2 campgrounds with availability this weekend
Barstow-Calico KOA and Mojave River Forks Regional Park both house distinct glamping accommodations near Hinkley, providing elevated camping experiences in the California desert. Travelers seeking comfort amidst natural surroundings will find safari tents and yurts with comfortable bedding, electricity, and essential amenities not available at standard campsites. "Beautiful desert site with a gorgeous view of the desert and mountains," noted one guest about the Barstow-Calico location. Deep Creek Hot Springs Camp Retreat offers additional glamping options with 35 sites featuring canvas accommodations. These properties provide picnic tables, trash service, and drinking water, distinguishing them from primitive camping. Most glamping sites include fire rings for evening ambiance, while some offer luxurious additions like private showers and kitchenettes.
The glamping experience near Hinkley extends beyond comfortable accommodations to include numerous recreational opportunities. Guests at Barstow-Calico KOA can enjoy the refreshing swimming pool, archery range, and playground facilities. One visitor mentioned, "We appreciated the pool, hammocks next to the pool, and the treats at the store." The historic Calico Ghost Town sits just 3 miles from the KOA, offering a fascinating day trip opportunity. At Mojave River Forks Regional Park, glampers have access to hiking trails and can explore the surrounding desert landscape. Deep Creek Hot Springs Camp Retreat provides access to natural hot springs for a therapeutic soaking experience. Most glamping properties maintain year-round availability, though summer temperatures frequently exceed 100°F, making spring and fall visits more comfortable for outdoor activities.
"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."
from $75 - $110 / night
"This camp site is located walking distance to the lake. There are bike paths and walking trails located near the camp ground."
"The staff were friendly and helpful. The place is well maintained and clean. Campsites have ample spaces in between there are a lot of flat places to pitch our tents."
Available this weekend
from $44 - $91 / night
"We stayed here for four nights and actually enjoyed it in spite of the heat during the afternoon hours. Our space was on the end so we had a lot of privacy but near the I-40. "
"The old caboose, the Hwy 66 hotel mural, and the ducks around the pond were a nice touch. They had a shower house and laundry, but we did not use them."
"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."
from $29 - $58 / 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."
from $10 - $119 / 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."
from $3 - $40 / night
"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."
"Came across this property while on the hunt for a getaway from the Vegas heat."
"Very friendly hosting staff. Quirky because it feels like you’re staying at someone’s cabin. There’s an outdoor tool shop at the front, a little fish cleaning cabin that make you feel at home."
from $55 - $90 / night
TravelerWe liked it a lot. It was our first time there and newbie camper so I didn’t pick the best spot, but it’s a great location, close to the river… I had my dog so we walked the campground quite a bit and it’s good size and I saw a lot of other sites that I would have preferred. The bathroom wasn’t terrible, typical I’d say. The woman working the front was very helpful and nice. Little store close too.
GuideNice KOA for an overnight stop. The campground is clean, quiet, and well maintained, and the dog park was excellent—our dogs really enjoyed stretching their legs after a long drive. The only issue was the pull-through full-hookup site. The sewer connection was on the wrong (driver's) side and located near the front of the truck, so our standard sewer hose wouldn't reach. We needed about a 30-foot sewer hose to make the connection. Overall, we'd definitely stay here again. Just be prepared if you plan to use the sewer hookup in a pull-through site.
TravelerBeautiful, well maintenance, great experience. So clean.
GuideI came through for an overnight on my trip down from SEKI and ultimately toward the southeastern USA. The drive in was not the most enjoyable, bumpy with 15mph hairpins, but the campground was quiet, and the showers we're VERY clean and hot... (They are push button, but you can keep pushing the button every 8 seconds (it lasts only 10 if you don't). The cleanliness of this place alone would leave it on my list of potential return stops.
GuideMy husband and I were just passing through, and I personally wouldn't stay there again. It was very dusty and depressing. There was a dog that had been dumped there, and I could see that the staff had been taking care of it, seemed like good people making the best of a bad area.
ScoutGood campground with all the amenities, right off the highway.
GuideWe 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.
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.
ScoutBeautiful views of the entire city and never bothered by anyone, can do bonfires, and even camp right out my car.
