Camping near Mojave River Dam

CAMPER SUMMARY PRESENTED BYFord

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 (274)

    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

    28 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."

    CAMPER SUMMARY PRESENTED BYFord

    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."

    CAMPER SUMMARY PRESENTED BYFord

    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. Keller Peak Yellow Post Campsites

    9 Reviews
    Green Valley Lake, CA
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (909) 382-2600

    "Tons of land to hike, on or off trail. Geocaching sites nearby. The Keller Peak Lookout was amazing."

    "Each site is decent size and tucked away into the rocks. Many will fit multiple people easily. They fill up fast may-sept."

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Recent Reviews near Mojave River Dam

1266 Reviews of 274 Mojave River Dam Campgrounds


  • LThe Dyrt PRO User
    Dec. 10, 2025

    Rancho Jurupa RV Park

    Clean Park with Amenities

    Usually come week after Thanksgiving when 25% occupied. They provide gate / bathroom / laundry codes for late arrivals. Nice level grounds to walk around. Lakeside has gravel roads / pads... other side has asphalt roads / concrete pads. Restrooms are clean and acceptable. Lakeside showers require tokens... inquire at check-in. Limited shower seating to change clothes both sides. Easy drives to downtown area to see Mission Inn Christmas lights and walk around lake at city park. Cabins on-site look good and had some holiday lights. Store on-site has basics for camping and fishing. Overall a good place at this time of year.

  • Ken and Sheryl C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Dec. 8, 2025

    Calico Ghost Town

    Crowded OHV park

    Decent overnight. OHV oriented place. Next to Ghost Town tourist venue. Crowded and tight spaces but we fit our 43’ 5th wheel.

  • Ken and Sheryl C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Dec. 8, 2025

    Shady Lane RV Camp

    Overnight stop

    Barstow is simply a stopover spot most of the time. This place has full hookups and provided what we needed for a night. Stayed in 42’ 5th wheel.

  • M
    Dec. 4, 2025

    Morongo Casino RV Park

    No longer offer RV parking here

    I just contacted the Hotel & resort to verify and camping/RV parking is NO longer offered. As most places around, the "wrong crowd" (their words) ruined it for all and they had to shut it down.

    If you are staying at the hotel, you check in and get a pass to park behind the casino but can not stay inside overnight.

  • Les R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Nov. 29, 2025

    Angeles National Forest Meadow Group Campground

    Suitable for large groups

    So much space! One of the few campgrounds still reservable within the Angeles National Forest, now that only group sites are reservable.

    Although it’s a beautiful area and the sites are spacious, the sites could be more maintained. The main vault toilets were closed so we had to walk 3 minutes each way to some further away. Potable hasn’t been available at Meadows for this season at least, but we heard you may be able to get water at the nearby Chilao campground. We just brought our own water for the weekend.

    Make sure to call for the gate lock code during weekday business hours, there is no service once you’re in the forest.

  • Les R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Nov. 29, 2025

    Sturtevant Camp

    amazing camp, amazing organization

    We ended up unexpectedly staying at Sturtevant Camp because we left a scary experience at Spruce grove trailhead nearby. And wow, what an amazing experience we had here! We walked up to the campgrounds after it was already dark, and the camp host came outside of his cabin within a minute. He saw our headlamps and greeted us by asking if everything was okay. We asked if we could set up our tent near the cabins, and he offered to let us stay in one of the cabins that happened to be open that weekend. Some of the most amazing hospitality I've encounted while camping, really restored my faith in humanity. We made a donation after we got home as a thank you.

    The facilities have running water and electricity. The camp host preps coffee and hot water in the morning so that other hikers coming through can stop for a warm beverage. What an amazing place!

  • Les R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Nov. 29, 2025

    Spruce Grove Trail Campground - TEMPORARILY CLOSED DUE TO FIRE

    scary experience

    I took my friend backpacking on a Friday in August with the goal of camping at Spruce Grove camp that night. I read other reviews talking about how busy the campground can be over the weekend, so I was hoping we would still get a spot if we arrived Friday instead of Saturday. My friend and I were less than a mile away from the camp sites when it got dark and a guy started following us on the trail. It was unsettling, and we hoped it would be fine once we got to Spruce Grove. Unfortunately, upon arriving to the camp, it was completely empty. The guy started explaining that he didn't have a tent and his story didn't make sense (ex: said he walked up from Pasadena, instead of parking at the trailhead). Anyways, I know this guy isn't a permanent part of the campground, BUT it made me realize that backcountry camping in the Angeles National Forest is different than other backpacking I've done, because it's so close to an urban area. I've camped in many other parts of the ANF, but never the backcountry sites. I also want people to know that the campground is empty sometimes, so if you're going, I would only do it with a larger party.

    The story ends by us taking safe haven at Sturtevant Camp a little further up the trail

  • TO T.The Dyrt PRO User
    Nov. 29, 2025

    Bonelli Bluffs

    This is a campsite located very close to the city center

    This park has a great Halloween atmosphere,The bad thing is that there is no distance between these park RVs, they are very close and expensive. I must be 128US dollar.To be honest, I don't think it's worth the price. I won't go for a second time

  • William J.The Dyrt PRO User
    Nov. 27, 2025

    Sawtooth Canyon Campground

    Great campground with a dinosaur.

    Beautiful campground that is free with pavilions, fire rings, and BBQ at the campsites. Pit toilets that are clean but bring tp with you. A playground for the kiddos with a partially buried Dino (cement) that looks like a lot of fun. Rock formations all around for the rock climbers if that's your bag. It's really an awesome campground.


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 274 campgrounds and RV parks near Mojave River Dam and 25 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 25 free dispersed camping spots near Mojave River Dam.