Searching for the perfect place to pitch your tent near Barstow? Find the best information on tent camping near Barstow, including sites, reviews, and tips for getting the most out of your camping experience. Each tent site offers quick access to one or more of Barstow, California's most popular destinations.
$10 - $119 / night
These 9 Yellow Post sites are individual camping sites. Each campsite will be available on a first-come-first-serve basis. No reservations. Each site is limited to a maximum of 8 people at any one time. There is limited parking at these Yellow Post Sites for 2 vehicles. Amenities include 1 picnic table and 1 fire ring per site. There are no restroom facilities or drinking water. Please pack it in - pack it out! During winter, Keller Peak Road closes due to snow accumulation, but it is still possible to hike, snowshoe, or cross-country ski to these sites. These sites are near the Children's Forest Visitor Center, the Children's Forest Exploration Trail, and the Keller Peak Fire Lookout. Campfire permits are required for any type of fire use - campfires, charcoal BBQ`s, or gas stoves. Campfires and charcoal BBQ's may not be allowed certain times of the year. Click here for current fire restriction information. Keller Peak Yellow Post Site Map
Permits are available for sale on-site using a fee machine. The fee machines at EL Mirage sell $15 daily, $30 weekly and $90 annual passes.
Includes: Lake Arrowhead, Lake Silverwood, Crestline, Running Springs, Green Valley Lake and Keller Peak recreational activities
Dispersed, or undeveloped, camping provides more solitude and an opportunity to “rough it.” There are many camping opportunities in general forest areas as well as in wilderness areas. Know before you go: Before traveling visit or call the nearest Ranger Station for current fire restrictions and area closures. No wood or charcoal campfires (check current fire restrictions before you go). Vehicles must remain on roads and associated pullouts. Do not clear vegetation. Portable gas-powered stoves, lanterns and fire rings with a fuel-shutoff valve allowed with a California Campfire Permit and five feet clearance from vegetation. 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!
This campground is Hike In only. Fisherman's Group Campground is a semi-primitive campground reached by a 2.5-mile hike into the mountains of southern California. The dirt road and walk to the sites are well worth the effort once you reach the campground, which is nestled in a scenic forest on the banks of Deep Creek.
Visitors enjoy access to some great birding and wildlife viewing. Other activities include hiking, horseback riding, hunting and mountain stream fishing. A variety of trailheads can be accessed near the campground.
The campground is situated along Deep Creek, 2.5 miles into an area forested by tall pine, oak and cedar trees at an elevation of about 7,000 feet. It is nestled in the mountains of southern California, in the San Bernardino National Forest.
Big Bear Lake and the Big Bear Discovery Center are located about 21 miles from the campground. The center provides information on the area, a nature-themed gift shop, educational programs and restroom facilities. Trailheads are available at and near both the lake and the visitor center.
$10 / night
The Tanglewood Group Campground provides a picturesque spot for an extended family or large group getaway. It is nestled in the pine-covered mountains of Southern California, providing a variety of recreational opportunities for visitors of any age.
A variety of hiking, mountain biking and off-road vehicle trails are nearby, including the scenic Gold Fever Trail. Climbing is also a popular activity. Fishing and boating in the nearby Big Bear Lake are also popular activities enjoyed by visitors to the campground. Anglers can look forward to a catch of trout, bluegill, crappie, catfish and largemouth bass, among other fish. Because of cold water temperatures and the presence of underwater obstacles near the shorelines, swimming at the lake is somewhat discouraged, unless done in designated areas.
The campground is located northeast of Big Bear Lake at an elevation of 7,542 feet. It is situated in a dense pine forest along the Gold Fever Auto Tour Trail, which provides a variety of interpretive sites that highlight the rich gold mining history of the area.
A general store and restaurants are available about eight miles southwest of the campground in Fawnskin. The closest available showers are at Serrano Campground, east of Fawnskin.
