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Best Campgrounds near Highland, CA

1,435 Reviews

Highland in Southern California has several good camping spots nearby. Hidden Valley Campground at Joshua Tree National Park draws many campers who like its rock formations and hiking trails. You'll find basic facilities here - pit toilets and picnic tables - but no water, so pack in what you'll need. Large Horse Camp, another Joshua Tree option, has special sites with corrals for people camping with horses. The campgrounds around Highland put you close to desert landscapes and great stargazing. Watch for wildlife like coyotes and desert tortoises, and store your food properly. Spring and fall have the best weather for camping here. Summer gets really hot, and winter nights can be cold. Always check if there are any closures before you head out. Don't expect fancy amenities at these sites - they're pretty basic with no showers or flush toilets. Make sure to follow Leave No Trace practices while camping. The Highland area campgrounds give you a good chance to unplug in the quiet desert. There's something worthwhile here whether you hike, climb, or just want to relax.

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Best Camping Sites Near Highland, California (345)

    1. Dogwood

    33 Reviews
    Rimforest, CA
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (909) 336-6717

    $40 - $81 / night

    "The trees are massive and plenty and make you feel like you are a million miles away from the hustle and bustle of California."

    "The campground overall is really pretty and in a great location in Lake Arrowhead. However, we made the mistake of booking site 005, which is right on a ridge... it was SO windy."

    2. Yucaipa Regional Park

    20 Reviews
    Yucaipa, CA
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (909) 790-3127

    "Tons of hiking trails and within 30 min drive of major shopping/grocery stores. Big Bear is about an hour away with and awesome drive up the mountain."

    "Close to the city but far enough away from the lights. There is a ton of stuff to do here. Fishing, kayaking, hiking, water slides, disc golf, bike trails. The RV spots are beyond huge!"

    3. Lake Perris State Recreational Area Campground

    35 Reviews
    Moreno Valley, CA
    16 miles

    $300 / night

    "It is right next to the lake which has a swimming area, bike path, climbing area, Hiking trails, along with a camp store which has boat rentals and much more!  "

    "Paved full hookup sites right next to each other but quiet neighbors. Campground is just 5minutes from busy town."

    4. Serrano

    35 Reviews
    Big Bear Lake, CA
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (909) 866-8021

    $44 - $91 / night

    "We camped just a few steps away from the lake, there were other campers there but the campgrounds are far enough away from each other."

    "This camp site is located walking distance to the lake. There are bike paths and walking trails located near the camp ground."

    5. Thomas Hunting Grounds Yellow Post Campites

    13 Reviews
    Angelus Oaks, CA
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (909) 382-2882

    "Most of the sites have incredible views looking out over Lake Hemet and of the San Jacinto mountains."

    "Fun off-road adventure to get to the site. Minimal sites so not much crowding."

    6. Hanna Flat Campground

    25 Reviews
    Fawnskin, CA
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (909) 382-2790

    $33 - $67 / night

    "We were tucked up into the hill side with neighbors far enough sway to make it very private. There were no showers so we brought our travel one and hung it from a branch."

    "We arrived at Hanna Flat campground around 11 am on Friday, August 21. First thing about the campground is that the road to get to it is pretty rough."

    7. Skypark Camp RV Resort

    11 Reviews
    Skyforest, CA
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (909) 744-9927

    $50 - $100 / night

    "Lake Arrowhead is close for supplies or food.  "

    "Views are worth it and this is so conveniently located next to Santa's Village.

    Will definitely be coming back again sooner than later!"

    8. Mesa Campground — Silverwood Lake State Recreation Area

    25 Reviews
    Cedarpines Park, CA
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (760) 389-2281

    $350 / night

    "Silverwood Lake was just that. Lush green mountains in the back drop that surrounded every view you turned to take in. "You need to recharge your batteries!""

    "ATV with ice cream and firewood comes around right before dark. Campsites are a bit crowded for my liking. Access to the Silverwood Lake recreation area is a great benefit."

    9. North Shore Campground - Lake Almanor

    13 Reviews
    Cedar Glen, CA
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (909) 866-8550

    $29 - $58 / night

    "Spaces are pretty close together and small, but we got lucky and didn’t have anyone around us (likely due to bad air quality). If you kayak this is a great place to camp, it’s right next to the lake."

