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Best Campgrounds near Lancaster, CA

688 Reviews

Lancaster, California provides access to several campgrounds across the high desert of the Antelope Valley. Within an hour's drive, campers can find options ranging from developed RV parks with full hookups to rustic tent sites near Joshua tree groves. The Californian RV Resort in Acton and Antelope Valley Fairgrounds RV Park offer infrastructure for recreational vehicles, while Saddleback Butte State Park Campground provides a more natural setting with tent and RV sites about 15 miles east of Lancaster. For those seeking a more remote experience, Joshua Tree Ranch Los Angeles offers primitive tent camping among Joshua trees approximately 20 miles northwest of the city.

Most campgrounds in the region remain open year-round, though visitors should prepare for extreme temperature variations typical of high desert environments. Summer temperatures frequently exceed 100°F while winter nights can drop below freezing. According to one visitor at Joshua Tree Ranch, "When there's snow on the Tehachapi mountains and the San Gabriel mountains, the view is incredible. And it's Southern California, so it doesn't really get cold." Road access varies significantly, with some sites like Joshua Tree Ranch requiring navigation on unmarked dirt roads. Most established campgrounds provide basic amenities including trash service and toilets, though shower availability is limited to the larger RV parks. Cell service can be spotty in more remote locations but generally accessible near Lancaster proper.

The camping experience around Lancaster reflects the stark beauty of the Mojave Desert landscape. Joshua trees, buttes, and expansive desert views characterize many sites, particularly at Saddleback Butte State Park where hiking trails provide access to desert flora and fauna. A review of Saddleback Butte noted it as "the perfect little get away" with "Mojave Desert scenery" and "nice sunsets." Some campgrounds like Antelope Valley Fairgrounds prioritize functionality over natural settings, with one camper describing it as "essentially one big parking lot behind a fence" that has "clean showers and bathrooms" but "no personality, trees, or privacy." For those seeking a more social camping environment, several RV parks offer community amenities like pools, though these tend to receive mixed reviews for noise levels and site spacing.

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Best Camping Sites Near Lancaster, California (167)

    1. Thousand Trails Soledad Canyon

    25 Reviews
    Acton, CA
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (888) 707-1477

    "It's a very hot campground close to a road and train. Sites are big. Tons of things to do for adults and children."

    "Surrounded my mountains, which is nice. Staff is happy and helpful."

    2. Antelope Valley Fairgrounds

    6 Reviews
    Lancaster, CA
    3 miles
    Website
    +1 (661) 206-0427

    "nice showers, well kept bathrooms, good parking. food shopping is close by. nice power hookups. 50 volt."

    3. Saddleback Butte State Park Campground

    12 Reviews
    Llano, CA
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (661) 727-9899

    $100 / night

    "Really close to the California Poppy preserve. Good times, clear skies."

    "I'm quite certain the hiking here is very nice, but I wouldn't know as I was traveling with my dog and unfortunately the California State Park system hates dogs and doesn't allow them on trails. "

    4. Joshua Tree Ranch Los Angeles

    7 Reviews
    Lake Hughes, CA
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (312) 296-7649

    $25 / night

    "I've had some amazing times out here getting away from it all, and there's something about the atmosphere out here that makes the BEST sunsets."

    "But it's a great spot to get away from the city for a day or two and hang out with family and friends."

    5. closed / no longer in operation

    4 Reviews
    Green Valley, CA
    15 miles

    "great walk in secluded rustic camp sites, super social fun camp sites , secluded places to park vans and Campers, and awesome gleaming cottages. best place to sleep is on the top of the mountain infinity"

    "I have been at ArtFarm Nature space 5 times now always bringing more friends. its the best and funnest campground anywhere and the team at ArtFarm is awesome and fun to be around."

    6. Californian RV Resort

    5 Reviews
    Acton, CA
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (661) 269-0919

    "Easy access to freeway small grocery and great coffee shop close."

    "Gated park high on a hill; like driving the hills of SF with a trailer. Lots of pull thrus. Well kept and landscaped. Front desk helpful and friendly."

    7. Buckhorn Campground

    20 Reviews
    Juniper Hills, CA
    26 miles
    Website
    +1 (818) 899-1900

    $12 / night

    "Beautiful trails near by, next to a stream, gorgeous views, and of course that mountain air! Trees are perfect for hammocks."

    "It is set back from the road a little giving you a quieter experience away from the 2. This would be a good first car camping spot for families with young children."

