Camping near Mojave River Dam

Mojave River Dam, California provides several established campgrounds within the surrounding high desert terrain. Mojave River Forks Regional Park represents a primary camping area with developed facilities including water, electric hookups, and showers, while maintaining accessibility for both tent and RV campers. The area includes additional options like Hesperia Lake Park, Deep Creek Hot Springs Campground, and North Shore Campground, each offering varied amenities from primitive to full-service sites. Some locations support accommodations beyond traditional camping, including cabin rentals and glamping opportunities that provide comfort while experiencing the desert landscape.

The Mojave region's camping areas experience substantial temperature fluctuations, with hot daytime conditions and significantly cooler nights throughout much of the year. Road conditions vary considerably, with many campgrounds accessible via paved roads while others require navigation of rough dirt roads and mountain terrain. One camper noted, "Rough ride in but totally worth it. The hike to the springs is pretty rough but also worth it when you get there," reflecting the access challenges at some locations. Most established campgrounds in the area operate year-round, though summer months bring intense heat that many visitors recommend avoiding. Reservations become increasingly important during spring and fall when moderate temperatures attract more campers, particularly at developed campgrounds with water and electric hookups.

Campground options near Mojave River Dam frequently feature desert views, unique geological features, and occasional water access points. Mojave River Forks Regional Park receives consistently positive reviews for its cleanliness and well-maintained facilities, with visitors appreciating the spacious campsites despite limited shade. According to one visitor, "We found the campground to be very clean and well-maintained. The campsites in the area where we were, were spacious and spread out." Deep Creek Hot Springs represents a particularly notable attraction, with camping areas providing base locations for hikers seeking the natural hot springs. While most campers report peaceful experiences, several reviews mention occasional noise issues, particularly at unhosted campgrounds. Cell service remains unreliable across many camping areas, with visitors reporting spotty coverage from most major carriers, making advance research and offline maps essential for travelers planning extended stays.

Best Camping Sites Near Mojave River Dam (278)

    1. Dogwood

    33 Reviews
    Rimforest, CA
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (909) 336-6717

    $40 - $81 / night

    "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."

    2. Mesa Campground — Silverwood Lake State Recreation Area

    26 Reviews
    Cedarpines Park, CA
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (760) 389-2281

    $45 - $350 / night

    "Silverwood Lake was just that. Lush green mountains in the back drop that surrounded every view you turned to take in. "You need to recharge your batteries!""

    "ATV with ice cream and firewood comes around right before dark. Campsites are a bit crowded for my liking. Access to the Silverwood Lake recreation area is a great benefit."

    3. North Shore Campground - Lake Almanor

    14 Reviews
    Cedar Glen, CA
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (909) 866-8550

    $29 - $58 / night

    "Spaces are pretty close together and small, but we got lucky and didn’t have anyone around us (likely due to bad air quality). If you kayak this is a great place to camp, it’s right next to the lake."

    "Lake arrowhead isn't a public lake so it's a bit of a drive to do any water activities, but there was a close offroad trail."

    4. Hanna Flat Campground

    26 Reviews
    Fawnskin, CA
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (909) 382-2790

    $33 - $67 / night

    "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."

    5. Serrano

    35 Reviews
    Big Bear Lake, CA
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (909) 866-8021

    $44 - $91 / night

    "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."

    6. Skypark Camp RV Resort

    11 Reviews
    Skyforest, CA
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (909) 744-9927

    $50 - $100 / night

    "Lake Arrowhead is close for supplies or food.  "

    "Views are worth it and this is so conveniently located next to Santa's Village. Will definitely be coming back again sooner than later!"

    7. Mojave River Forks Regional Park

    5 Reviews
    Arkabutla Lake, MS
    2 miles
    Website
    +1 (760) 389-2322

    $3 - $40 / night

    "Nice place to camp, weather is around 75 during the day and about 50 to 36 degrees cold through out the night. Has everything you'll need. Bathrooms are close by, showers HOT water available."

    "The Pacific Crest Trail passes nearby. It is away from the populated cities, but not far from them. It still gives you a sense of seclusion."

    8. Deep Creek Hot Springs Campground

    5 Reviews
    Arkabutla Lake, MS
    4 miles
    Website
    +1 (760) 515-7525

    $10 - $119 / night

    "Easy access to the hot springs and no services to speak of. Basically a patch of dirt you can occupy for $10 a night. Loved it."

