Camping spots near Palmdale, California include several destinations in the Angeles National Forest and surrounding desert areas, offering elevations from 2,600 to 6,000 feet. These contrasting environments create significant temperature variations, with forest areas remaining 10-15 degrees cooler than desert locations during summer months. The region contains both established campgrounds requiring fees and undeveloped sites with minimal facilities.
What to do
Hiking access: At Buckhorn Campground, trails begin directly from the camping area. "There's a nice waterfall trail which will be 2.5 in & 2.5 miles back," notes Edgar V., while another camper mentioned "hiking trails right out of the campground."
Swimming opportunities: While natural swimming is limited, Thousand Trails Soledad Canyon offers pool access during warmer months. "They had a pool and basketball court and there are lots of trees so that's good," according to Elizabeth C., though one visitor noted "we waited hours just to swim for thirty minutes" during busy periods.
Wildlife watching: The diverse ecosystems support various wildlife viewing opportunities. At Crystal Lake Rec Area Campground, campers report seeing "Black bear, deer (wandered through our site), red foxes, Stellar's Jays, woodpeckers, other birds," according to Forest G.
Desert exploration: Explore unique desert ecosystems at Saddleback Butte State Park Campground. A visitor describes "Lots of flora and fauna to see! From rabbits and rattlesnakes, to Joshua Trees and wildflowers. You can also see one of the oldest living plants on earth, the creosote bush, and they can live over 10,000 years!"
What campers like
Accessibility from Los Angeles: Many camping areas are within 1-2 hours of urban centers. One camper at Angeles National Forest Chilao Campground noted it's "such a short and easy drive for LA, and the drive up campspots are always in great condition."
Cooler temperatures: Higher elevation sites provide relief from summer heat. "It was nice and cool a good break from the heat," reports Robert A. about Crystal Lake Rec Area, while another camper described it as having "an absolute perfect temperature in August during the day and night."
Stargazing opportunities: Clear mountain air allows for exceptional night sky viewing. A visitor to Saddleback Butte State Park said, "Evenings here are SPECTACULAR. The sky lights up with endless stars and you can see the milky way very clearly. Also, you can watch shooting stars ALL NIGHT. Absolutely magical."
Site spacing and privacy: Several campgrounds offer well-spaced sites. At Buckhorn Campground, "Lots of space between campsites. Babbling brook to lull you to sleep at night. Very quiet after 10:00 pm," according to Vickie C.
What you should know
Fire restrictions: Fire rules vary seasonally and by location. At Monte Cristo Campground, a recent visitor noted "there was a fire restriction. No bonfires, no cooking on stoves" during their stay, though this varies by season and drought conditions.
Limited cell service: Most forest campgrounds have poor or no connectivity. A Monte Cristo camper reported "No service. I pulled a 26 TT," while another mentioned, "there is NO service here or really anywhere on the 2."
Weather extremes: Desert locations experience dramatic temperature shifts. At Saddleback Butte, expect "SCORCHING HOT during the day and frigid cold at night. Just like you'd imagine a desert to be."
Water availability issues: Water access can be inconsistent. At Chilao Campground, visitors noted "Water is available but bring your own, there were boil signs everywhere," and another camper at Monte Cristo reported "no water due to a leak."
Tips for camping with families
Noise considerations: Choose your campground based on desired atmosphere. At Buckhorn, a visitor warned it "fills up VERY fast. Open spaces for large group camping... Most of the people camping there played loud music all night. Not exactly a get away from the city."
Wildlife awareness: Prepare children for potential wildlife encounters. "A bear was on our stuff the first night. I whistled and it ran away. In the morning today, we seen another, casually walking Into the grounds," reported a camper at Monte Cristo.
Bathroom facilities: Facilities vary widely between campgrounds. At Saddleback Butte, "Updated restroom facilities with nice flush toilets and sinks. They are relatively clean and well kept," while Monte Cristo campers noted "The bathroom that I was using I give it a 2 star."
Activity options: Some campgrounds offer family-friendly amenities beyond camping. At Thousand Trails Soledad Canyon, one visitor mentioned "The Saturday activities" as the best feature, but cautioned "if you have older kids forget it! The activities are for ages 5-7 maybe!"
Tips from RVers
Access challenges: Some campgrounds have difficult approaches for larger vehicles. At Monte Cristo, one RVer advised "I came in from the La side of the mountains and found it's easier to go in from Palmdale with a rv or tt. If your hauling anything longer then 20 ft. Try for site 11."
RV length limitations: Many forest campgrounds cannot accommodate larger rigs. At Buckhorn, RVers are advised "Good for small RVs. Over 24 foot not recommended."
Train noise at valley locations: Lower elevation sites often experience train disturbances. At LA RV Resort at Action Camp, visitors warned "about 4 trains a night that will come by with horns blowing" and another noted "the train woke you up every two hour even at midnight."
Dust and wind effects: Desert locations can impact RV cleanliness and stability. At Soledad Canyon, campers mentioned "The sites are dirt so be prepared to get lots of fine desert dirt in the camper" and at Saddleback Butte, visitors experienced "Really dusty and windy with constant 20mph winds. Our stuff was flying away constantly."
