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."

Best Camping Sites Near Hinkley, California (116)

    1. Owl Canyon Campground

    25 Reviews
    Barstow, CA
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (760) 252-6000

    $6 / night

    "Have to drive through washboard road for about five miles to get to the campground. Nice site with a trail head to Owl Canyon right by the campground. First come first serve site, but $6 per night."

    "Nice level spots with reasonable distance from other campers. The horse campground has no water and is about 1/2 mile from the main campground which has a handful of water stations."

    2. Calico Ghost Town

    41 Reviews
    Yermo, CA
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (760) 254-1123

    "As other reviewers mentioned, most of the campground is tucked into a narrow sort of canyon just below the Ghost Town."

    "We aren't off-roaders but noticed a lot of ATVs around. Seems like the place to be. There are also mountain bike trails around."

    3. Barstow-Calico KOA

    28 Reviews
    Daggett, CA
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (760) 904-3069

    "It is a bit rough around the edges. Easy to miss the turn because it is on road 15 next to highway 15- yikes. Tough on the road weary. It has a dog run."

    "It was very nice except for the sewer drain being at the front end of the site (I had to put an extension on my poop pipe)...the other down side of being in the front is the traffic noise from the highway"

    4. Sawtooth Canyon Campground

    37 Reviews
    Daggett, CA
    22 miles
    Website
    +1 (760) 252-6000

    "I am here in California getting ready to leave the state by FY22 and had to get outside. I have been exploring the idea of going camping and decided to go this weekend."

    "There has been a lot of disrespectful off trail sites being made that is destroying the wilderness that has rebounded since 2003. Before that, it was the wild west."

    5. Shady Lane RV Camp

    9 Reviews
    Barstow, CA
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (760) 256-5322

    "Easy to use and right next to the road. Quite place. hookups."

    "The park is a little distance from the highway, so it's blessedly quiet overall."

    6. Rainbow Basin/Owl Canyon Campground

    4 Reviews
    Barstow, CA
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (760) 252-6000

    $6 / night

    "We camped one night and explored/ hiked around the area. We also did the scenic drive. Very cool spot in the Mojave. We will be back."

    7. Stoddard Valley OHV

    3 Reviews
    Barstow, CA
    11 miles

    "Tucked right off the freeway it is easy to find and not to much noise from the main highway. It is HUGE. Tons of room to spread out."

    "There is a vault toilet and some rock fire pits scattered around the area. I was there on a Wednesday, didn't see another soul except for the couple that pulled off the highway for a quicky, LOL!"

    8. BLM Barstow - Dispersed Camp Area

    4 Reviews
    Joshua Tree National Park, CA
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (760) 252-6000

    "There are several sites at this location that each can hold 5-7 RVs. Each of the sites has a primitive fire ring, but there is no wood in the area, so bring your own."

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Recent Reviews near Hinkley, CA

573 Reviews of 116 Hinkley Campgrounds


  • Gillian L.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 15, 2025

    Barstow-Calico KOA

    Beautiful

    We rolled in after dark. The office is open until 9 pm which was very nice. They sell snacks and supplies. There are cabins for rent along with tent sites in addition to backup and pull through sites. Our site had full hookups. The dog park at the back of the campground was decent size with a gorgeous view of the mountains. There are arched overhead lights through the lanes to help light in the dark. A word of warning, the campground has many oleander flower bushes which are toxic to humans and pets if ingested, so please use caution. There are signs warning of this.

  • Alisa P.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 11, 2025

    Stoddard Valley OHV

    Perfect for off roading

    If you are into ORV riding then this is your place. Tucked right off the freeway it is easy to find and not to much noise from the main highway. It is HUGE. Tons of room to spread out. It is not at all level but if you drive around you can find a spot that will work. If you don’t like dust think twice before coming. The ORV stir up a lot and are very noisy even into the late evening. We enjoyed watching the ORV racing up the hill and all around the park especially at night when they have all the fun lit antennas. There is a vault toilet toward the back of the entrance.

