Marion Mountain Campground Spring, near Idyllwild, CA

## Overview Marion Mountain Campground Spring is a public drinking water source located within the Marion Mountain Campground in the San Jacinto Mountains, near the charming mountain town of Idyllwild, California. Situated at approximately 5,000 feet in elevation in Riverside County, the campground sits among tall pines and offers a cool, forested retreat from the lower desert heat. Numerous spigots can be found throughout the campsites, all fed from the same water source. The campground is managed as part of the San Bernardino National Forest and provides a convenient water supply for campers and day visitors exploring the surrounding trails — including the popular Marion Mountain Trail, which leads toward the summit of San Jacinto Peak (10,834 feet), one of the most prominent peaks in Southern California. While the spigots have historically been used as a drinking water source by campers, visitors should be aware that water availability may be seasonal and dependent on campground operations. ## Directions 1. From the town of Idyllwild, head north on **Highway 243**. 2. Drive a few miles until you reach the **San Jacinto State Park entrance area**. 3. Continue straight past the entrance and follow the signs for **Marion Mountain Campground** along **Forest Route 4S02**. 4. The campground is located at approximately **52758 Forest Route 4S02, Idyllwild, CA 92549**. 5. Water spigots are distributed among the individual campsites throughout the campground. *Note: Forest Route 4S02 is a paved mountain road but can be narrow and winding. During winter months, chains may be required and the campground may be closed.* ## What to Expect Marion Mountain Campground is a rustic, forested campground nestled among conifers at around 5,000 feet elevation. The water spigots are spread across the campsite areas, making access convenient for anyone staying in or passing through the campground. All spigots draw from the same source. The campground is open 24 hours, though access and water availability may vary by season — the campground typically operates during the warmer months (spring through fall) and may be closed or have limited services during winter. It's a good idea to check current conditions with the San Bernardino National Forest before visiting. The surrounding area is a popular staging point for hikers heading up the Marion Mountain Trail toward San Jacinto Peak. The mountain environment is significantly cooler than the nearby desert lowlands, making it a refreshing destination. GPS coordinates for the campground are approximately **33.791687, -116.732796**.