Black Mountain (FR 4S01) in CA -- Camping Rules & Access in California
Black Mountain (FR 4S01) in CA
Road corridorSan Bernardino NF, San Jacinto Ranger District
4.6 mi from Idyllwild-Pine Cove
Maps 5,903 ft
Dispersed camping generally allowed
Local restrictions may apply; check the land manager’s camping rules.
Motor-vehicle season 5/1–11/15Stay limit: 14 days · within 30 days · order effective March 12, 2026 through August 31, 2028
VerizonSTRONG
AT&TNONE
T-MobileWEAK
StarlinkGOOD
Road Access
Difficult
- 3.8 of this road’s 13.8 miles are maintained for high-clearance vehicles, dirt the whole way.
- Near Cinco Poses Spring.
- Estimated climb: 2,900 ft over 13.8 miles through 41 switchbacks, with sustained grades near 12% and pitches to 16%.
- Terrain estimates show roadside drops of up to ~130 ft on the downhill side.
- Dead-end road; turnaround space is not mapped.
- Water crossings 0.8, 6.3, 9.2, 10.9 and 13.1 miles along the road.
3 known camp spots along this road, between mile 1.1 and mile 9.4: reported by travellers.
Setting
Some privacy
- Moderately separated here.
- San Jacinto Peak stands 4,893 ft above the map pin, 4.2 miles east.
- Fuller Mill Creek runs 0.3 mi off.
- Estimated night sky: Bortle 3, a dark rural sky.
Rules
Climate averages
September normals 51–78°F, 0.7″ precipitation. Monthly averages, PRISM 1991–2020.