Best Campgrounds near Helendale, CA

Camping near Helendale, California, offers a mix of unique experiences, from ghost towns to serene mountain retreats. Whether you're looking for a family-friendly spot or a quiet getaway, there are plenty of options to explore.

What to do:

• Explore Calico Ghost Town: This historic site is just a short drive from Calico Ghost Town. Visitors enjoy walking through the old buildings and learning about the area's mining history. One camper mentioned, "The Ghost town is a fun place to walk through."
• Hit the Trails: For hiking and biking, Dogwood Campground is a great choice. Reviewers rave about the "great mountain bike or hiking trail about 5-6mi loop."
• Enjoy Water Activities: At Silverwood Lake State Recreation Area, you can swim, fish, or just relax by the water. One visitor said, "Can't get out of that place yet. Really fascinating and mesmerizing."

What campers like:

• Spacious Sites: Campers appreciate the roomy sites at Dogwood Campground. One review noted, "Our camp site was very spacious, and it was easy to back in our teardrop trailer."
• Clean Facilities: Many campers highlight the cleanliness of the restrooms and showers. A reviewer at Calico Ghost Town mentioned, "The bathrooms were clean and maintained."
• Friendly Hosts: Campground hosts often receive praise for their helpfulness. A visitor at Hanna Flat Campground said, "The camp hosts are so friendly and even showed us a snake she had caught."

What you should know:

• Noise Levels: Some campgrounds can get noisy, especially on weekends. A camper at Hanna Flat Campground shared, "Quiet time is at 10pm-6am... a large group in the spot right next to us didn’t even show up till 9pm."
• Limited Amenities: Not all campgrounds have full amenities. For example, Sawtooth Canyon Campground has no drinking water or electric hookups, so be prepared.
• Road Conditions: Access roads can be rough. A visitor trying to reach Owl Canyon Campground warned, "Nearly 5 miles of either hard washboard dirt road... or loose sand that you can get stuck in."

Tips for camping with families:

• Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for places like Barstow-Calico KOA, which has amenities like a pool and laundry. One family noted, "We appreciated the pool, hammocks next to the pool, and the treats at the store."
• Plan for Activities: Make sure to have a list of activities. A camper at Hanna Flat Campground mentioned, "There are some lovely trails to walk here."
• Pack Snacks and Drinks: Having snacks on hand can keep the kids happy. A reviewer at Bonita Ranch Campground said, "Campfire wood was easily available and had its own picnic table."

Tips from RVers:

• Check Site Sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site. A camper at Sawtooth Canyon Campground mentioned, "The OHV pull-through site accommodated my 45-foot 5th wheel no problem."
• Be Ready for Limited Services: Some campgrounds, like Dogwood Campground, don’t have sewer hookups or showers, so plan accordingly.
• Watch for Weather: Be mindful of the season. A visitor at Calico Ghost Town advised, "Recommend this as a winter, early spring or late fall" due to high summer temperatures.

Camping near Helendale, California, offers a variety of experiences for everyone. Whether you're exploring ghost towns or enjoying the great outdoors, there's something for every camper.