Best Camping in and near Saddleback Butte State Park

83% (3 reviews)

Lay your head under the Mojave Desert's starry starry night sky beneath the rocky Saddleback Butte.

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Community favorites near Saddleback Butte State Park

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Public campgrounds in the park
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Stay at a public campground in Saddleback Butte State Park

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50 sites In Saddleback Butte State Park

Joshua Group Camp

1 site · RV, Tent In Saddleback Butte State Park

Top-rated campgrounds near Saddleback Butte State Park

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High Desert Hot Spring Hideout

17 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents160 acres · Lake Arrowhead, CA

Nestled in the mountains of the high desert, we invite you to come stay in a peaceful serene setting, where you can relax & recharge with us here in the desert and release yourself from the burdens currently placed on you for a brief moment. Staying on this rural 160 acre slice of nature allows one to escape the sounds and stresses of the city and immerse yourself in nature, where beautiful natural desert scenery and mountain views surround you. Bordering 1000's of acres of natural undeveloped BLM and USFS land. The property's rural location provides abundant opportunities to view unique and spectacular wildlife right from your campsite or on one of the numerous hiking and OHV trails in the area. The 40 minute hike to the Deep Creek Hot Springs is well worth the effort, and there's so much more natural beauty to see as you explore miles of hiking and OHV trails nearby and right on the property. Weather can be extreme at times, with Winter temps ranging from 20*F to 40* F, and Summer temps peaking at 112F. The cold creek water in the Deep Creek canyon flows all year around, and the 6 creek-side hot spring pools are always full and consistently hot all year around, ranging in temperatures between 90F-108F. The hike to the Deep Creek Hot Springs is fairly steep and can be difficult for some people, especially in warm weather. In order to be prepared with the correct gear to make this hike and know the USFS rules that apply to the area, please educate yourself before coming by visiting the USFS website page for the Deep Creek area and our webpage for the Deep Creek Hot Springs Campground for detailed driving directions to the official trailhead located right on our property. You won't get lost if you park on our property and hike from the trailhead, so make sure you go to the right address. Know before you go! Generally, reservations are not necessary to set up a tent site, but we have a more private area set aside for hipcamp reservations that has separate facilities from the general camping area. Although children are permitted on the property, we do not recommend bringing children due to occasional nudity that may be seen in the area and the degree of difficulty for the hike. The hike to the hot springs is fairly difficult and everyone’s physical fitness needs to be considered when deciding to take pets, or have children, elderly people, or out-of-shape/over-weight people in your group.

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Hot Spring camp

31 sites · RVs, Tents161 acres · Apple Valley, CA

This off the grid property is the perfect place to escape the city and immerse yourself in nature. Nestled in the mountains of the high desert, we invite you to come stay in a peaceful serene setting where nature and wildlife encompasses you on this rural property surrounded by 1,000s of acres of undeveloped BLM and US Forestry land. Come escape from the city and relax at a place where you can enjoy yourself amongst others or be by yourself in your own private campsite. With 160 acres, there is lots of room for your large group to spread out or find a more private site to seclude yourself! Set up your campsite and park your vehicle at any of our developed sites that have a patch of turf, picnic tables and fire pits (grills available). Flushing toilets, pits toilets, potable water, and showers on site. The 40 minute hike to the Deep Creek Hot Springs is well worth the effort, and there's so much more natural beauty to see as you explore miles of hiking and OHV trails nearby and right on the property. The creek water in the Deep Creek canyon flows all year around, as does the hot spring source water that feeds the 6 creek-side hot pools, ranging in temperatures between 90F-108F. Weather can be extreme at times, with Winter temps ranging from 20*F to 40* F, and Summer temps reaching 112F+. The hike to the Deep Creek Hot Springs is fairly steep and can be difficult for some people, especially in warm weather, so everyone’s physical fitness needs to be considered when deciding to hike to the hot springs with pets, children, elderly people, or out-of-shape/over-weight people in your group. Although children are permitted on the property, we do not recommend bringing them due to occasional nudity that may be seen in the area and the degree of difficulty for the hike. In order to be prepared with the correct gear to make the hike to the hot springs and know the USFS rules that apply to the area, please educate yourself before coming by visiting the USFS website page for the Deep Creek area. Know before you go! The Deep Creek Hot Springs Camp is part of the historic Bowen Ranch property that was homesteaded in 1924. This property has been the camping and parking area for the Deep Creek Hot Springs for nearly a century. The Bowen Ranch property is under new ownership as of 2020 and we welcome everyone to come visit! Generally, we always have sites available and reservations are not necessary, but reserved sites are located in a more private area set aside for Hipcamp reservations with separate facilities from the general camping area. See our webpage deepcreekhotspringscampground.com for detailed driving directions to our property with the official trailhead located right on site.

