Best Tent Camping near Highland, CA

Recent Tent Reviews near Highland, California

1231 Reviews of 56 Highland Campgrounds

• 

  Rich J.

  Ranger

  

  Feb. 7, 2025

  Mojave Narrows Regional Park - CLOSED TIL FURTHER NOTICE

  Conflicted

  This campground could be a 5 rating...level,paved, separated FHU sites with picnic tables and fire rings. Hiking and bike trails. Lots of birds. Fishing. Wide open spaces. BUT the campground bathrooms are not well maintained...no hot water, handle fell off shower, and not clean. Some reviews mentioned train noise...trains do go by but we did not find them to be overly obnoxious...we have had way worse

• 

  Ryan W.

  Legend

  

  Feb. 6, 2025

  Black Rock Campground — Joshua Tree National Park

  Access to both the community and park of Joshua Tree.

  This is a great example of a park that should get the 1/2 star. If an option, I'd give it 4.5 stars, and nick it only because of the minimal bathroom maintenance done after a weekend. I'd note, I think that is more due to staffing than care.

  The campground was lightly populated during our February visit, which was a bit surprising considering the other JTree camps inside the park were full. I chose our site online only knowing that it was on the outer ring of sites. It turned out to be a huge site with great views of the CA hiking and riding trail (out the back of the site).

  Other pros:

  • There is a small gift store in the DOI building that is accompanied by an excellent little art gallery. The featured artist was Diane Best. It was clearly inspired by the park. The ranger and host at the store were very helpful with information about the surrounding area.
  • Trails run right out of camp...lots of them...of all different difficulty levels. Something for everyone, and each of the trails we hiked, or came across were very well signed, which in the desert is appreciated.
  • Big oversized sites. Big oversized tables.
  • Ash dumping stations with shovels and buckets.
  • The campground is on the outside border of the park. Meaning you don't have to go wait in line at the entrance to access it in and out, and it is much easier to get into Yucca Valley or Joshua Tree if you're both camping and want to visit a restaurant or shop. Very convenient location.
  • 5g cell service at camp...if you're into that sort of thing.
  • Separate parking for hiking trailheads keeps the park traffic down.
  • Potable water around the park.
  • Bathrooms with flush toilets (no showers).

  Not so good notes: 

  • The sites are close to each other. If it were a full camp, it would be a lot less peaceful.
  • The park roads are rough...like falling apart rough. Not an issue for most unless you were in a small or low vehicle.
  • The camp host was not seen during our visit, and the bathrooms were not cleaned well. We arrived on a Monday. They weren't overly dirty but were not serviced during our stay.
  • Some sites have nice new campfire rings. Ours had a very old, barely above ground one. I dug it out to feel a little safer having a nice fire.

  This has nothing to do with campground operations, but remember this is the high desert! There is wind—gusty wind. There is sun. Nights get cold. Be aware of the weather and the surroundings.

  We had a lovely campfire on night one. The second night was windier at about 15mph with gusts and we chose not to light one, but there wasn't a red flag warning or restriction. Another site nearby (upwind) had a big campfire and were definitely not safe about it. It was a bit nerve-wracking being down the hill from them. 

  In the morning, asked the park ranger what would cause them to institute a warning, and he said the call wasn't made by the rangers on-site, but rather someone in admin elsewhere. That was surprising, and he commented that it is a challenge they've been working to change because all the rangers were up all night waiting for the call that a fire had started. I relay that to say, that when starting a fire please use common sense and caution. That completes my after school special.

  I would definitely recommend this campground if you're looking for access to hiking, Joshua Tree NP but away from the core tourist areas, and also wanting to dip into town. It is conveniently located with lovely scenery.

• s

  scott D.

  Scout

  

  Jan. 31, 2025

  Sawtooth Canyon Campground

  Beautiful campground

  East access. 1.5 miles from pavement. Road is washboarded so keep your speed under 10mph and its a fairly smooth 5 minute drive. Very clean, great a views, almost empty in January.

• T

  Troy A.

  Traveler

  

  Jan. 27, 2025

  Rancho Jurupa RV Park

  Nice and Safe Campground

  This place was nice. Great sense of community and great placement of the gates for safety purposes. Lots of food spots within 10 minutes. Spaces are one of the cleanest I seen. Ranger is on constant patrol. Low-key felt like bikini bottom. Only knock is… no wifi. Great spot overall though

• 

  Frank M.

  Traveler

  

  Jan. 22, 2025

  Blue Jay Campground - TEMPORARILY CLOSED

  Closed

  The "Airport Fire" burned through the area and their website says they are temporarily closed.

• k

  k K.

  Scout

  

  Jan. 21, 2025

  O'Neill Regional Park

  Nice close getaway from OC

  You can be camping 20-30 mins away from Irvine. Facilities are clean and well maintained. We stayed at 42 which was right across the from the bathrooms, the noise was manageable and it was convenient to be close to the facilities. The other side was the river but it was dry. It’s a nice camping spot for beginners or just a place to get away.

  Will definitely come again

• 

  Kate W.

