Camping near Little Lake offers extensive options for overnight stays in California's Mojave Desert region. Located at 3,500 feet elevation where the Sierra Nevada meets the desert, this area experiences significant temperature swings between day and night. The volcanic terrain creates distinctive formations that make camping sites unique, with nearby hiking trails providing access to dramatic lava flows and fossil features.
What to do
Explore ancient lava flows: At Fossil Falls Campground, visitors can hike through fascinating geological features. "A very cool and Very unique spot in Southern California. Places to walk around places to climb around. If you plan on doing any rock climbing then you're planning on doing this in the morning. With the face of the sun kissing the rocks expect them to get extremely hot!" notes George B.
Float down the Kern River: About an hour's drive from Little Lake, water activities become the main attraction. "In front of us was the river. Gorgeous views. The grounds are very well maintained, they collect trash every morning... The kids loved tubing down it all day," shares Amber D. about her experiences at KRS RV Resort.
Stargaze in the desert: The clear desert air makes for exceptional night sky viewing. "The Milky Way was out at night. The trails are stunning," reports Margaret P. who camped at Ricardo Campground. The lack of light pollution creates optimal conditions for astronomy enthusiasts.
What campers like
Solitude and space: Alabama Hills Recreation Area offers dispersed camping with room to spread out. "Sites are very spread out and the cinder cone and volcanic rock around are awesome scenery. Hike to polished rocks of fossil falls. Will definitely come back!" writes cal K.
Morning temperatures: Early risers appreciate the comfortable morning hours before desert heat intensifies. "We stayed on the southern end of the campground site #102 and we walked to the northern end and floated down the river back to our site with a nice cold beer in hand," notes Mike N. at Rivernook Campground.
Wildlife viewing: The desert environment supports surprising biodiversity. "The desert was alive in April! I got #8 which had a nice view. Not too crowded at 1 pm on a Saturday where I got to choose from a dozen open sites," reports Michelle W. about her experience at Ricardo Campground.
What you should know
Water availability is limited: Bring ample supplies for yourself and pets. "They did have pit toilets and supposedly had a well but the well pump barely pumped any water at all," reports Philip D. about Fossil Falls dry lake bed.
Wind conditions can be challenging: Desert wind patterns affect camping comfort, particularly in open areas. "It was extremely windy with 50+mph gusts which calmed after the sun went down," notes Darla J. about her experience at Fossil Falls dry lake bed.
Seasonal considerations: The region experiences extreme temperature variations. "Too hot in summer. Can be very windy," advises Michael H. about Ricardo Campground. Plan accordingly with appropriate gear for the season of your visit.
Tips for camping with families
Seek water features in summer: Rivernook Campground offers cooling options during hot months. "Great place for RVs and tents. Great fishing spots all over the campground. And access to floating in your tubes and hanging out at beaches in the campground," recommends Stacie G.
Morning activities for kids: Schedule active outings early before temperatures rise. "Take a ride down the river in your tube and walk back. So much fun! Really close to town," suggests Johnny P. about family-friendly activities.
Pack adequate sun protection: Desert exposure requires extra precautions for young skin. "Bring water! There are toilets around and single camp sites with fire pits. This is a great little stop off the 395," advises George B. about necessities when bringing children to the area.
Tips from RVers
Level sites can be hard to find: Ricardo Campground presents leveling challenges. "Most sights have a little slope... used a few leveling blocks. Quiet... First come... first served... Compacted dirt gravel road in good condition $25 standard... $23 seniors," advises Leonard H.
Overnight stops for restocking: For pet-friendly camping near Little Lake, California, experienced RVers recommend periodic resupply runs. "Good place to stop over for a night... For overnighters there is a separate area from the long term residents with level pull through sites and full hook ups (20, 30 and 50amp) for $30/night," explains Laura M. about Bertrand's High Desert Mobile Home & RV Park.
Track water consumption carefully: Limited water access means monitoring usage. "No hose connection. Very spacious sites. Picnic table and fire pit ring," explains Edy K., noting the infrastructure limitations at Fossil Falls dry lake bed.
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