Permits are required for hiking and backcountry camping at Mount San Jacinto State Park and Wilderness. Wilderness permits ensure the preservation of the park's pristine environment and the safety of visitors.
Day Use Wilderness Permits
These permits are free and available 24 hours. Please confirm whether you are starting your hike via the Palm Springs tramway or by driving to Idyllwild, as it is a substantial drive 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 hiking together at all times. 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:
- Visiting Park Headquarters at the Idyllwild Campground. Permits are available on the porch.
- Visiting Stone Creek Campground in Idyllwild, open May through October. Permits are available on the porch.
- Visiting the Long Valley Ranger Station at the top of the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway. Permits are available on the porch. You may need to inquire for a permit inside the ranger station during business hours.
The USFS maintains the very popular Devils Slide Trail. From Memorial Day to Labor Day, they operate a quota system for the Devils Slide Trail on Saturdays and Sundays. On these days, you must acquire your permit for Devils Slide Trail from the San Jacinto Ranger District located at 54270 Pine Crest, Idyllwild, CA 92549. Call their office at 909-382-2921 or visit their website for more details.
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 hiking together at all times. You may acquire one by:
- Visiting Park Headquarters at the Idyllwild Campground during business hours (8 AM - 4 PM, every day). Permits can be purchased up to 8 weeks in advance of your trip.
- Visiting the Long Valley Ranger Station at the top of the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway during business hours. Cash or check only. Same-day permits only.
- Submitting an application through the mail (recommended and detailed in the video below). Mail the three items below to:
Mt. San Jacinto State Park
PO Box 308
Idyllwild, CA 92549- A completed Wilderness Camping Permit application. Be sure to include the license plate number of any vehicles you’re leaving at the trailhead or tramway parking lot. Incomplete applications will be rejected.
- A check or money order addressed to California State Parks.
- A Self-Addressed Stamped Envelope (SASE) so that we can mail you your completed permit. We do not purchase stamps to mail you your permit, and we do not process permit applications without a SASE. Failure to include this item will result in delays and possibly a rejection.
- All applications are subject to review.
The San Bernardino National Forest has a similar permit system in effect for its federal wilderness area known as the San Jacinto Wilderness, where they do allow dispersed camping. Please visit the USFS website for details on camping within the San Jacinto Wilderness. San Bernardino National Forest permits are issued at the San Jacinto Ranger District located at 54270 Pine Crest, Idyllwild, CA 92549, (909) 382-2921. Both the State Park and National Forest honor each other's DAY USE PERMITS but not overnight permits. Camping in USFS property requires a USFS permit; camping in State Wilderness property requires a State Wilderness permit.
Special Event-Use Permits
These permits require a $25.00 Filing Fee as well as additional fees depending on the type of event. You may acquire one by:
- Visiting Park Headquarters at the Idyllwild Campground during business hours.
- Completing the online application packet (Mt. San Jacinto Special Event-Use Application Packet.pdf) and either emailing it to Janet Desoto, Office Technician at Janet.Desoto@parks.ca.gov
OR printing and mailing it to PO Box 308, Idyllwild, CA 92549.
All applications are subject to review.
Film Permits
These permits are at the discretion of State Parks and subject to Review and Monitor Fees. You may acquire one by:
- Visiting Park Headquarters at the Idyllwild Campground during business hours.
- Completing the fillable DPR245A.pdf form and emailing it to Stephanie Gutierrez, Administrative Chief at Stephanie.Gutierrez@parks.ca.gov.
- You must also submit an online application with the California Film Commission at film.ca.gov. The California Film Commission charges no fees to process the permit.