  • Iris V.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 10, 2025

    Sawtooth Canyon Campground

    Stunning Free BLM Campground with Epic Scenery

    Spent some time at Sawtooth Canyon Campground near Barstow, California, and wow—this spot is spectacular. The BLM offers 13 free, first-come-first-served sites nestled against dramatic rock formations. 🌵 Sunsets glow across the cliffs 🌅, and the moonrise over the rocks is unforgettable 🌕🔥.

    The access road is washboarded, so take it slow 🚙💨. Once you’re there, it’s peaceful and wide open. Each site has a picnic table 🪑, fire ring 🔥, and vault toilets 🚻. Plenty of space for trailers and rigs 🚐, and the night sky is breathtaking 🌌.

    If you’re passing through Barstow and want a quiet, beautiful free camping spot, Sawtooth Canyon is absolutely worth it.

  • TThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 30, 2025

    Wagon Wheel Staging Area

    Super spot - great lookout

    A fantastic spot. Great views, sheltered behind rocks, and even with clean restrooms. Many spots—some only accessible by 4WD due to deep sand and dry waterways. There are plenty of 2WD spots, though. Apparently popular with motocross riders on weekends. Everything was completely quiet for us. We were completely alone in the entire area. A wonderful place. We only had internet with T-Mobile across the road on the mountain.

  • Elijah C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 24, 2025

    Big Pine Flat Campground

    50/50

    Sites are nice, there is potable water and toilets BUT there is also a OHV staging area directly across from the campsites. The occasional dirt bike is fine right? So I thought. There was a group of 20+ people partying and playing corridos so loud I couldn’t fall asleep. They had a side by side with large speakers facing the campsite :/ I wouldn’t be annoyed if it was free but I paid $30 to camp and the camp host said this is their turf and there is nothing he can do.

  • K
    Sep. 11, 2025

    Owl Canyon Campground

    Great overnight stop

    Bit of rattle and shake on the road leading in. The sites are well laid out with picnic tables and fire pits plenty of space.

  • C
    Sep. 10, 2025

    serrano camp grounds

    Great place

    I stayed for one night Wednesday just to try the showers. The showers were perfect! Hot water even! So clean and beautiful. Recommend!

  • B
    Sep. 4, 2025

    Keller Peak Yellow Post Campsites

    Stunning but Safety Concerns

    I’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.

  • Kyle K.
    Aug. 28, 2025

    Stoddard Valley OHV

    Nothing special, low expectations and an open mind!

    This spot isn't anything special, but desert camping under the stars is never a bad time. Once the wind settled in the evening, I made some tea and read a book. I saw a shooting star when I laid down in my tent. I really could not have asked for a better nights rest. There is a vault toilet and some rock fire pits scattered around the area. I was there on a Wednesday, didn't see another soul except for the couple that pulled off the highway for a quicky, LOL! The highway isn't too far but the noise is pretty minimal. It was pretty sandy, but not too bad for a street motorcycle


Guide to Hinkley

Camping near Hinkley, California occurs primarily on public lands with minimal shade cover where summer temperatures regularly exceed 110°F. The region sits at approximately 2,100 feet elevation in the Mojave Desert, characterized by alluvial fans, rocky outcroppings, and sparse vegetation. Most sites require driving on unpaved roads that can deteriorate significantly following seasonal flash floods, particularly during July and August monsoon seasons.

What to do

Hiking at Owl Canyon: Follow the main trail at Owl Canyon Campground for a moderate 3-mile round trip hike through limestone formations. "The hikes through the colored rocks are so pretty. It can get pretty windy and trash just gets blown all over so part of our daily activities when we stay here is walking around with our trash pickers and picking up trash that's blown into the washes," notes one camper who regularly visits.