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Rosemead Near Los Angeles

5 sites · RVs, Tents1 acre · Rosemead, CA

Experience Los Angeles from the comfort of your own RV! Our lot in Rosemead, CA, provides the ideal base for exploring the city. Enjoy the privacy and convenience of parking on our secure property, free from the unpredictability of Airbnb or hotels. With amenities including free water, electrical hookups, and wifi, as well as 24/7 security cameras, you can relax and feel at home. We also offer flexible monthly rental options for extended stays.

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(81)

AntFarm LA

6 sites · RVs, Tents20 acres · Los Angeles, CA

Looking for a quick escape from the city for a peaceful place to recharge? AntFarm LA offers a private, quiet retreat in nature where you can disconnect from the buzz of city life with the convenience of the city nearby. Hand-built with love and a couple of shovels by our family and friends, this hike-in, tent-only site is the perfect oasis for locals and visitors alike. As you embark on the short hike up, you will experience breathtaking views, shaded trails, and a sense of calm as you arrive at your campsite. You’ll enjoy stunning sunsets, sunrises, and the tranquil sound of birds chirping—an idyllic backdrop to clear your mind. We’ve thoughtfully added a few comforts so you can enjoy nature without completely leaving modern conveniences behind. Take advantage of amenities like a refrigerator, sink, a bathroom with a flushable toilet, and a shower to refresh after a day of exploring. We also have a few electrical outlets and WiFi if you need to stay connected online or charge your devices. If you want to howl at the moon, we have some more remote hike-in campsites available. Send us a message for details. Out of respect to our neighbors, we do not allow car camping in our parking lot. Car or RV sleeping is permitted on our Van Pad site only, although we do not provide RV hookups. To protect the privacy of others and the exclusivity of the retreat, we ask that you do not disclose the purpose of your stay to anyone outside of AntFarm LA, including surrounding neighbors. You may identify yourself as a guest or a friend, if asked. To preserve the quiet, off-the-grid atmosphere we’ve created, we ask that you respect our noise curfew of 10PM. We look forward to having you stay!

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(16)

New Yurt City

7 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents10 acres · Lake Los Angeles, CA

New Yurt City is one of those hidden gems. The daily views are breathtaking. You can see every star down to the horizon, sunsets are amazing with snow capped mountains. There are lots to do nearby: 30min to ski resort, 1hour to the beach. Near lots of national parks and centrally located. It’s got a small town feel with amazing food trucks with handmade taco 5 mins away. We atvs for rent and a beautiful garden with lots of fresh rosemary and lavender to share.

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(114)

ArtFarm Movie Ranch & Nomad NeXuS

41 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents12 acres · Leona Valley, CA

Nomad-NeXus @ ArtFarm Nature Space offers the best of both worlds: Amazing Nature , bright stars and serenity , a fun creative vibe and good people and blazing fast internet connection for digital nomads and young entrepreneurs who are looking for a space to connect with nature and the world at large all at once, bridging the gap between Nature and Technology, Freedom and Community , hard work and inspiring moments with inspiring and positive people. ArtFarm Movie Ranch and Nature space is the perfect location for all your artistic needs and the perfect space for Digital Nomads and Creative entrepreneurs to immerse themselves in Nature while enjoying the benefits of an instant community of inspired people who love to connect, collaborate and create ! we would love to meet you!

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Urban Glamping at La Boheme!

