Jalin C.
Traveler
TravelerCrystal Lake Rec Area Campground
noisy but beautiful
very pretty sight the mountain air is incredible. the staff is very helpful and friendly. at night the drunks go crazy and the bears steal their food.
Camping near Apple Valley, CA
221 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
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Camping areas in the high desert surrounding Apple Valley, California range from established campgrounds with amenities to free dispersed sites on public lands. Mojave Narrows Regional Park offers water and electric hookups for RVs along with tent sites near Victorville, while Bell Mountain Road provides free dispersed camping on BLM land. The region includes both year-round facilities like Hesperia Lake Park and Campground as well as seasonal options such as Hanna Flat Campground, which operates from May through October.
Many campgrounds in the Apple Valley region experience extreme temperature fluctuations, with summer highs frequently exceeding 100°F and winter nights dropping below freezing. A review mentioned that "spring is probably the best time to go as it can get very hot in summer and very cold in winter." Road access varies significantly, with developed campgrounds offering paved access while dispersed sites like those along Bell Mountain Road require vehicles that can handle unpaved desert terrain. Most established campgrounds provide water and toilets, though amenities differ widely. Reservations are recommended for popular sites, especially during pleasant weather periods in spring and fall when visitation increases.
The landscape around Apple Valley encompasses desert terrain, mountain forests, and small bodies of water that create diverse camping environments. Campers report mixed experiences with noise levels, particularly at Mojave Narrows Regional Park, where one visitor noted "trains running by all night long." Sites near water features tend to be more popular, with Silverwood Lake State Recreation Area and Hesperia Lake drawing visitors for fishing and water activities. Desert camping offers solitude and expansive views, though with minimal shade and facilities. Several campgrounds feature picnic tables, fire rings, and hiking access, with developed sites typically providing more amenities than primitive camping areas. Higher elevation campgrounds in the San Bernardino Mountains offer cooler temperatures and forest settings compared to the desert floor.
Best Campgrounds near Apple Valley (221)
1. Sawtooth Canyon Campground
"I am here in California getting ready to leave the state by FY22 and had to get outside. I have been exploring the idea of going camping and decided to go this weekend."
"There has been a lot of disrespectful off trail sites being made that is destroying the wilderness that has rebounded since 2003. Before that, it was the wild west."
2. Mojave Narrows Regional Park
"The lakes are nice, there are mountain views, and some cool hikes to explore in the riverbed area."
from $3 - $40 / night
Check Availability3. Mesa Campground — Silverwood Lake State Recreation Area
"Silverwood Lake Campground offers a range of site experiences depending on where you stay."
"Silverwood Lake was just that. Lush green mountains in the back drop that surrounded every view you turned to take in. "You need to recharge your batteries!""
from $45 - $350 / night
Check Availability4. Dogwood
"The trees are massive and plenty and make you feel like you are a million miles away from the hustle and bustle of California."
"The campground overall is really pretty and in a great location in Lake Arrowhead. However, we made the mistake of booking site 005, which is right on a ridge... it was SO windy."
from $40 - $81 / night
Check Availability5. Bell Mountain Road
"There is some garbage, target shooting in the distance and the occasional maniac driving through too fast and kicking up lots of dust. Generally it was quiet."
"We pulled in at night and passed a few other people camping, but there are so many little roads/trails around we had no problem finding a spot."
6. Hanna Flat Campground
"We were tucked up into the hill side with neighbors far enough sway to make it very private. There were no showers so we brought our travel one and hung it from a branch."
"We arrived at Hanna Flat campground around 11 am on Friday, August 21. First thing about the campground is that the road to get to it is pretty rough."
from $33 - $67 / night
Check Availability7. Serrano
"We camped just a few steps away from the lake, there were other campers there but the campgrounds are far enough away from each other."
"This camp site is located walking distance to the lake. There are bike paths and walking trails located near the camp ground."
from $44 - $91 / night
Check Availability8. North Shore Campground - Lake Arrowhead
"Spaces are pretty close together and small, but we got lucky and didn’t have anyone around us (likely due to bad air quality). If you kayak this is a great place to camp, it’s right next to the lake."
