Best Campgrounds near Yermo, CA
Yermo, California serves as a base for several established campgrounds and dispersed camping areas in the Mojave Desert. Calico Ghost Town Regional Park provides a unique camping experience with 253 sites including tent, RV, and cabin accommodations within walking distance of a preserved mining town. Barstow-Calico KOA offers additional amenities with tent sites, RV hookups, cabins, and glamping options. For those seeking a more primitive experience, BLM Barstow dispersed camping areas provide free camping with minimal facilities. Afton Canyon Campground and Owl Canyon Campground offer middle-ground options with basic amenities in scenic desert settings.
Access to camping areas around Yermo varies with road conditions and seasonal temperatures. Many campgrounds remain open year-round, though extreme summer heat makes spring and fall the preferred seasons for tent camping. "We stayed here with family who had an RV. At the time, we didn't so we rented one of the cabins. They have bunks, a bed AC and heat and that's it. You have to use the public restrooms and showers," noted one visitor at Calico Ghost Town. The region experiences typical desert climate patterns with hot summers exceeding 100°F and cool winters. Most developed campgrounds offer water and toilets, while dispersed areas require self-sufficiency. Cell service can be spotty throughout the region, particularly at more remote BLM sites.
Campers consistently mention the striking desert landscape and night sky visibility as highlights of the Yermo camping experience. Several visitors appreciated the proximity of Calico Ghost Town Regional Park to the historic mining town, which provides entertainment and activities within walking distance of campsites. A recent review noted, "The night sky was beautiful!! Definitely breathtaking and quiet!" While most developed campgrounds provide basic amenities, site privacy can be limited. Afton Canyon and Owl Canyon campgrounds receive positive reviews for their more natural settings and access to hiking opportunities. For off-road enthusiasts, many areas permit OHV use on designated trails, making the region popular for combined camping and off-roading trips. Weekends and holidays see increased visitation, especially at campgrounds with hookups and amenities.