  Legend

  

  Jan. 19, 2025

  Dripping Springs Campground

  Simple but great

  I really have come to love Dripping Springs campground. There's a great hike right out the end of the campground, although it gets HOT because this is more desert land than forest. I've stayed in a few sites and I think 14 has become my favorite even though you are kind of exposed, it's huge and it's away from all the other sites. I did see a baby scorpion in the bathroom once, so beware. There's a nice little cafe down the road and a winery a bit further that I like with a beautiful view.

• 

  Julie K.

  Guide

  

  Jan. 6, 2025

  Black Rock Campground — Joshua Tree National Park

  Close to Joshua Tree NP but not a stellar CG for $35/night

  The CG was very well maintained in that the bathrooms were clean, not much trash and very nice camp hosts.  However, the sites were close together, narrow roads and the sites were not level. We found a rock to level our van which helped, but flat spots were expected. The price per night increased on 1/1/25 which was the night we arrived. 

  NOTE: after visiting JTNP I learned that many campgrounds in the main part of the park had no water so extra props to this CG for water.

• 

  5 STAR X P.

  Guide

  

  Dec. 23, 2024

  Sawtooth Canyon Campground

  Nice camp for barstow stop over

  Lots of camping options here, even if you dont arrive early to get one of the established sites with picnic tables

• 

  Paulina B.

  Ranger

  

  Dec. 7, 2024

  Sam's Family Spa RV Resort & Motel

  Worth it for Long Term Stays

  Sam’s Family Spa offers a mixed experience with steep daily rates, decent weekly rates, and an unbeatable deal for monthly stays. The mineral-fed hot springs and heated pool area are highlights, though access requires wristbands and a bathroom code. Mail delivery is convenient, but the lack of security at the campground entrance feels like a gap. The west side of the park boasts stunning views, and the grounds feature a variety of interesting desert plants. However, the overall experience didn’t quite match the polished image portrayed on the website. Still, its proximity to Palm Springs and relaxing hot springs make it a worthwhile option for longer stays

• T

  Troy A.

  Traveler

  

  Dec. 2, 2024

  Prado Regional Park

  Great Local Getaway

  Perfect to get out of the city but still be in it. Campgrounds have more than enough privacy with each one being about 15 to 20 yards apart. A ton of recreational things to do. Quiet at night.

• 

  daniel Q.

  Traveler

  

  Dec. 1, 2024

  Pioneertown Corrals

  $60 too much

  Nice place, beautifull views, good bar. Rustic place for camping. Just to sleep, no services.

• 

  Karen M.

  Scout

  

  Nov. 30, 2024

  Joshua Tree RV & Campground

  Clean, safe and friendly spot

  Located close to the town of Joshua Tree so you can still grab a bite to eat if you’re not up to cooking. Easy access to the west entry gate but this gate tends to get busy on holiday weekends. Campground is clean and quiet. They rent every other spot so you’re not quite on top of your neighbors. Camp staff super helpful and friendly. Bring your own table as outdoor tables are limited. Nice community area with picnic tables, microwave, bbq, and games.

• K

  Kolten J.

  Traveler

  

  Nov. 28, 2024

  Wildomar Campground

  Decent space.

  Roads were bumpy but made it in a super low clearance rv (21ft). Had the place all to ourselves. A bit close to the other sites. Not bad

• 

  Mark D.

  Traveler

  

  Nov. 25, 2024

  Black Rock Campground — Joshua Tree National Park

  Easy access

  Reservations are required but the park is easily accessible. We picked an easy location for our maiden voyage and the need for cell service for my spouse. Cell service was just adequate. Facilities are clean and well kept. Visitors center staff was friendly and helpful. Sites are decently spaced but there will be sharing with RV’s and generators. I would stay here again but if time permits the sites within Joshua Tree NP would be my preference.

• 

  Annie G.

  Traveler

  

  Nov. 22, 2024

  Sawtooth Canyon Campground

  Roads aren't accessible

  Beautiful area, but I couldn't drive in.. Road is completely inaccessible and saw many others turning around as well . I'm in a Kia SUV and this road is like Godzilla shaking your rig, and giant waves of the ground make it completely inaccessible. I don't know how ppl drive here, probably are just risking their cars and rigs, that's for sure

• 

  Brittany W.

  Scout

  

  Oct. 5, 2024

  Cherry Valley Lakes

  Convenient Location for Seeing Family

  Staff all friendly and facilities while dated are kept very clean. Campers are respectful and quit at night but it’s a very noisy location right next to the freeway which took some getting used to the first few days.

• T

  Tony B.

  Traveler

  

  Sep. 27, 2024

  South Ridge Yellow Post Sites

  Awesome dispersed site with amazing views

  Very nice to find a campsite this private on a weekend in southern California elevation is high enough that temperatures were very enjoyable (mid 80's)

• R

  Rosalina P.

  Scout

  

  Sep. 22, 2024

  Mesa Campground — Silverwood Lake State Recreation Area

  Fun for groups!

  Just had the best weekend even with the 3 bears that decided to come by. Group of 30 . Definitely a good time. Be careful with the bears! 😮‍💨🥰🏕️

• M

  Molly A.