"Lake arrowhead isn't a public lake so it's a bit of a drive to do any water activities, but there was a close offroad trail."
from $29 - $58 / night
Check Availability9. Deep Creek Hot Springs Campground
"Easy access to the hot springs and no services to speak of. Basically a patch of dirt you can occupy for $10 a night. Loved it."
"Super fun place to visit with the hot springs trail. Went in January with snowfall, hardly any campers and nature all around! Two nights are perfect."
from $10 - $119 / night
Check Availability10. Lone Wolf Colony
Drive Time
- 1 hr 31 min from Los Angeles, CA
- 2 hrs 10 min from Bakersfield, CA
- 2 hrs 13 min from Oxnard, CA
- 2 hrs 15 min from San Diego, CA
Recent Camping Photos near Apple Valley, CA
430 Photos of 221 Apple Valley Campgrounds • uploaded by The Dyrt campers
Shady Oasis Kampground
Bell Mountain RoadC
Hilltop Tavern and Inn
Hesperia Lake Park and Campground City Park
Deep Creek Hot Springs Campground
Deep Creek Hot Springs Camp Retreat
Oak Springs Ranch Campground
Horse Springs Camground
Horse Springs Campground — San Bernardino National Forest
Sawtooth Canyon Campgroundb
North Shore Campground - Lake ArrowheadJ
Mesa Campground — Silverwood Lake State Recreation AreaA
Recent Reviews near Apple Valley, CA
1132 Reviews of 221 Apple Valley Campgrounds
D F.
ScoutLake Perris State Recreational Area Campground
Nice lake, challenging crowd
The scenery is unique and enjoyable, with nice views of either sunrise or sunset, depending on site. I found the lake itself very pretty. However when we arrived 4 vehicles are in our spot, people were nice enough moving but we had to go door to door knocking on camper to ask who's cars they were due to no signal and no rangers nearby. Our site was pretty dirty with lots of trash, copious ants near the drainage attachments, and two of the nearby groups had excessive tents extending into the back of our site making our view look more like a homeless encampment and less like a serene mountain sunset. They also were littering, urinating outside, and excessively drinking and partying like crazy until the wee hours. As a family group we felt really uncomfortable. It seemed like not all spots are like this, however, on my walk around deer loop in the morning. If you do go, the water activities and rentals look fun, the walking trail/biking trail was nicely done, and you could optimize your spot by booking a whole group of spots (instead of booking one, book one on the right and left side to avoid feeling like you have entered homeless refuge). It maybe was a bit worse as we were here over a holiday weekend. But we most likely won't be back, there are other places that are less expensive and with better enforcement and a family atmosphere. If you want to party it is probably a fine spot, and if you love water sports also likely ok. I thin it's a beautiful place with unique scenery and a lot of potential, but needs more enforcement regarding guest code of conduct.
Edited and gave 3 stars instead of 2. Views are really nice now that our poorly behaved neighbors left. Worth considering a visit during less busy times.
- J
Jerina V.TravelerMesa Campground — Silverwood Lake State Recreation Area
Fun camp trip
Nice campground, clean and well maintained - would pick a different spot a bit further from street. If you want to go to lake, its a bit away so need car.
- DDennis D.Scout
Mill Creek Dispersed Camping
Mill Creek
Easy to get to. I have an AWD sprinter no problem. Son has an Acura TLX made it up no issue had a few spin outs on steeper parts. Higher sites are nice and spaced.
Hans V.
GuideMesa Campground — Silverwood Lake State Recreation Area
Fine, nicely wooded
No lake view, which was a bit disappointing. Nice wooded area though with tree climbing. A bit loud music from the neighbors, not until very late so was OK. Limited amount of toilets for the amount of spots
- WWilliam Y.Scout
Huttopia Paradise Springs
Nice place, bring your own water
It was a nice place and the people were nice. I checked with the staff on day one if their water was potable. They confirmed everything is potable. My dog had explosive diarrhea day 1 and by the time I got home I had fever and diarrhea. It’s been a rough ride ever since. My dog and I did not share food. We only used the tap as a water source. My husband ate all of our food any only drank store bought drinks. No water. He’s fine. Just me and the dog riding it out. Don’t learn my lesson the hard way. Bring your own water and enjoy it.