Rules & Reservation Policies As you make travel plans that include reservations on Recreation.gov, there are standard policies that apply to most locations of which you should be aware. Do keep in mind, however, that there are many exceptions, so it is best to review reservation information listed on individual facility pages for those policies and procedures that pertain to your specific locations. Any location or activity requiring a permit or lottery will have unique requirements and policies. Please check individual facility pages for pertinent information for those sites. Booking Window For most locations, you can reserve six months in advance of your stay for individual sites and 12 months in advance for group sites. There are some exceptions, so it is best to check with each facility. Change and Cancellation Policies and Fees Overnight and Day Use Facilities: To ensure fairness, reservation arrival or departure dates may not be changed beyond the booking window until 18 days after booking the reservation. Camping / Day Use: A $10.00 service fee will apply if you change or cancel your reservation (including campsites, cabins, lookouts, group facilities, etc.). The $10.00 service fee will be deducted from the refund amount. You can cancel or change reservations through Recreation.gov or by calling 1-877-444-6777. Tours & Tickets: You may request changes to tour dates at no cost before the arrival date. If you cancel before your tour date, you may be eligible for a refund. Cancellation fees apply. Please check the tour facility description details page for cancellation policies. Permits: Varies by location. Please check the permit details for the permit location. Late Cancellations Overnight and Day Use Facilities: Late cancellations are those cancelled between 12:01 a.m. (Eastern) on the day before arrival and check out time on the day after arrival. Individual Campsites: If a customer cancels a reservation the day before or on the day of arrival they will be charged a $10.00 service fee and will also forfeit the first night's use fee (not to exceed the total paid for the original reservation). Cancellations for a single night's reservation will forfeit the entire use fee but no cancellation fee will apply. Cabins / Lookouts: Customers will be charged a $10.00 cancellation fee and forfeit the first night's use fee if a cabin or lookout reservation is cancelled within 14 days of the scheduled arrival date. Cancellations for a single night's use will not be assessed a service fee. Group Facility: If a customer cancels a group overnight facility reservation within 14 days of the scheduled arrival date they will be charged the $10.00 service fee and forfeit the first night's use fee. Cancellations for a single night's use will not be assessed a service fee. Group Day Use Area: If a customer cancels a group day use facility reservation within 14 days of the scheduled arrival date, they will forfeit the total day use fee with no service fee charge. No-Shows Camping / Day Use: A camping no-show customer is one who does not arrive at a campground and does not cancel the reservation by check-out time on the day after the scheduled arrival date. Reserved campsites and group overnight facilities will be held until check-out time on the day following your scheduled arrival. Group day-use facilities will be held until check-in time on your scheduled arrival date. If a customer does not arrive at the campground or group facility by check-out time the day after arrival or does not cancel the reservation by the times listed under "Late Cancellations" above, the customer may be assessed a $20.00 service fee and forfeit use fees. Tours: A tour or ticket no-show is one who does not cancel a ticket before arrival and does not arrive for the tour. Tour no-shows are not entitled to a refund. Refunds Customers must request refunds no later than 14 days after the scheduled departure date. Recreation.gov will not grant refund requests after 14 days of departure. Reservation Fee: For some facilities, tours or permits an additional reservation fee is charged. For some overnight and day-use facilities, an additional non-refundable reservation fee may apply. The non-refundable reservation fee for tours and tickets is $1.00. The non-refundable reservation fee for permits varies by location. Refunds for Bankcard Purchases: Refunds for bank card payments will be issued as a credit to the original bank card. Refunds for Check or Cash Purchases: Refunds for Recreation.gov payments made by check or money order, and cash payments at selected campgrounds will be issued a check refund. A refund will be processed within 30 days of receipt and approval. Please Note: Refund requests made during or after departure can only be processed when approved by the facility management staff based upon local policy. Refunds for Emergency Closures: In the event of an emergency closure, the Recreation.gov team will attempt to notify users and offer alternate dates (as appropriate). If this is not possible, reservations will be cancelled and all fees paid will be refunded. Reservation fees for free tickets are non-refundable in the event of an emergency closure. Recreation.gov Billing Information Reservation transaction will appear on customer's credit card statements as "Recreation.gov 877-444-6777." Changes to Policies and Procedures Recreation.gov reserves the right, when necessary, to modify reservation policies. These policies were last updated July
$149 - $159 / night
$20 - $50 / night
Big Pine Flat Family Campground is located in the mountains at an elevation of 6820 feet. It has 19 sites and is a first come-first serve campground. There is an on-site campground host. Campsites include picnic table, fire ring, and drinking water. Nearest showers are located at Serrano Campground. For more information and current fire restrictions call the Big Bear Discovery Center: 909- 866-3437.