  Guide

  

  Sep. 18, 2024

  Tool Box Springs - Yellow Post Campground

  Canpsites a plenty

  There’s a few designated camp areas up this way. Went out in early Sept 2024 and the road was fine. I drive a lifted AWD overloaded Honda Element and I had no issue. There were two sections on the final ascent loop to the top of Thomas Mountain that were a little scratchy. You do not need to complete the final ascent to the top to enjoy the camping areas. Although if your car is capable there’s an excellent spot at the very end of the loop.

• 

  Laura M.

  Legend

  

  Sep. 14, 2024

  Black Rock Campground — Joshua Tree National Park

  Beautiful

  This place is reservation only, through recreation.gov. The rangers at the visitor center do not handle anything with reservations whatsoever. We managed to get two nights fairly last minute, only to arrive and find the campground mostly empty. That’s pretty aggravating, probably due to people making reservations and not showing up. 

  Sites are $25/night, and rec.gov does not charge a processing fee, which is so nice. 

  The roads throughout the campground are in terrible shape, but we managed in our 26ft class C. The roads and many of the sites are washed out and crumbling. Most sites are not level. Our site,#90, was ok with leveling blocks. 

  There’s recycling here (no glass accepted), trash dumpsters, flush toilets, and a free dump station with potable water fill. No showers here. There are many hiking trails directly from the campground, which is nice, but dogs are not allowed on the trails. 

  ATT had good service and Verizon was usable but very weak.

• 

  Chris M.

  Scout

  

  Sep. 6, 2024

  North Shore Campground - Lake Almanor

  Filthy, Dusty, Rude, One and Done

  Booked this campground for 3 nights, in large part for the hot showers. The showers and bathroom facilities are frankly disgusting and not something we would us, nor would our friends who were there with us. The staff was rude and provided the typical"we don't provide refunds" when we told them respectfully we we're leaving after the first night. The campground was a wierd mix of what looked liked full-time campers but mostly no one was occupying the sites that there campers and belongings were left at. Post apocalyptic vibe, can you say ghost town. North Shore Campground is a dusty one and done for us. Caveat emptor.

• 

  Ben M.

  Scout

  

  Sep. 4, 2024

  The Secret Place

  Incredible view

  Well secluded sites each with an incredible view!

• 

  Rhyn E.

  Guide

  

  Sep. 3, 2024

  Tool Box Springs - Yellow Post Campground

  Oasis of calm

  Labor Day weekend. We occupied the only spot out of five. Lots of wildlife. Raccoons in the night, gray squirrel, other squirrels, many birds. So much

• 

  Suly&Fabian L.

  Guide

  

  Sep. 2, 2024

  Southfork Campground

  Nature beautiful, human horrible

  There are 21 campsites and not all have tree’s but its walking distance from the creek. Its nestled between mountains and the night sky is gorgeous. We saw wild ducks too and some other desert critters. Has it not been for the nasty animals called inconsiderate humans blasting their music and fighting amongst themselves bringing their family drama until 6am, the camp site would have been marvelous. No ranger to domesticate those animals and remind them of quiet hours. Another group even brought a dj and karaoke. Seriously, no consideration for the rest of the campers. They want to get away from the hustle and bustle and be with nature but they can’f live without the modern day amenities and bring that noise we are all trying to escape to a place of nature. They even had BB guns and shooting them within the campsite. Idiots. The day the ranger did come by he was giving tickets to vehicles with no pass. Wish he came at night when he was most needed. Bathrooms are poorly maintained too. Never coming back for an overnight stay, a day trip will suffice.

• 

  jennifer G.

  Traveler

  

  Sep. 1, 2024

  O'Neill Regional Park

  Great little campground in south OC!

  Clean, quiet campground located in one of the OC Parks, with plenty of trails for hiking, mountain biking, and equestrian use. I stayed here on a weekday, and there were a few couple of vacant campsites in my area, so it was an extremely quiet visit. Bathrooms were clean and well stocked for my stay. I didn’t use the showers since I was only staying one night, but I heard they were free!

  Rangers were very friendly and firewood was only $5 for a decent bundle that lasted me over 2 hours.

  The city of Rancho Santa Margarita is right up the hill, so you can grab food and any necessities if needed.

  My site backed to the creek, so I never had people walking through my campsite.

  My dog & I slept in my van, but there was room for multiple tents, and a decent amount of shade in my spot.

  My spot didn’t have its own water spigot, but there was one at a site across from me.

  I was fortunate that all of the campers around me were quiet and considerate. I know that it doesn’t always work out that way, and having obnoxious neighbors can really ruin your experience.

• 

  Alexander R.

  Scout

  

  Aug. 31, 2024

  2N17 Pooh’s Thotful Spot

  Large spot very quiet for a holiday weekend

  A large spot big enough for a small group. However, limited flat terrain for tent/ vehicle. A creek runs by with some access to some good hammocking trees.

  A weird little shrine to Winnie the Pooh is behind the spot. Don’t know what to make of that.