Desert camping near Randsburg, California offers unique conditions in a high-desert environment at elevations between 3,500-4,000 feet. The area experiences significant temperature variations with summer highs regularly exceeding 100°F and winter nights dropping below freezing. RV camping options include several established parks within driving distance of Randsburg, all providing varying levels of facilities to accommodate travelers through this remote region.
What to do
Explore glider airfield activities: Mountain Valley RV Park in Tehachapi sits adjacent to a glider strip where visitors can watch aircraft operations. "This was our second stay. Our first being back in 2007 - 2008. We stayed in the exact spot both times on the end of the back row with a great view of the airport... If you have time and they have a pilot and time it is a fantastic flight," notes one visitor about the Mountain Valley RV Park.
Visit the drive-in movie theater: Shady Lane RV Camp in Barstow offers proximity to a functioning drive-in theater. "A real drive-in movie theater is across the street," reports one camper at Shady Lane RV Camp, providing a nostalgic entertainment option during your stay.
Hike desert formations: Ricardo Campground at Red Rock Canyon State Park offers access to distinctive rock formations. "The trails are stunning... The Milky Way was out at night," writes one visitor to Ricardo Campground. The park features several hiking paths that showcase the dramatic geology, though "the trails are kind of far away from the campsites."
What campers like
Convenient stopover locations: Many RV parks serve as practical waypoints between major destinations. "This RV 'camp' was along our route and we called to reserve a space late in the afternoon. Located perhaps 3/4 mile from the interstate, it is shielded from its noise," writes one reviewer about their experience at Shady Lane.
Affordable dump stations: For travelers not staying overnight, several parks offer dump services at reasonable rates. "Handy stop for water & dump! $2 bucks for water & $5 bucks for the dump," notes one visitor to Spaceport RV Park in Mojave, while Bertrand's offers "a self pay $10 dump station with potable water for those not staying overnight."
Dark skies for stargazing: The remote desert location provides excellent nighttime viewing conditions. "The Milky Way was out at night," reports a Ricardo Campground visitor, highlighting the natural astronomy opportunities in this area with minimal light pollution.
What you should know
Limited shower access: Bathroom facilities may have restricted hours at some parks. "Bathrooms are locked between 10 pm and 7:30 am (not good for those of us with early mornings)," warns a visitor to Mountain Valley RV Park.
Separate areas for overnight vs. permanent residents: Many parks divide their spaces based on stay duration. "For overnighters there is a separate area from the long term residents with level pull through sites," reports a visitor to Bertrand's High Desert Mobile Home & RV Park.
Primitive facilities at state parks: The most scenic locations often have minimal amenities. "Primitive bathrooms and no showers or running water. Quiet and simple," notes a Ricardo Campground visitor about the state park facilities.
Wind conditions: The area frequently experiences strong winds that can affect camping comfort. "The Santa Anna winds were fiercely interfering with a pleasant drive," reports one RVer who stayed at Shady Lane RV Camp.
Tips for camping with families
Plan for extreme temperatures: Desert camping requires preparation for weather variations. "Hot in summer. Can be very windy," notes a visitor to Ricardo Campground, emphasizing the need for proper shelter and climate control.
Consider on-site entertainment options: Some RV parks offer unique activities or attractions. "If you have time and they have a pilot and time it is a fantastic flight. It is surreal to get pulled into the air, release the tow, and only hear the wind as you fly over the mountains searching and finding updrafts," shares a Mountain Valley RV Park visitor about the nearby glider operations.
Pet supervision requirements: Not all pet areas are fully enclosed. "The dog area is a very small lawn with no fencing so no off leash running - especially bcuz there's a small plane airport next to the RV park with no fencing," warns a Mountain Valley RV Park visitor.
Tips from RVers
Budget for essential services: Dump stations and water fill costs vary between parks. Spaceport RV Park charges "$5.00 and fill your freshwater tank for $2.00 even if you don't stay here," while Bertrand's High Desert Mobile Home & RV Park offers a "$10 fee if you just need to dump and fill."
Reservation considerations: Some parks fill up during certain periods. "We stayed here 1 night after boondocking a week and heading to our next boondocking destination. This is a perfect stop to dump, fill water, do laundry and just do an overall reset of our RV," explains a visitor to Desert Empire Fair RV Park.
Digital payment systems: Laundry facilities may require app-based payment rather than coins. "All of the units used the Payrange app except 1 dryer is quarters only... It was easy to download the app, add funds, scan the barcode of the machine, set the settings on the machine and start," notes a Desert Empire Fair RV Park visitor.