Guide
Been here many times since it is local to me.
This place has changed a lot over the years, and not necessarily for the good, in my opinion.
What there is:
What there is no longer:
Beware of skunks and loud trains!
It is still a somewhat nice place to visit for a couple hours with the kids.
We have camped in a tent. The tents sites are adjacent to the lake.
Trailer camping isn't too bad, other than being adjacent to the busy railroad. Most sites have grass.
Traveler
If you have to camp near Barstow, this is a good place for a week-day stay. Calico ghost town was a fun spot for our kids, not too busy on a week day in the spring though I’m sure it can be crazy (and hot) at other times. The campsites were hit or miss. We staid in a tent site which was tiny, right next to all the others, with no trees or vegetation for privacy, and no permanent fire ring or picnic bench. We walked around and some of the other RV sites are bigger and nicer. Classic desert views. I give it 4 stars for access to the ghost town and price.
Guide
We tent camped here for 3 nights and loved this campground. The tent sites are spacious - can’t exaggerate that enough. the workers were friendly and helpful. The bathrooms were clean and had plenty of showers available. There is a playground centrally located, tennis court and basketball - all equipment available from the office. They also had board games for use and a pool table inside. There are a couple of pontoon boats available for rental as well! We took out kids on a couple hikes, be sure you have an interagency pass for parking at trailheads! Fantastic getaway!
TravelerBut very rock to tent camp on. A ton of RV’s, so the noise was a premium. Great hiking into the mountain and mines.
Ranger
tent camped. not many amenities, but we found peace and quiet, across the lake, from big bear. lots of trees! we brought our own grill, but enjoyed the campgrounds fire pit also.
Traveler
Super nice staff!! They remembered us after only staying here twice which means they take pride in the care for their customers. We love that we can tent camp by the water!
Will definitely recommend to anyone!
Guide
Big government campground. Big spots but it can be difficult to get reservations. Lots of tent sites that cram way too many people in. Close to the lake
Traveler
Bring own gear, tent sites are primative you have to walk to toilet and showers but not far campsites are big enough for more than one family and friends
Lake fishing swimming hiking campfires
Group activities
TravelerThe campsite at Calico Ghost Town is nice with hook ups for RV and spaces for tent camping. Our boys scout troop spent a weekend October. The boys and their families enjoy touring the ghost town. We hiked around the area and on hills during the day. The facility has running water, restrooms and showers.
GuideThere were no trees at all. We were told to wait for a white truck when we got there. No one came. We called the security number and they told us they would be by. We waited about 20 minutes and ended up leaving. The tent sites were gravel. Overall not impressed.
Traveler
Traveling in a camper van and needed to pull off to rest on BLM for the night. Right off Rainbow Basin onto Owl Canyon Rd about 1.3 miles away from the campsite we got stuck in sand. The road quickly went from rock hard to sinking sand and it’s impossible to tell the difference with the naked eye (were also driving late at night). We didn’t make it to the campsite so this isn’t really a fair review of the place itself. But please be mindful that the road to get there isn’t paved, it’s all dirt/sand so travel at your own risk. We are currently traveling in late October with crazy weather and wind storms. Hope this helps! Also, we luckily have AAA and they’re sending a flatbed from Barstow Towing # 760-255-4141
Edit: The flatbed couldn’t reach us in this remote location. They sent a 4x4 to our rescue and had us pulled out of this dry quicksand in less than an hour at $200 for their time and efforts. But they did mention that this was their sixth rescue of the day and that if we had stayed straight on Rainbow Basin within the loop we would have been fine. They explained these are basic campsites without hookups (if that’s what you’re looking for) and Owl Canyon Rd is traveled by RVs more which is why that happens frequently. Anyway, again, hope this helps.
