96 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
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.
"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."
"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."
"Good campground with all the amenities, right off the highway."
from $75 - $110 / night
Check Availability"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."
"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."
from $6 / night
Check Availability"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."
"There are more than 30 sites available FCFS, water, sewer, 30 amp and 50 amp electric, level concrete slabs surrounded by gravel. The only trees are around the perimeter."
from $35 / night
Check Availability"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."
"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."
"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."
"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!"
"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."
from $6 / night
Check Availability
TravelerStayed one night on our way to Utah. Super quiet on Sunday night, we were able to drive right up and pick a spot pretty secluded. Bathrooms were spotless. Camp host was friendly!
LegendTown is wonderful. Campground not so much. Sites way out of level. No Campground decorations, just dirt and rocks. Very tight sites.
ScoutGreat spots along this whole road. Busy on weekends though.
GuideYou need a military ID to enter this base. There are more than 30 sites available FCFS, water, sewer, 30 amp and 50 amp electric, level concrete slabs surrounded by gravel. The only trees are around the perimeter. Two washers, two dryers, and an ice machine are available for no charge. Fenced dog park with grass. All sites are back in with water and Electric at the back.
ScoutThe campground is right next to the Ghost Town. The toilets and showers are clean, but the site I was on wasn’t very level. There was no shade, but they do offer full hookups.
TravelerMaps brings you to the coordinates perfectly. There's tons of space, so you can easily find somewhere to park.
GuideMy husband and I were just passing through, and I personally wouldn't stay there again. It was very dusty and depressing. There was a dog that had been dumped there, and I could see that the staff had been taking care of it, seemed like good people making the best of a bad area.
ScoutGood campground with all the amenities, right off the highway.
TravelerPeople shooting here all waking hours, found a group of kittens that some loser left to die.
Definitely a shooting-first, camping second place. Plenty of space once people are done shooting. Won’t personally be back here
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Yermo, CA?
According to TheDyrt.com, Yermo, CA offers a wide range of camping options, with 96 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 45 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.
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