- AAustin A.Traveler
Yellow Post #1
Beautiful area, half of the sights require minimal vehicle mods
Stockton flats yellow post sights 1-8 can be driven easily in any 2wd vehicle with moderate clearance. I took my f250 service body truck to site#6 or im assuming its #6. Sites are not label. Trail Roads got washed and i wasnt able to continue further to verify. If you’re afraid of clearance issues stick to sites 1 & 2. At the time of going, 3,4 & 5 looked like perfect sights to stay, other sites were rough and a rake would be needed minimum to make it comfortable. #9 currently requires minor upgrades to reach the campground. A stock jeep with oversized tires could easily get to that location as of 8-29-2026
- DDoug B.Traveler
Mesa Campground — Silverwood Lake State Recreation Area
Good campground during week
Good campground, quiet, not crowded during the week. Too much trash around some sites, though, on a Monday (doesn’t look like new trash). Bathrooms were clean, but basic. Evening bike ride was fantastic, but the trail is not well kept up (rough or crumbling in many spots) and is steep enough to require an electric bike in several parts unless you are good with an 8-9% grade. Park is quiet during the day, with a lot of amenities.
Tons of ants. Active gnats and mosquitoes at dusk and dawn.
Temperatures were quite warm in mid August. Glad we had an RV with AC.
Kyle K.GuideChilao Campground
Great Camp Ground
This location is very close to the city but just far enough out to feel the grandeur of the great outdoors! Spots were generally spread out and had fantastic views. Not too much light pollution and very peaceful. Sites have fire pits, tables, and vault toilets. Water spigots were not operational during my stay but usually are.
Guide to Apple Valley
The Apple Valley region offers camping options on both desert floors and mountain elevations ranging from 3,000 to 7,000 feet. Temperature variations between seasons can be extreme, with summer temperatures frequently exceeding 100°F during day and dropping below 50°F at night. Many campsites near Apple Valley, California provide access to diverse recreational opportunities including rock climbing, fishing, and hiking trails of varying difficulties.
What to do
Rock climbing access: Sawtooth Canyon Campground attracts climbers with its unique rock formations. "This canyon is great for a couple of days of climbing. The area is unique from the Mojave topography. Plus, it is free to camp," notes Tommy B. The campground features several climbing routes suitable for different skill levels.
Fishing opportunities: Hesperia Lake Park and Campground offers stocked fishing areas with easy shoreline access. "We stayed here for the weekend, the only issue is the gates around the lake," reports Melissa M. The lake maintains regular stocking schedules for trout and catfish, though some areas may be fenced with restricted access.
Trail exploration: Multiple interconnected hiking trails branch out from Dogwood Campground. "Access to the Enchanted loop nature trail is at the back end of the camp and offers some great views," reports Jeremiah F. The campground connects to well-maintained pathways suitable for day hikes ranging from 1-5 miles.
What campers like
Night sky viewing: Bell Mountain Road provides excellent dark sky conditions for astronomy enthusiasts. "We didn't follow the directions all the way to the pin, there was plenty of parking on the way... Generally it was quiet," notes Howard S. This dispersed camping area sits away from major light pollution sources, creating optimal stargazing conditions.
Wildlife observation: North Shore Campground offers opportunities to view local fauna. "We had our kayaks and it is a beautiful lake to kayak. But when it gets windy, know your limits," advises Ed E. The lake attracts various bird species, particularly during morning and evening hours.
Hot springs access: Deep Creek Hot Springs Campground provides natural soaking pools. "I had never been before, but I had a few friends bring me and it was the most amazing time! The hike down is super chill and the hot springs at the end are so worth the hike back up after," shares Carina M. The springs maintain temperatures between 100-105°F year-round, with several pools of varying sizes.
What you should know
Road conditions: Access to some camping areas requires preparation. At Sawtooth Canyon Campground, "East access. 1.5 miles from pavement. Road is washboarded so keep your speed under 10mph and its a fairly smooth 5 minute drive," advises Scott D. Other visitors report more challenging conditions: "Beautiful area, but I couldn't drive in.. Road is completely inaccessible and saw many others turning around as well," notes Annie G.