    8. Chilao Campground

    17 Reviews
    Mount Wilson, CA
    27 miles
    Website
    +1 (818) 790-1151

    $12 / night

    "Campground We had been driving around the campground loops for more than an hour, and had just about given up, when we say the sign for overflow camping near the exit of the Chilao campground loop"

    "Great spot to get away from the big city being only a 45min drive from the Downtown, couldn’t ask for more"

    9. LA RV Resort at Action Camp

    7 Reviews
    Agua Dulce, CA
    20 miles
    Website
    +1 (661) 268-1214

    $55 - $132 / night

    10. Crystal Lake Rec Area Campground

    26 Reviews
    Valyermo, CA
    31 miles
    Website
    +1 (626) 335-1251

    "We’ve done Crystal Lake probably 6 dozen times or more in our time in California and it never disappoints on the spectacular views."

    "Whenever I need to get away from LALA Land, I head up here.  I grew up in the mountains of western Pennsylvania, so , sometimes , I need to kick back and recharge."

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Recent Camping Photos near Lancaster, CA

246 Photos of 167 Lancaster Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Lancaster, CA

688 Reviews of 167 Lancaster Campgrounds

  • Gillian L.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 20, 2025

    Hollywood RV Park

    Themed Park!

    First of all, staff was amazing. We were originally supposed to arrive on a Tuesday and we’re not able to make it. Staff shifted our reservation instead of us eating the missed night cost. Also super accommodating allowing us to extend a day longer last minute. Park is tight quarters with 200 spots. Two laundry rooms/bathrooms with showers on site, plus a cute little dog park! We stayed for three nights. Every “road” in the park is themed with California or Hollywood themed decorations and murals. We were parked right next to a Mister Roger’s mural across from the laundry/bathrooms. My only complaint in the noise level at times which is not from the park itself. Helicopters would fly over randomly, sometimes at night and it could be annoying when trying to sleep. Otherwise, absolute GEM of a place!

  • Imerie T.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 18, 2025

    Oak Flat Campground

    Good place to stop between stops

    So the good first, Quiet, not many ppl in the fall/winter months. Sites are large, dumpsters, vault toilets, close to town amenities. We felt safe staying here. Met nice campers.

    The crappy. Yes you can hear the humm of the freeway from further away. Didn’t bug us, but some it does. There is micro trash everywhere. No one cleans the sites, leaves are outta control on the ground. You cannot have any cooking or fires right now. Only cooking inside. The single bathroom is cleanest. The Ranger was super rude He asked way too many personal questions and kept wanting to make sure we weren’t “homeless”. He doesn’t understand the difference between vagrants and choosing to not live in bricks and sticks. He wanted to know exactly how many days we were staying and what day and time we were leaving. You can stay up to 14days and no reservations required.

    It is only free if you have your America The Beautiful Pass, otherwise it’s 5.00 a night And you have to buy that at the Shell Gas Station down the pass.

  • AThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 1, 2025

    Bonelli Bluffs

    Wish we could stay longer this trip

    We chose Bonelli for our shakedown trip in our new trailer (first time RVers). SO quiet. Numerous residents, but spots are mostly keep up nicely. Our rental spot has 3 trees, a picnic table, a firepit, level parking(!) and full hookups. We will be back for sure, especially since it's less than an hour from home.

  • Lianne A.
    Sep. 23, 2025

    Monte Cristo Campground

    Nice Campground but Fire Restrictions!

    Monte Cristo is a nice campground not far from home. My husband and I visited this campsite for the first time just for one night. There was a fire restriction. No bonfires, no cooking on stoves and there was no water due to a leak. The bathroom that I was using I give it a 2 star.

  • B
    Aug. 29, 2025

    Tapo Canyon Park

    Favorite spot near LA

    The Camp Hosts here are Very Friendly and welcoming, the campground has a lush grass area and nice covered playground. The showers and bathrooms are nice, we highly recommend Tapo Canyon.

  • HThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 21, 2025

    Spaceport RV Park

    Only used the dump & water

    Handy stop for water & dump! $2 bucks for water & $5 bucks for the dump

  • Wayne S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 11, 2025

    Applewhite Campground (Ca) — San Bernardino National Forest

    Nice little park

    Very small campground. Camping sites are spread out. The access road is very narrow. We did it with a 22 foot fifth wheel. Space 41 could hold a much longer rig but it would be a challenge even getting to that space. There were only two other campers here while we were here. Lots of trees but not so thick you dont get some sun. The road getting to the campgrounds is somewhat narrow and has some hairpin turns so again it might be difficult for someone with a long trailer We camped at Applewhite Campground in a Fifth Wheel.