Guide
This is a fairly nice place to camp. I would avoid camping here during the summer since it does get very hot. It is closed during the winter months, but you can still catch some cooler weather when it first opens during the season.
There is not much for shade in the areas for RV/Trailer camping.
Not much to do here other than hiking and kicking back. The Pacific Crest Trail passes nearby.
It is away from the populated cities, but not far from them. It still gives you a sense of seclusion.
There is water and electricity hookups, along with a dump station and separate tent camp spaces.
Traveler
My husband and I tent camped here during the week for 2 days. This campground is gorgeous. With how brown and dreary everything always looks at this time of year in this drought ridden state, this campground is so gorgeously green and lush! Most camp sites that I saw are pretty big and all sites have plenty of trees. There’s a good amount of space between the sites with some being more secluded then others. There are both hook up and non hook up sites. There are plenty of clean restrooms throughout the campground as well as showers that are now open again. There’s a really nice, 3 mile loop trail in the campground and another close by as well. We liked the campground so much that we made reservations while we were there for next month.
LegendGeneral: A mix of FHU RV sites tent sites, group sites around Horseshoe Lake and some additional dry camping and equestrian sites around Pelican Lake. There are also four RVs you can “rent” in the Horseshoe Lake area. 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.
Site Quality: IMO the waterfront tent sites are the nicest. They are farthest away from the trains (but not far enough!) The other dry sites have paved camper pads; some are “doubles” which would kind of suck if both sites were occupied by people who did not know each other! (Ours was one but fortunately, this was not the case for us on a Sunday in November).
Bath/Shower House: There were two restrooms about equidistant from our campsite, but both were very basic– no soap, hooks or shelves and no mirrors (it looked like they had been ripped off the wall). The floors were concrete, and the entire appearance was very drab. I did not use the shower.
This was an overnight stop for us, so we did not take advantage of any of the activities (horseback riding, hiking, disc golf, fishing). There was a very nice playground in the day-use area, a reasonable walking distance from the Horseshoe Lake sites. I had called about a week ahead of time to make a reservation (the online reservation system has been down for quite some time) and was assured would not need a reservation. However, there is a gate that is locked at 4 pm and we knew we would not arrive in time, so we called and were able to make a phone reservation when our site was assigned. We were a little concerned when we saw a security guard making rounds around 10 pm (and this combined with the locked gate), we wondered if we were in a safe environment, although we did not encounter any problems. Make sure you know that the park is closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays (which seems a bit bizarre) so you will need to know the gate code after 4 pm and on those days (the code seems to change daily). Also, I read that seniors (62 and older), active duty military, and veterans receive a $5 discount Sundays through Thursdays but you have to go to the office and show proof and then you will receive a “rebate” a few days later (which we did). This was just an overnight for us as we worked our way back home but we would likely not stay here again.
Guide
Traveling while pulling my utility trailer along makes slow going. And pulling up a long, long, long desert mountain grade can be downright exhausting.
So this is a mighty grateful thumbs up review. Robert made my day when I phoned up in the late afternoon and offered me a limited use rate on one their full hookup sites.
And of course, I got in real late, just after late closing hours–10 pm!
I got the last pull through site at the end of the lane. It was a breeze to pull in, get my deep cycle battery charging. 30 Amp with an adapter is all I need.
Shady Lane is mostly populated by real big rigs. So a 50amp socket is also on the post.