Campsite spacing: Privacy levels vary significantly between campgrounds. "The sites around Horseshoe Lake are close to an active rail line. And by active, I mean really active – I stopped counting after I counted 24 trains lumbering by during our short overnight stay," reports Lee D. about Mojave Narrows Regional Park.
Seasonal considerations: Many campgrounds have limited availability during winter. "We camped here in April and it was already getting warm during the day," notes Robert A. about Sawtooth Canyon. Higher elevation sites like Hanna Flat Campground close entirely from November through April due to snow conditions.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Mojave Narrows Regional Park offers designated play areas. "There was a very nice playground in the day-use area, a reasonable walking distance from the Horseshoe Lake sites," notes Lee D. The park also features "a little zero gravity water park" that Michelle K. describes as "nice if you have children."
Wildlife management: Be prepared for local fauna encounters. At Hesperia Lake, "the only issue is how many ground squirrels there were! I ended up with two in my tent and one in my van! Very unsettling," warns Melissa M. Secure food storage is essential at all campsites in the region.
Shade availability: Research sun protection options before booking. "Each campsite has a nice picnic table and fire pit with a grill," notes Ed E. about North Shore Campground. However, at Hesperia Lake, "There is also a great lack of shade," according to Melissa M.
Tips for RVers
Hookup variations: Serrano Campground offers partial utility connections. "Only thing I wish is that the bathrooms were closer to the hookup spots. I know most RVs have bathrooms but most pop ups don't and from space 58 to the nearest bathroom is a 1/4 mile walk," advises Martha S.
Site leveling challenges: Consider topography when selecting campsites. "Our site wasn't super flat," reports Christian N. about North Shore Campground. Several reviewers mention bringing leveling blocks, particularly for desert camping areas where the terrain can be uneven.
Winter preparedness: Cold temperatures affect utilities even at lower elevations. "Our sewer outlet was frozen in the morning, so we had to dump when we got out of the mountains," reports Nicole W. about Serrano Campground. RVers should prepare with tank heaters during winter months when overnight temperatures frequently drop below freezing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where are the campgrounds in Apple Valley?
Where are the campgrounds in Apple Valley?
Apple Valley offers access to several campgrounds in the surrounding area. Mojave Narrows Regional Park is located near Victorville, just a short drive from Apple Valley. For those willing to venture a bit further, Applewhite Campground in the San Bernardino National Forest is about 5-7 miles from Highway 215, offering a natural setting amid the mountains. Other nearby options include Hesperia Lake Park and Campground, which is convenient for Apple Valley residents, and Bell Mountain Road, which offers free dispersed camping. Most campgrounds in the area provide essential amenities like toilets and water access, though availability varies by season.
How much does it cost to camp in Apple Valley?
How much does it cost to camp in Apple Valley?
Camping costs around Apple Valley vary by campground and amenities. At Serrano near Big Bear Lake, expect to pay moderate fees for sites with lake access and basic facilities. Holcomb Valley Campground charges fees that some campers consider slightly steep, but the clean facilities and camp host supervision justify the cost. For budget options, Bell Mountain Road offers free dispersed camping, though without amenities. Most developed campgrounds in the region range from $20-35 per night for basic sites, while premium locations with hookups or lake views can cost $35-50 nightly. Some campgrounds also charge additional vehicle fees or day-use fees for visitors, so check the specific campground's website before planning your trip.
What camping options are available near Apple Valley, CA?
What camping options are available near Apple Valley, CA?
The Apple Valley area offers diverse camping experiences within a reasonable drive. For RV and family camping, Bonelli Bluffs provides comfortable sites though limited playgrounds for children. Those seeking a unique experience might enjoy Calico Ghost Town, which offers simple sites tucked into a canyon below the historic ghost town with easy access to OHV trails. For a more natural experience, Deep Creek Hot Springs Camp Retreat is perfect for larger groups and offers necessary amenities despite requiring a 6-mile drive on dirt roads. Additional options include Hesperia Lake Park and Campground for fishing enthusiasts and several campgrounds in the San Bernardino National Forest for those seeking mountain escapes.
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