Llano, California sits at an elevation of 3,780 feet in the western portion of the Mojave Desert. The area experiences temperature swings typical of high desert regions, with summer highs reaching 95°F and winter lows occasionally dropping below freezing. Camping options near Llano range from developed RV resorts to primitive sites with minimal facilities, offering access to hiking trails through chaparral and juniper woodland terrain.
What to do
Waterfall hiking: 30-minute trail walk at Millard Trail Campground leads to a picturesque cascade. "The waterfall trail is nothing but shade provided by the trees foliage and the creek kept our dogs cool as they would jump in and out of the small pools," notes a visitor to Millard Trail Campground.
Explore creek areas: Bonita Ranch offers direct access to flowing water. "The creek running behind the camp is great to explore, and a waterfall is a short hike away. We also lucked out finding berries in August," shares a camper at Bonita Ranch Campground.
Trail riding: Multiple biking paths surround campgrounds in the Llano area. A reviewer at Millard Trail Campground observed: "There are several trails to take for hiking and biking and I saw lots of people doing that."
What campers like
Natural wildlife encounters: The high desert environment supports diverse animal sightings. A camper at Little Pine Campground mentioned enjoying "the view it offers. Site #13 feels more secluded than other sites on the campground."
Seasonal water features: Creek access varies throughout the year. At West Fork Trail Campground, a visitor noted: "I go in March/April so the stream has plenty of water to drink. It is a challenging hike if you have a heavy pack. However, there is a utility road you can take that would make it 100% easier."
Stargazing opportunities: Clear desert skies create optimal viewing conditions. At Camp Williams Resort, one visitor appreciated the "rustic feel" and mentioned they "felt safe" while enjoying evening skies.
What you should know
Terrain challenges: Some glamping sites in Llano, California require preparation for desert conditions. "The sites are dirt so be prepared to get lots of fine desert dirt in the camper," warns a visitor to Thousand Trails Soledad Canyon.
Wildlife cautions: Bear-proof storage is essential at certain locations. At Millard Trail Campground, a camper reported: "It's in Bear country so they provide food storage for each campsite also trash containers too. Each side has a picnic bench and a fire pit."
Noise considerations: Train tracks affect some camping areas. A Thousand Trails Soledad Canyon visitor noted: "It's very very close to railroad tracks and at night the loud train kept waking us up."
Cellular connectivity: Signal varies significantly by carrier and location. One camper at Thousand Trails Soledad Canyon reported: "No WIFI and reception for Verizon was hit or miss."
Tips for camping with families
Accessible trails: Several short paths accommodate young hikers. At Camp Williams Resort, a parent appreciated that the location was "just enjoyable for our family" with easy trail access.
Pool availability: Swimming options provide relief from summer heat. A visitor to Bonelli Bluffs noted: "There's a pool. A tent area. Some spaces monumentally better than others. Occasionally they run a special. There's good hiking and bike riding and fishing."
Activity planning: Weekend programs cater to different age groups. One family who visited Thousand Trails Soledad Canyon mentioned: "The only good thing was the Saturday activities. However if you have older kids forget it! The activities are for ages 5-7 maybe!"
Site selection strategy: Some campgrounds offer more secluded options for families. At Little Pine Campground, a visitor recommended: "Site #13 feels more secluded than other sites on the campground. Only problem was it's on a slope. Not perfectly flat."
Tips from RVers
Accessibility considerations: Specialized facilities vary between glamping locations near Llano. At Thousand Trails Soledad Canyon, an RVer observed: "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."
Hookup reliability: Utilities can be inconsistent at some locations. A long-term visitor noted: "They seem to be having some issues getting basic maintenance done. And had one side that was full of ants so that the power and water did not work properly."
Site selection: Many RV areas operate on first-come basis. An RVer cautioned: "The downfall is they do not assign slots so if you need a handicap accessible location it's going to be by chance if somebody is there or not."
Extended stay options: Some locations permit longer visits. One RVer 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."
