RV camping near Lancaster, California offers options for travelers in the western Mojave Desert region at elevations around 2,300 feet. Summer temperatures often exceed 100°F while winter nights can drop below freezing. The area's location provides access to both desert landscapes and mountain terrain within driving distance, with most RV parks operating year-round despite seasonal weather variations.
What to do
Glider watching at Mountain Valley RV Park: Located near Tehachapi's glider airport, visitors can observe air activities throughout the day. "In the morning we walked over to the Raven's Nest for breakfast and watched the gliders take off starting around 9am," reports one visitor to Mountain Valley RV Park.
Hiking trails near campgrounds: Many local campgrounds offer access to nature paths. "Easy access to a pretty trail right behind the campground," notes a camper at Bonita Ranch Campground. "Very quiet and interspersed with long time stayers and temporary campers."
Water recreation at regional parks: Some locations offer lake activities within driving distance. A visitor to Bonelli Bluffs mentions, "There is camping, horseback riding, fishing, trails, biking, hiking, picnics, you can use your jet skies in designated areas, swimming on the pool areas, kayaking, Park for kids and plenty more."
What campers like
Quiet desert evenings: The relative isolation provides peaceful nights at many locations. "Our first being back in 2007 - 2008. We stayed in the exact spot both times on the end of the back row with a great view of the airport. It all has been covered here except for the great lunch the airport restaurant serves," writes a visitor to Mountain Valley RV Park.
Convenience to Los Angeles attractions: Some RV parks provide strategic bases for city exploration. A camper at Thousand Trails Soledad Canyon shared, "This is a good location to explore LA and greater LA area, 45 min to Hollywood sign. Park is a large TT resort with recently remolded lodge in 2019."
Pet-friendly accommodations: Most parks welcome pets with varying amenities. "Dog friendly, clean, quiet, love the grass and trees nicely kept property," mentions a reviewer at Bonelli Bluffs. "Definitely coming back, we had a great time here!"
What you should know
Accessibility considerations: Some campgrounds offer accommodations for those with mobility needs. A visitor to Thousand Trails Soledad Canyon noted, "This is one of the best handicap accessible shower and restroom areas we've seen. The larger pool had a roll in area but I do not know if they had a wheelchair that would allow you to actually use it or if you needed your own."
Limited WiFi and connectivity: Cellular reception varies significantly throughout the region. "No WIFI and reception for Verizon was hit or miss," reports a Thousand Trails Soledad Canyon visitor. Another camper at Mountain Valley RV Park stated, "Starlink and Verizon service both work great here."
Bathroom access restrictions: Some facilities limit bathroom availability overnight. "Restrooms are ok, the issue was that the lock them up at 10:00pm and don't open until 7:30am. It would be so simple to put a code lock on the doors," notes a Mountain Valley RV Park camper.
Tips for camping with families
Pool availability for hot days: When temperatures climb, water access becomes crucial. At Castaic Lake RV Park, a visitor shared, "We had a great time. Although it was really hot the pool was nice and refreshing and clean. Our space was clean and perfect. The store had all the necessities we needed."
Recreational areas for children: Look for campgrounds with designated play spaces. "This place is huge. Lots of trees, basketball court and there are lots of trees so that's good," mentioned a Thousand Trails Soledad Canyon reviewer about available activities.
Activity scheduling: Some campgrounds offer organized events. One family at Thousand Trails Soledad Canyon noted, "The only good thing was the Saturday activities. However if you have older kids forget it! The activities are for ages 5-7 maybe! They did have a movie night the last night we were there."
Tips from RVers
Space considerations for larger vehicles: Site dimensions vary dramatically between parks. One visitor to Hollywood RV Park explained, "Owner and employees are friendly and helpful. Quiets down at night so you can rest. Facilities are in good condition, I would stay again if I had business in the area."
Fairground parking options: For basic accommodations without reservations, consider fairground facilities. "Clean showers and bathrooms. Full RV hook-ups. It's absolutely nothing to write home about and really has no personality, trees, or privacy, but if you're in the area and need an anonymous place to stay in your RV that's quiet will full hook-ups, this one does just fine," notes a visitor to Antelope Valley Fairgrounds.
Site selection for comfort: Research park layouts before booking. "This trip we stayed down near the welcome center instead of Lot N and the experience didn't even seem like the same RV Park. No loud music, no barking dog, less dust, and dirt," explained a Thousand Trails Soledad Canyon camper who had previously stayed in a different section.