    "Super fun place to visit with the hot springs trail. Went in January with snowfall, hardly any campers and nature all around! Two nights are perfect."

    9. Lake Arrowhead - Green Valley Lake Recreation Area

    6 Reviews
    Cedar Glen, CA
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (909) 867-2009

    "After years of venturing into and around Lake Arrowhead (often a mere stop on my way to Big Bear/Fawnskin) I finally started exploring off the beaten path by accident last year and holy cow!"

    "Green valley lake campground is an awesome place for a fun getaway. We wanted to get away for the Fourth of July but waited too long to book in Big Bear."

    10. Mojave Narrows Regional Park

    10 Reviews
    Apple Valley, CA
    12 miles
    Website

    $3 - $40 / night

    "The lakes are nice, there are mountain views, and some cool hikes to explore in the riverbed area."

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Recent Reviews near Mojave River Dam

1282 Reviews of 278 Mojave River Dam Campgrounds


  • Derek J.The Dyrt PRO User
    Feb. 7, 2026

    Bonelli Bluffs

    Fun but airplane noise

    Fun place there is a lot of airport noise during the day from the small private planes. Great place to bring bikes, fishing, and games to keep you and your crew busy for a few days.

  • Fred S.
    Feb. 5, 2026

    Morongo Casino RV Park

    Good place

    I’ve been camping near Morongo Casino a few times, and it’s always a fun mix of outdoor relaxation and a bit of excitement indoors. While talking about entertainment options, I’ve also been exploring some online platforms to unwind after a long hike, and I recently tried Pinco casino online. It’s surprisingly smooth and easy to use, with a great variety of games. Honestly, it feels like a nice way to continue the fun without leaving home. I’d definitely recommend checking it out if anyone enjoys casino games alongside their camping adventures.

  • Denny G.
    Feb. 5, 2026

    Desert Rose Collective RV Parking

    Funky campground

    I found the place on Google maps. It's little funky campground. Very quiet. Dry toilet. The shower doesn't seem to have hot water, maybe tomorrow. It's clean and the lady is friendly.

  • AThe Dyrt PRO User
    Feb. 1, 2026

    Cougar Buttes in Johnson Valley

    Not big rig accessible

    Tried to make it to the spot following these directions and ended up having to back up our rig a mile to the main road. Suitable for truck or tent camping only.

  • Will P.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jan. 30, 2026

    Sawtooth Canyon Campground

    Well laid out, very busy

    On way to Johnson Valley from Las Vegas, and saw this BLM campground. Decided to pull in for the night. It is very easy to follow the signage into the camping area. The camping area is a loop with obvious pull offs. Some have nice picnic tables. There are Vault toilets, although the one nearest my campsite needs servicing. Be sure to bring your own tp. Lots of people in here camping. The spots are close, for a blm campground. Still, I was tucked in between some rocks and felt mostly alone. I can hear other campers from my site as well as see them. There are class B rigs in here as well as bumper pulls. It is a fine spot for a day or two. Wifi at my campsite is att 4g late, 1 bar sometimes 2.

  • TThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jan. 29, 2026

    Giant Rock Dispersed

    Overnight stop

    We stopped in for the night before going into Joshua Tree NP. Except for the graffiti being left on the rocks the spot was great. There was also a little bit of trash. You can tell the area is quite popular although in January we were quite alone. There are a lot of spots to choose from.

  • MThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jan. 19, 2026

    Stoddard Valley OHV

    Explosions Smoke Fireworks Noise

    I left. Huge bonfires and toxic smoke. This was a Saturday night/3 day weekend so maybe other times it’s quieter. It is easy to find and directions were accurate. And plenty of space.

  • Daniele R.
    Jan. 14, 2026

    Sawtooth Canyon Campground

    Quiet

    It’s a really beautiful place nice spots and fairly clean restrooms. Be prepared with your own toilet paper. Really loved the level and clean camp spots and the incredible quiet and peace.


Guide to Mojave River Dam

Camping near Mojave River Dam offers year-round recreation in the high desert terrain between 3,000-4,500 feet elevation. The area features distinct geological formations where the Mojave River splits, creating diverse habitat zones transitioning from desert floor to mountain foothills. Trail access varies seasonally with spring wildflower blooms attracting hikers while autumn's cooler temperatures draw mountain bikers to the network of forest roads.