    "Lake arrowhead isn't a public lake so it's a bit of a drive to do any water activities, but there was a close offroad trail."

    10. San Gorgonio Campground

    21 Reviews
    Big Bear Lake, CA
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (909) 866-8550

    $34 - $69 / night

    "San Gorgonio, aptly named for the famed crown peak near by, is a nice mix of family friendly and weekend escape."

    "If you live in Southern California and haven't climbed the highest peak, you need to get out there and experience nature."

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Guide to Highland

Camping near Highland, California, offers a mix of stunning landscapes and unique experiences. Whether you're looking for a quiet retreat or an adventurous getaway, there are several campgrounds nearby that cater to different preferences.

What to do:

  • Explore Joshua Tree National Park: This park is famous for its unique rock formations and hiking trails. One camper noted, "The rock formations are incredible. If you like hiking (without your pet), then you should enjoy this area."
  • Visit San Onofre State Beach: Just a short drive away, this beach offers beautiful views and great spots for swimming. A visitor mentioned, "Nice campground. 1.5 miles from the ocean. Sites are quite large with bushes/trees between sites."
  • Check out Calico Ghost Town: This historic site provides a glimpse into California's mining past. One camper shared, "The Ghost town is a fun place to walk through."

What campers like:

  • Scenic views: Campers often rave about the beautiful surroundings. One review from Hidden Valley Campground said, "The campground flanks some large rock formations that host rock climbers during the day."
  • Quiet atmosphere: Many appreciate the peacefulness of the campgrounds. A camper at Black Rock Campground remarked, "Beautiful place. Cell service was very good."
  • Wildlife encounters: Campers enjoy spotting local wildlife. One visitor at Indian Cove Campground mentioned, "Talk about waking up with the sound of coyotes in your camp; it was so peaceful."

What you should know:

  • Limited amenities: Some campgrounds, like Hidden Valley Campground, do not offer drinking water or electric hookups. A reviewer noted, "The Campground offers the most basic accommodations as toilets; no water or showers."
  • First-come, first-served: Many sites operate on a first-come, first-served basis, so arriving early is key. A camper at Black Rock Campground advised, "Don’t get there at night because the roads are not well marked."
  • Weather can vary: Be prepared for temperature swings, especially in desert areas. One camper at Indian Cove Campground mentioned, "It does get extremely hot as it’s in the desert, and there’s little to no shade."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose campgrounds with amenities: Look for places like San Mateo Campground that offer clean facilities and nearby activities. A family reviewer said, "Clean bathrooms and showers, but we stayed midweek and the place was very, very minimally occupied."
  • Plan for activities: Bring games or outdoor toys to keep kids entertained. One camper at Lake Hemet Campground noted, "You can fit two 10' x10' canopies to cover the bench table, and fit 2 individual tents."
  • Be mindful of noise: Some campgrounds can get loud, especially on weekends. A visitor at San Clemente State Beach Campground mentioned, "Music way too loud... I'm just not going there."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check site sizes: Make sure your RV fits the campground's specifications. A reviewer at Black Rock Campground suggested, "If you have a RV/Trailer/Van you may want some block to help get you level."
  • Look for full hookups: Campgrounds like Lake Hemet Campground offer full hookups, which can make your stay more comfortable. One camper said, "The site was nice and easy to access."
  • Be prepared for limited cell service: Many campgrounds have spotty reception. A camper at San Mateo Campground noted, "Verizon is basically a dead zone in that area."

Camping around Highland, CA, has something for everyone, from families to solo adventurers. Just remember to plan ahead and enjoy the beautiful California outdoors!

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Highland, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, Highland, CA offers a wide range of camping options, with 345 campgrounds and RV parks near Highland, CA and 26 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Highland, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Highland, CA is Dogwood with a 4.7-star rating from 33 reviews.

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

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 26 free dispersed camping spots near Highland, CA.

What parks are near Highland, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 9 parks near Highland, CA that allow camping, notably Bankhead National Forest and Chugach National Forest.

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