Best Campgrounds near Newberry Springs, CA

Campgrounds near Newberry Springs offer several options for travelers in the Mojave Desert region of California. Newberry Mountain RV Park provides full hookups for recreational vehicles and tent camping, while several other established campgrounds are scattered throughout the surrounding area. The Barstow-Calico KOA, located approximately 20 miles west, offers additional amenities including cabins, yurts, and glamping accommodations. Most developed sites in the region support both tent and RV camping, with varying levels of services ranging from primitive facilities to complete hookups with water, sewer, and electricity.

Access to campgrounds around Newberry Springs remains open year-round, though desert temperatures make spring and fall the most comfortable seasons for camping. Summer temperatures regularly exceed 100°F, requiring careful planning and adequate water supplies. Winter nights can drop below freezing, particularly from November through February. Most established campgrounds feature gravel pads and basic amenities, with some offering swimming pools as welcome relief from the desert heat. Larger RV sites with 50-amp service are available at several locations, though reservations are recommended during peak travel seasons. As one camper noted, "The campground was super easy to find as it was right off I-40 on old Route 66. Our check-in could not have been easier."

Campers report mixed experiences with amenities at regional campgrounds. While most provide basic services, maintenance quality varies significantly between properties. Swimming pools are highly valued during hot weather, with several reviews highlighting their importance as desert oases. Highway noise impacts some campgrounds, particularly those situated near Interstate 40 or Interstate 15. Several visitors mentioned that campgrounds in the area could benefit from updated facilities and maintenance. The proximity to Route 66 attractions and Calico Ghost Town provides cultural points of interest for visitors. Multiple reviews indicate that most sites in the region serve well as overnight stops rather than extended-stay destinations, though the twin lakes at Newberry Mountain RV Park receive positive mentions for adding visual appeal to the desert landscape.

Best Camping Sites Near Newberry Springs, California (130)

    1. Calico Ghost Town

    41 Reviews
    Yermo, CA
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (760) 254-1123

    "As other reviewers mentioned, most of the campground is tucked into a narrow sort of canyon just below the Ghost Town."

    "We aren't off-roaders but noticed a lot of ATVs around. Seems like the place to be. There are also mountain bike trails around."

    2. Barstow-Calico KOA

    28 Reviews
    Daggett, CA
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (760) 904-3069

    "It is a bit rough around the edges. Easy to miss the turn because it is on road 15 next to highway 15- yikes. Tough on the road weary. It has a dog run."

    "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"

    3. Sawtooth Canyon Campground

    38 Reviews
    Daggett, CA
    20 miles
    Website
    +1 (760) 252-6000

    "I am here in California getting ready to leave the state by FY22 and had to get outside. I have been exploring the idea of going camping and decided to go this weekend."

    "There has been a lot of disrespectful off trail sites being made that is destroying the wilderness that has rebounded since 2003. Before that, it was the wild west."

    4. Newberry Mountain RV Park

    6 Reviews
    Newberry Springs, CA
    4 miles
    Website
    +1 (760) 257-0066

    "Our space was on the end so we had a lot of privacy but near the I-40.  That didn't bother us but it might bother those who are looking for total quiet.  The nights were fantastic!! "

    "The old caboose, the Hwy 66 hotel mural, and the ducks around the pond were a nice touch. They had a shower house and laundry, but we did not use them."

    5. Owl Canyon Campground

    25 Reviews
    Barstow, CA
    23 miles
    Website
    +1 (760) 252-6000

    $6 / night

    "Have to drive through washboard road for about five miles to get to the campground. Nice site with a trail head to Owl Canyon right by the campground. First come first serve site, but $6 per night."

    "Nice level spots with reasonable distance from other campers. The horse campground has no water and is about 1/2 mile from the main campground which has a handful of water stations."

    6. Afton Canyon Campground

    20 Reviews
    Newberry Springs, CA
    23 miles
    Website
    +1 (760) 252-6000

    "I arrived close to 1AM on a Friday and didn't have any trouble getting a prime spot. I originally was planning my trip to a different campground but that was full by the time I got there."

    "Located in Afton Canyon, this BLM Campground offers plenty of level sites, compete with concrete picnic tables, fire pits and charcoal grills. There are also pit toilets."

    7. Shady Lane RV Camp

    9 Reviews
    Barstow, CA
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (760) 256-5322

    "Easy to use and right next to the road. Quite place. hookups."

    "The park is a little distance from the highway, so it's blessedly quiet overall."

    9. Mountain Shadow Hideaway

    Be the first to review!
    Newberry Springs, CA
    2 miles
    Website
    +1 (541) 709-0730

    $36 / night

    10. Twin Lakes RV Park

    Be the first to review!
    Newberry Springs, CA
    6 miles
    +1 (760) 257-3377
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Recent Reviews near Newberry Springs, CA

580 Reviews of 130 Newberry Springs Campgrounds


  • Julianne M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 19, 2025

    Sawtooth Canyon Campground

    Beautiful BLM Free Campgound

    This campsite is absolutely breathtaking. We arrived late on a Friday night and all of the designated spots were taken, but there are places you can pull off to the side and camp. The road in is about 1.5mi of washboard, but it's completely doable (our rented front wheel drive campervan had no issues). Wish we would've spent more time here!

