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.
