Best Campgrounds near Helendale, CA

Desert camping opportunities surround Helendale, California with several established campgrounds and dispersed options across the Mojave Desert region. Bell Mountain Road offers free dispersed camping on BLM land, while Sawtooth Canyon Campground provides primitive tent and RV sites with minimal amenities. Mojave Narrows Regional Park features more developed facilities with electric hookups, showers, and water access. Calico Ghost Town Regional Park, located near Barstow, offers unique camping experiences with cabin options alongside tent and RV sites. The camping areas range from basic desert terrain to locations with recreational amenities and historical attractions.

High desert conditions dominate the camping experience with extreme temperature variations throughout the year. Summer temperatures frequently exceed 100°F during day hours while dropping significantly at night. "I had a positive impression of this small campground, located just 5-7 miles away from the 215 highway, amidst natural surroundings," noted one camper about a nearby site. Winter brings cooler temperatures with occasional freezing conditions at night. Most campgrounds in the region remain open year-round, though summer heat makes spring and fall the most comfortable camping seasons. Cell service varies throughout the area, with better coverage near Barstow and Victorville than in more remote locations. Many sites lack drinking water, requiring campers to bring sufficient supplies.

Visitor experiences highlight the stark desert beauty and wide-open spaces characteristic of the Mojave. Campers frequently mention impressive night skies and geological features as highlights of their stays. A visitor to Sawtooth Canyon commented, "It was amazing sleeping under the stars, I had not done that in years." Mixed-use campgrounds throughout the region accommodate various outdoor activities, with some areas popular among off-road vehicle enthusiasts. Noise levels vary significantly between established campgrounds and more remote dispersed sites. While tent and RV sites near major highways experience traffic noise, more isolated camping areas offer greater solitude. Facilities range from basic (vault toilets only) at primitive sites to full-service campgrounds with showers, electric hookups, and dump stations at locations like Mojave Narrows Regional Park and the Barstow-Calico KOA.

Best Camping Sites Near Helendale, California (182)

    1. Sawtooth Canyon Campground

    36 Reviews
    Daggett, CA
    20 miles
    Website
    +1 (760) 252-6000

    "I am here in California getting ready to leave the state by FY22 and had to get outside. I have been exploring the idea of going camping and decided to go this weekend."

    "There has been a lot of disrespectful off trail sites being made that is destroying the wilderness that has rebounded since 2003. Before that, it was the wild west."

    2. Mojave Narrows Regional Park

    9 Reviews
    Apple Valley, CA
    16 miles
    Website

    $3 - $40 / night

    "The lakes are nice, there are mountain views, and some cool hikes to explore in the riverbed area."

    3. Bell Mountain Road

    2 Reviews
    Apple Valley, CA
    9 miles

    "There is some garbage, target shooting in the distance and the occasional maniac driving through too fast and kicking up lots of dust. Generally it was quiet."

    "many Trucks at night. don't drive to the campground just search a space after road ends"

    4. Calico Ghost Town

    41 Reviews
    Yermo, CA
    29 miles
    Website
    +1 (760) 254-1123

    "As other reviewers mentioned, most of the campground is tucked into a narrow sort of canyon just below the Ghost Town."

    "We aren't off-roaders but noticed a lot of ATVs around. Seems like the place to be. There are also mountain bike trails around."

    5. Owl Canyon Campground

    24 Reviews
    Barstow, CA
    26 miles
    Website
    +1 (760) 252-6000

    $6 / night

    "Have to drive through washboard road for about five miles to get to the campground. Nice site with a trail head to Owl Canyon right by the campground. First come first serve site, but $6 per night."

    "Nice level spots with reasonable distance from other campers. The horse campground has no water and is about 1/2 mile from the main campground which has a handful of water stations."

    6. Barstow-Calico KOA

    27 Reviews
    Daggett, CA
    27 miles
    Website
    +1 (760) 904-3069

    "It is a bit rough around the edges. Easy to miss the turn because it is on road 15 next to highway 15- yikes. Tough on the road weary. It has a dog run."

    "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)...the other down side of being in the front is the traffic noise from the highway"

    7. Adelanto RV Park

    2 Reviews
    Adelanto, CA
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (760) 246-7775

    $35 / night

    8. Stoddard Valley OHV

    2 Reviews
    Barstow, CA
    15 miles

    "There is a vault toilet and some rock fire pits scattered around the area. I was there on a Wednesday, didn't see another soul except for the couple that pulled off the highway for a quicky, LOL!"

    9. Shady Lane RV Camp

    9 Reviews
    Barstow, CA
    22 miles
    Website
    +1 (760) 256-5322

    "Easy to use and right next to the road. Quite place. hookups."

