Best Campgrounds near California City, CA

Camping near California City, California, offers a mix of unique experiences and beautiful landscapes. Whether you're looking for a quiet getaway or an adventure-filled trip, there are several campgrounds to explore.

What to do:

• Explore Ghost Towns: Visit the Calico Ghost Town for a fun day of walking through history. One camper mentioned, "The Ghost town is a fun place to walk through," making it a great spot for families and history buffs alike.
• Hiking Opportunities: Check out the trails around Red Rock Canyon State Park. A visitor shared, "The desert was alive in April! I got #8 which had a nice view," highlighting the stunning scenery and hiking options.
• Stargazing: Many campgrounds in the area, like Sawtooth Canyon Campground, are known for their clear night skies. One reviewer noted, "Good night sky area," perfect for those who love to gaze at the stars.

What campers like:

• Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained restrooms and showers. A visitor at Rivernook Campground said, "Restrooms and showers were very well kept," which is a big plus for many.
• Spacious Sites: Many campgrounds, such as Orange Grove RV Park, offer generous site sizes. One camper mentioned, "Sites were generous size, facilities and grounds clean," making it a comfortable choice for families.
• Friendly Staff: Campers often highlight the helpfulness of campground staff. A reviewer at Barstow-Calico KOA said, "The staff was incredibly helpful," which can make a big difference in your camping experience.

What you should know:

• Noise Levels: Some campgrounds can get noisy, especially on weekends. A camper at Rivernook Campground mentioned, "No one enforced the 10pm quiet time," so be prepared for some late-night sounds.
• Limited Amenities: Not all campgrounds have full amenities. For example, Ricardo Campground has no drinking water or electric hookups, so plan accordingly.
• Crowded on Weekends: Popular spots like Buckhorn Campground can fill up quickly. A visitor noted, "It does get crowded on the weekend," so arriving early is a good idea.

Tips for camping with families:

• Choose Campgrounds with Activities: Look for campgrounds that offer fun activities for kids. One camper at Crystal Lake Rec Area Campground mentioned, "The kids loved it," when talking about the nearby lake and hiking trails.
• Pack Snacks and Drinks: Having snacks on hand can keep everyone happy. A reviewer at Thousand Trails Soledad Canyon mentioned, "The general store was very limited," so bring your own supplies.
• Plan for Quiet Time: Make sure to have quiet activities for downtime. A camper at Table Mountain Campground said, "Campground was clean and quiet," which is great for relaxing after a day of fun.

Tips from RVers:

• Check Site Sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site. A visitor at Sawtooth Canyon Campground noted, "There are only about 20 spots here and it is popular," so check availability.
• Be Prepared for Dusty Roads: Some campgrounds have rough access roads. A reviewer at Buckhorn Campground mentioned, "The roads are very small," so drive carefully.
• Bring Extra Water: Many campgrounds, like Ricardo Campground, do not have water hookups. A camper advised, "No drinking water," so bring enough for your stay.

Camping near California City, California, has something for everyone, from families to solo adventurers. Just remember to plan ahead and enjoy the beautiful surroundings!