Barstow-Calico KOA offers glamping accommodations near Yermo, providing a desert oasis with comfortable alternatives to traditional camping. The glamping options include cabins and yurts with amenities like picnic tables, water hookups, and electrical connections for climate control. Most sites feature full hookups and are situated on level gravel pads with privacy bushes between sites. The KOA's glamping facilities have access to clean showers and bathroom facilities, a refreshing swimming pool, and an on-site general store for supplies and essentials. According to a camper, "The sites have better privacy and elbow room than average and are completely flat, with some spots having nice shade from trees."
Visitors staying at these glamping accommodations can explore nearby Calico Ghost Town, just 3 miles from the KOA property. The campground provides several on-site recreational options including an archery range, horseshoes, and a playground for families. Most glamping sites are available year-round, making this a reliable desert retreat regardless of season. The location offers convenient access to Interstate 15 and historic Route 66, serving as an excellent base for exploring the Mojave Desert region. One guest shared, "It's an excellent location for access to Barstow and Calico. We appreciated the pool, hammocks next to the pool, and the treats at the store." For those seeking additional comforts, some premium glamping sites include patios and enhanced amenities for a more luxurious outdoor experience.
"Friendly and we'll stocked office. Staff were always available. Clean showers and bathroom. Pool was cold which is great in the heat. Not all sites have shade but most do."
"It was nice to be able to capitalize on the opportunity to take a shower, do some laundry and top off propane."
from $75 - $110 / night
"We stayed here for four nights and actually enjoyed it in spite of the heat during the afternoon hours. Our space was on the end so we had a lot of privacy but near the I-40. "
"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."
"This camp site is located walking distance to the lake. There are bike paths and walking trails located near the camp ground."
"Flush toilets, clean restrooms, well stocked. Didn't use the showers. Good location. Close to Big Bear Lake. Not much road noise for being located between two roads."
Campground full this weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $44 - $91 / night
"It’s a nice little getaway from the hustle bustle with decent shade(depending on site) and relatively cool neighbors (campers)."
"There is a lovely hiking trail at the far end of the site. There is water, flush toilets, fire pits, and picnic tables. It is a short walk to Lake Arrowhead. This is a dog friendly site."
from $29 - $58 / night
"Came across this property while on the hunt for a getaway from the Vegas heat."
"Very friendly hosting staff. Quirky because it feels like you’re staying at someone’s cabin. There’s an outdoor tool shop at the front, a little fish cleaning cabin that make you feel at home."
from $55 - $90 / night
"It’s a bit of a drive but very scenic and should be doable in any car. My campsite was big and spacious and looked up at an outcropping of rocks. It had a makeshift fire pit and picnic table."
"It has a great view and secluded. Some chairs, hammock, water, and utensils were left at the picnic table. Everything was dirty so we assumed they were left by previous campers."
"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
"The Pacific Crest Trail passes nearby. It is away from the populated cities, but not far from them. It still gives you a sense of seclusion."
"Nice place to camp, weather is around 75 during the day and about 50 to 36 degrees cold through out the night. Has everything you'll need. Bathrooms are close by, showers HOT water available."
from $3 - $40 / night
"You will have to drive 6 miles of mountainous dirt roads to reach the property, but it takes you away from all signs of the city and surrounds you in nature when you get there, making a very nice camping"
Available this weekend
from $15 - $119 / night
TravelerWe liked it a lot. It was our first time there and newbie camper so I didn’t pick the best spot, but it’s a great location, close to the river… I had my dog so we walked the campground quite a bit and it’s good size and I saw a lot of other sites that I would have preferred. The bathroom wasn’t terrible, typical I’d say. The woman working the front was very helpful and nice. Little store close too.
GuideNice KOA for an overnight stop. The campground is clean, quiet, and well maintained, and the dog park was excellent—our dogs really enjoyed stretching their legs after a long drive. The only issue was the pull-through full-hookup site. The sewer connection was on the wrong (driver's) side and located near the front of the truck, so our standard sewer hose wouldn't reach. We needed about a 30-foot sewer hose to make the connection. Overall, we'd definitely stay here again. Just be prepared if you plan to use the sewer hookup in a pull-through site.
TravelerBeautiful, well maintenance, great experience. So clean.
GuideI came through for an overnight on my trip down from SEKI and ultimately toward the southeastern USA. The drive in was not the most enjoyable, bumpy with 15mph hairpins, but the campground was quiet, and the showers we're VERY clean and hot... (They are push button, but you can keep pushing the button every 8 seconds (it lasts only 10 if you don't). The cleanliness of this place alone would leave it on my list of potential return stops.
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.
GuideWe rolled in after dark. The office is open until 9 pm which was very nice. They sell snacks and supplies. There are cabins for rent along with tent sites in addition to backup and pull through sites. Our site had full hookups. The dog park at the back of the campground was decent size with a gorgeous view of the mountains. There are arched overhead lights through the lanes to help light in the dark. A word of warning, the campground has many oleander flower bushes which are toxic to humans and pets if ingested, so please use caution. There are signs warning of this.
