Camping near Calico, California offers desert adventures ranging from hot springs soaks to historic explorations. The high desert climate brings summer temperatures regularly exceeding 100°F from June through September, while winter nights often drop below freezing. Multiple campgrounds provide yurt camping options with varying levels of amenities to handle these temperature extremes.
What to do
Hot springs exploration: 2-mile hike from Deep Creek Hot Springs Camp Retreat leads to natural thermal pools. "The deep creek hot springs were absolutely fabulous, as they were situated next to a cold creek where we could do therapeutic hot cold plunges. The hike to the hot springs was fairly tough, but we found it easily with the trail starting right on the property!" mentions Jessica B. about Deep Creek Hot Springs Camp Retreat.
Desert hiking: Pacific Crest Trail access points near desert campgrounds provide day-hiking options. A visitor to Mojave River Forks Regional Park notes, "There are easy to make hikes - meaning not necessarily any specific trails at the campground, but there are plenty of places to explore and wander from the campground."
Archery practice: Available at several desert campgrounds with dedicated ranges. "They have all the nice things in the store, pool, quite place," reports Andy M. about facilities near yurt camping options in Calico.
What campers like
Year-round accessibility: Desert camping available during all seasons with temperature-controlled yurts. According to Christina H. at Newberry Mountain RV Park, "We were only here one night but we had a nice stay. We left the windows open since it was great evening weather. The freeway noise was there but it didn't keep us up."
Privacy options: Some desert sites offer more seclusion than others. "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," explains Kevin H. about his camping experience.
Desert oasis features: Ponds and water features provide contrast to desert landscapes. One camper at Newberry Mountain explains, "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."
What you should know
Desert temperature extremes: Plan for 100°F+ days in summer, near-freezing nights in winter. "We camped here the last weekend before they closed for the winter, after Thanksgiving. The campground was clean, quiet, and had a decent amount of space between sites," notes Nicole W. about Serrano.
Highway proximity: Many desert campgrounds sit near major interstates. As one camper at Newberry Mountain RV Park observed, "The campground was super easy to find as it was right off I-40 on old Route 66. Our check-in could not have been easier, and the reception was very nice."
Off-road access: Some hot springs sites require rugged driving. A visitor to Deep Creek Hot Springs Camp Retreat warns, "You will have to drive 6 miles of mountainous dirt roads to reach the property, but it takes you away from all signs of the city and surrounds you in nature when you get there."
Tips for camping with families
Playground safety: Check equipment condition before letting children play. Some desert campgrounds maintain better playground facilities than others.
Swimming options: Pools provide relief from desert heat at several campgrounds. "The kids loved the pool and other kids to play with. Great game room with pool, foosball, air hockey etc. big playground and easy campground to bike around," shares one visitor about recreation options.
Educational opportunities: Historical sites offer learning experiences. Lighthouse Trailer Resort provides access to local trails and history. "Bike path right across the street. There are bike and kayak rentals if you didn't bring your toys," notes Bryan S.
Tips from RVers
Limited shade: Prepare for direct sun exposure at most desert sites. "There is not much for shade in the areas for RV/Trailer camping," notes Rick S. about Mojave River Forks Regional Park.
Site selection: End spots often provide more space. "We had a spot in the front with a patio and everything. It was very nice except for the sewer drain being at the front end of the site (I had to put an extension on my poop pipe)," explains one RVer about site configurations.
Yurt options near Calico: Climate-controlled alternatives to traditional RVs. Yurt camping near Calico, California provides stable temperatures during extreme weather. "We chose the loop closest to the lake, just about a minute walk for a nice view. Very shady," notes Jennifer D. about choosing sites with natural cooling.
