Cabin camping near Lucerne Valley, California offers desert and mountain accommodations at elevations ranging from 3,000 to 7,000 feet. The high desert climate creates dramatic temperature swings, with summer days reaching 100°F and winter nights dropping below freezing. Cabin rentals in this region serve as basecamp for exploring the Mojave Desert ecosystem and San Bernardino National Forest.
What to do
Explore historic sites: Visit Calico Ghost Town Regional Park where cabins provide shelter from desert extremes. "You can't beat having a campsite AND you can enter the ghost town either by foot or drive to the ghost town's parking lot. Your camping fees include all that. Very cute little town and lots to see," notes a visitor.
Hike nearby trails: Access the Pacific Crest Trail from Mojave River Forks Regional Park, which offers cabin accommodations with electricity and water. "There are easy to make hikes - meaning not necessarily any specific trails at the campground, but there are plenty of places to explore and wander from the campground," reports a camper.
Soak in natural hot springs: Cabins at Deep Creek Hot Springs Camp Retreat provide access to therapeutic waters. "The spring pools at our site were so relaxing to have all to ourselves and well worth it to reserve for our party! The deep creek hot springs were absolutely fabulous, as they were situated next to a cold creek where we could do therapeutic hot cold plunges," shares a visitor.
What campers like
Off-grid location: Many appreciate the remote setting at Camp Durrwood, which spans nearly 30 acres of forest land. "Jake from the Dyrt here! I am happy to welcome Camp Durrwood to our site, the location is among the vast forest in California and with almost 30 acres, the perfect spot for a large group looking to enjoy the forest together."
Diverse accommodation options: Barstow-Calico KOA offers cabin camping with amenities beyond basic shelter. "The kids loved the pool and other kids to play with. Great game room with pool, foosball, air hockey etc. big playground and easy campground to bike around. BIG area out back to ride around in and play baseball ;) big wide sites with nice hookups and tables," reports a satisfied camper.
Seasonal activities: Winter and summer provide different experiences at North Shore Campground. "This area is so beautiful, quiet… good retreat from stress in life. Get back in touch with nature. Close to Gregory Lake Park, like 20 mins drive," notes a visitor.
What you should know
Access challenges: Some cabin locations require significant off-road travel. "You will have to drive 6 miles of mountainous dirt roads to reach the property, but it takes you away from all signs of the city and surrounds you in nature when you get there, making a very nice camping experience."
Variable amenities: Cabin facilities differ dramatically between properties. "Porta potties. Not too many amenities. Just what you need to camp right by the shore. Nothing more, nothing less. Our site wasn't super flat," reports a camper at North Shore Campground.
Extreme weather preparation: Desert temperature fluctuations demand planning. "We were here one October where the weather was above 100F during the day. The sites have absolutely no shade or cover, and are just lined up in a row next to each other with no privacy," notes a camper at Calico Ghost Town Regional Park.
Tips for camping with families
Entertainment options: Lone Wolf Colony offers organized activities for all ages. "We have movie night every Saturday," mentions a staff member, providing structured entertainment beyond outdoor recreation.
Water recreation: During summer months, water features become essential. "We love that we can tent camp by the water! Will definitely recommend to anyone!" shares an enthusiastic visitor to North Shore Campground.
Site selection strategy: Choose locations based on specific family needs. "We totally lucked out and were able to switch with a couple who wanted more privacy and shade. We eventually stayed on site 4 which was even and open. Our tent was nestled amongst the few trees on our site- only downside was the constant traffic going to and from sites 5/6."
Tips from RVers
Seasonal planning: Visit during shoulder seasons for more comfortable temperatures. "I'd avoid camping here during the summer since it does get very hot. It is closed during the winter months, but you can still catch some cooler weather when it first opens during the season," advises an RVer about Mojave River Forks Regional Park.
Electrical needs: Desert cabins with air conditioning require reliable power. "The biggest draw here is the electricity to keep your A/C running in the high temps," notes a camper at Barstow-Calico KOA.
Site layout considerations: RV-friendly cabins have varying orientations and hookup positions. "We had a spot in the front with a patio and everything. It was very nice except for the sewer drain being at the front end of the site (I had to put an extension on my poop pipe)...the other down side of being in the front is the traffic noise from the highway."