ScoutI’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.
ScoutBeautiful views of the entire city and never bothered by anyone, can do bonfires, and even camp right out my car.
Glamping options near Yermo, California sit at elevations between 2,000-3,000 feet in the high Mojave Desert. The region experiences extreme temperature swings with summer highs often exceeding 100°F and winter nights occasionally dropping below freezing. Winter camping and glamping season runs October through April when daytime temperatures remain moderate and comfortable for outdoor activities.
Hot springs exploration: 3 miles from Calico Ghost Town. The Deep Creek Hot Springs Camp Retreat offers direct access to natural hot springs via a challenging but rewarding trail. "The hike to the hot springs was fairly tough, but we found it easily with the trail starting right on the property," notes Jessica B., who appreciated the therapeutic hot-cold plunges available.
Archery practice: Family-friendly target shooting. Barstow-Calico KOA features an on-site archery range among its recreational amenities. According to Michael M., "A great spot that we can't wait to go back and spend a couple of days at. The amenities at this KOA are great. Pool...playground...horseshoes...archery range...etc."
Historic Route 66 exploration: Day trips from camp. Newberry Mountain RV Park sits directly on historic Route 66, offering convenient access to this iconic roadway. "The campground was super easy to find as it was right off I-40 on old Route 66. Our check-in could not have been easier, and the reception was very nice," shares MickandKarla W., highlighting the accessibility of this historic route.
Desert wildlife viewing: Early morning opportunities. Many campers appreciate seeing native desert animals around sunrise and sunset near the camping areas. "We had a nice view of the lake right in our 'front yard.' The fishing was awesome, but I suggest fishing in the mornings before the afternoon winds come in as the weather cools down," explains Ed E. about North Shore Campground.
Spacious sites: More room than expected. Mojave River Forks Regional Park receives positive reviews for its site spacing. "The campsites in the area where we were, were spacious and spread out. We liked very much not being on top of one another and appreciated how vast this campground is," notes Bower in their review.
Oasis-like pools: Refreshment in the desert heat. Several glamping locations near Yermo feature swimming pools that prove essential during warmer months. "The staff was super nice, the store and gift shop well stocked, kids loved the pool, playground, gate room with pool, foosball, ping pong and more," Jennifer H. shares about her experience at Barstow-Calico KOA.
Desert wind conditions: Plan accordingly. The Mojave Desert region experiences significant wind, particularly in spring months. "It was incredibly windy when we went in April 2021. In addition to the wind, it was very chilly in the evenings and through the night. Plan accordingly," advises Bower about Mojave River Forks Regional Park.
Off-road access requirements: High-clearance vehicles needed. Some glamping sites require navigating dirt roads. Jessica B. notes about Deep Creek Hot Springs Camp Retreat: "You will have to drive 6 miles of mountainous dirt roads to reach the property, but it takes you away from all signs of the city and surrounds you in nature when you get there."
Cell service limitations: Variable by carrier. Connectivity varies widely between glamping locations. "The Wi-Fi speed was 3.32 for Download and 2.35 for Upload, which worked okay. We got 3 bars on Verizon," reports MickandKarla W. about Newberry Mountain RV Park, while another campground review notes "T-Mobile signal was poor and Verizon and AT&T cell signals were slightly better."
Water activities: Kid-friendly options. North Shore Campground - Lake Almanor offers lakeside activities perfect for families. "The fishing was awesome... We had our kayaks and it is a beautiful lake to kayak. But when it gets windy, know your limits," advises Ed E. who enjoyed the water sports options.
Game rooms: Indoor entertainment. Several glamping facilities include game rooms for family enjoyment during hot afternoons. Jennifer H. describes Barstow-Calico KOA as having a "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."
Yellow post sites: Privacy for larger groups. For families wanting more seclusion, Keller Peak Yellow Post Campsites offer well-spaced options. "There are only 9 sites stretched across 5 miles so you will have no neighbors. Each site is decent size and tucked away into the rocks. Many will fit multiple people easily," explains Kristil C.
Hookup positioning: Check sewer connections. Lighthouse Trailer Resort & Marina offers full hookups with some positioning considerations. "Big spot, shade of trees, walk down to lake. Full hookup. 7 minutes to big bear lake town. Hiking trails out front gate. Probably not big rig friendly," notes Ashley M.
Heat management: Summer strategies. RVers near Yermo should prepare for extreme heat. "The biggest draw here is the electricity to keep your A/C running in the high temps," Kristin S. emphasizes about Barstow-Calico KOA, highlighting the essential nature of electrical hookups during summer months.
Site selection: Front vs. back considerations. Noise levels can vary significantly based on site location. Michael M. shares about Barstow-Calico KOA: "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."
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular glamping campsite near Yermo, CA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular glamping campground near Yermo, CA is Barstow-Calico KOA with a 3.7-star rating from 31 reviews.
What is the best site to find glamping camping near Yermo, CA?
TheDyrt.com has all 11 glamping camping locations near Yermo, CA, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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