  • Gillian L.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 15, 2025

    Barstow-Calico KOA

    Beautiful

    We rolled in after dark. The office is open until 9 pm which was very nice. They sell snacks and supplies. There are cabins for rent along with tent sites in addition to backup and pull through sites. Our site had full hookups. The dog park at the back of the campground was decent size with a gorgeous view of the mountains. There are arched overhead lights through the lanes to help light in the dark. A word of warning, the campground has many oleander flower bushes which are toxic to humans and pets if ingested, so please use caution. There are signs warning of this.

  • Alisa P.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 11, 2025

    Stoddard Valley OHV

    Perfect for off roading

    If you are into ORV riding then this is your place. Tucked right off the freeway it is easy to find and not to much noise from the main highway. It is HUGE. Tons of room to spread out. It is not at all level but if you drive around you can find a spot that will work. If you don’t like dust think twice before coming. The ORV stir up a lot and are very noisy even into the late evening. We enjoyed watching the ORV racing up the hill and all around the park especially at night when they have all the fun lit antennas. There is a vault toilet toward the back of the entrance.

  • Iris V.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 10, 2025

    Sawtooth Canyon Campground

    Stunning Free BLM Campground with Epic Scenery

    Spent some time at Sawtooth Canyon Campground near Barstow, California, and wow—this spot is spectacular. The BLM offers 13 free, first-come-first-served sites nestled against dramatic rock formations. 🌵 Sunsets glow across the cliffs 🌅, and the moonrise over the rocks is unforgettable 🌕🔥.

    The access road is washboarded, so take it slow 🚙💨. Once you’re there, it’s peaceful and wide open. Each site has a picnic table 🪑, fire ring 🔥, and vault toilets 🚻. Plenty of space for trailers and rigs 🚐, and the night sky is breathtaking 🌌.

    If you’re passing through Barstow and want a quiet, beautiful free camping spot, Sawtooth Canyon is absolutely worth it.

  • Connie H.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 10, 2025

    Pine Knot Campground

    Nice Campground Close to Town

    This campground is located pretty much in town right off Summit Blvd, on a side street right next to Snow Summit. We stayed here a couple nights with our pop-up camper in site #17. Cost was $34 a night. We pulled in a little later than planned, around 7:30, there were about 10 other sites occupied with a few more reserved. There are 48 sites throughout the campground. All primitive sites. Generators are allowed, but must stay on paved areas, and not run during quiet hours, 10:00 PM- 6:00 AM. Sites have a picnic table, fire ring, grill and bear box provided. There are 4 bathroom houses around the campground with flush toilets and sinks, they were pretty clean and well kept. Potable water was available. We did hear the coyotes at night and even had one or two come through our site. Campfires are allowed at this campground as of Oct. 9, 2025. We had great T-Mobile and AT&T cell service. The camp hosts were friendly and helpful.

  • Elijah C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 24, 2025

    Big Pine Flat Campground

    50/50

    Sites are nice, there is potable water and toilets BUT there is also a OHV staging area directly across from the campsites. The occasional dirt bike is fine right? So I thought. There was a group of 20+ people partying and playing corridos so loud I couldn’t fall asleep. They had a side by side with large speakers facing the campsite :/ I wouldn’t be annoyed if it was free but I paid $30 to camp and the camp host said this is their turf and there is nothing he can do.

  • K
    Sep. 11, 2025

    Owl Canyon Campground

    Great overnight stop

    Bit of rattle and shake on the road leading in. The sites are well laid out with picnic tables and fire pits plenty of space.

  • C
    Sep. 10, 2025

    serrano camp grounds

    Great place

    I stayed for one night Wednesday just to try the showers. The showers were perfect! Hot water even! So clean and beautiful. Recommend!

  • B
    Sep. 4, 2025

    Keller Peak Yellow Post Campsites

    Stunning but Safety Concerns

    I’ve camped at the Keller Peak yellow post sites more than two dozen times over the years and, at their best, they’re incredible. The scenery and isolation are superb—starry skies, quiet nights, and that deep-woods stillness that’s getting harder to find. For years this was my go-to spot. 

    Unfortunately, I’ve also watched trash and waste increase. Please, pack it out—these sites only stay special if we treat them with care. 

    My last trip was frightening enough that I haven’t returned. Late at night a group of locals came to the edge of my site, yelling and using threatening language. They assumed I was homeless despite my SUV and proper camping setup. I was using a portable propane fire pit—which is allowed—and I calmly explained that. I can understand why fire is an issue to locals.  I only felt safe because my small dog has a very loud bark, which kept them from coming closer. They said they were calling a ranger. I left the next morning, shaken. On my way out, I spoke with a park ranger who confirmed propane fire pits are permitted and told me they don’t patrol up there at night because of recurring issues like this. She also mentioned they were trying to move the site to a reservation system to deter homeless use; I’m not sure if that has happened yet. 

