Best Campgrounds near Yermo, CA

Whether you're a tent camper, an RVer, or just passing through, Yermo, CA has a lot to offer. Yermo is an adventure-filled destination for those who love the outdoorsy camper lifestyle. But it's also great for those who prefer to spend time near the city, exploring and sightseeing. You're sure to find the perfect campground for your Yermo camping trip.

Best Camping Sites Near Yermo, California (94)

    1. Calico Ghost Town

    41 Reviews
    Yermo, CA
    4 miles
    Website
    +1 (760) 254-1123

    "I had always wanted to visit a ghost town so when this came up in our travel path, we had to stop for a night."

    "As other reviewers mentioned, most of the campground is tucked into a narrow sort of canyon just below the Ghost Town."

    2. Barstow-Calico KOA

    27 Reviews
    Daggett, CA
    4 miles
    Website
    +1 (760) 904-3069

    "It is a bit rough around the edges. Easy to miss the turn because it is on road 15 next to highway 15- yikes. Tough on the road weary. It has a dog run."

    "It was very nice except for the sewer drain being at the front end of the site (I had to put an extension on my poop pipe)...the other down side of being in the front is the traffic noise from the highway"

    3. Owl Canyon Campground

    25 Reviews
    Barstow, CA
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (760) 252-6000

    $6 / night

    "Have to drive through washboard road for about five miles to get to the campground. Nice site with a trail head to Owl Canyon right by the campground. First come first serve site, but $6 per night."

    "Nice level spots with reasonable distance from other campers. The horse campground has no water and is about 1/2 mile from the main campground which has a handful of water stations."

    4. Sawtooth Canyon Campground

    36 Reviews
    Daggett, CA
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (760) 252-6000

    "I am here in California getting ready to leave the state by FY22 and had to get outside. I have been exploring the idea of going camping and decided to go this weekend."

    "There has been a lot of disrespectful off trail sites being made that is destroying the wilderness that has rebounded since 2003. Before that, it was the wild west."

    5. Shady Lane RV Camp

    9 Reviews
    Barstow, CA
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (760) 256-5322

    "Easy to use and right next to the road. Quite place. hookups."

    "The park is a little distance from the highway, so it's blessedly quiet overall."

    6. Newberry Mountain RV Park

    6 Reviews
    Newberry Springs, CA
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (760) 257-0066

    "Our space was on the end so we had a lot of privacy but near the I-40.  That didn't bother us but it might bother those who are looking for total quiet.  The nights were fantastic!! "

    "The old caboose, the Hwy 66 hotel mural, and the ducks around the pond were a nice touch. They had a shower house and laundry, but we did not use them."

    8. BLM Barstow - Dispersed Camp Area

    4 Reviews
    Joshua Tree National Park, CA
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (760) 252-6000

    "There are several sites at this location that each can hold 5-7 RVs. Each of the sites has a primitive fire ring, but there is no wood in the area, so bring your own."

    9. Rainbow Basin/Owl Canyon Campground

    4 Reviews
    Barstow, CA
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (760) 252-6000

    $6 / night

    "We camped one night and explored/ hiked around the area. We also did the scenic drive. Very cool spot in the Mojave. We will be back."

    10. Afton Canyon Campground

    20 Reviews
    Newberry Springs, CA
    26 miles
    Website
    +1 (760) 252-6000

    "I arrived close to 1AM on a Friday and didn't have any trouble getting a prime spot. I originally was planning my trip to a different campground but that was full by the time I got there."

    "Located in Afton Canyon, this BLM Campground offers plenty of level sites, compete with concrete picnic tables, fire pits and charcoal grills. There are also pit toilets."

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Showing results 1-10 of 94 campgrounds


Recent Reviews near Yermo, CA

437 Reviews of 94 Yermo Campgrounds


  • KThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 11, 2025

    Owl Canyon Campground

    Great overnight stop

    Bit of rattle and shake on the road leading in. The sites are well laid out with picnic tables and fire pits plenty of space.

  • CThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 10, 2025

    serrano camp grounds

    Great place

    I stayed for one night Wednesday just to try the showers. The showers were perfect! Hot water even! So clean and beautiful. Recommend!

  • B
    Sep. 4, 2025

    Keller Peak Yellow Post Campsites

    Stunning but Safety Concerns

    I’ve camped at the Keller Peak yellow post sites more than two dozen times over the years and, at their best, they’re incredible. The scenery and isolation are superb—starry skies, quiet nights, and that deep-woods stillness that’s getting harder to find. For years this was my go-to spot. 

    Unfortunately, I’ve also watched trash and waste increase. Please, pack it out—these sites only stay special if we treat them with care. 

    My last trip was frightening enough that I haven’t returned. Late at night a group of locals came to the edge of my site, yelling and using threatening language. They assumed I was homeless despite my SUV and proper camping setup. I was using a portable propane fire pit—which is allowed—and I calmly explained that. I can understand why fire is an issue to locals.  I only felt safe because my small dog has a very loud bark, which kept them from coming closer. They said they were calling a ranger. I left the next morning, shaken. On my way out, I spoke with a park ranger who confirmed propane fire pits are permitted and told me they don’t patrol up there at night because of recurring issues like this. She also mentioned they were trying to move the site to a reservation system to deter homeless use; I’m not sure if that has happened yet. 

    It’s a shame, because this area is one of the best around. I’m sharing this so others can make an informed choice.  

    Pros - Spectacular views and true solitude Cool nights, dark skies, classic forest feel

    Cons -  Rising litter and human waste Nighttime safety concerns due to occasional rowdy visitors Limited ranger presence after dark

     I hope increased stewardship and enforcement can restore the magic here.

  • Kyle K.
    Aug. 28, 2025

    Stoddard Valley OHV

    Nothing special, low expectations and an open mind!