    "The park is a little distance from the highway, so it's blessedly quiet overall."

    10. Shady Oasis Kampground

    3 Reviews
    Victorville, CA
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (760) 245-6867
Show More
Showing results 1-10 of 182 campgrounds

2025 Detourist Giveaway

Presented byToyota Trucks

Review Campgrounds. Win Prizes.

Enter to Win


Recent Reviews near Helendale, CA

830 Reviews of 182 Helendale Campgrounds


  • CThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 10, 2025

    serrano camp grounds

    Great place

    I stayed for one night Wednesday just to try the showers. The showers were perfect! Hot water even! So clean and beautiful. Recommend!

  • B
    Sep. 4, 2025

    Keller Peak Yellow Post Campsites

    Stunning but Safety Concerns

    I’ve camped at the Keller Peak yellow post sites more than two dozen times over the years and, at their best, they’re incredible. The scenery and isolation are superb—starry skies, quiet nights, and that deep-woods stillness that’s getting harder to find. For years this was my go-to spot. 

    Unfortunately, I’ve also watched trash and waste increase. Please, pack it out—these sites only stay special if we treat them with care. 

    My last trip was frightening enough that I haven’t returned. Late at night a group of locals came to the edge of my site, yelling and using threatening language. They assumed I was homeless despite my SUV and proper camping setup. I was using a portable propane fire pit—which is allowed—and I calmly explained that. I can understand why fire is an issue to locals.  I only felt safe because my small dog has a very loud bark, which kept them from coming closer. They said they were calling a ranger. I left the next morning, shaken. On my way out, I spoke with a park ranger who confirmed propane fire pits are permitted and told me they don’t patrol up there at night because of recurring issues like this. She also mentioned they were trying to move the site to a reservation system to deter homeless use; I’m not sure if that has happened yet. 

    It’s a shame, because this area is one of the best around. I’m sharing this so others can make an informed choice.  

    Pros - Spectacular views and true solitude Cool nights, dark skies, classic forest feel

    Cons -  Rising litter and human waste Nighttime safety concerns due to occasional rowdy visitors Limited ranger presence after dark

     I hope increased stewardship and enforcement can restore the magic here.

  • Kyle K.
    Aug. 28, 2025

    Stoddard Valley OHV

    Nothing special, low expectations and an open mind!

    This spot isn't anything special, but desert camping under the stars is never a bad time. Once the wind settled in the evening, I made some tea and read a book. I saw a shooting star when I laid down in my tent. I really could not have asked for a better nights rest. There is a vault toilet and some rock fire pits scattered around the area. I was there on a Wednesday, didn't see another soul except for the couple that pulled off the highway for a quicky, LOL! The highway isn't too far but the noise is pretty minimal. It was pretty sandy, but not too bad for a street motorcycle

  • AThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 23, 2025

    East Flats

    Nice Peaceful Area

    Wasn’t hard to find a little rough but fairly easy to reach with our Sedan. Couldn’t find too much to do but if you’re looking for a weekend getaway to relax it’s a nice spot.

  • Nickchris G.
    Aug. 18, 2025

    Horsemen's Center

    Horseman's center!

    Beautiful views of the entire city and never bothered by anyone, can do bonfires, and even camp right out my car.

  • Missy R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 17, 2025

    Barstow-Calico KOA

    Great stop on a cross country journey

    I’m just stopping to sleep, but this campground has friendly staff and good amenities. I’m parked under a canopy of trees, which must help on hot summer days.

    They had a general store, bath houses, cabins, dog park and more.

  • Wayne S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 11, 2025

    Applewhite Campground (Ca) — San Bernardino National Forest

    Nice little park

    Very small campground. Camping sites are spread out. The access road is very narrow. We did it with a 22 foot fifth wheel. Space 41 could hold a much longer rig but it would be a challenge even getting to that space. There were only two other campers here while we were here. Lots of trees but not so thick you dont get some sun. The road getting to the campgrounds is somewhat narrow and has some hairpin turns so again it might be difficult for someone with a long trailer We camped at Applewhite Campground in a Fifth Wheel.

  • ken J.
    Jul. 20, 2025

    Holloway's Marina & RV Park

    Horrible for the customer

    I strongly urge you to camp or rent your watersports anywhere else than this place!! The staff here have shown me numerous times over the past few weeks that they don't care about you or your vacation needs!!


Guide to Helendale

Camping opportunities near Helendale, California range from remote desert sites to more developed campgrounds with amenities. The area sits at approximately 2,430 feet elevation in the western Mojave Desert, where camping sites typically feature desert scrub vegetation and exposed terrain. Winter camping brings temperatures that can drop below freezing at night, while spring winds can create challenging conditions for tent campers throughout the region.

