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Tent campers visiting the high desert area near Victorville, California will find a range of primitive and established options within driving distance. Stockton Flats Yellow Post Sites offers tent-only primitive camping in the San Bernardino National Forest, while Deep Creek Hot Springs Campground provides a more established option with basic amenities. Several dispersed camping areas can be found within a 30-45 minute drive of Victorville, particularly in the nearby mountain regions.
Surface conditions at most tent sites vary significantly based on elevation and terrain. Many of the primitive tent camping areas require high-clearance vehicles to access, especially at locations like Stockton Flats. Bear activity is common at higher elevations, with some sites providing bear boxes for food storage. A visitor commented, "There is no fee to camp here other than an Adventure pass for your parking. In the summertime, bears can be common visitors so make sure and secure your food in provided bear boxes or bring your own bear canisters." Most tent sites include fire rings, though seasonal fire restrictions are strictly enforced during summer and fall months. Vault toilets are available at some established campgrounds, but dispersed tent sites require campers to pack out all waste.
Areas farther from Victorville offer deeper seclusion and less noise pollution for tent campers. The higher elevation tent sites in the San Bernardino Mountains provide cooler temperatures during summer months when Victorville temperatures regularly exceed 100°F. "We went during the week and was the only one camping. This place is heavily used for day camping and hiking," noted one camper about a nearby hike-in tent site. Several tent campgrounds connect to trail systems, including access to the Pacific Crest Trail at some locations. Primitive walk-in tent sites often feature more privacy than drive-in campgrounds, though they require carrying all gear from parking areas. Most primitive tent areas follow a strict pack-in, pack-out policy with no services available, making them best suited for self-sufficient campers with wilderness experience.
"Easy access to the hot springs and no services to speak of. Basically a patch of dirt you can occupy for $10 a night. Loved it."
"Super fun place to visit with the hot springs trail. Went in January with snowfall, hardly any campers and nature all around! Two nights are perfect."
from $10 - $119 / night
Check Availability"Note that it does get windy at night so if you camp outside be prepared to be pelted by small rocks and sand all night. Reservations available at recreation.gov"
"Although the restroom are very dirty but overall it was a great stay!"
"Tucked away at the top of a precarious winding mountain road. It is very basic, simple and beautiful."
from $20 / night
Check Availability"Great for campers that meet 2 criteria 1) You have a Jeep, Truck it similar vehicle that can go off-road. 2) You enjoy dispersed camping (no water/restrooms etc) If both are yes, this place is amazing"
"Trail was fun (definitely needed 4x4) and the sites around has good shade and good size open spots. Best to get there early as possible to secure a spot."
"After years of venturing into and around Lake Arrowhead (often a mere stop on my way to Big Bear/Fawnskin) I finally started exploring off the beaten path by accident last year and holy cow!"
"Green valley lake campground is an awesome place for a fun getaway. We wanted to get away for the Fourth of July but waited too long to book in Big Bear."
"This campground is free with 9 camp site on a 5 mile paved road, the site's have fire ring and picnic benches, no water. Bike trail is fun and a challenge. Camp site 1,3 & 6 are very quiet."
"Some chairs, hammock, water, and utensils were left at the picnic table. Everything was dirty so we assumed they were left by previous campers."
"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."
"Tucked right off the freeway it is easy to find and not to much noise from the main highway. It is HUGE. Tons of room to spread out."
"Trail Roads got washed and i wasnt able to continue further to verify. If you’re afraid of clearance issues stick to sites 1 & 2."
"Lower campsites are nice but kinda close to the road so you get the road noise . Not a bad place to go for an overnight trip ."
from $20 / night
"These sites aren't monitored and don't have picnic tables or any amenities, although there is a restroom down the road a little ways where the campsites start, but that's it."
"This particular site has 8 campsites which do have signs to mark the general area, although it is entirely up to you to where to set up camp in the general area."
ScoutSite is clean, many activities on weekends They also add 1000lb or catfish and trout weekly depending on season. Members were friendly. Downside is wifi when the campsite is 75+ full and only about a dozen paved spots. Major are gravel and dirt.