The park is a little distance from the highway, so it's blessedly quiet overall. After a grueling pull from Las Vegas, it was a wonderful blessing to crawl into my tent with my feline road companion, Missy. She just loves tent camping the very best. It was down in the 40s last night, but our traveling bed is a cushy cloud ☁️ from Heaven 🌠🌌✨ Just me and Missy and all those stars on that dark desert night.
Just woke to a lovely quiet morning here at Shady Lane. Fully renewed, to make my long drive down towards San Diego.
Looks they offer all the basics, showers, laumdry, and the same wifi network is offered all over these desert parts.. So once signed up, its the same login wherever you go on this network.. That's handy. Great wifi signal all the way down at the end of the lane, too.
Most importantly, Shady Lane offers tent spots and doesn't get snooty about whether you're pulling a utility trailer, or a spit shined mega-rig. On the phone, when I spoke with Robert, told him what I'm pulling along, he was as nice as can be.
I'm glad I found this quiet little desert overnighter. 🏜 Just right for Missy and me.
ScoutStayed a couple nights here. The staff are all really nice and the campsites were very clean. Flush toilets and hot showers are available for 4 quarvters for every two minutes. Full hookups are available in one campsite for 55 a night. Parking is very limited. At the full hookup campsites you have two small spots, and one spot at the tent camping sites. Also you can't keep your boat and trailer at the marina which still blows my mind. They could make so much money off a nightly fee for parking there. Marina has 4 slips for rent at 15 a night.
Supppsedly your not allowed to have dogs on the beaches, but they were everywhere. I have never seen so many dogs at a lake before. And many off leash with owners oblivious to what they are doing.
15 minute limit for tying off at the boat ramp which is ignored and not enforced. Launching and retrieving boats was a nightmare because of the jet skies that are docked and left there. No one could tie their boats off to get their trailers. We sat for an hour with a group of other boats all waiting for pickup and 5 jet skies were parked there the whole time. Oh and don't forget the people fishing from the launch ramp standing by the no fishing signs.
People ignore the no wake zone and in three days we only saw one boat get called out on it.
Then there's the kids that throw rocks in the water where people are fishing and the jerks on the shore yelling at anyone fishing from a boat in the coves.
It really is a nice lake and campground or would be if the rangers had better rule enforcement in place.
TravelerI was looking to take my Jeep off-roading in the Big Bear area. I just needed a simple tent site where I could have a campfire at night, and as usual I hadn't booked very far in advance. By luck, I found Green Valley Lake.
When I went online to reserve my spot, the only site left was site #1, so I grabbed it. Searching for reviews or pictures of that site, there were comments about it being too close to other sites, too close to the road, too close to houses, etc. When I got there I found a different story. After asking the camp host, I found the site - isolated from the rest of them in its own private little grove. The parking spot for the site is a considerable distance away, next to site 2. There are 2 trails leading to the site - one from the parking spot that cuts through site 2, and another one that ends near the entrance gate. It was a bit of a hike to get my gear in and out, but it was worth it for the privacy. Plenty of trees provide shade, and isolate you from the road and your neighbors. There was some noise, but they were completely blocked from view.
The campground itself is very well maintained. The bathrooms were clean, with flush toilets, running water, and lights. The sites themselves don't have water, but there were faucets all over the campground so you could fill up a jug and take it back to your site. This is bear country, and bear lockers are installed at every site. The hosts were very nice, and sold firewood at their trailer for $8 a bundle. There was no AT&T cell service at the site, but there was a few miles down the road.
The campground is about a mile past the village of Green Valley Lake, which has a small market and a restaurant. A few miles further is Arrowbear, which has a couple very well stocked markets and gas stations. Running Springs is a few more miles down the road, and has all the services you would need in a small town.
For off-roaders like myself, the Big Pine Flats trail starts just a couple miles down the road, and offers a fairly easy and fun drive to just north of Big Bear Lake, and continuing on to Baldwin Lake.
The next time i camp up in the Big Bear area, this will definitely be on my list of places to camp again.