    It’s a shame, because this area is one of the best around. I’m sharing this so others can make an informed choice.  

    Pros - Spectacular views and true solitude Cool nights, dark skies, classic forest feel

    Cons -  Rising litter and human waste Nighttime safety concerns due to occasional rowdy visitors Limited ranger presence after dark

     I hope increased stewardship and enforcement can restore the magic here.


Guide to Newberry Springs

Camping spots near Newberry Springs, California sit within the high Mojave Desert at approximately 1,800 feet elevation. Winter temperatures typically drop below freezing at night, while summer days routinely exceed 105°F with very low humidity. The surrounding terrain features volcanic cinder cones, dry lake beds, and Joshua trees scattered across the landscape.

What to do

Explore canyon terrain: At Owl Canyon Campground, hikers can venture through unique limestone formations. "Isolated but easy to get to and recently upgraded. Each camping spot has a picnic table, firepit, garbage, and nice flat spot for our 4Wheel camper. Found some critters including a sidewinder but we are camping in their home so to be expected," explains Sara S.

Visit the ghost town: Calico Ghost Town Regional Park offers historical attractions within walking distance of its campground. "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 camper D.T.

Rock climbing adventures: The Sawtooth Canyon area attracts climbers with its distinctive rock formations. "This canyon is great for a couple of days of climbing. The area is unique from the Mojave topography. Plus, it is free to camp," states Tommy B. Many routes are suitable for beginners, with established anchors and climbing areas located within walking distance of campsites.

What campers like

Desert wildlife viewing: The riparian habitat at Afton Canyon Campground creates opportunities for animal sightings. "There is a lot of cool wildlife to see from lizards, kangaroo rats, snakes and more often than not big horn sheep," reports Amanda D. Early morning and dusk provide the best wildlife viewing times.

Swimming pools during summer: During hot weather, campgrounds with pools become essential. "The best part for me was the pool which was clean and cool," mentions Kevin H. about Newberry Mountain RV Park. Most campground pools in the area operate from April through October, with limited hours during spring and fall.

Stargazing opportunities: Clear desert skies offer exceptional night viewing. "We just woke to a lovely quiet morning here. Fully renewed, to make my long drive down towards San Diego. Just me and Missy and all those stars on that dark desert night," writes Michelle M. about her stay at Shady Lane RV Camp. The best viewing occurs during new moon phases with minimal light pollution.

What you should know

Road conditions vary significantly: Many campgrounds require driving on unpaved roads. "The road in is pretty washboard, but worth the shaking and rattling for this beautiful spot," notes Kathy B. about Sawtooth Canyon. High-clearance vehicles are recommended for several locations, particularly after rain.

Extreme temperature fluctuations: Desert camping requires preparation for both heat and cold. "I was here one October where the weather was above 100F during the day. The sites have absolutely no shade or cover," reports Hannah O. about Calico Ghost Town. Night temperatures can drop 40-50 degrees from daytime highs, especially during spring and fall.

Railway proximity: Several campgrounds sit near active train tracks. "There are train tracks located next to the campground but the train doesn't run that much. I think I saw 4 trains in a 24 hour period," explains Berton M. about Afton Canyon Campground. Earplugs may be necessary for light sleepers.

Tips for camping with families

Playground facilities: Some campgrounds offer kid-friendly amenities. "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," shares Jennifer H. about her family's experience at Barstow-Calico KOA.

Educational opportunities: Historical sites provide learning experiences. "I had always wanted to visit a ghost town so when this came up in our travel path, we had to stop for a night. The next morning, we wandered into the Ghost Town for some entertainment. We took pictures of the bottle house, mercantile, and many other buildings," recounts Christy C. about Calico Ghost Town.

Safety considerations: Desert environments require extra precautions with children. "This place has cool little mining caves and a cool train for kids to ride on. Somethings are locked down due to covid but this place isn't shy of family fun," notes Brittney C. Pack extra water, sun protection, and first aid supplies when visiting with children.

Tips from RVers

Hookup availability: Full-service sites exist but require planning. "Section A came with the full hookup, I saw mainly large class A RVs parking there, probably came for a longer time. I took a space in camp B with only electricity, which is enough for me and my Class B," explains SmallRVLifestyle V. about Calico Ghost Town Regional Park.

Level sites: Many RV spots feature improved surfaces. "The pads are new concrete and level. There are a few trees along the back of the RV pads. Full hookups and apparently the base WiFi is available by renting a router for the night," reports Michael C. about a military facility (restricted access).

Overnight convenience: Several campgrounds work well as transit stops. "We were only here one night but we had a nice stay. We left the windows open since it was great evening weather. The freeway noise was there but it didn't keep us up. We had full hookups and check-in was easy," notes Christina H. about her stopover at Newberry Mountain RV Park.

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Newberry Springs, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, Newberry Springs, CA offers a wide range of camping options, with 130 campgrounds and RV parks near Newberry Springs, CA and 22 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Newberry Springs, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Newberry Springs, CA is Calico Ghost Town with a 4-star rating from 41 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Newberry Springs, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 22 free dispersed camping spots near Newberry Springs, CA.