What to do

Rock climbing access: 1.5 miles from pavement. At Sawtooth Canyon Campground, rock formations attract climbing enthusiasts. "This canyon is great for a couple of days of climbing. The area is unique from the Mojave topography," notes one camper. The campground features multiple climbing routes suitable for various skill levels.

Hiking desert trails: Explore marked paths. Desert trails provide opportunities to view geological formations and desert wildlife. "There are several nice hikes from the campground," remarks a visitor to Owl Canyon Campground. The colored rock formations create distinctive hiking experiences not commonly found elsewhere in the region.

Historical exploration: Walk to authentic structures. Visitors camping at Calico Ghost Town can access historical mining-era buildings directly from their campsites. "You can't beat having a campsite AND you can enter the ghost town either by foot or drive to the ghost town's parking lot. Your camping fees include all that," explains a camper.

What campers like

Night sky viewing: Minimal light pollution. The remote desert locations offer exceptional stargazing opportunities away from urban light pollution. "The night sky was incredible there," shares one visitor to Sawtooth Canyon. Desert camping sites generally provide unobstructed views of constellations and astronomical events.

Desert wildlife encounters: Dawn and dusk activity. Wildlife sightings include desert foxes, rabbits, and various bird species. "Lots of birds," notes a camper at Mojave Narrows Regional Park. The park's location along the Mojave River creates a unique ecosystem different from surrounding desert terrain.

Space between sites: Room to spread out. Many desert camping areas offer greater privacy than typical campgrounds. "Camp spots are tucked away nicely," reports a visitor to Sawtooth Canyon Campground. "Campsites have shaded tables and are set a bit farther apart," adds another camper about Owl Canyon.

What you should know

Road conditions: Variable access routes. Desert roads to campgrounds can be challenging depending on weather conditions and vehicle type. "Beautiful area, but I couldn't drive in... Road is completely inaccessible and saw many others turning around as well," warns one Sawtooth Canyon visitor, while another advises: "Road is washboarded so keep your speed under 10mph and it's a fairly smooth 5 minute drive."

Limited water sources: Bring supplies. Most desert campgrounds have minimal or no water facilities. "There are 2 water faucets I found in camp but neither are working," reports a camper at Owl Canyon Campground. Water must be carried in for most dispersed camping locations near Helendale.

Noise considerations: Environmental factors. Some campgrounds experience significant noise from nearby transportation routes. "The campground bathrooms are not well maintained... Some reviews mentioned train noise... trains do go by but we did not find them to be overly obnoxious," explains one Mojave Narrows Regional Park visitor.

Tips for camping with families

Water recreation access: Seasonal availability. Mojave Narrows Regional Park offers fishing opportunities in a desert setting. "The lakes are nice, there are mountain views, and some cool hikes to explore in the riverbed area," shares a family camper. Summer visitors can also enjoy the small water park for children.

Playground facilities: Limited availability. Some campgrounds include basic play equipment for younger campers. "There is a playground in the day-use area, a reasonable walking distance from the Horseshoe Lake sites," notes a visitor to Barstow-Calico KOA. The KOA also features "pool, foosball, air hockey" and "a big area out back to ride around in and play baseball."

Structured activities: Ghost town tours. Families camping near Calico Ghost Town can participate in scheduled entertainment. "There was a shooting show going on that was really cool and the boys enjoyed ice cream on a hot day," reports a family visitor to Calico Ghost Town.

Tips from RVers

Site types: Variable hookup options. RV sites across the region range from primitive to full-service. "Section A came with the full hookup, I saw mainly large class A RVs parking there, probably came for a longer time," explains an RVer at Calico Ghost Town. Sites at Mojave Narrows are described as "level, paved, separated FHU sites with picnic tables and fire rings."

Dump station access: Limited availability. Not all campgrounds offer sanitary dump facilities. "We stopped here to use their dump and fill our water tanks, and were directed to the Flying J south of town," reports a camper about Shady Lane RV Camp. RVers should plan waste disposal before arriving at more primitive sites.

Desert-specific considerations: Prepare for conditions. The sandy terrain and temperature fluctuations require specific preparations. "Under new management," notes a visitor to Adelanto RV Park, where "spacious sites" accommodate larger rigs. RVers should check current road conditions before attempting access to more remote locations.

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Helendale, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, Helendale, CA offers a wide range of camping options, with 182 campgrounds and RV parks near Helendale, CA and 20 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Helendale, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Helendale, CA is Sawtooth Canyon Campground with a 4.7-star rating from 36 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Helendale, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 20 free dispersed camping spots near Helendale, CA.

What parks are near Helendale, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 14 parks near Helendale, CA that allow camping, notably Mojave River Dam and San Bernardino National Forest.