2 sites · Lodging1 acre · Los Angeles, CA

This historical 1904 Craftsman home, known as The Liddell "La Boheme" Home, is nestled on 1/2 an acre of land smack in the middle of Los Angeles' hippest, historical gem: Highland Park. When on the property, surrounded by fruit trees and rolling hills -- you can't believe you are in a city, let alone Los Angeles! I was introduced to the delights of Glamping at El Capitan in Santa Barbara which was amazing and I wanted to stay there forever!! -- BUT with a busy city life of raising kids and building my own small food business -- I wanted to jump from Glamp-life to City-life (and back again) with more ease and share it with others. In my opinion, the beauty of So-Cal living is that you can literally spend the morning surfing in Malibu and that same evening find yourself skiing in Big Bear! (After 25 years of living here -- that reality still amazes me) To mirror this unique juxtaposition - at La Boheme, you will find a tranquil Safari Tent Glamping experience - with hiking/biking trails and all sorts of outdoor activities anywhere from a 5 minute walk to 30 minutes away by car---- but you can also hop on the Gold Line train (which is a 1 minute walk out the back door) and in choosing one direction, you are a couple of stops from Chinatown or Downtown LA's rich cultural experiences & exciting nightlife. If you decide to explore in the other direction, Metro's Gold Line (in 1 stop) will take you to the heart of Highland Park's bustling scene - offering a smorgasbord of eateries, coffee-shops, speakeasies, boutiques, yoga studios and art galleries - including LA's oldest bowling alley: Highland Park Bowl. Take the train further and you're in the heart of glorious Pasadena (home to The Rose Bowl and exceptional Norton Simon Museum)-- or continue out to beautiful Sierra Madre -- where there is hiking and exploring galore! At La Boheme you can grill onsite, order take-out, dine out, stay-in and book a personal masseuse (that will change your world!) You can find places to hike, bike, play tennis, come back and shower (with hot water) - enjoy some bubbly with your honey on the deck -- take the train downtown to catch a concert at the Staples center -- Uber back - light the chiminea -- roast a s'more or two and crawl into your super comfy REAL bed in your REAL Safari Tent! Remember -- this is URBAN Glamping -- a friendly reminder that there can be normal city noises throughout your stay -- like a Fire Engine answering a call - or the train running behind the property -- or a kid crying in the apartment next door. It happens. Life happens. Of the several people who have already enjoyed the Glamping experience of La Boheme -- normal city noise/life hasn't dampened the experience at all-- only made it more intriguing! There is both a fan for air circulation and/or "white noise" as well as a heater, if you should need either of them. Plenty of extra blankets are available as well as a cot if you are a booking for 3 guests. La Boheme also is a venue for weddings and other events -- so we love hosting and want to do whatever we can to make your stay the best it can be for you! Please reach out with any questions or recommendations for the area. If you are new to the area - definitely spend a little time Googling ALL that is available to you - and I'll do my best to fill any blanks-- ha! Looking forward to meeting and hosting you at La Boheme. - Hillary

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Acton Oasis

3 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents2 acres · Acton, CA

We are a BIPOC and LGBTQIA+ friendly location. Our family home is conveniently located just off of Highway 14, along Sierra Highway, in Acton, CA. We offer parking in our large driveway with hookups for electricity and well water. You can save money by boondocking if you don't need to plug in or use well water -- just add it as an extra. Please fill your tanks with potable water and/or bring drinking water. Our well water is very hard so we filter. No black water disposal. There are no toilets, laundry, or other amenities. We currently do not have garbage disposal, but will again soon. No smoking or fires allowed. No exceptions. This is a high risk fire area. No leaking vehicles. A $400 fee to cleanup any vehicle leaks. No working on vehicles on the property.

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Get Lost Inn - Cabin Rentals

36 sites · Lodging1 acre · Running Springs, CA

Escape to the San Bernardino mountains and experience the ultimate mountain retreat! Whether you're looking for a cozy cabin for a romantic getaway, or a spacious lodge for a family vacation, we've got you covered. With a dozen stunning cabins to choose from, we offer the perfect accommodation for all seasons and activities. Embrace the winter wonderland with skiing and snowboarding, or explore the great outdoors with hiking, rock climbing, and fishing. Or simply unwind and relax in the serene mountain surroundings. Our cabins are conveniently located in Green Valley Lake, Big Bear, Running Springs, and Lake Arrowhead, each offering its own unique charm and adventure. Let us be your host and create unforgettable memories that will last a lifetime. Book your stay with us today and discover the magic of the San Bernardino mountains!

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Magic Portal Stargazer's Retreat

14 sites · RVs, Tents5 acres · Elizabeth Lake, CA

Discover Magic Portal Stargazer's Retreat, a premier camping, overlanding, and RV destination nestled in the heart of the Mojave Desert, just 90 minutes from Los Angeles. Our quaint and peaceful campsite offers a tranquil escape under the expansive celestial canopy, perfect for stargazing enthusiasts, nature lovers, and RV travelers. Prime Location Near Major Attractions: Magic Portal is conveniently located near some of Southern California's most picturesque natural landmarks. - Antelope Valley California Poppy Reserve (4 miles): Explore vibrant trails and seasonal wildflower blooms. - Lake Hughes (10 miles): Enjoy fishing, hiking, and scenic views. -Arthur B. Ripley Desert Woodland State Park (12 miles): Discover Joshua Trees and desert landscapes. The Campsite: Our grounds comprise five individual campsites, each outfitted with a solar lamp to help guide your way.There's plenty of space at each site for your tent and/or one vehicle (Cars, Campervans, Truck campers,Pop-up campers, Class B RVs). We also have an outhouse shared amongst the sites. Discover Local Flora and Fauna: During daylight, soak in the beauty of the Mojave Desert's natural landscape. Watch out for the local wildlife like quail, roadrunners, and jackrabbits. As night cloaks the desert, you're presented with a mesmerizing spectacle of a starlit sky, making it a dream location for stargazers. During the spring you will be immersed in a sea of wildflowers. Unique Features: Adding a unique allure to our campsite is the 'Portal to Nowhere'. This freestanding doorframe amidst the desert makes for a whimsical photo opportunity and a conversation starter. Amenities and Information: Please note, our amenities are basic to preserve the authentic charm of the surroundings. There no fire pits on site, and we encourage campers to bring along any additional necessities, including extra lighting, for their comfort. We do have a shared outhouse. Stargazing and More: Magic portal is located in a designated dark sky zone (turn on the map layer in Hipcamp), and is one of the closest campsites to Los Angeles in this designation. As night falls, the desert sky unveils a breathtaking view of the stars, providing an unmatched opportunity for stargazing. Whether you're seeking a peaceful retreat or a base to explore nearby attractions, Magic Portal Stargazer's Retreat promises a memorable outdoor adventure. Book Your Adventure: Reserve your spot today at Magic Portal Stargazer's Retreat for a unique camping experience just outside Los Angeles. We value your feedback as we continue to enhance our offerings.

