Jalin C.
Traveler
TravelerCrystal Lake Rec Area Campground
noisy but beautiful
very pretty sight the mountain air is incredible. the staff is very helpful and friendly. at night the drunks go crazy and the bears steal their food.
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 (284)
1. Dogwood
33 ReviewsRimforest, CA8 milesWebsite+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
31 ReviewsCedarpines Park, CA8 milesWebsite+1 (760) 389-2281$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!""
3. North Shore Campground - Lake Arrowhead
15 ReviewsCedar Glen, CA7 milesWebsite+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
27 ReviewsFawnskin, CA15 milesWebsite+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
36 ReviewsBig Bear Lake, CA19 milesWebsite+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 ReviewsSkyforest, CA9 milesWebsite+1 (909) 744-9927$39 - $299 / 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 ReviewsArkabutla Lake, MS2 milesWebsite+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 ReviewsArkabutla Lake, MS4 milesWebsite+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 ReviewsCedar Glen, CA8 milesWebsite+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 ReviewsApple Valley, CA12 milesWebsite$3 - $40 / night
"The lakes are nice, there are mountain views, and some cool hikes to explore in the riverbed area."
Recent Camping Photos near Mojave River Dam
526 Photos of 284 Mojave River Dam Campgrounds • uploaded by The Dyrt campers
Hesperia Lake Park and Campground City Park
Deep Creek Hot Springs Campground
Deep Creek Hot Springs Camp Retreat
Hilltop Tavern and Inn
North Shore Campground - Lake Arrowhead
Lake Arrowhead - Green Valley Lake Recreation Area
Mesa Campground — Silverwood Lake State Recreation AreaA
Dogwood
Oak Springs Ranch Campground
Skypark Camp RV Resort
Horse Springs Camground
Horse Springs Campground — San Bernardino National Forest
Recent Reviews near Mojave River Dam
1350 Reviews of 284 Mojave River Dam Campgrounds
D F.
ScoutLake Perris State Recreational Area Campground
Nice lake, challenging crowd
The 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.
- J
Jerina V.TravelerMesa Campground — Silverwood Lake State Recreation Area
Fun camp trip
Nice 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.
- DDennis D.Scout
Mill Creek Dispersed Camping
Mill Creek
Easy 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.
Hans V.
GuideMesa Campground — Silverwood Lake State Recreation Area
Fine, nicely wooded
No 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
- WWilliam Y.Scout
Huttopia Paradise Springs
Nice place, bring your own water
It was a nice place and the people were nice. I checked with the staff on day one if their water was potable. They confirmed everything is potable. My dog had explosive diarrhea day 1 and by the time I got home I had fever and diarrhea. It’s been a rough ride ever since. My dog and I did not share food. We only used the tap as a water source. My husband ate all of our food any only drank store bought drinks. No water. He’s fine. Just me and the dog riding it out. Don’t learn my lesson the hard way. Bring your own water and enjoy it.
- AAustin A.Traveler
Yellow Post #1
Beautiful area, half of the sights require minimal vehicle mods
Stockton 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
- DDoug B.Traveler
Mesa Campground — Silverwood Lake State Recreation Area
Good campground during week
Good 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.
Brittany N.
LegendFern Basin Campground
Hidden gem!
Feel far away without the long drive. Loved this campground for the serenity! The trees were stunning, campsites were good, bathrooms had toilet paper.
Sites all have a slant due to the location. Everysite seems to offer something different; more or less shade, walk length from the car, space etc. I took photos of all the sites and tried to represent the distance/location of the site vs parking. Sites 1-7 and 19-21 are all around the first restroom. Sites 13 and 16 and kinda 17 are around the second restroom.
If you just like some simple sites that are in a nice loop with some hills and old trees, you will enjoy this campground.
We stayed August 21-23 and the water was off, bathrooms were open. No campfire, stoves/gas only!
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?
What camping is available near Mojave River Dam?
According to TheDyrt.com, Mojave River Dam offers a wide range of camping options, with 284 campgrounds and RV parks near Mojave River Dam and 28 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Mojave River Dam?
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?
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Mojave River Dam?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 28 free dispersed camping spots near Mojave River Dam.
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