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.
What to do
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.
What campers like
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.
What you should know
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."
Tips for camping with families
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.
Tips from RVers
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."
