The best camping near El Mirage Dry Lake OHV Area

Discover the most magical spots to pitch your tent or park your rig on your next El Mirage Dry Lake OHV Area adventure.

El Mirage Dry Lake OHV Area: A Desert Playground for Outdoor Enthusiasts.

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Community favorites near El Mirage Dry Lake OHV Area

Top-rated campgrounds near El Mirage Dry Lake OHV Area

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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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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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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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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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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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Rosemead 12 miles to DT Los Angeles

6 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 Airbnbs 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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Camping @ Quail Run Ostrich Ranch

8 sites · RVs, Tents62 acres · Lake Hughes, CA

Run by three generations, our ranch has been in our family for more than 70 years. We opened our doors to the public in 2014 to help support feeding our animals, bred and rescued, after the Powerhouse Fire almost burned us out. We’ve survived a county quarantine(2018-2019), the COVID Lockdowns (2021-2022), the Lake Fire (2020), and the Hurricane Kay burn scar debris flow and flood (9/11/22), depending on hard work and strong family and community bonds. In addition to camping and educational tours, we host private and community events, grow & sell produce and eggs, hatch and sell chicks, rescue ratites, and support the local bee population (which gives us RAW honey to sell), and are working to open a private U-pick-by-appointment orchard. We are all animal lovers, and conservationists, and try to do our part to ensure our children inherit a healthy and viable world. This is our home where we live, work, love, and play. We enjoy sharing our space with visitors who we hope learn about ostrich and make some great memories.

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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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The White Lodge

1 site · Lodging1 acre · Los Angeles, CA

The White Lodge is a private home owned by the creator of Hicksville Trailer Palace and Hicksville Pines Bud and Breakfast. Although Morgan(the owner) has retired, he's made his property to feel as if you're in the middle of the woods complete with swimming hole, fire pit, outdoor kitchen, sauna and more!

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Glamping at Camp Haystack

3 sites · Lodging, RVs1 acre · CA

The area was an alfalfa farm in the early 1900's. The property was purchased in 2019 and it has been a passion project to beautify and bring life to the area ever since. Hiking and jogging across the street and surrounding areas available, pets welcome, beautiful sunsets and sunrises, 10 mins from groceries and fast food.

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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/video of you sharing your water with the plants at terra.vivus.inquiries@gmail.com and receive $3 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 El Mirage Dry Lake OHV Area guide

Overview

About

Located just outside of Los Angeles County in the Mojave Desert, El Mirage Lake truly lives up to its name. This dry lakebed often boasts spectacular views and mindbending mirages across what used to be a six-mile-wide lake. Nowadays, El Mirage Lake is used as an OHV or off-highway vehicle recreation area. From ultralight aircraft, gyrocopters, and land-yachts, to full-size airplanes, this large swath of land is perfect for aircraft enthusiasts. If flying isn't quite your speed, feel free to take off across the expanse atop your non-aircraft. Made popular by the many car commercials filmed at this location, the lakebed is the perfect place to test the speed of your automobile.

When to go

The best time to visit El Mirage Dry Lake OHV Area is during the cooler months, from late fall to early spring, when the desert temperature is pleasant for outdoor activities. Summer visits are possible but expect extreme heat. Always check for current conditions and closure status before planning your trip.

Know before you go

Before heading to El Mirage, ensure your vehicle has a valid pass, with daily, weekly, and seasonal options available.
OHVs must comply with California regulations, including registration and safety equipment.
For safety, spins, donuts, and drifting are prohibited, and alcohol or drug use while operating OHVs is illegal.
Remember to pack out all trash and avoid bringing glass containers or pallets.
Wearing an approved safety helmet is mandatory for all ATV riders on public lands.