Round Valley Campground

For Californians seeking a truly immersive wilderness experience high above the desert floor, Round Valley Campground offers an extraordinary opportunity. Tucked away at a remarkable elevation of 9,100 feet within the Mount San Jacinto State Park and Wilderness Area, this hike-in campground is a prime destination for backpackers and seasoned hikers. It provides a striking contrast to the warm desert valleys below, offering crisp mountain air, towering trees, and a profound sense of solitude.

Round Valley Campground is not your typical drive-up camping spot; it's a primitive backcountry site that requires a significant hike to reach, often involving a challenging 4,000 feet of elevation gain from the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway's upper station. This ensures a peaceful environment, attracting adventurers who are prepared for the effort. Once there, however, campers are rewarded with breathtaking views of the surrounding meadow, granite peaks, and a true sense of being deep within a pristine mountain wilderness.

As one of the first and largest primitive campgrounds within the Mount San Jacinto State Park's backcountry system, Round Valley serves as an excellent basecamp for further explorations, including summiting the magnificent San Jacinto Peak. It's a place where the magic of the high mountains comes alive, offering a chance to truly disconnect, challenge yourself physically, and revel in the natural beauty of California's stunning peaks. If you're a seasoned camper or backpacker looking for an unforgettable high-altitude adventure, Round Valley Campground promises an experience that lives up to its "magical" reputation.

Round Valley Campground is located within Mount San Jacinto State Park, with its address often associated with Palm Springs, CA 92262, USA. However, it's crucial for campers to understand that this is a hike-in campground, not accessible by vehicle. Its elevation of approximately 9,100 feet (2,773 meters) places it significantly above the desert floor, offering cooler temperatures and an alpine environment.

The most common and popular way to access Round Valley Campground is by taking the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway. The tram whisks visitors from the desert floor (at about 2,643 feet) up to the Mountain Station (at about 8,516 feet). From the Mountain Station, campers then hike approximately 2 to 2.5 miles with an elevation gain of around 700 feet to reach Round Valley Campground. This segment of the hike, while relatively short, can be strenuous due to the significant elevation gain and potential for rough terrain, especially with backpacking gear.

Alternatively, for more challenging and extended backpacking trips, Round Valley can be accessed via various strenuous hiking trails from the Idyllwild side of the mountain. These trails, such as the Devils Slide Trail (approx. 6.4 miles one-way) or Marion Mountain Trail (approx. 8.4 miles one-way), involve significant elevation gains (around 4,000 feet or more) from the respective trailheads. Regardless of the chosen route, all overnight stays at Round Valley Campground require a wilderness camping permit, which must be obtained in advance from either the Long Valley Ranger Station (at the top of the tram) or the Idyllwild Ranger Station. Visitors should be prepared for varying weather conditions, including snow during winter and spring, which can add to the difficulty and require specialized gear.

As a primitive, hike-in campground, Round Valley offers basic amenities designed to support a wilderness backpacking experience while maintaining the natural integrity of the environment. Campers should be prepared for a self-sufficient trip.

• Primitive Campsites: Round Valley Campground offers 28 designated primitive campsites. These are basic, undeveloped sites where campers pitch their tents. The terrain can be rough, making it less suitable for very large group camping in a single spot, though backpacker groups may find adjacent sites that work.
• Vault Toilets (Outhouses): The campground provides rugged outhouse-style restrooms (pit toilets). These are typically well-maintained, but campers should bring their own toilet paper as a backup.
• Potable Water Source: A significant amenity for backpackers, Round Valley typically has a potable water source available via spigots. However, water availability can vary by season and conditions, so it's always recommended to bring a water filtration device or purification tablets as a backup. Some reviews indicate that while water is available, filtration is advisable.
• Picnic Boulders: Instead of traditional wooden picnic tables, campsites often feature smooth-faced boulders that serve as natural picnic surfaces, blending seamlessly with the rocky mountain environment.
• No Fire Rings: Due to its high elevation and wilderness designation, Round Valley Campground generally does not permit wood fires at individual campsites. Campers should verify current fire restrictions. Portable stoves for cooking are usually permitted.
• No Electricity/Hookups: As a primitive campground, there are no electrical hookups or any other modern utilities. Campers should be prepared to be entirely off-grid.
• Wilderness Permits Required: Overnight camping at Round Valley strictly requires a wilderness camping permit ($5.00 per person), obtained from either the Long Valley Ranger Station or the Idyllwild Ranger Station. Permits are limited to prevent overuse and maintain solitude.

