The Idyllwild state park campground will allow Pacific Crest Trail thru-hikers to camp on closure days again this year. The park is closed Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays until May 1st due to state budget cuts.
Hikers can self-register and stay in the hike/bike campsite next to site #7, according to Bart Grant, Supervising State Park Ranger. The park gate will be locked on those days, but a sign on the bulletin board will notify thru-hikers the campground is open for them.
A restroom and shower is available for registered campers. Shower tokens are available from a machine near the campground office.
PCT hikers should self-register, even though there may not be anyone at the park to check that they have done so. The state park is a friend of the PCT and conveniently located just a few blocks from the center of town. Idyllwild is five miles west of PCT mile 179.