Best Campgrounds near Newberry Springs, CA

The Dyrt is here to help plan your best camping near Newberry Springs. There are tons of hikes and other fun activities to partake in, as well as sights to see and explore. Get the dirt on all the best camping near Newberry Springs. Browse campgrounds by amenities, site types, and more.

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

    27 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

    36 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

    24 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

572 Reviews of 130 Newberry Springs Campgrounds


  • 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.

  • Kyle K.
    Aug. 28, 2025

    Stoddard Valley OHV

    Nothing special, low expectations and an open mind!

    This spot isn't anything special, but desert camping under the stars is never a bad time. Once the wind settled in the evening, I made some tea and read a book. I saw a shooting star when I laid down in my tent. I really could not have asked for a better nights rest. There is a vault toilet and some rock fire pits scattered around the area. I was there on a Wednesday, didn't see another soul except for the couple that pulled off the highway for a quicky, LOL! The highway isn't too far but the noise is pretty minimal. It was pretty sandy, but not too bad for a street motorcycle

  • AThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 23, 2025

    East Flats

    Nice Peaceful Area

    Wasn’t hard to find a little rough but fairly easy to reach with our Sedan. Couldn’t find too much to do but if you’re looking for a weekend getaway to relax it’s a nice spot.

  • Nickchris G.
    Aug. 18, 2025

    Horsemen's Center

    Horseman's center!

    Beautiful views of the entire city and never bothered by anyone, can do bonfires, and even camp right out my car.

  • DeWayne G.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 17, 2025

    Giant Rock Dispersed

    Big Rock camping

    Came out to Big Rock for the meteor shower in August. Yes, it was hot, but I like the heat. We set up our two-day camp along the ridge about 300 yards past Big Rock. Verizon Cell service was non-existent at our site, but we would get 5G at the Rock.

    Other than some graffiti the area was clean and well-kept.

  • Missy R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 17, 2025

    Barstow-Calico KOA

    Great stop on a cross country journey

    I’m just stopping to sleep, but this campground has friendly staff and good amenities. I’m parked under a canopy of trees, which must help on hot summer days.

    They had a general store, bath houses, cabins, dog park and more.

  • ken J.
    Jul. 20, 2025

    Holloway's Marina & RV Park

    Horrible for the customer

    I strongly urge you to camp or rent your watersports anywhere else than this place!! The staff here have shown me numerous times over the past few weeks that they don't care about you or your vacation needs!!

  • Laura M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 1, 2025

    Owl Canyon Campground

    Hard road in

    This is such a beautiful campground— we love coming here. It’s a 14-day limit, $6/night, self-pay, no host but the rangers come through pretty regularly. The road in is bad….. but it really is doable. It seems to get less awful each time we do it. 

    The hikes through the colored rocks are so pretty. It can get pretty windy and trash just gets blown all over so part of our daily activities when we stay here is walking around with our trash pickers and picking up trash that’s blown into the washes. There are trash bins here, no recycling, and there are pit toilets too. There’s something of a playground here, but it’s more cute than anything.  There are accessible non-gendered pit toilets here as well.

    The vibe here is always peaceful, friendly, mellow, though I will say we had a family group of horrid and extremely loud partiers for a few days (over the weekend) the last time we were there.

    Good cell service.

  • Mike M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 30, 2025

    Heart Bar Campground

    Favorite campground in San Berdoo Forest

    Heartbar is the largest campground off of the 38, lots of sites and far enough from the road to be very quite. Access to a lot of hiking and dirt roads, hike to San Gorgonio, drive up to Coon Creek Cabin, or just relax


Guide to Newberry Springs

Camping near Newberry Springs, California, offers a unique blend of desert landscapes and outdoor adventures. Whether you're looking for a quiet getaway or a spot to explore, there are several campgrounds to choose from.

What to do:

  • Explore Calico Ghost Town: This historic site is just a stone's throw away from Calico Ghost Town. One visitor mentioned, "The Ghost town is a fun place to walk through," making it a great spot for history buffs and families alike.
  • Rock Climbing: If you're into climbing, Sawtooth Canyon Campground is a popular destination. One camper shared, "This is also a big rock climbing destination," so bring your gear and enjoy the challenge.
  • Hiking: The area is filled with trails. A reviewer at Afton Canyon Campground noted, "The trails are soft sand, rock and river crossings," perfect for those who love to hike.

What campers like:

  • Affordable Camping: Many campers appreciate the low fees at places like Sawtooth Canyon Campground, where one reviewer said, "This is a great BLM campground, FREE, individual sites with varying levels of privacy."
  • Quiet Atmosphere: Campers often enjoy the peacefulness of Afton Canyon Campground. One visitor mentioned, "Weekdays pretty quiet. Busy on weekends," which is great for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle.
  • Clean Facilities: Cleanliness is a big plus for many. A reviewer at Shady Lane RV Camp said, "Very clean and friendly place," highlighting the good maintenance of the campground.

What you should know:

  • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds, like Owl Canyon Campground, have limited facilities. A camper warned, "The road to access was a bit rough but worth it," so be prepared for a bit of a trek.
  • Road Conditions: Access roads can be challenging. One visitor at Rainbow Basin/Owl Canyon Campground noted, "5 mile washboard road in! Go slow!" This is something to keep in mind if you're driving a larger vehicle.
  • No Water Supply: Many campgrounds, including Afton Canyon Campground, do not have drinking water available. A reviewer advised, "I'd advise bringing toilet paper!" so come prepared.

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for spots like Barstow-Calico KOA, where one camper said, "We appreciated the pool, hammocks next to the pool," making it a great place for kids to unwind.
  • Plan Activities: Make sure to have a plan for activities. A family at Calico Ghost Town enjoyed the Easter egg hunt, saying, "Your camping fee also covers access to these type of special events."
  • Pack Snacks: Keep the kids happy with snacks. One camper at Barstow-Calico KOA mentioned, "The treats at the store" were a hit, so stock up on goodies.

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Hookups: Make sure your campground has the right hookups. A reviewer at Newberry Mountain RV Park noted, "The pads are new concrete and level," which is great for RVs.
  • Be Mindful of Noise: Some campgrounds can be noisy. One camper at Barstow-Calico KOA said, "The interstate is loud, so it did impact a good night's sleep," so consider that when choosing your spot.
  • Plan for Limited Services: Many campgrounds, like Military Park Barstow Marine Corps Logistics Base Oasis RV Park, have limited services. A visitor mentioned, "I.D. is required to get on base," so check the rules before you go.

Camping near Newberry Springs, California, has its quirks, but with the right preparation, it can be a fantastic experience!

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.