Seasonal patterns affect RV camping near Valyermo, California, where elevation ranges between 3,000 and 5,000 feet in the high desert of northern Los Angeles County. Summer temperatures frequently reach 90°F while winter nights regularly drop below freezing. Campers encounter significant day-to-night temperature swings year-round, with higher elevation sites experiencing 30-40 degree differences after sunset.
What to do
Hiking to waterfalls: Near Bonita Ranch Campground, a waterfall is accessible via a short trail. "The creek running behind the camp is great to explore, and a waterfall is a short hike away. We also lucked out finding berries in August," notes one visitor who appreciated the natural setting despite proximity to urban areas.
Mountain biking: The terrain surrounding Skypark Camp RV Resort offers extensive trail networks. "Perfect gateway for your adventures in the area," according to a reviewer who highlighted its strategic location, adding "Skypark is right across the street for mountain bikes. Lake Arrowhead is close for supplies or food."
Fishing options: Multiple lakes within 30 minutes of Valyermo provide fishing opportunities year-round. Visitors at Bonelli Bluffs mention specific activities: "There is camping, horseback riding, fishing, trails, biking, hiking, picnics, you can use your jet skies in designated areas, swimming on the pool areas, kayaking."
What campers like
Privacy and space: The Keller Peak Yellow Post Sites offer exceptional seclusion. "There are only 9 sites stretched across 5 miles so you will have no neighbors. Each site is decent size and tucked away into the rocks," explains a regular visitor who appreciates the separation between campsites.
Clean facilities: Visitors frequently mention hygiene standards at Rancho Jurupa RV Park. According to a recent review, "Spaces are one of the cleanest I seen. Ranger is on constant patrol." Another noted, "Great park. It may not seem nice when you are passing through town to get in, but once you enter the gates it's beautiful."
Community atmosphere: Some RV parks foster social environments without sacrificing security. One visitor observed, "Neighbors were nice, cute set ups with twinkle lights and people enjoying outdoor fire pits. Campers were playing music, laughter echoes through camp ground but nothing too loud and all quiet later."
What you should know
Elevation affects weather: Higher elevation campgrounds near Valyermo experience significant temperature drops at night. A camper at Keller Peak noted, "Weather is definitely colder than in the valley, got snow overnight in mid May."
Site availability varies seasonally: Yellow post sites fill quickly during peak months. "They fill up fast May-Sept," warns a frequent visitor to Keller Peak, while summer occupancy at most established RV parks reaches maximum capacity Thursday through Sunday.
Fire restrictions change: Current regulations must be verified before arrival. A Keller Peak visitor advises, "There are fire rings but fires are not always permitted so be sure to check with the station just at the bottom of Keller Peak road."
Access challenges: Some campgrounds require navigating difficult terrain. A visitor to Californian RV Resort described it as "Gated park high on a hill; like driving the hills of SF with a trailer."
Tips for camping with families
Water activities: Bonelli Bluffs provides multiple water recreation options. "There is camping, horseback riding, fishing, trails, biking, hiking, picnics, you can use your jet skies in designated areas, swimming on the pool areas, kayaking, Park for kids and plenty more," reports a frequent visitor.
Entertainment options: Some campgrounds offer structured activities. Rancho Jurupa Park includes "a splash pad, park, mini golf great amenities," according to a family who stayed there with children. Another visitor mentioned "Beautiful views all around Sunrise, Sunset and Night sky. Sights of all kinds of birds like hawks and herons. Water park and mini golf for kids."
Security considerations: Family campers appreciate safety features. One Rancho Jurupa visitor noted, "Great sense of community and great placement of the gates for safety purposes," while mentioning constant ranger patrols as a positive feature for families with children.
Tips from RVers
Hookup variations: Electrical services differ between parks. An RVer staying at Antelope Valley Fairgrounds reported, "nice power hookups. 50 volt," though other visitors noted limited amenities beyond basic services.
Leveling requirements: Site terrain varies significantly. At Rancho Jurupa, one RVer observed, "Large concrete pads, easy backing in and hooking up. Lots of grass, great place to camp in groups."
Space constraints: Some parks have tight positioning. A visitor to Fairplex RV Park stated, "Although you are packed in pretty tightly like sardines it's a friendly environment very welcoming just the larger of your RV is little bit harder it might be to park."
Off-peak benefits: Visiting during weekdays offers advantages. "If you go off peak it is very nice and quiet," advised an RVer about Thousand Trails Soledad Canyon, suggesting Sunday through Wednesday visits for optimal spacing and amenity availability.
