Helendale is the perfect place for adventurous campers and RVers. Helendale is an adventure-filled destination for those who love the outdoorsy camper lifestyle. But it's also great for those who prefer to spend time near the city, exploring and sightseeing. At The Dyrt, campers like you share their favorite spots, plus tips and photos. No matter where you're headed in Helendale, you'll find the best spot for you and your camping crew.
Stoddard Valley OHV
19 min away
Deep Creek Hot Springs Camp Retreat
1 hr 16 min away
"Friendly and we'll stocked office. Staff were always available. Clean showers and bathroom. Pool was cold which is great in the heat. Not all sites have shade but most do."
"It was nice to be able to capitalize on the opportunity to take a shower, do some laundry and top off propane."
$44 - $91 / night
"This camp site is located walking distance to the lake. There are bike paths and walking trails located near the camp ground."
"Flush toilets, clean restrooms, well stocked. Didn't use the showers. Good location. Close to Big Bear Lake. Not much road noise for being located between two roads."
$10 - $119 / night
"Easy access to the hot springs and no services to speak of. Basically a patch of dirt you can occupy for $10 a night. Loved it."
"Super fun place to visit with the hot springs trail. Went in January with snowfall, hardly any campers and nature all around! Two nights are perfect."
$29 - $58 / night
"It’s a nice little getaway from the hustle bustle with decent shade(depending on site) and relatively cool neighbors (campers)."
"There is a lovely hiking trail at the far end of the site. There is water, flush toilets, fire pits, and picnic tables. It is a short walk to Lake Arrowhead. This is a dog friendly site."
$3 - $40 / night
"The Pacific Crest Trail passes nearby.
It is away from the populated cities, but not far from them. It still gives you a sense of seclusion."
"Nice place to camp, weather is around 75 during the day and about 50 to 36 degrees cold through out the night. Has everything you'll need. Bathrooms are close by, showers HOT water available."
$35 - $45 / night
"It's definitely not that far away from the city roughly a 7-10 minute drive up the mountain very chill environment awesome staff very home like feel you're literally a box throw away from the creek if"
"Easy access to a pretty trail right behind the campground. Very quiet and interspersed with long time stayers and temporary campers. I stayed in my van and had my cat and dog with me."
$15 - $119 / night
"You will have to drive 6 miles of mountainous dirt roads to reach the property, but it takes you away from all signs of the city and surrounds you in nature when you get there, making a very nice camping"
"It’s a bit of a drive but very scenic and should be doable in any car. My campsite was big and spacious and looked up at an outcropping of rocks. It had a makeshift fire pit and picnic table."
"It has a great view and secluded. Some chairs, hammock, water, and utensils were left at the picnic table. Everything was dirty so we assumed they were left by previous campers."
TravelerReally good site. Showers, pit toilet, running water, but it's 10$ a night. Hardly any shade unless you get a good site. However they have glamping tents and even own personal hotsprings for a ridiculous fee. I didn't stay there. There is supposed to be blm land around there but everyone keeps it a secret on how to get to where you need to go. The hotsprings is clothing optional, so if you don't mind naked people, or you wanna strip down yourself, you should go check it out 💯💯. Went in early April and it was already really warm in the area
ScoutPros: campground is very short walk to Lytle Creek. Also close to the trail for a hike to Bonita Falls.
Cons: Not enough bathroom facilities for the amount of campsites. Women’s restrooms had only two stalls, constantly a long line. Also quiet hours are not enforced.
Bring cash if you want to rent a fire pit. Sites do not have their own fire rings and you must rent one.
TravelerThis camp site is located walking distance to the lake. There are bike paths and walking trails located near the camp ground. The bathrooms are very well kept, everything is clean and the showers have warm water. Each camp site has more than enough room to set up tents and chairs and not feel cramped. My only ding about this campground would be the fire pits, which are 8 inches off the ground and the cooling grate is welding off to the side making inefficient to utilize for cooking. If you go during summer time there is a kayak rental shop walking distance from the camp grounds.
TravelerSo this weekend, I got a wild hair up my butt to go camping. Keep in mind I’m 8 months pregnant and kept forgetting everything at my house.
With that said, I tried Silverwood to late and KNEW that it’d be packed. I was a bit disappointed but came across North shore.
It’s a nice little getaway from the hustle bustle with decent shade(depending on site) and relatively cool neighbors (campers).
I will say it’s down the way from a community hospital so you might here some forms of traffic including a rescue helicopter but it’s not an end all.
Again this was not my first choice. We got there and found no showers but they did have running toilets and cool tap water near our site. We totally lucked out and were able to switch with a couple who wanted more privacy and shade.
We eventually stayed on site 4 which was even and open. Our tent (as pictured) was nestled amongst the few trees on our site- only downside was the constant traffic going to and from sites 5/6- a bit of a drag. I felt like it was the prefect spot given the leveled ground and the fact that we had a kid and dog posse.
But let me tell you about the ranger named Shawn. Omg, he’s a character but he’s a good one. Gave him a tip, he tried to help us not spend money unnecessarily on wood and lent us his ax to go collect nearby. Super chill, down to earth guy who was just generally a lover of nature- you could tell.
Again, no showers. A bit of noise, but manageable. Quiet hours are the usual 10-7 but we unfortunately were situated next to a group that violated both times- how can someone go to bed after 10 and manage to wake up before 7 and make noise is beyond me....but it’s also been a while since I knew what having no kids and a dog meant- lol.
Would recommend IF you reserve a decent site. The first one we originally had was 3, super hilly and not leveled. Recommend 4,5,6 if you can and even the one right next to that (assuming it’s 7). Lake is a stones throw away!
Hope that helps!
ScoutNice sized spot. We stayed on site 15, with a great view. Fire pit came in handy with a cooking grate and parking spaces are large enough for a small RV.
RangerIt's definitely not that far away from the city roughly a 7-10 minute drive up the mountain very chill environment awesome staff very home like feel you're literally a box throw away from the creek if you're not really big on hiking but enjoy the scenery this would probably be a good way for you to experience the outdoors in the creek not really any fishing there but you could definitely enjoy the ice cold water on a really super hot day The falls are located fairly close unfortunately people suck and have managed to turn it into a tagging area but if you can see past that it's quite enjoyable some days it's very crowded and some days it's really dead we'll definitely be returning to this place
GuideFriendly and we'll stocked office. Staff were always available. Clean showers and bathroom. Pool was cold which is great in the heat. Not all sites have shade but most do.
TravelerThis is a nice site with lots of shade. There is a lovely hiking trail at the far end of the site. There is water, flush toilets, fire pits, and picnic tables. It is a short walk to Lake Arrowhead. This is a dog friendly site. Sadly the sites are small with no space between the sites. The noise restrictions after 10pm are not enforced so bring ear plugs. Expect a lot of people walking through your site.
ScoutI’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.
Frequently Asked Questions
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According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular glamping campground near Helendale, CA is Barstow-Calico KOA with a 3.6-star rating from 27 reviews.
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