Best Campgrounds near Palmdale, CA

Camping near Palmdale, CA, offers a variety of beautiful spots for outdoor enthusiasts. Whether you’re looking for a peaceful retreat or a fun family adventure, there are plenty of campgrounds to explore.

What to do:

• Hiking: There are numerous trails around the campgrounds. For example, at Ricardo Campground — Red Rock Canyon State Park, one reviewer mentioned, “The nature trail is accessible directly from the campground and the views are jaw-dropping and well worth exploring.”
• Fishing: Many campgrounds are near lakes or rivers. At Crystal Lake Rec Area Campground, visitors can enjoy fishing, with one camper noting, “The campground is very large with a lot of campsites. The lake nearby is great for fishing.”
• Wildlife Watching: Keep an eye out for local wildlife. A camper at Dogwood Campground shared, “The area is beautiful and we saw plenty of deer wandering around.”

What campers like:

• Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained restrooms. One review for Bonelli Bluffs stated, “Possibly the cleanest public bathroom I've ever seen.”
• Scenic Views: Many campgrounds offer stunning landscapes. A visitor at Malibu Creek State Park Campground said, “The sites with the best views are 59, 61, and 63.”
• Friendly Staff: Campers often mention helpful staff. At Thousand Trails Soledad Canyon, one guest noted, “Staff was incredibly friendly and helpful throughout our stay!”

What you should know:

• Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds, like Ricardo Campground — Red Rock Canyon State Park, do not have drinking water or electric hookups. A camper mentioned, “No AT&T signal. There was poor WiFi at the visitor center but at least you could send an email or message.”
• Crowded on Weekends: Popular spots can fill up quickly. A review for Silverwood Lake State Recreation Area noted, “The campground during holiday is a nightmare. The lake and views are nice, but spots are crammed.”
• No Reservations: Some campgrounds operate on a first-come, first-served basis. A visitor at Table Mountain Campground shared, “We got site 41 as a first come first serve site.”

Tips for camping with families:

• Choose Spacious Sites: Look for campgrounds with larger sites. At Canyon Campground — Leo Carrillo State Park Campground, a camper said, “We camped in site 103 and found it to be an awesome spot.”
• Plan Activities: Bring games or outdoor activities to keep kids entertained. One family at Bonelli Bluffs mentioned, “We had to get creative in finding ways to occupy their time during downtime.”
• Pack Snacks: Having snacks on hand can make a big difference. A camper at Malibu Beach RV Park noted, “The general store is well stocked.”

Tips from RVers:

• Check Site Size: Make sure your RV fits the site. A review for Canyon Campground — Leo Carrillo State Park Campground mentioned, “The sites are small. It is very difficult to back in to a spot when you have campers across from your campsite.”
• Bring Your Own WiFi: Many campgrounds have poor cell reception. A visitor at Soledad Canyon RV and Camping Resort said, “You can tell TT is trying to make the campground even better, but we normally have pretty bad cell reception.”
• Plan for Noise: Be prepared for noise, especially on weekends. A camper at Silverwood Lake State Recreation Area noted, “Many campers don’t adhere to the quiet hours.”

Camping near Palmdale, CA, has something for everyone, from families to solo adventurers. Just remember to plan ahead and enjoy the great outdoors!