Books I have and use.
1. California Trails: South Coast Region (adler publishing. Peter Massey, Jeanne Wilson and Angela Titus)
2. Back Country Adventures: Southern California(Swagman Publishing. Peter Massey and Jeanne Wilson)
3.Guide to Southern California backroads &4 wheel drive trails
I also carry several different paper maps and carry extras for everyone. Since i volunteer with the San Bernardino Forest I have a good supply of maps for the SB Forest which includes the Idywild area. Next time we wheel I can give you a set of paper maps WFO.
There are many dispersed camping opportunities on the forest.
Dispersed or undeveloped camping provides more solitude and an opportunity to "rough it." Camping is allowed in Yellow Post Sites, Dispersed sites, and in Wilderness campsites.
Yellow Post Sites
Yellow Post Sites are campsites within remote areas on back roads or trails where campfires are allowed as long as the fire stays within the designated fire ring and fire restrictions allow. A free California Campfire Permit is required for any Yellow Post site in the Forest. Sites are available on a firstcome, first-served basis. An Adventure Pass may be required.
•Picnic tables may be at some locations.
•Pack it in, pack it out. trash disposal is not available, take everything you brought with you when you leave.
Undeveloped or Dispersed Area Camping
Undeveloped or Dispersed areas are designated areas away from highways and development where camping along back roads or trails is permitted. Because of year-around fire danger, wood or charcoal fires are not allowed (includes charcoal in a BBQ). Chemical or propane stoves may be used if you have a free California Campfire Permit, which may be obtained at the local Ranger Station. "Know before you go" and check at the nearest Ranger Station for a map of the Remote Camping Areas and the current fire restrictions.
General Rules for remote camping:
•No wood or charcoal fires
•Chemical and propane stoves allowed with California Campfire Permit
•Camp at least 200 feet from springs, water, meadows, trails and roads
•Camp at least a quarter-mile from designated campgrounds, picnic areas, trailheads
•Camp at least a quarter-mile from private property and state highways
•Pack out all trash
•Leave no trace