TravelerI went there to see, before making a reservation. I found the trailer park—maybe 100 old mobile homes—but I never found an RV park. I didn’t see anything to see. The “pool” was empty. The office was locked, and it wasn’t lunch. Just kinda not happening. I left a message to call me with the answering service, but I never got a call back.
ScoutNice and FREE area , easy to access
TravelerVery windy and need high clearance vehicles
TravelerYou definitely need high clearance vehicles or you will not make it here
TravelerWe reserved and paid for a regular RV site specifically advertised for a 36–40 ft motorhome. We were assigned Site#28, which was so sloped and unsuitable that we could not safely extend either our living-room slide-out or bedroom slide-out. While using our leveling system, two front hydraulic jack rods broke and one rear jack became severely bent and could not retract. Our motorhome was left unsafe to drive or move. The exact mechanical cause still requires professional inspection, but the condition and slope of the assigned site are serious concerns. We immediately notified the campground by email, provided photographs, and went to the office seeking help with an incident report, emergency assistance, and a safe plan for the stranded motorhome. Unfortunately, management refused to take meaningful responsibility or help us resolve the emergency. The most disappointing part was not only the unsuitable site, but the lack of concern and assistance after a guest’s large motorhome became immobilized on the property. We had to return to work on Monday and were left trying to arrange emergency service, towing, transportation, and accommodation on our own. Based on this experience, I cannot recommend Holloway’s RV Park to owners of large Class A motorhomes. If you have a 36–40 ft RV, carefully inspect the assigned site’s slope, space, and leveling conditions before parking or deploying your jacks.
Travelervery pretty sight the mountain air is incredible. the staff is very helpful and friendly. at night the drunks go crazy and the bears steal their food.
ScoutThe scenery is unique and enjoyable, with nice views of either sunrise or sunset, depending on site. I found the lake itself very pretty. However when we arrived 4 vehicles are in our spot, people were nice enough moving but we had to go door to door knocking on camper to ask who's cars they were due to no signal and no rangers nearby. Our site was pretty dirty with lots of trash, copious ants near the drainage attachments, and two of the nearby groups had excessive tents extending into the back of our site making our view look more like a homeless encampment and less like a serene mountain sunset. They also were littering, urinating outside, and excessively drinking and partying like crazy until the wee hours. As a family group we felt really uncomfortable. It seemed like not all spots are like this, however, on my walk around deer loop in the morning. If you do go, the water activities and rentals look fun, the walking trail/biking trail was nicely done, and you could optimize your spot by booking a whole group of spots (instead of booking one, book one on the right and left side to avoid feeling like you have entered homeless refuge). It maybe was a bit worse as we were here over a holiday weekend. But we most likely won't be back, there are other places that are less expensive and with better enforcement and a family atmosphere. If you want to party it is probably a fine spot, and if you love water sports also likely ok. I thin it's a beautiful place with unique scenery and a lot of potential, but needs more enforcement regarding guest code of conduct.
Edited and gave 3 stars instead of 2. Views are really nice now that our poorly behaved neighbors left. Worth considering a visit during less busy times.
TravelerNice campground, clean and well maintained - would pick a different spot a bit further from street. If you want to go to lake, its a bit away so need car.
Tent camping near Victorville, California offers diverse terrain ranging from high desert landscapes to forested mountain areas within driving distance. Most primitive campsites sit between 3,000-7,000 feet elevation, creating temperature variations that provide relief from Victorville's intense summer heat. Winter camping requires preparation for below-freezing temperatures, particularly at higher elevation sites.
Rock climbing access: At Keller Peak Yellow Post Campsites, campers find numerous climbing opportunities. "The Exploration trail weaves around them up to the peak and makes a great hike and there are tons of climbing spots," notes Kristil C., who recommends exploring the area's natural rock formations.
Fishing opportunities: The Lake Arrowhead - Green Valley Lake Recreation Area offers fishing in a small lake setting. "Good lake for fishing. Trails near the sites," reports Stephen S. The lake maintains a healthy fish population, though an entry fee applies.
Mountain biking trails: Many tent sites connect to trail systems suitable for mountain biking. Sam H. describes Keller Peak as "mountain biking & rock climbing paradise" with trails that are "fun and a challenge," making it ideal for experienced riders seeking technical terrain.