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Mojave Moonlight Camping

4 sites · RVs, Tents25 acres · Lucerne Valley, CA

Located in the outskirts of Lucene ValleyLearn more about this land: Experience a blanket of stars at night, beautiful sunrise and sunsets. We have limited it to only 4 campsites so there is plenty of space and privacy on this 20 acre campsite.Hike the mountain, experience nature and solitude and be just 10 minutes from a town where a supermarket, hardware store, service station, post office, sheriff's station and a variety of restaurants are available.This is big sky and wide open California Desert. Remote enough to be away from crowds but close enough for all the essentials.Life is short ... Get outside.

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Terra Vivus

3 sites · RVs, Tents1 acre · Lake Hughes, CA

Terra Vivus is Latin for "The Earth is alive." Welcome to a great balance of being away from civilization, engulfed in nature with peace and quiet yet also being 10 minutes away from the nearest market and 30 minutes away from the nearest city. Chipmunks, crows, doves, crickets, coyotes, sparrows and many other creatures call this land home. This is protected land called a Significant Ecological Area mostly because of the thousands of Joshua Trees. Send a photo of you sharing your water with the plants at terra.vivus.inquiries@gmail.com and receive $5 off your stay. 25% of all revenue goes to restoring, preserving and enhancing the existing ecosystem. Come experience and contribute to the preservation of this beautiful landscape. It can be windy at times, in order to mitigate this I recommend using your car(s) to block the wind. Local markets also sell neck gaiters for face protection. I also have pieces of plywood with bricks that you're welcome to move and shift to fit your needs. I am in the process of building a tree/shrub wind block. There's about .4 miles of dirt road to get to the property, there are some dips to watch out for but I come out here in a little Prius so it's manageable. Overall, there is an element of seclusion but occasionally people do drive by on the dirt road. I would rate the cell phone service a 7/10, it's pretty solid but can go out at times.

The best camping near Saddleback Butte State Park guide

Overview

About

Escape to this state park in Antelope Valley that epitomizes the Southern California high desert. The 2,995-acre wonderland of serenity lies east of Lancaster and a doable 90-minute drive from Los Angeles.

The park was created in 1960 to protect the butte and preserve the high-desert Joshua tree woodlands. Saddleback's 2,455-foot elevation on the western edge of the Mojave Desert clears the world-weary mind and inspires the soul.

The highlight of the state park is the 3,651-foot summit of Saddleback Butte. Park in the picnic area, fill your water bottles and set out on the paved nature trail. It turns into a rock-lined path known as Little Butte Trail. This leads you directly toward Saddleback Butte. A 4.8-mile round-trip to the summit rewards you with jaw-dropping views.

The campground offers 40 sites with a table, fire ring, and grill. Come in spring when it's nothing but a carpet of yellow coreopsis as far as the eye can see.

Notable campgrounds

Family Campsites: Nestled among native Joshua trees, these sites offer a traditional camping experience with a desert twist.
Group Campsites: Ideal for larger gatherings, these sites accommodate up to 30 people, perfect for a desert adventure with friends.
RV Access: With facilities catering to RVs up to 30 feet, the park ensures a comfortable stay for those on the road.

Tips for snagging a campsite

Plan ahead and arrive early, as the campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis.
Visit during off-peak seasons for a better chance at securing a spot amid the park's tranquil beauty.
Keep your group size within the maximum limit of eight people per campsite to ensure a smooth reservation process.
Explore nearby camping options to maximize your chances of finding the perfect spot.

When to go

The ideal time to visit Saddleback Butte State Park is from February to May when the desert blooms with wildflowers. Autumn also offers pleasant temperatures, while summer brings hot days and cool, star-filled nights. Winter can be chilly, so come prepared.

Know before you go

Check weather conditions before your visit, as the desert climate can bring extreme temperatures.
Remember that dogs are allowed only in designated areas and must be kept on a 6-foot leash.
Stay safe by following all park rules, including no drones and no collection of natural features.
Accessibility is a priority, with features like the self-guided Dic Dowen Nature Trail for all visitors.
Bring cash or checks for park fees, as these are the accepted forms of payment.