Michael Rhodes

Was in space 25 which had a paved parking space that could hold two cars. Slight slope so wish I hadn’t forgotten level blocks. Bathrooms and showers next to site. Had flush toilets and sinks with blow dryers. Showers used $2.00 to $3.00 in quarters. Was a very quiet night with lots of stars. Our spot had shade on parking in afternoon and combination of shade and sun on rest of site. Stayed on Tuesday after school started so park was fairly empty. Had one neighbor. Took Mali the Corgie on a 2.5 miles walk on bike trail that starts at site 13. Paved trail with switch backs toward lake. The bike trail changes to an accessible trail that runs another .45 miles to day area. The accessible trail was really nice. I added pictures of the bridge and trail. Will return for sure.

Just a one night stay, but it’s a well laid out campground with newer restrooms and showers. Tokens for showers uses credit cards which was nice, since I needed 16 quarters at the last campground. Of course the main attraction is the beach and views, both of which are amazing. Disappointed in restrictions on dogs, but understand and complied. A bit hard to find, I thought my navigation lady was lying to me, but she was correct. Pricey, but it’s the beach.

This was an advanced party one night stay to check out site. We will be coming back is my bottom line upfront. There are 33 spaces, two restrooms looked new and in perfect condition with soap and paper towels. Showers also available at one location. Bathrooms have a handicap ramp and are well lighted at night. Rangers made rounds a couple times a day, talked with folks who have been there for weeks and they report very safe. Each site has a storage locker with hasp. (bring your own padlock) Lots of traffic noise which died down later at night. But you can walk to town, which I thought was worth a bit of noise. Full hook up at 1,2 and 26, Electric only at 4,5,6,28 - majority of other sites are tent, but some are able to accommodate small trailers with no services. Roads are paved and sites are compact sand. Some sites are not level with some very slopped. I thought site 4 was the best with large area, privacy and shade. Sites 5 and 6 are able to accommodate smaller RV's but these two sites are next to each other with just a row of rocks for separation. So one close neighbor. Site 3 is handicap and next to bathroom ramp. Has two picnic tables, and electric which wasn't listed in map. Site 24 and 21 back up to construction type equipment and business, also homes. Sites are wooded with very tall Cypress Trees, some 100 foot tall or better, also a mix of oaks and lots and lots of manzanita shrubs that provide some visual separation between sites. I love the red, peeling bark on manzanita. Noticed that the reservation system will show all sites booked but if you arrive, they had availability. My original reservation was for Stone Creek, but Idyllwild is much better, and Ranger was able to move my reservation. Very friendly and very accommodating. We have a Pembroke Welsh Corgie and the park and town are very dog friendly. In fact the Mayor of Idyllwide is a dog (no kidding), I think his name is Max. So, will be coming back.

Stayed in tent site DT4 for one night. Had a nice covered patio over picnic table with wall facing the afternoon sun. Lighting, electric, water, large sink, fire pit, storage locker and nice tent pad which I didn’t use as I have a truck mounted rack tent. But these were well thought out. Only problem is for a huge KOA, there are only 4 tent sites. Dog park was nice. People were friendly and bathrooms were clean.

Next time will most likely stay at the other San Onofre campground for overnight and use the bluffs during the day under the day use pass. Has many advantages including great views, can walk to beach, nice beach breezes, beautiful sunset, and trail 1 and 6 are dog friendly. But, as others have said the noise from the freeway and train tracks made for a very rough sleeping night. Some of the sites have dunes between them and the freeway/tracks and seemed a bit quieter, these were sites in the middle. But then they also had dunes between the sites and ocean, so no views. Stayed at site 12 which had a wonderful view, only one neighbor with shrubs on the other side. Nearest bathroom was 12 sites away. One large picnic table and fire pit. Parking area which is paved and large enough for 3 vehicles. Bathrooms are basic, but well stocked and use RV type toilets, bring a flashlight at night as there is no lighting. My site (#12) had a walking path to a road, not sure if that road leads to the beach as well, could be a shortcut. I didn't try it since we have a dog, and can only use trail 1 and 6. On site Park Ranger host made frequent rounds, and was very friendly and knowledgeable, he occupies site 46.

Second visit, was in Bluff space 34. Was a weekend stay and lots of people having an enjoyable time. Slightly noisy, but didn’t mind as let the younger set have fun. We had no view of the ocean in this spot but found road noise a little less with the burm and trees. Stayed in a handicap spot right next to bathrooms. There is a pathway to upper path with some ocean view. Very steep for us, but lots of folks use it to reach the upper level which did mean a lot of foot traffic right thru your camping sight. Drove down to the dog friendly trail #1 as too far to walk. It’s 2.2 miles round trip from space 34. Somewhat steep switchback trail to reach beach. There were several friendly dogs off leash and our Corgie had a ball playing with other dogs. My wife is handicap and not able to get to the beach at all. A nice improvement someday might be a paved access to beach for wheelchairs. Overall and enjoyable visit.

Stayed in E4 tent for an overnight with rack mounted front runner and PullKitchen. Front desk was so helpful to provide just the right site since tent folds out four feet on drivers side and PullKitchen slides out of truck bed five feet. Liked everything about this KOA.

Great place, we had a very large tent site that was in the corner and only had one neighbor. The site was nearly perfect, but basket ball court is on the other side of hedge and was loud into the night. Just kids having fun and glad they could. Dog park was a really nice touch and had all kinds of agility course things. Pool is amazing and lots of amenities. Our two nights were mid-week - Tues and Weds and unfortunately these were the exact two days the cafe was closed. I was able to walk to some shopping since moving the truck would take some tear down. Check in was fast and friendly. Weather was perfect, some traffic noise during the night, but not terrible.