295 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Camping near Lucerne Valley ranges from tent-friendly sites to spots that accommodate smaller recreational vehicles, all set within a striking desert landscape. Jumbo Rocks Campground draws many rock climbers who come for the large boulder formations throughout the area. If you want more quiet, Hidden Valley Campground sits a bit farther from the main roads with fewer people around. You should book ahead at both places, particularly on weekends and during spring. The area typically has rules about campfires depending on the season and drought conditions. Jumbo Rocks has bigger sites that work well for both tents and smaller recreational vehicles. At Hidden Valley, the rock formations create natural barriers between campsites, giving you more privacy. Both places have basic pit toilets and tables for eating, but you'll need to bring all your water since none is available at the campgrounds. Spring and fall bring the best weather for camping near Lucerne Valley, as summer days can hit 100+ degrees while winter nights often drop below freezing. The night sky is incredible in this desert area when there's no moon. Try to follow good camping practices by packing out trash and respecting the natural setting. Kids usually enjoy scrambling on the rocks, making these campgrounds good for families who don't mind the basic facilities. Most people come to hike, climb, or just relax in the desert landscape around Lucerne Valley.
"We camped just a few steps away from the lake, there were other campers there but the campgrounds are far enough away from each other."
"This camp site is located walking distance to the lake. There are bike paths and walking trails located near the camp ground."
from $44 - $91 / night
Check Availability"I am here in California getting ready to leave the state by FY22 and had to get outside. I have been exploring the idea of going camping and decided to go this weekend."
"There has been a lot of disrespectful off trail sites being made that is destroying the wilderness that has rebounded since 2003. Before that, it was the wild west."
"We were tucked up into the hill side with neighbors far enough sway to make it very private. There were no showers so we brought our travel one and hung it from a branch."
"We arrived at Hanna Flat campground around 11 am on Friday, August 21. First thing about the campground is that the road to get to it is pretty rough."
from $33 - $67 / night
Check Availability"Lots of great trails and off trail hiking for all levels of experience plus climbing locations for the rockers out there."
"Though this campground doesn’t have spectacular views, it is located in the historic Holcomb Valley and surrounded by tons of hiking and offroad trails to explore. Tall trees with plenty of shade!"
from $27 / night
Check Availability"Pineknot is perfectly situated in Big Bear where you're in the woods but only a short walk to Snow Summit. "
"The last few times we have gone we have stayed in 19 because of its location and layout."
from $34 - $36 / night
Check Availability"Arriving at the campground, the deposit place, obviously on weekends we were not thrilled by everyone around us, as well as the loud noise until past the curfew."
"Some were quite close to one another."
"San Gorgonio, aptly named for the famed crown peak near by, is a nice mix of family friendly and weekend escape."
"If you live in Southern California and haven't climbed the highest peak, you need to get out there and experience nature."
from $34 - $69 / night
Check Availability"It was Memorial Day weekend pretty busy but camp site was nice rented pontoon boat just a walk from park all in all good time"
"We rented a boat on Saturday and was great just to walk out on the dock with the kids. 4 hr rental was just enough. Make reservations for they sell out on the weekends. Super easy."
"The trees are massive and plenty and make you feel like you are a million miles away from the hustle and bustle of California."
"The campground overall is really pretty and in a great location in Lake Arrowhead. However, we made the mistake of booking site 005, which is right on a ridge... it was SO windy."
from $40 - $81 / night
Check Availability"Came here for a weekend, good spot for tent camping, I went on an off trail hike, cool, fun area. Some views. Drove over to the lake but couldn’t find parking. Very quiet and clean as well."
"mountain just a short hike away from our site, #23. "
from $36 - $73 / night
Check Availability
ScoutHas a security guard that thought she was God or something like that. Never seen anybody or place so petty on the place and still searching for the championship horseshoe pits and I can't stop talking about the dark green of the fishing lakes and the fish swimming on their sides
TravelerWe reserved and paid for a regular RV site specifically advertised for a 36–40 ft motorhome. We were assigned Site#28, which was so sloped and unsuitable that we could not safely extend either our living-room slide-out or bedroom slide-out. While using our leveling system, two front hydraulic jack rods broke and one rear jack became severely bent and could not retract. Our motorhome was left unsafe to drive or move. The exact mechanical cause still requires professional inspection, but the condition and slope of the assigned site are serious concerns. We immediately notified the campground by email, provided photographs, and went to the office seeking help with an incident report, emergency assistance, and a safe plan for the stranded motorhome. Unfortunately, management refused to take meaningful responsibility or help us resolve the emergency. The most disappointing part was not only the unsuitable site, but the lack of concern and assistance after a guest’s large motorhome became immobilized on the property. We had to return to work on Monday and were left trying to arrange emergency service, towing, transportation, and accommodation on our own. Based on this experience, I cannot recommend Holloway’s RV Park to owners of large Class A motorhomes. If you have a 36–40 ft RV, carefully inspect the assigned site’s slope, space, and leveling conditions before parking or deploying your jacks.
