Dispersed camping near Barstow, California offers alternatives to established RV parks for travelers seeking budget-friendly options. Located in the Mojave Desert at approximately 2,175 feet elevation, the area experiences temperature swings of up to 30 degrees between day and night. Summer visitors should prepare for temperatures that regularly exceed 100°F while winter nights can drop below freezing.
What to do
Explore nearby attractions: At Newberry Mountain RV Park, visitors can enjoy the unique landscape features. "The caboose, the Hwy 66 hotel mural, and the ducks around the pond were a nice touch," noted one camper who stayed in January. The park's location on historic Route 66 makes it ideal for exploring the iconic highway.
Enjoy water activities: Just over an hour's drive from Barstow, Holloway's Marina & RV Park offers direct water access. "We rented a boat on Saturday and was great just to walk out on the dock with the kids. 4 hr rental was just enough. Make reservations for they sell out on the weekends," advises one visitor who appreciated the convenience of boat rentals steps from their campsite.
Hiking opportunities: Several trails near Barstow lead to scenic vistas. The mountains surrounding the area feature elevation gains ranging from 500 to 3,000 feet, with trails suitable for beginners through experienced hikers. Bringing at least one gallon of water per person per day is essential due to the arid conditions.
What campers like
Privacy between sites: At Shady Lane RV Camp, the layout provides adequate separation. A visitor observed, "The sites are tight, but far enough apart for good air and personal separation." Another camper appreciated that despite the park being full, they "had a restful stay."
Affordable overnight options: Budget-conscious travelers can find reasonable rates in the area. One camper noted Shady Lane's pricing: "It was $45 but with GoodSam down to $40.50." Most parks offer discounts for various memberships, helping offset costs during budget road trips.
Unique character and features: Many Barstow-area campgrounds have distinctive personalities. One camper mentioned Shady Lane has "weird cars and a big dinosaur sculpture out near the main road, a phone booth near the restroom marked as 'time machine,' random clutter and items throughout," giving it a quirky appeal different from generic chain facilities.
What you should know
Military base access restrictions: Military Park Barstow Marine Corps Logistics Base Oasis RV Park requires proper credentials. A visitor clarified: "Note that this area is an active military installation and reserved for armed services members and their families only! We stopped here looking for a place to camp for the night, and the very polite (but confused) MP advised us that the facility isn't open to the public."
Dump station limitations: Many RV parks restrict dump use to guests. One traveler reported, "We stopped here to use their dump and fill our water tanks, and were directed to the Flying J south of town. The staff person told me that all the RV parks in this area operate this way."
Variable site conditions: Quality varies significantly between rv sites near Barstow, California. A visitor to High Noon Saloon RV Park described it as "totally ran down but its available thats for sure," noting "it's a dirt lot nothing is paved," but acknowledged it works in a pinch with necessary hookups.
Tips for camping with families
Consider mountain alternatives: When desert temperatures soar, consider Skypark Camp RV Resort in the nearby mountains. A family reported, "This is so conveniently located next to Santa's Village. There are outdoor games setup for adults and kids to play. The community firepits were also very lovely."
Book early for weekends: Popular camping facilities fill quickly, especially during peak travel periods. A visitor to Holloway's Marina advised, "Make reservations for they sell out on the weekends. Super easy."
Check pet areas beforehand: While most sites welcome pets, designated pet areas vary in quality. One visitor described Shady Lane's pet area as merely "a sandy strip by the fence," suggesting families bring portable shade and comfort items for pets.
Tips from RVers
Level site availability: At Keller Peak Yellow Post Campsites, visitors find natural terrain requires preparation. "They fill up fast may-sept. Each site is decent size and tucked away into the rocks," notes one RVer who appreciated the privacy despite the challenges of finding level spots.
Cell service reliability: For those needing connectivity, signal strength varies by location and carrier. At Military Park Barstow, a military visitor reported, "Our cell phones (Verizon) have 4 bars of service," making it viable for remote work or emergency communications.
Seasonal temperature considerations: When planning RV travel to Barstow camping areas, note extreme temperature fluctuations. Arabian RV Oasis visitors warned about summer heat: "Level sites, electric (30 used) water and sewer. Little shade - over 106 when there late Aug." Proper ventilation and functioning air conditioning are essential during summer months.
