The Mojave Desert surrounding Hinkley, California sits at approximately 2,000 feet elevation, creating a climate with extreme temperature fluctuations throughout the year. Winter nights can drop below freezing while summer days regularly exceed 100°F. Several RV parks near Hinkley provide accommodations for travelers exploring this high desert region with varying levels of amenities.
What to do
Desert exploration at Newberry Springs: Located east of Hinkley, Newberry Mountain RV Park offers access to the Mojave Desert landscape. "The lakes here give it a nice feel since it's in the Mojave desert between Barstow and Ludlow California," notes one visitor who appreciated the contrast between the desert surroundings and the park's water features.
Classic Route 66 nostalgia: Several rv parks near Hinkley sit along the historic Route 66 corridor. "The campground (CG) was super easy to find as it was right off I-40 on old Route 66," reports a Newberry Mountain RV Park visitor, highlighting the accessibility for those wanting to experience this iconic roadway.
Cool off during summer travels: When temperatures rise, look for facilities with swimming options. "The best part for me was the pool which was clean and cool," mentions a camper who visited Newberry Mountain RV Park during hot weather.
What campers like
Quiet desert locations: Despite proximity to highways, several campgrounds provide relatively peaceful settings. "The park is a little distance from the highway, so it's blessedly quiet overall," notes a visitor to one area campground.
Full hookup convenience: Most rv parks around Hinkley maintain complete utility connections. At Military Park Barstow Marine Corps Logistics Base Oasis RV Park, "The pads are new concrete and level. There are a few trees along the back of the RV pads. Full hookups and apparently the base WiFi is available by renting a router for the night," according to one military visitor.
Reliable cell service: For those needing to stay connected, coverage is generally good. A military camper at the Barstow base noted that "our cell phones (Verizon) have 4 bars of service," indicating reliable connectivity despite the remote desert location.
What you should know
Military-only facilities: Some rv accommodations near Hinkley have access restrictions. The Military Park Barstow Marine Corps Logistics Base Oasis RV Park is "an active military installation and reserved for armed services members and their families only," as one visitor discovered. "I.D. is required to get on base," confirms a military visitor.
Variable facility conditions: Campground quality varies substantially throughout the region. "A little ran down but everything you can need. Laundry, hook ups and a pay phone," notes one camper describing amenities at an area RV park.
Limited shade coverage: Desert conditions mean minimal natural shade at most facilities. Most sites feature gravel pads with few trees, requiring campers to bring their own shade structures during summer months when temperatures regularly exceed 100°F.
Tips for camping with families
Consider non-military alternatives: With some facilities restricted to military personnel, civilian families should verify access before arrival. "We stopped here looking for a place to camp for the night, and the very polite (but confused) MP advised us that the facility isn't open to the public," reported one traveler attempting to access the military base campground.
Look for recreational amenities: Some parks offer entertainment options that appeal to children. Adelanto RV Park, approximately 40 miles from Hinkley, features family-friendly facilities including "a pool" that "was nice" according to a recent visitor. The same reviewer mentioned "Small dog park with real grass," which can be beneficial for families traveling with pets.
Check pet policies: Most rv parks in the region allow pets, but restrictions may apply. As one camper at an area RV park noted, "The pet area was a sandy strip by the fence," indicating designated areas rather than free range for animals.
Tips from RVers
Call ahead for availability: During busy travel seasons, securing a spot can be challenging. "We had to disconnect and park on the side of this gravel site," notes one RVer at Newberry Mountain RV Park, suggesting limited space configurations at some facilities.
Prepare for temperature extremes: The desert climate demands planning for both heating and cooling. "It was down in the 40s last night," reported one winter visitor at an area RV park, while summer temperatures regularly exceed 100°F, making functional climate control essential.
Monitor fuel prices: Diesel and gasoline costs vary significantly between stations in this remote region. One RVer warned, "we got diesel at the exit a couple of miles west of the campground, and that was the most expensive price we experienced in CA at $6.69/gallon last January," highlighting the importance of fuel planning.
