Big Pine Equestrian Group Campground provides primitive camping facilities in the San Bernardino mountains, approximately 22 miles from Calico. The campground sits at an elevation of around 6,800 feet, offering cooler temperatures than surrounding desert areas during summer months. The access road requires high-clearance vehicles capable of navigating rough terrain, particularly when towing horse trailers.
What to do
Explore Deep Creek Hot Springs: Campers staying near Calico can visit Deep Creek Hot Springs Camp Retreat for natural hot spring soaking. "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," notes Jessica B. The trail to the hot springs starts on the property but requires preparation for a moderately challenging hike.
Geological exploration: The Rainbow Basin area near Owl Canyon Campground offers distinctive rock formations and canyon hiking. "We camped one night and explored/hiked around the area. We also did the scenic drive. Very cool spot in the Mojave," shares Tommy B. The area requires a 5-mile drive on washboard roads, so slow driving is essential.
Disc golf and fishing: For recreation between trail rides, Mojave Narrows Regional Park offers additional activities. "Frisbee golf" is available for players of all skill levels, as mentioned in visitor reviews. The park also features two fishing lakes stocked seasonally.
What campers like
Natural water features: The unique hydrology near Calico creates unexpected water access in the desert. At Mojave Narrows Regional Park, Megan S. notes, "A rockbed forces the normally underground Mojave River to the surface here, meaning that this is one of the only parts of the river to flow above ground year round. As a result, a small forest of Cottonwood trees abounds."
Night sky viewing: The dark skies away from urban light pollution create excellent stargazing conditions for equestrian camping near Calico. Michele H. reports at Rainbow Basin, "Dark nights. Very quiet. Clean." The primitive camping areas provide minimal artificial light, maximizing astronomical observation opportunities.
Temperature variation: The elevation changes between camping areas create options for different seasons. "Went in January with snowfall, hardly any campers and nature all around!" reports Kelly Anne M. about Deep Creek Hot Springs. The temperature differences between valley and mountain campsites can exceed 20 degrees, allowing for year-round camping options.
What you should know
Seasonal considerations: High desert equestrian sites require careful planning for weather conditions. "No shade, go in the cooler months," advises Jake P. about Deep Creek. "Went in early April and it was already really warm in the area." Summer temperatures can exceed 100°F in lower elevations while mountain sites remain cooler.
Water requirements: All horse camping locations near Calico demand bringing sufficient water. While some established campgrounds like Hesperia Lake Park provide water hookups, primitive equestrian sites require hauling water for both humans and horses. James notes Hesperia has "water and electric only on camp sites. No dump site there."
Navigation challenges: GPS coordinates and mapping applications may provide incorrect directions to remote camping areas. "This pin took me to private property and the owner wasn't too happy about it and me being there. The actual Owl Canyon Campground is down the road to the East of the pin," warns Jodi K. Download offline maps and verify directions before traveling remote roads.
Tips for camping with families
Wildlife awareness: Children should be supervised due to active wildlife in camping areas. Melissa M. warns about Hesperia Lake: "The other issue is how many ground squirrels there were! I ended up with two in my tent and one in my van! Very unsettling." Other wildlife may include coyotes, snakes, and scorpions depending on season and location.
Playground access: For families seeking developed facilities between trail rides, some parks offer play equipment. Mojave Narrows includes "a very nice playground in the day-use area, a reasonable walking distance from the Horseshoe Lake sites," according to Lee D. Some parks also feature seasonal water play areas for children.
Noise factors: Train noise affects sleep quality at certain campgrounds near Calico. E C. mentions: "The only downside is that there are railways near the park and trains running by all night long." Sites further from rail lines or in canyon areas provide quieter camping experiences for families with young children.
Tips from RVers
Site selection for shade: RVers should prioritize shaded sites when available, particularly in warmer months. James notes about Hesperia Lake: "There's nice shade on probably half the sites, the other ones have little or none." Early reservations secure the most desirable sites with natural shade.
Limited hookups: Most equestrian camping near Calico offers minimal or no hookups. Dan X. describes Deep Creek as "Basically a patch of dirt you can occupy for $10 a night." Self-contained RVs with sufficient fresh water capacity and waste storage work best for the primitive conditions at most equestrian sites.
Guide