    This spot isn't anything special, but desert camping under the stars is never a bad time. 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. There is a vault toilet and some rock fire pits scattered around the area. I was there on a Wednesday, didn't see another soul except for the couple that pulled off the highway for a quicky, LOL! The highway isn't too far but the noise is pretty minimal. It was pretty sandy, but not too bad for a street motorcycle

  • Nickchris G.
    Aug. 18, 2025

    Horsemen's Center

    Horseman's center!

    Beautiful views of the entire city and never bothered by anyone, can do bonfires, and even camp right out my car.

  • DeWayne G.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 17, 2025

    Giant Rock Dispersed

    Big Rock camping

    Came out to Big Rock for the meteor shower in August. Yes, it was hot, but I like the heat. We set up our two-day camp along the ridge about 300 yards past Big Rock. Verizon Cell service was non-existent at our site, but we would get 5G at the Rock.

    Other than some graffiti the area was clean and well-kept.

  • Missy R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 17, 2025

    Barstow-Calico KOA

    Great stop on a cross country journey

    I’m just stopping to sleep, but this campground has friendly staff and good amenities. I’m parked under a canopy of trees, which must help on hot summer days.

    They had a general store, bath houses, cabins, dog park and more.

  • ken J.
    Jul. 20, 2025

    Holloway's Marina & RV Park

    Horrible for the customer

    I strongly urge you to camp or rent your watersports anywhere else than this place!! The staff here have shown me numerous times over the past few weeks that they don't care about you or your vacation needs!!

  • Laura M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 1, 2025

    Owl Canyon Campground

    Hard road in

    This is such a beautiful campground— we love coming here. It’s a 14-day limit, $6/night, self-pay, no host but the rangers come through pretty regularly. The road in is bad….. but it really is doable. It seems to get less awful each time we do it. 

    The hikes through the colored rocks are so pretty. It can get pretty windy and trash just gets blown all over so part of our daily activities when we stay here is walking around with our trash pickers and picking up trash that’s blown into the washes. There are trash bins here, no recycling, and there are pit toilets too. There’s something of a playground here, but it’s more cute than anything.  There are accessible non-gendered pit toilets here as well.

    The vibe here is always peaceful, friendly, mellow, though I will say we had a family group of horrid and extremely loud partiers for a few days (over the weekend) the last time we were there.

    Good cell service.


Guide to Yermo

Camping near Yermo, California, offers a unique blend of desert landscapes and historical sites. Whether you're looking for a quiet getaway or an adventure-filled trip, there are several campgrounds to choose from.

What to do:

  • Explore Calico Ghost Town: This historic site is just a stone's throw away from Calico Ghost Town. One visitor mentioned, "The Ghost town is a fun place to walk through," making it a great spot for families and history buffs alike.
  • Rock Climbing: If you're into climbing, Sawtooth Canyon Campground is known for its climbing spots. A reviewer shared, "This is also a big rock climbing destination," perfect for thrill-seekers.
  • Hiking: The area is surrounded by beautiful trails. One camper at Afton Canyon Campground noted, "The trails are soft sand, rock and river crossings," making it a scenic spot for hiking enthusiasts.

What campers like:

  • Quiet Atmosphere: Many campers appreciate the peaceful environment. A visitor at Sawtooth Canyon Campground said, "It was busy on weekends but quiets down during the week."
  • Clean Facilities: Cleanliness is a big plus for many. One camper at Barstow-Calico KOA mentioned, "Clean facilities and fit the need for the night," highlighting the importance of hygiene in camping.
  • Friendly Staff: Good customer service can make a trip more enjoyable. A reviewer at Newberry Mountain RV Park said, "The reception was very nice," which can enhance your camping experience.

What you should know:

  • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds, like Owl Canyon Campground, have minimal facilities. A camper warned, "The road to get there isn’t paved, it’s all dirt/sand," so be prepared for rough access.
  • Noise Levels: Campgrounds near highways, such as Barstow-Calico KOA, can be noisy. One visitor noted, "The interstate is loud, so it did impact a good night's sleep."
  • Crowded on Weekends: Popular spots can fill up quickly. A camper at Sawtooth Canyon Campground mentioned, "We arrived at 10:30 on a Friday night and it was only 35 degrees out and we still got the very last spot."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Plan for Activities: Make sure to have a list of activities. A family-friendly spot like Calico Ghost Town offers events like egg hunts on holidays, as noted by a camper who said, "On Easter they have an egg hunt divided by children's age groups."
  • Pack Essentials: Bring your own supplies, especially toilet paper. A visitor at Afton Canyon Campground advised, "I'd advise bringing toilet paper!"
  • Choose the Right Time: Consider going during the week for a quieter experience. A camper at Sawtooth Canyon Campground mentioned, "The second night was a Sunday. Everyone moved out and it was much quieter."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Road Conditions: Some campgrounds have rough access roads. A reviewer at Owl Canyon Campground warned, "Nearly 5 miles of either hard washboard dirt road or loose sand."
  • Look for Full Hookups: Campgrounds like Newberry Mountain RV Park offer full hookups, which can be a lifesaver. A camper noted, "We had full hookups and check-in was easy."
  • Be Mindful of Weather: The desert can get hot, so plan accordingly. A visitor at Sawtooth Canyon Campground said, "Recommend this as a winter, early spring or late fall."

Camping near Yermo, California, has its perks and challenges, but with the right preparation, it can be a memorable experience for everyone.

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Yermo, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, Yermo, CA offers a wide range of camping options, with 94 campgrounds and RV parks near Yermo, CA and 22 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Yermo, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Yermo, CA is Calico Ghost Town with a 4-star rating from 41 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Yermo, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 22 free dispersed camping spots near Yermo, CA.