Best Campgrounds near Hinkley, CA
Campgrounds near Hinkley, California range from established facilities to dispersed camping areas on public lands. The region includes BLM-managed sites like Owl Canyon Campground and Stoddard Valley OHV area for tent and RV camping, while commercial options such as Barstow-Calico KOA offer cabins and glamping accommodations. Calico Ghost Town provides developed campground facilities with hookups for RVs and tent camping areas approximately 20 miles northeast of Hinkley. Several dispersed camping areas on BLM land provide free or low-cost alternatives for self-sufficient campers.
Road access to many camping areas requires preparation, particularly for sites like Owl Canyon Campground. Washboard dirt roads extending 4-5 miles challenge vehicles with low clearance, with several reviews noting access difficulties. The desert climate brings extreme temperature variations, with summer heat often exceeding 100°F while winter nights can drop below freezing. Water availability is limited at most sites, with Owl Canyon's spigots sometimes capped or non-functional. Cell service varies by location but is generally available at established campgrounds. A review described the approach to Owl Canyon as "nearly 5 miles of either hard washboard dirt road shaking parts of the vehicle loose or loose sand that you can get stuck in."
Campers seeking amenities should consider established sites like Barstow-Calico KOA, which provides full hookups, showers, and laundry facilities. For those preferring a more primitive experience, Owl Canyon Campground offers picnic tables with shade structures, fire rings, and pit toilets for $6 per night. The scenic desert landscape provides opportunities for hiking, with the Owl Canyon trail described as "an easy, cool beautiful trek" by one visitor. Wildlife sightings are common, with reviews mentioning encounters with foxes and other desert creatures. Despite challenging access, many campers appreciate the solitude and night skies. One reviewer noted, "We did the main hike at the end of the site. It's about 3.3 miles there and back. This place will stay on our GO BACK list."