What to do

Hiking to natural hot springs: The Deep Creek Hot Springs Campground provides access to therapeutic mineral pools. "The hike to the springs is pretty rough but also worth it when you get there," notes one visitor. The trail involves moderate elevation changes and requires appropriate footwear.

Mountain biking at higher elevations: Dogwood Campground offers multiple trail access points for cyclists. "Access to the Enchanted loop nature trail is at the back end of the camp and offers some great views," explains one camper. Trails range from beginner-friendly loops to more technical forest routes.

Seasonal fishing opportunities: Silverwood Lake State Recreation Area provides lake access for anglers. "The lake is very clean and has a lot of fish. It is privately owned so you do have to pay to fish or swim," explains a camper. Day use fees run $10-15 per vehicle with additional fishing permit requirements.

What campers like

Spacious desert campsites: Mojave River Forks Regional Park offers well-maintained camping areas. "The campsites in the area where we were, were spacious and spread out. We liked very much not being on top of one another and appreciated how vast this campground is," reports one visitor.

Elevated mountain viewpoints: Skypark Camp RV Resort provides panoramic vistas. "Views are incredible although to squeeze in some sites they made the access roads a bit small," one camper notes. The elevation difference creates cooler temperatures than lower desert locations.

Clean facilities despite remote location: Campers appreciate Dogwood Campground's maintenance standards. "The restrooms are clean with flush toilets, along with soap and water sinks. There are many areas with water stations to fill up your containers," shares one visitor. Most established campgrounds maintain regular bathroom cleaning schedules even during peak seasons.

What you should know

Seasonal temperature considerations: The Mojave region experiences extreme temperature fluctuations by elevation. "It was incredibly windy when we went in April 2021. In addition to the wind, it was very chilly in the evenings and through the night," reports one camper at Mojave River Forks.

Variable campsite privacy levels: North Shore Campground has mixed site configurations. "This is a nice site with lots of shade. Sadly the sites are small with no space between the sites. The noise restrictions after 10pm are not enforced so bring ear plugs," advises a camper.

Road access challenges: Hanna Flat Campground requires navigating unpaved routes. "Site is north of Fawnskin off of 3n14 which is an unpaved road. Nice campground but can be a bit crowded on weekends," notes one visitor. Four-wheel drive vehicles perform better on these access roads.

Tips for camping with families

Accessible biking options: Serrano Campground offers family-friendly cycling terrain. "We loved camping here. Beautiful, pristine campground with bike trails/walking paths around the lake. The town is bike friendly," shares one camper. Paved pathways accommodate beginner riders while more challenging trails await experienced cyclists.

Nature programs and educational opportunities: North Shore Campground - Lake Almanor provides ranger-led activities. "The Keller Peak Lookout was amazing. I thought it was just a tourist attraction but it's really a staffed (with volunteers) active fire lookout. Worth the trip for sure," notes a visitor. These programs typically run weekends during summer months.

Wildlife viewing preparation: Bring appropriate containers for food storage. "Each campsite has a bear box to store food," mentions one camper at Dogwood. Small mammals frequent campsites throughout the region while larger wildlife remains more elusive.

Tips from RVers

Hookup availability varies widely: Skypark Camp RV Resort offers full-service sites. "Great park. New clean. Staff is very helpful and friendly. No wood fires but they do offer gas fire pits in the community area. Nice bathrooms as well," reports one RVer. Reservation policies typically require 1-2 day minimum stays.

Site leveling considerations: Silverwood Lake sites have varied terrain. "Some sites are smaller than others but it was only the two of us so everything worked out well," explains one RVer. Bringing leveling blocks helps compensate for uneven ground at most campgrounds in the region.

Dump station access planning: "Water and electricity hookups, along with a dump station and separate tent camp spaces," notes a camper about Mojave River Forks Regional Park. Most campgrounds with RV facilities maintain dump stations near main entrance roads rather than at individual sites.

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Mojave River Dam?

According to TheDyrt.com, Mojave River Dam offers a wide range of camping options, with 278 campgrounds and RV parks near Mojave River Dam and 26 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Mojave River Dam?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Mojave River Dam is Dogwood with a 4.7-star rating from 33 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Mojave River Dam?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 26 free dispersed camping spots near Mojave River Dam.