Campers visiting Hinkley, California can find several established campgrounds and primitive sites within a 30-mile radius. The area sits at the edge of the Mojave Desert at approximately 2,100 feet elevation, where summer temperatures regularly exceed 100°F and winter nights can drop below freezing. The surrounding terrain features desert scrub vegetation with Joshua trees scattered throughout higher elevations, offering minimal natural shade at most campsites.
Hiking to natural hot springs: Deep Creek Hot Springs Campground provides direct trail access to natural thermal pools. "The hike to the springs is pretty rough but also worth it when you get there," notes one visitor about the rocky terrain leading to the clothing-optional springs.
Visit historic sites: Located just 3 miles from Barstow-Calico KOA, Calico Ghost Town offers a glimpse into the region's mining history. "We decited to spend the night, they have all the nice things in the store, pool, quite place," reported one camper who used the KOA as a base for exploration.
Family recreation areas: Mojave River Forks Regional Park offers spacious sites with multiple hiking options. A recent visitor noted, "We found the campground to be very clean and well-maintained. The toilet facilities were also very clean and did not smell."
Convenient amenities: Even in this remote desert location, Newberry Mountain RV Park offers full hookup sites with concrete pads. "The campground (CG) was super easy to find as it was right off I-40 on old Route 66. Our check-in could not have been easier, and the reception was very nice," explains one reviewer.
Water features: Some glamping properties near Hinkley include small ponds or pools to offset the desert heat. One visitor to Newberry Mountain mentioned, "The old caboose, the Hwy 66 hotel mural, and the ducks around the pond were a nice touch."
Stargazing opportunities: The desert darkness provides exceptional night sky viewing. At Keller Peak Yellow Post Campsites, campers appreciate the isolation: "There are only 9 sites stretched across 5 miles so you will have no neighbors. Each site is decent size and tucked away into the rocks."
Weather extremes: The Mojave Desert experiences dramatic temperature swings. At Arabian RV Oasis, a camper noted, "Level sites, electric (30 used) water and sewer. Little shade - over 106 when there late Aug."
Limited water access: Most dispersed camping areas require bringing all necessary water. At Deep Creek Hot Springs Camp Retreat, facilities include "drinking water, fires allowed, firewood, pets allowed, picnic table, reservable, showers, toilets, trash."
Reservation requirements: Many campgrounds fill quickly during cooler months. "It's a nice pool and other kids to play with. Great game room with pool, foosball, air hockey etc. big playground and easy campground to bike around," noted a family who secured a spot at Barstow-Calico KOA.
Playground facilities: Some glamping sites near Hinkley offer child-specific amenities. A visitor to Serrano shared, "We had a double spot and it was very spacious which is what we were looking for because we had 5 kids, 4 dogs, and 7 adults."
Educational opportunities: Use the desert landscape for learning experiences. "Hike up to the watch tower and check out all the hummingbirds!" recommended a camper at Keller Peak Yellow Post Campsites, referring to the nearby fire lookout.
Cooler weather planning: Schedule family trips during spring or fall. One camper at Serrano reported, "We were in Serrano for 2 night past Memorial Day and it was wonderful. The campsites are clean, have clean bathrooms/shower access, and they sell firewood for $10."
Cell service considerations: Mobile reception varies widely throughout the area. At Mojave River Forks Regional Park, visitors reported, "T-Mobile signal was poor and Verizon and AT&T cell signals were slightly better."
Hookup logistics: Many RV sites offer full services despite remote locations. "We had full hookups and check-in was easy. Our near-end site was great for our dogs since no one was booked at the end so we had plenty of space," noted a traveler at Newberry Mountain RV Park.
Accessibility concerns: Some glamping facilities near Hinkley require navigating dirt roads. "Rough ride in but totally worth it," commented a visitor about Deep Creek, highlighting the need for appropriate vehicles when accessing some sites.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular glamping campsite near Hinkley, CA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular glamping campground near Hinkley, CA is Barstow-Calico KOA with a 3.7-star rating from 31 reviews.
What is the best site to find glamping camping near Hinkley, CA?
TheDyrt.com has all 15 glamping camping locations near Hinkley, CA, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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