Camping near Yermo, California offers diverse accommodations within the Mojave Desert environment, where summer temperatures regularly exceed 100°F while winter nights can drop below freezing. The area sits at approximately 2,000 feet elevation along Interstate 15, creating a convenient stopping point between Las Vegas and Southern California. Most camping options remain accessible year-round, though fall through spring provides more comfortable temperatures for outdoor activities.
What to do
Hiking in colored rock formations: At Owl Canyon Campground, trails wind through distinctive white limestone hills. "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," notes one visitor about the natural landscape.
Rock climbing opportunities: Sawtooth Canyon Campground attracts climbing enthusiasts with its unique rock formations. "This canyon is great for a couple of days of climbing. The area is unique from the Mojave topography," shares one visitor. The free campground features designated sites with some having covered picnic tables.
Off-road exploration: The desert terrain near Yermo provides extensive off-road trails. "Razrrrr city!! This place isn't shy of family fun! Bring your fire wood for a cool fire at night," mentions a camper about the recreational vehicle opportunities. Many BLM areas permit OHV use on designated routes with self-contained camping available at no charge.
What campers like
Quiet desert settings: The seclusion of many camping areas draws visitors seeking peace. "We ended up choosing to spend more of our time at Owl Canyon because it was much more secluded, had better views, and offered shade," reports one camper comparing different area options.
Night sky viewing: Clear desert skies create exceptional stargazing conditions. "The night sky was beautiful!! We arrived close to 1AM on a Friday and didn't have any trouble getting a prime spot," shares a visitor at Afton Canyon Campground, noting the $6 nightly fee for sites with shaded structures.
Riparian habitat access: Despite desert surroundings, water features exist. "Afton Canyon Campground is one of the hidden gems for spring and fall camping in the Mojave desert... The campsite is located along the only section of the Mojave River that is above ground," writes a camper about this unique ecological feature.
What you should know
Road conditions vary significantly: Access to some campgrounds requires navigating rough terrain. "The road in is bad….. but it really is doable. It seems to get less awful each time we do it," explains a camper about Rainbow Basin/Owl Canyon Campground. Another visitor warns, "Definitely not big rig friendly!"
Extreme temperature fluctuations: Desert camping means preparing for dramatic weather shifts. "We had a spot in the front with a patio and everything. It was very nice except for the sewer drain being at the front end of the site... the other down side of being in the front is the traffic noise from the highway," notes a visitor regarding site selection considerations.
Limited water availability: Most dispersed areas require self-sufficiency. "There are a few water faucets I found in camp but neither are working," reports one camper. Developed campgrounds like Calico Ghost Town Regional Park provide water and toilet facilities, while BLM sites typically offer neither.
Tips for camping with families
Children's activities: Barstow-Calico KOA offers family-friendly amenities. "The kids loved the pool and other kids to play with. Great game room with pool, foosball, air hockey etc. big playground and easy campground to bike around. BIG area out back to ride around in and play baseball," shares one family about their experience.
Timing considerations: Avoid summer heat for tent camping with children. "I was here one October where the weather was above 100F during the day. The sites have absolutely no shade or cover," warns a camper, suggesting spring and fall visits for more comfortable temperatures.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Desert ecosystems provide educational experiences. "There is lots of wildlife and the geology seems neat," notes a visitor about spotting desert creatures. Some campers report seeing "lizards, kangaroo rats, snakes and more often than not big horn sheep" in the area.
Tips from RVers
Hookup availability: Shady Lane RV Camp provides convenient amenities for longer stays. "Easy to use and right next to the road. Quite place. hookups," notes one RVer. Another mentions, "The units were spaced tightly together with a gravel pad and concrete patio. It was $45 but with GoodSam down to $40.50."
Site selection strategies: Choose locations based on specific needs. "Section A came with the full hookup, I saw mainly large class A RVs parking there, probably came for a longer time. I took a space in camp B with only electricity, which is enough for me and my Class B," advises an experienced RVer about navigating different camping areas.
Wind protection measures: Desert winds can create challenges. "The wind was terrible... Site 12 all the way in the back has some wind cover," suggests a visitor, highlighting the importance of positioning and securing equipment in open desert terrain.