Off-roading activities: For those interested in motorized recreation, tent camping near Stoddard Valley OHV provides easy access to designated off-road areas. "Desert camping under the stars is never a bad time," reports Kyle K., mentioning the area has "vault toilet and some rock fire pits scattered around."
Secluded sites: Many tent campers appreciate the privacy found at less developed sites. At Fishermans Group Campground, Anthony K. found a "great, secluded campground that's only accessible via hiking" with "toilets, fire pits, bucket for water, bear proof trash cans, plenty of room for a dozen or more & easy stream access with fish!"
Stargazing conditions: The desert environment creates excellent night sky viewing. "I saw a shooting star when I laid down in my tent. I really could not have asked for a better nights rest," shares Kyle K. about Stoddard Valley OHV, highlighting the minimal light pollution.
Temperature variations: Higher elevation sites provide natural cooling during summer months. The Keller Peak campsites, situated along a 5-mile road, offer a significant temperature drop compared to Victorville. "Weather is definitely colder than in the valley, got snow overnight in mid May," reports Jillian, demonstrating the site's seasonal variability.
Water features: Despite the arid region, several tent campsites offer water access. "The hike down is super chill and the hot springs at the end are so worth the hike back up after!!!" raves Carina M. about Deep Creek Hot Springs Campground.
Vehicle requirements: Many primitive tent sites demand appropriate transportation. Nathaniel C. advises Stockton Flats is "Great for campers that meet 2 criteria 1) You have a Jeep, Truck or similar vehicle that can go off-road. 2) You enjoy dispersed camping (no water/restrooms etc)."
Weather fluctuations: Temperature swings can be extreme, particularly at higher elevations. "Get there earlier to find a spot, people seem to stay for awhile. Weather is definitely colder than in the valley," notes Jillian about Keller Peak sites.
Reservation systems: Some campgrounds operate on first-come, first-served basis while others require advance booking. "I went on a Wednesday afternoon in May and got my pick of sites. There were only 4-6 other campers each night so it was very quiet," shares Michelle W. about Manker Campground.
Limited services: Most primitive tent sites have minimal amenities. Dan X. describes Deep Creek as "Basically a patch of dirt you can occupy for $10 a night" with "Easy access to the hot springs and no services to speak of."
Day activities: Yucaipa Regional Park offers numerous kid-friendly options. "There's a lot to do here, including fishing, playgrounds, and even a waterpark in the summer," notes Mary F., adding "There's no larger wildlife, like bears, so less stressful when you have pets or kids."
Site selection strategy: For family tent camping, choose sites with natural features kids can safely explore. "The newer sites don't have a lot of mature trees, the older sites have a little more wear and tear but also bigger trees. Nice splash zone," advises Ken B. regarding Yucaipa Regional Park.
Weather preparation: Families should pack for significant temperature changes. Paul C. cautions about Yucaipa: "Does get very cold, was in the teens overnight when I was there in Feb. Fires allowed which is nice."
Group camping options: For larger family gatherings, seek designated group sites. "We stayed in group campsite A. Tent camping is only allowed in group sites," explains Mary F., noting "The tent camping sites come with plenty of space for group camping. There's a built-in grill and running water."
Site accessibility: Many dispersed tent camping areas near Victorville have limitations for larger vehicles. Joe R. warns about Stockton Flats: "The turn is not marked well, in fact the coordinates are a little bit off. If you miss the turn like we did you have to go 5 miles or more to get a turnabout big enough to turn around."
Hookup availability: Most primitive tent sites lack RV services. While tent campers often seek this seclusion, RVers should note which campgrounds offer necessary amenities. "Full hookup. Some sites have better shade than others. I'm here in the heat but my AC is keeping up," reports Anneliese S. about Yucaipa Regional Park.
Road conditions: Access roads to many tent sites near Victorville present challenges for RVs. Daryna L. notes about Fishermans Group Campground: "The road to the trailhead is very bumpy (you definitely need a 4x4 with good clearance). Be sure to call visitor center for driving directions as Google will take you to the wrong spot."
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Victorville, CA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Victorville, CA is Deep Creek Hot Springs Campground with a 4.4-star rating from 5 reviews.
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TheDyrt.com has all 62 tent camping locations near Victorville, CA, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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