breathtaking 9,800 feet above sea level, Little Round Valley places you among the clouds in Southern California's alpine crown. At this elevation, the air grows thin and crisp, offering a refreshing escape from the heat below while bringing you closer to the stars. Winter transforms this lofty perch into a snow-covered sanctuary, where the elevation ensures a proper mountain experience complete with all the challenges and rewards of high-altitude camping.
Natural Features and SceneryImagine waking to sunrise painting granite peaks in shades of gold and pink, while morning mist drifts through groves of towering pines and firs. Little Round Valley cradles campers in a natural amphitheater of sub-alpine splendor, where weathered granite formations stand sentinel over emerald mountain meadows. Wildflowers paint the landscape in summer, while autumn brings a subtle palette of golds and russets to this pristine wilderness sanctuary that feels worlds away from civilization.
Geological RegionThe San Jacinto Mountains rise dramatically from the desert floor as a massive granite fault block, creating one of Southern California's most spectacular geological showcases. These ancient peaks, sculpted by millions of years of tectonic forces and erosion, offer a rugged playground of granite spires, hidden valleys, and sub-alpine forests. Mountain meadows nestle between weathered ridges, creating diverse ecosystems that support everything from tiny wildflowers to towering conifers in this sky-island wilderness.
Campsite details
AccessibilityAccessibility features specific to campers with disabilities are not provided for Little Round Valley Campground, as it is a remote and primitive camping location.
Sites SizeThe campground consists of six primitive sites, designated by brown posts. No specific size measurements are provided.
Sites PrivacyNo detailed information on privacy levels at individual campsites is available, but the remote wilderness setting ensures solitude and limited interaction with other groups.
Total Campsites6 campsites
Recommended CampsitesSelect sites based on proximity to trails and scenic views. Early reservation recommended for summer visits.
Best CampsitesAll 6 campsites are equally remote and offer solitude.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
Open for check-in during wilderness hours.
Check-out
Open for check-out during wilderness hours.
Stay Limit
Maximum of 15 people per site and up to 56 days prior reservation.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Up to 15 people per campsite.
Groups
Group camping is not explicitly mentioned for Little Round Valley Campground.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutPrimitive sites marked by brown posts. Pack in and pack out all supplies.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen year-round, but accessibility is subject to weather conditions, with snow coverage common from November through April.
Reservation PlatformsApplications can be mailed to Mount San Jacinto State Park Headquarters or acquired in person at the Idyllwild Ranger Station.
Walk-in AvailabilityWalk-up availability is limited and subject to campsite capacity. It is recommended to plan and reserve early for weekend visits.
Cancellation PolicyFees are non-refundable in case of cancellation.
Amenities available
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Little Round Valley Campground offers a range of wilderness activities, including hiking, wildlife viewing, and winter sports, depending on the season.
HikingThe campground is accessed via hiking trails, including challenging routes like the trail leading to San Jacinto Peak. Hikers must obtain wilderness permits before entering the area.
Wildlife viewingThe remote wilderness setting provides opportunities to observe diverse wildlife species, including birds like Steller’s jays and mountain chickadees.
Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- No fires permitted; use portable stoves with an on/off switch for cooking.
- Quiet hours are Respect solitude; generators and loud noises not permitted.
Hazards
General hazardsPotential hazards include sub-freezing temperatures, high winds, icy trails, and wildlife encounters. It is essential to carry adequate gear and navigation devices.
Active alertsNo active alerts; check with ranger stations for trail conditions and weather updates.
Weather forecast
53
°F
Aug 2
Saturday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Strong wind, exercise caution
Humidity: 6%
Very dry conditions, stay hydrated
Wind: 10.5 mph
Strong wind, exercise caution
Clear sky
7-Day Forecast
Access to 7-day forecasts tailored to each campground—covering temperature, precipitation, wind, and sky conditions.
Daily & Hourly Insights
View hourly forecasts with expected weather patterns throughout the day.
Temperature Trends
Visualize how temperatures shift over the month to help pick the most comfortable days for your trip.
Precipitation Trends
Plan around rain or snow with monthly visualizations of expected precipitation patterns.
Weather Summaries
Assess conditions with visuals for easier decision-making on when and where to camp.
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Emergency Services
Idyllwild Ranger Station (emergency contact: 951-659-2607), Hemet Valley Medical Center (approximately 35 miles away), and emergency services accessible via 911.
Good to know
Peak season datesSummer weekends are the busiest; reservations recommended at least four weeks in advance during this period.
Trash and recyclingCampers must pack out all trash and belongings from Little Round Valley Campground as there are no trash or recycling facilities provided.
Proximity to water featuresWater spigot available, but filtration is required. May run dry during certain seasons.
Common complaintsLimited water access requiring filtration, no food storage lockers, and strenuous hike required to access the site. Some reviewers cite overcrowding during peak periods.
HostNo hosts available at the campground. Rangers are stationed at Idyllwild and Long Valley for assistance.
Campground Map
Mount San Jacinto State Park, Little Round Valley Campground, Idyllwild, CA 92549
Driving directionsFrom Riverside, take Interstate 10 East to Hwy 243 South to Idyllwild. Access to Little Round Valley Campground requires hiking through designated wilderness trails starting from Idyllwild trailheads such as Deer Springs Trailhead or Humber Park.
Access to Little Round Valley Campground is via wilderness trails accessible from Idyllwild trailheads, requiring substantial hiking.Nearby places
Idyllwild (5 miles, approx. 15-minute drive), Hemet (35 miles, approx. 55-minute drive), Palm Springs (60 miles, approx. 90-minute drive)
Nearby supplies
Idyllwild town (5 miles away) offers groceries, camping supplies, and fuel. Shops and restaurants are within walking distance of Idyllwild Campground.
Camper Reviews
5.0
6 reviews
Little Round Valley Campground is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews praise the secluded wilderness experience at Little Round Valley Campground, emphasizing its serene environment and proximity to San Jacinto Peak. However, some caution about the challenging hike required to reach the site.
Review Summaries
Campers appreciate the solitude and pristine wilderness environment, as well as the rewarding views of San Jacinto Peak accessible from the campground.
Some users note the difficulty of the hike to reach Little Round Valley Campground, particularly for less experienced hikers. Others mention the lack of amenities, such as potable water and fire...
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Campers recommend bringing adequate water and supplies, as the campground provides no potable water. They also suggest filtering or purifying water from nearby spigots before consumption and planning...
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During the summer, the campground is more accessible, but it often fills to capacity weeks in advance. In winter, visitors highlight the need for specialized equipment like snowshoes and crampons due...
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"The views from San Jacinto Peak are worth every step of the hike." "Little Round Valley Campground offers a true wilderness experience, but be prepared to pack in everything you’ll need." "Vault...
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The six sites at Little Round Valley Campground are praised for their proximity to hiking trails leading to San Jacinto Peak. Users often note the serenity and isolation of these sites.
No specific reviews from users with disabilities are available for Little Round Valley Campground.
Dogs are prohibited in the wilderness areas, leading to no pet-specific reviews for Little Round Valley Campground.
Last updated July 20, 2025