Best Campgrounds near Apple Valley, CA

The area around Apple Valley in California covers a range of camping environments for different types of trips. Campers head to Lake Almanor for quiet spots near the water, while others drive to Joshua Tree National Park for its unusual rock formations and desert trails. Joshua Tree works best in fall and spring when the weather cools down - summer heat can make camping tough without good preparation. Calico Ghost Town attracts history buffs with its old buildings and tours of the mining town. Many Joshua Tree campgrounds fill up fast, so you'll need to book months ahead or try during slower seasons. Most camping areas have basic setups with pit toilets and tables for meals. Watch out for wildlife in all these camping spots and store food properly to keep animals away. Some roads to these camping areas get rough, which can be hard for bigger RVs and trailers to handle. Check current road conditions before heading out. Apple Valley gives you options for both quick weekend trips and longer stays at various campgrounds. Bring extra water and sun protection, especially during hot months. With some advance planning around the seasons, camping near Apple Valley works well year-round.

Best Camping Sites Near Apple Valley, California (205)

    1. Sawtooth Canyon Campground

    35 Reviews
    Daggett, CA
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (760) 252-6000

    "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

    9 Reviews
    Apple Valley, CA
    4 miles
    Website

    $3 - $40 / night

    "The lakes are nice, there are mountain views, and some cool hikes to explore in the riverbed area."

    3. Dogwood

    33 Reviews
    Rimforest, CA
    21 miles
    Website
    +1 (909) 336-6717

    $40 - $81 / night

    "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."

    4. Mesa Campground — Silverwood Lake State Recreation Area

    25 Reviews
    Cedarpines Park, CA
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (760) 389-2281

    $350 / night

    "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!""

    "ATV with ice cream and firewood comes around right before dark. Campsites are a bit crowded for my liking. Access to the Silverwood Lake recreation area is a great benefit."

    5. Hanna Flat Campground

    25 Reviews
    Fawnskin, CA
    22 miles
    Website
    +1 (909) 382-2790

    $33 - $67 / night

    "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."

    6. Serrano

    34 Reviews
    Big Bear Lake, CA
    26 miles
    Website
    +1 (909) 866-8021

    $44 - $91 / night

    "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."

    7. Deep Creek Hot Springs Campground

    5 Reviews
    Arkabutla Lake, CA
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (760) 515-7525

    $10 - $119 / night

    "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."

    8. North Shore Campground - Lake Almanor

    13 Reviews
    Cedar Glen, CA
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (909) 866-8550

    $29 - $58 / night

    "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."

    9. Bell Mountain Road

    2 Reviews
    Apple Valley, CA
    8 miles

    "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."

    "many Trucks at night. don't drive to the campground just search a space after road ends"

    10. Lone Wolf Colony

    1 Review
    Apple Valley, CA
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (760) 247-7878
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Showing results 1-10 of 205 campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Apple Valley, CA

1008 Reviews of 205 Apple Valley Campgrounds



Guide to Apple Valley

Camping near Apple Valley, CA, offers a mix of beautiful landscapes and unique experiences. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventurous getaway, there are plenty of campgrounds to choose from.

What to do:

  • Hiking: Explore the stunning trails around Black Rock Campground — Joshua Tree National Park. Reviewers mention, "This campground is very nice. The roads could use some work and if you have an RV/Trailer/Van you may want some block to help get you level."
  • Visit Ghost Towns: Check out Calico Ghost Town for a fun day of history and exploration. One visitor said, "The Ghost town is a fun place to walk through."
  • Water Activities: Spend a day at Lake Perris State Recreational Area. A camper shared, "Great overall experience, campgrounds are general and basic. A little more irrigation for the plants and trees might not hurt to green up a little dried."

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate the cleanliness at places like Bonelli Bluffs. One review states, "Possibly the cleanest public bathroom I've ever seen."
  • Spacious Sites: Many enjoy the roomy campsites at Serrano. A visitor noted, "The campground was clean, quiet, and had a decent amount of space between sites."
  • Friendly Staff: Campers often mention the helpfulness of the staff. At Dogwood, one reviewer said, "Camp hosts are friendly and knowledgeable."

What you should know:

  • Noise Levels: Some campgrounds can get noisy, especially on weekends. A camper at Lake Perris State Recreational Area mentioned, "There was a large group of people blasting their music until 2/3 AM."
  • Road Conditions: Access roads can be rough. A visitor to Black Rock Campground warned, "The roads in are narrow and absolutely terrible."
  • Wildlife: Be cautious of wildlife, especially at Serrano. One camper advised, "Bears and coyotes in the area, recommended not to let small dogs or cats roam unattended."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for places like Calico Ghost Town that offer activities for kids. A reviewer said, "On Easter they have an egg hunt divided by children's age groups."
  • Plan for Amenities: Make sure to check for facilities like clean restrooms and showers. A camper at Dogwood noted, "The place is clean and quiet."
  • Bring Entertainment: Since some campgrounds can be quiet, pack games or outdoor activities. One family at Bonelli Bluffs mentioned, "We had to get creative in finding ways to occupy their time during downtime."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Sizes: Make sure your RV fits the campsite. A visitor at Serrano said, "If you have an RV/Trailer/Van you may want some block to help get you level."
  • Be Prepared for Limited Services: Some campgrounds, like Sawtooth Canyon, have no drinking water or electric hookups. A camper shared, "There are pit toilets but no other amenities."
  • Plan for Crowds: Popular spots can fill up quickly, especially on weekends. A reviewer at Lake Perris State Recreational Area noted, "We arrived at 10:30 on a Friday night and it was only 35 degrees out and we still got the very last spot."

Camping near Apple Valley, CA, has something for everyone, from families to solo adventurers. Just remember to plan ahead and enjoy the great outdoors!

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Apple Valley, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, Apple Valley, CA offers a wide range of camping options, with 205 campgrounds and RV parks near Apple Valley, CA and 22 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Apple Valley, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Apple Valley, CA is Sawtooth Canyon Campground with a 4.7-star rating from 35 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Apple Valley, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 22 free dispersed camping spots near Apple Valley, CA.

What parks are near Apple Valley, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 12 parks near Apple Valley, CA that allow camping, notably Bankhead National Forest and Chugach National Forest.