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.
$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."
$45 - $350 / night
"Silverwood Lake Campground offers a range of site experiences depending on where you stay."
"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!""
$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."
$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."
$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."
$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!"
$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."
$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."
"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."
$3 - $40 / night
"The lakes are nice, there are mountain views, and some cool hikes to explore in the riverbed area."
TravelerStayed one night on our way to Utah. Super quiet on Sunday night, we were able to drive right up and pick a spot pretty secluded. Bathrooms were spotless. Camp host was friendly!
ScoutPlace is ok. Quiet so far. Nice people.
LegendTown is wonderful. Campground not so much. Sites way out of level. No Campground decorations, just dirt and rocks. Very tight sites.
ScoutEasy access but away from street noise. Nothing elegant or fancy but it's a nice spot to spend the weekend. RV sites are next to the baseball fields, which is fun! Some sites have shade trees (beware of dripping pine trees). Grass and trees off the RV sites. Sites are on gravel and concrete pads. Great view of the nearby mountains. Park security patrols throughout the day. We've stayed here twice and would definitely visit again!
GuideI have some reservations about writing this review because my experience at this campground was wonderful. I enjoyed four peaceful days there, and, surprisingly, there were never more than three campers present. The other visitors were all gray-haired, which contributed to the serenity—there were no barking dogs, loud generators, music, or screaming kids. I spoke with some long-time campers who advised against visiting during holiday weekends and summer; they warned that it can turn chaotic. Marion Mountain, built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s, exudes character and has a relaxed atmosphere that is not geared for partying, although some attempt to make it so. This campground strictly allows only tent camping and very small teardrop trailers or camper vans; RVs and fifth-wheelers are not permitted. The upper loop(sites 1-5) is great for van or tent camping, but parking is limited to one car/van per site, with no extra parking available. This restriction minimizes the flow of day hikers and keeps the campground tranquil. The inside loop features flatter ground for pitching tents, but it does come with close campsites, reducing privacy since the road rings around sites six through ten, which require a short walk to access. On the lower loop, the outside sites are sloped, and you also need to walk to them. The interior sites here are flat but closely packed, creating a cramped environment. I rated this campground one star for weekends and holidays, but it earns five stars on weekdays and in the shoulder seasons. I would absolutely return, but definitely not on weekends! If I want to hear screaming kids and barking dogs, I can just visit my grandkids. If you value a peaceful camping experience, choose your timing wisely!
ScoutGreat spots along this whole road. Busy on weekends though.
GuideIt was easy to find and access based on information on The Dyrt posted by other users. Great for train enthusiasts. Lots of traffic noise from the highway. We even encountered a rare black coyote. Unfortunately I didn’t have the mental presence to snap a picture but it came right up to the trailer. I don’t believe in feeding wildlife but probably others had. Unfortunately there was lots of trash left behind by previous campers or local partiers. I plan to use this location regularly as a launching off point for destinations in Nevada, Utah, and Colorado. Very convenient location, there are also convenience stores, a McDonalds, and very expensive gasoline nearby.
GuideYou need a military ID to enter this base. There are more than 30 sites available FCFS, water, sewer, 30 amp and 50 amp electric, level concrete slabs surrounded by gravel. The only trees are around the perimeter. Two washers, two dryers, and an ice machine are available for no charge. Fenced dog park with grass. All sites are back in with water and Electric at the back.
LegendLooks like this was a great spor at one time. Someone got lazy. Grass not cut. Weeds taking over. Beautiful trees and views. Sprinklers broken right in front of the office door flooding the sidewalk. Dog run leaking Sprinklers leaves a mud puddle. Looks like about 3/4 are living there. Site 21 very unlevel.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 282 campgrounds and RV parks near Mojave River Dam and 27 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 27 free dispersed camping spots near Mojave River Dam.
Keep Exploring