Rock climbing opportunities: The rocky outcroppings at Sawtooth Canyon Campground attract climbers year-round. "This canyon is great for a couple of days of climbing. The area is unique from the Mojave topography. Plus, it is free to camp," reports a regular visitor. The sites are particularly popular on weekends when climbers arrive from Southern California urban centers.

Historical exploration: Visit Calico Ghost Town during your stay to explore mining history. "You can't beat having a campsite AND you can enter the ghost town either by foot or drive to the ghost town's parking lot. Your camping fees include all that. Very cute little town and lots to see," explains a visitor who stayed at the regional park campground nearby.

What campers like

Desert night skies: The minimal light pollution around BLM dispersed camping areas provides exceptional stargazing. "I really could not have asked for a better nights rest. There is a vault toilet and some rock fire pits scattered around the area... The highway isn't too far but the noise is pretty minimal," reports a camper who stayed at Stoddard Valley OHV area.

Affordable camping options: Most BLM sites near Hinkley charge minimal fees compared to private campgrounds. "This is a nice campground with picnic tables, shade covers and fire rings. We camped here in April and it was already getting warm during the day," notes one visitor about Sawtooth Canyon, where camping remains free of charge year-round.

Privacy between sites: Despite the open desert landscape, many campsites offer reasonable separation. "Nice level spots with reasonable distance from other campers. The horse campground has no water and is about 1/2 mile from the main campground which has a handful of water stations," explains a long-term visitor to Owl Canyon Campground.

What you should know

Road conditions: Many dispersed camping areas require traveling on rough roads. "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," warns a visitor about Sawtooth Canyon Campground.

Water limitations: Water sources at most campgrounds are unreliable and sometimes non-functional. "I needed to get some work done in Barstow while I was on the road and this was the closest decent looking campground I could find. There are 2 water faucets I found in camp but neither are working," notes a camper who stayed at Owl Canyon for four nights.

Extreme temperature variations: Weather conditions can change dramatically within 24 hours. "I stayed with a group here for 3 nights a few years ago in October. It was also extremely hot (I think above 110F during the day), but at night it was beautiful. We didn't even need a tent because of the mild temperatures and calm breeze."

Tips for camping with families

Playground access: Barstow-Calico KOA offers family-friendly amenities including playground equipment. "The kids loved the pool and other kids to play with. Great game room with pool, foosball, air hockey etc. big playground and easy campground to bike around," reports a family who stayed at the campground.

Ghost town activities: Children particularly enjoy exploring Calico Ghost Town's attractions. "This place has cool little mining caves and a cool train for kids to ride on. Somethings are locked down due to covid but this place isn't shy of family fun," explains a visitor to Calico Ghost Town.

Wildlife awareness: Prepare children for desert wildlife encounters. "Found some critters including a sidewinder but we are camping in their home so to be expected," notes a camper at Owl Canyon. Bringing field guides or wildlife identification cards can turn potential concerns into educational opportunities.

Tips from RVers

Site selection priorities: Look for level sites with protection from prevailing winds. "I don't have anything negative to say about this location. Nice level spots with reasonable distance from other campers," notes an RVer who spent 14 days at Owl Canyon during winter.

Highway noise considerations: Some campgrounds experience road noise from nearby interstates. "Unfortunately it is extremely close to I-15 and the traffic on 15 never stops. It made for a rough night's sleep. We'll find somewhere else to stay next time," warns an RVer about staying at Barstow-Calico KOA.

Water management: Plan to arrive with full tanks when staying at dispersed sites. "Dry, clean, every spot level, good cell service," reports a visitor to a BLM site near Hinkley, highlighting the need for self-sufficiency regarding water supplies when camping in this desert region.

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Hinkley, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, Hinkley, CA offers a wide range of camping options, with 116 campgrounds and RV parks near Hinkley, CA and 22 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Hinkley, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Hinkley, CA is Owl Canyon Campground with a 4.3-star rating from 25 reviews.

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

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 22 free dispersed camping spots near Hinkley, CA.