ScoutThe scenery is unique and enjoyable, with nice views of either sunrise or sunset, depending on site. I found the lake itself very pretty. However when we arrived 4 vehicles are in our spot, people were nice enough moving but we had to go door to door knocking on camper to ask who's cars they were due to no signal and no rangers nearby. Our site was pretty dirty with lots of trash, copious ants near the drainage attachments, and two of the nearby groups had excessive tents extending into the back of our site making our view look more like a homeless encampment and less like a serene mountain sunset. They also were littering, urinating outside, and excessively drinking and partying like crazy until the wee hours. As a family group we felt really uncomfortable. It seemed like not all spots are like this, however, on my walk around deer loop in the morning. If you do go, the water activities and rentals look fun, the walking trail/biking trail was nicely done, and you could optimize your spot by booking a whole group of spots (instead of booking one, book one on the right and left side to avoid feeling like you have entered homeless refuge). It maybe was a bit worse as we were here over a holiday weekend. But we most likely won't be back, there are other places that are less expensive and with better enforcement and a family atmosphere. If you want to party it is probably a fine spot, and if you love water sports also likely ok. I thin it's a beautiful place with unique scenery and a lot of potential, but needs more enforcement regarding guest code of conduct.
Edited and gave 3 stars instead of 2. Views are really nice now that our poorly behaved neighbors left. Worth considering a visit during less busy times.
TravelerNice campground, clean and well maintained - would pick a different spot a bit further from street. If you want to go to lake, its a bit away so need car.
ScoutEasy to get to. I have an AWD sprinter no problem. Son has an Acura TLX made it up no issue had a few spin outs on steeper parts. Higher sites are nice and spaced.
GuideNo lake view, which was a bit disappointing. Nice wooded area though with tree climbing. A bit loud music from the neighbors, not until very late so was OK. Limited amount of toilets for the amount of spots
TravelerCamp site is in walking distance of Idyllwild. Has has a couple of sites with electric hookups. Bathrooms are clean, showers need a token for $1. Being close to the road makes it noisy during the daytime .
TravelerStockton flats yellow post sights 1-8 can be driven easily in any 2wd vehicle with moderate clearance. I took my f250 service body truck to site#6 or im assuming its #6. Sites are not label. Trail Roads got washed and i wasnt able to continue further to verify. If you’re afraid of clearance issues stick to sites 1 & 2. At the time of going, 3,4 & 5 looked like perfect sights to stay, other sites were rough and a rake would be needed minimum to make it comfortable. #9 currently requires minor upgrades to reach the campground. A stock jeep with oversized tires could easily get to that location as of 8-29-2026
TravelerGood campground, quiet, not crowded during the week. Too much trash around some sites, though, on a Monday (doesn’t look like new trash). Bathrooms were clean, but basic. Evening bike ride was fantastic, but the trail is not well kept up (rough or crumbling in many spots) and is steep enough to require an electric bike in several parts unless you are good with an 8-9% grade. Park is quiet during the day, with a lot of amenities.
Tons of ants. Active gnats and mosquitoes at dusk and dawn.
Temperatures were quite warm in mid August. Glad we had an RV with AC.
Camping sites near Lucerne Valley, California offer a mix of desert and mountain environments with elevations ranging from 3,000 to 7,000 feet across the region. The area sits at the junction of the Mojave Desert and San Bernardino Mountains, creating diverse camping landscapes within a relatively short driving distance. Winter nights regularly drop below freezing while summer daytime temperatures often exceed 90°F, requiring campers to plan accordingly.
Bouldering and climbing: Sawtooth Canyon Campground attracts rock climbers with its unique formations. "This canyon is great for a couple of days of climbing. The area is unique from the Mojave topography. Plus, it is free to camp," shares Tommy B., highlighting the specialized appeal of this Sawtooth Canyon Campground.
Mountain biking: Trails near Pineknot Campground connect directly to Snow Summit resort trails. "Pineknot is perfectly situated in Big Bear where you're in the woods but only a short walk to Snow Summit. This allows you a staging area to ride mountain bikes all day at Snow Summit and around the mountain but allows you the convenience to be camped nearby," notes Berton M. at Pineknot.
Off-road exploring: The network of dirt roads throughout Holcomb Valley provides extensive off-highway vehicle opportunities. "This is a great campground with lots of OHV trails in the area. It's definitely recommended to have a vehicle with higher ground clearance since you're traversing some bumpy dirt trails to get there," explains Jo R., who visited Holcomb Valley Campground.
Day hiking: Multiple trail systems connect campgrounds to scenic viewpoints and lakes. "There are a lot of great sites surrounded by trees in the middle of the campground where we stayed. There are even a couple small hiking trails within the campground for some fun exploration," notes Troy L. who stayed at Dogwood Campground.