Guide to Lancaster

Camping near Lancaster, California, offers a mix of beautiful landscapes and unique experiences. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or a fun family getaway, there are several campgrounds to choose from.

What to do:

  • Hiking: Explore the scenic trails around Bonelli Bluffs. One camper mentioned, "I loved the hiking trails! I will be back," highlighting the great outdoor opportunities.
  • Fishing: Enjoy fishing at nearby lakes. A visitor at Ricardo Campground — Red Rock Canyon State Park noted, "Beautiful area with nice shady rock overhangs to stay cool during the day."
  • Wildlife Watching: Keep an eye out for local wildlife. A reviewer at California Dogwood Campground shared, "Great mountain bike or hiking trail about 5-6mi loop see trailforks," indicating the area's rich biodiversity.

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate cleanliness. One visitor at Bonelli Bluffs said, "Possibly the cleanest public bathroom I've ever seen."
  • Friendly Staff: Many reviews mention helpful staff. A camper at California Dogwood Campground remarked, "Camp hosts are friendly and knowledgeable."
  • Scenic Views: Campgrounds like Malibu Creek State Park Campground offer stunning views. A visitor noted, "Nice, small campground with hiking trails easily accessible."

What you should know:

  • Crowded Weekends: Expect busier crowds on weekends. A camper at Bonelli Bluffs mentioned, "Crowded on weekend, much less during week."
  • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds may lack certain amenities. A reviewer at Ricardo Campground pointed out, "No drinking water, no electric hookups."
  • Distance to Attractions: Some sites are not within walking distance of lakes or attractions. A family at California Dogwood Campground found the walk to the lake longer than expected.

Tips for camping with families:

  • Bring Entertainment: Kids may need activities. A family at Bonelli Bluffs wished for playgrounds, saying, "We had to get creative in finding ways to occupy their time."
  • Plan for Meals: Make sure to pack enough food. A camper at Malibu Creek State Park Campground noted, "Showers are coin operated and cold," suggesting that cooking might be more comfortable than relying on facilities.
  • Choose the Right Site: Look for spacious sites. A visitor at California Dogwood Campground mentioned, "Our camp site was very spacious."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Hookups: Ensure your site has the necessary hookups. A camper at Malibu Beach RV Park noted, "Every spot has a great view of the Pacific Ocean from high upon a cliff!"
  • Be Prepared for Noise: Some campgrounds can be noisy. A reviewer at Soledad Canyon RV and Camping Resort mentioned, "You’ll have a much more enjoyable stay in a WalMart parking lot."
  • Explore Nearby Attractions: Take advantage of local attractions. A visitor at Orange Grove RV Park suggested, "If you go South on 99 to the big farm store, try the Okie Pies - good stuff!"

Camping around Lancaster, California, has something for everyone, from families to solo adventurers. With a variety of campgrounds to choose from, you're sure to find the perfect spot for your next outdoor adventure.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best campgrounds in Lancaster for families with kids?

Bonelli Bluffs offers a family-friendly environment though it could benefit from more kid-specific amenities. For families who enjoy outdoor recreation, Hungry Valley State Vehicle Recreation Area provides spacious campsites with fenced areas, picnic tables, and pergolas. The ample space allows families to set up comfortably without being right next to other campers. It's particularly great for families who enjoy off-road biking and other outdoor activities, offering plenty of room for kids to explore.

Where can I find camping sites in Lancaster, CA?

Near Lancaster, you can find camping at Saddleback Butte State Park Campground, which offers a Joshua Tree-like desert experience. Another excellent option is Ricardo Campground — Red Rock Canyon State Park, featuring stunning red rock formations reminiscent of Arizona or Utah desert landscapes. This first-come, first-served campground provides opportunities for hiking, photography, star gazing, and climbing. For RV travelers, consider Thousand Trails Soledad Canyon or Californian RV Resort, both offering full hookups and amenities.

Are there any lakeside camping options near Lancaster?

Los Alamos Campground at Pyramid Lake provides lakeside camping with approximately 90 dry campsites across three separate loops. While water spigots are available in some areas, they aren't for permanent hookup. For another option, Lake Piru Recreation Area offers lakeside camping, though drought conditions have affected the shoreline. Each site includes a fire ring/grill and picnic tables, with nice bathroom facilities available. Lake Campground is another alternative with the lake within walking distance, offering large campsites and relatively clean toilets.

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