Guide
It's an excellent location for access to Barstow and Calico. We appreciated the pool, hammocks next to the pool, and the treats at the store. Sites are primarily pull-throughs, and many are occupied by people passing through them for one night. There are easy hookups, 50 amp service, and easy on/off from the highway. We visited both Barstow and Calico and had a good time at both.
Guide
We stayed here for four nights and actually enjoyed it in spite of the heat during the afternoon hours. Our space was on the end so we had a lot of privacy but near the I-40. That didn't bother us but it might bother those who are looking for total quiet. The nights were fantastic!! The lakes here give it a nice feel since it's in the Mojave desert between Barstow and Ludlow California. The staff was VERY friendly and helpful. The best part for me was the pool which was clean and cool.
GuideIt is shady with large trees. Opened in 1948, same as the office trailer! Very quite… very low train noise! If you know Barstow, you know the trains never stop!
ScoutThe road in is washboard bumpy, but I did fine with my Golf! The site itself is beautiful. There were a few other visitors, but everyone was quiet and respectful. A fantastic stop near Barstow.
GuideI needed to get some work done in Barstow while I was on the road and this was the closest decent looking campground I could find. Sights are big some could handle a RV but I can confirm no hook ups. There are 2 water faucets I found in camp but neither are working. Bonus the picnic tables have there own little gazebos so in summer you would get some shade, and each sight has a fire pit with grill and a separate grill pit that would be great for charcoal. I stayed for 4 nights and had some epic sunrises, sunset is nice and one day of significant wind gusts, like kick you to the side and throw you off stride wind gusts so I suspect it can get pretty windy. But over all great campground pretty secluded for how close it is for Barstow and there is no reason I would not recemoned it, espaiclly to tenters. Be warned there is a super tame fox that got brave and tried to steal food scraps a few times.
Guide
The rock formations, combined with the desert view are astonishing!
We found a perfect spot by the entrance, was very close to one of the popular climbing spots, but wasn’t an issue at all.
30min drive to dump/water/propane & FlyingJ in Barstow. 5 min drive to a cool eatery…will be back for more. Loved this place!
LegendA little ran down but everything you can need. Laundry, hook ups and a pay phone. When you first pull in you see all these dope mad Maxx cars... something super cool and they have a drive I’m down the street. I mean how cool! Barstow is nothing lavish but they do have a few rv areas that are ran down but still there if you need them.
TravelerI had to change my reservation three times, and the staff was incredibly helpful. They went above and beyond to give us the easiest possible stay. The campground itself was reasonably clean with a gorgeous view of the desert and mountains. Sites laid out well and most are pull through and accommodate big rigs. Pool, laundry, general store, showers and lavatories. They did not however have the shuttle to the silver mine as advertised (ended with Covid) and the Enterprise rental in Barstow does not “pick you up“ and were rude besides.
LegendI love places that are child friendly because it shows when people truly care for others and this place sure does! Yes, it's a hole in the wall but what did you expect Barstow to be>??? This RV spot however is a KAO and has tons of family-friendly things to do so no one will be bored. Yes it's parallel to the major free way but I mean it's well kept and plenty of things to do. For sure a Good Spot for a day or two
GuideThis campground in Barstow has many things to do. Campground has full hookups first off. Next, they have a separate campground area for OHV campers and vehicles. Plenty of trails and some famous rock climbing just behind the hill. The ghost town is awesome to check out, kids love it. Pan for silver, train rides and explore the mines. Even grab a bite to eat with a beer at the saloon. Gets hot in the summer but fall and winter good times to go. This place even has cabin rentals too.
Tent camping near Barstow, California, offers a diverse range of experiences, from desert landscapes to serene mountain retreats. Whether you're seeking adventure or relaxation, there's a spot for every type of camper.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Barstow, CA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Barstow, CA is Deep Creek Hot Springs Campground with a 4.3-star rating from 4 reviews.
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TheDyrt.com has all 16 tent camping locations near Barstow, CA, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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