Privacy between sites: Many campgrounds offer spacious sites with natural separation. "The sites are far apart, giving you more privacy. Both places have basic pit toilets and tables for eating," mentions a camper. At Holcomb Valley Climbers Camp, "each site was spread out and lots of space for 2-4 tents. The distance to downtown Big Bear is around 25 minutes," explains Manny D.
Night sky viewing: The area's minimal light pollution creates excellent stargazing conditions. "The night sky was incredible there. We got there on a Saturday and it was pretty busy, but everyone left after the weekend," reports Brendan at Sawtooth Canyon Campground, noting how the weekday experience differs from weekends.
Easy access to Big Bear: Many camping sites provide a wilderness experience with proximity to town amenities. "I love this campground! It's right across from the Discovery Center in Big Bear, which is where a couple fun hiking trails begin. I would definitely recommend this campground to others when staying in the Big Bear area," says Sarah C., who stayed at Serrano.
Shaded sites: The forested campgrounds provide relief from summer heat. "Campground feels very secluded and the sites are far apart," says Spencer U. about Hanna Flat Campground. "Hanna Flat campgrounds are filled with lots of shade due to the big beautiful trees," adds another camper.
Road conditions: Several campgrounds require driving on unpaved roads. "Road is completely inaccessible and saw many others turning around as well. I'm in a Kia SUV and this road is like Godzilla shaking your rig," warns Annie G. about Sawtooth Canyon. However, Scott D. offers a different perspective: "East access. 1.5 miles from pavement. Road is washboarded so keep your speed under 10mph and it's a fairly smooth 5 minute drive."
Seasonal closures: Many campgrounds operate on limited schedules. "We camped here for the 4th, and the weather was great. Our site was large enough to fit a 24 foot trailer, truck, and a car," notes Jonathan G. at Barton Flats Family Campground, which typically operates May through October.
Water availability: Not all campgrounds provide drinking water. At Sawtooth Canyon Campground, you must bring all your water as none is available on site. This contrasts with campgrounds like Barton Flats where "water is available. Flush toilets and showers available," according to Desiree M.
Bear safety measures: Proper food storage is essential. "Each site included a table, fire ring and bear safe locker," reports Manny D. about camping in the region. Another camper warns, "Please be sure to cover your ice chest, even in your vehicle, as the bears are all too familiar with them."
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Kids often enjoy spotting local wildlife during quieter times. At San Gorgonio Campground, one visitor observed: "We say rattle snakes in our walk. Deer walking around the trails." However, this also means keeping a watchful eye on children.
Bike-friendly options: Several campgrounds feature paved roads ideal for children learning to ride. "Kiddos had a great time riding their bikes around the sites. Also, great trails nearby!" shares Krystal G. about Hanna Flat Campground, highlighting activities beyond hiking.
Campground amenities: Look for sites with clean facilities when camping with children. "Very clean and fun. Took my son and his girlfriend with us a great place for families," notes Amanda A. about Serrano Campground, which maintains well-kept restrooms and common areas.
Weather preparedness: Mountain weather can change rapidly, requiring appropriate clothing and gear. "It was May but got cold enough at night but was absolutely perfect during the day," reports Stephanie M., emphasizing the temperature swings that can challenge unprepared families.
Site selection: Many campgrounds have limited spaces for larger vehicles. At Dogwood Campground, "our site was a single so it only fit one car. There is extra parking available for additional cars that we could have used, but if we had a trailer we wouldn't have fit," explains Troy L., highlighting the importance of researching site specifications.
Dump stations: Only select campgrounds offer sanitary dump facilities. "It was difficult to use the dump hookups as they're elevated about a foot off the ground so I had to lift the hose off my support snake many times," reports Mike R. about Holloway's Marina & RV Park, showing the varying quality of facilities.
Generator restrictions: Rules about generator use vary between campgrounds. "No generators from 8 pm to 8 am, a $3000 fine if your campfire is left unattended," warns Colette K. about regulations at Pineknot Campground, which strictly enforces quiet hours.
Leveling requirements: Many mountain sites require blocks for leveling. "The pad was a little off level. Had to block one side," notes Jesse C. about RV sites at Holloway's, pointing out a common issue in mountainous campgrounds.
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Lucerne Valley, CA?
According to TheDyrt.com, Lucerne Valley, CA offers a wide range of camping options, with 295 campgrounds and RV parks near Lucerne Valley, CA and 34 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Lucerne Valley, CA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Lucerne Valley, CA is Serrano with a 4.6-star rating from 36 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Lucerne Valley, CA?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 34 free dispersed camping spots near Lucerne Valley, CA.
What parks are near Lucerne Valley, CA?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 9 parks near Lucerne Valley, CA that allow camping, notably Mojave River Dam and San Bernardino National Forest.
Keep Exploring