Round Valley Campground's unique attributes make it a standout destination for experienced outdoor enthusiasts in California.

• Stunning Meadow Views: The campground is set in a beautiful meadow surrounded by towering trees, offering picturesque vistas. From the center of the meadow, campers can often see the top of San Jacinto Peak, creating an inspiring backdrop.
• High Elevation Experience: At 9,100 feet, campers experience a true high-alpine environment. This translates to significantly cooler temperatures than the desert below, making it a refreshing escape during warmer months and a challenging winter wonderland.
• Proximity to San Jacinto Peak: Round Valley is strategically located just a couple of miles from the summit of San Jacinto Peak (10,834 feet), making it an excellent basecamp for an early morning ascent to the top, offering unparalleled panoramic views.
• Accessible via Palm Springs Aerial Tramway: The ability to take the tram up significantly reduces the initial elevation gain for backpackers, making this high-elevation experience more accessible to a wider range of hikers, albeit still strenuous.
• Deep Woods / Secluded Feel: Despite being relatively close to the tram station, the campground maintains a deep woods, secluded feel due to its primitive nature and spread-out sites. Campers often report a profound sense of isolation and tranquility.
• Excellent for Training Hikes: Due to its significant elevation gain and challenging terrain, it's a popular spot for experienced hikers to conduct training hikes for more strenuous treks or extended backpacking trips.
• Beautiful in Spring with Snow: During springtime, the combination of blooming meadow, towering pines, and lingering snow at higher elevations creates a particularly magical and visually stunning landscape, though snow can add difficulty for hikers.
• Dark Sky Viewing: Far from urban light pollution, Round Valley offers exceptional opportunities for stargazing, allowing campers to witness a breathtaking display of celestial bodies.

For information, permits, and current conditions regarding Round Valley Campground, direct contact is typically made through the Mount San Jacinto State Park and Wilderness Area management.

Address: Palm Springs, CA 92262, USA. (Note: This is a general area address. The campground is hike-in only, located within Mount San Jacinto State Park.)

Phone: (760) 327-0222. This is the main phone number for the Mount San Jacinto State Park Headquarters. It is the best point of contact for inquiries about wilderness permits, trail conditions, water availability at the campground, and any specific regulations or closures.

Mobile Phone: +1 760-327-0222.

Wilderness camping permits are essential for overnight stays at Round Valley and are required year-round. These permits can be obtained at the Long Valley Ranger Station (at the top of the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway) or the Idyllwild Ranger Station. It is highly recommended to obtain your permit in advance, especially during peak seasons, as there are carrying capacities to prevent overuse. Checking the official California State Parks website for Mount San Jacinto State Park is also crucial for the most up-to-date information on operating seasons, permit application procedures, and any weather-related advisories that might affect your trip.

For Californians, Round Valley Campground offers an unparalleled opportunity to experience high-altitude wilderness backpacking right in their backyard. Living in a state with such diverse geography, locals are uniquely positioned to transition from desert landscapes to alpine environments in a matter of hours, and Round Valley embodies this dramatic shift. It's an ideal destination for seasoned hikers and backpackers from Southern California looking for a challenging yet incredibly rewarding adventure.

The significant elevation gain and the requirement for a wilderness permit ensure that the campground remains relatively uncrowded, preserving its deep woods and secluded atmosphere. This makes it perfect for Californians seeking genuine solitude and a true escape from the noise and light pollution of urban areas. The convenience of accessing the trailhead via the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway also makes this high-elevation experience more attainable, turning a potentially multi-day approach into a challenging day hike before reaching camp.

Moreover, the stunning natural beauty – from the panoramic views of the San Jacinto Peak to the tranquil meadow surrounded by towering pines – provides an inspiring backdrop for relaxation and exploration. For those training for more ambitious treks or simply wanting to push their limits while enjoying breathtaking scenery, Round Valley is an excellent proving ground. It allows Californians to tap into their adventurous spirit, connect deeply with the state's magnificent mountain wilderness, and return home with a profound sense of accomplishment and rejuvenation.

Round Valley Campground

Palm Springs, CA 92262, USA