The best camping near Saddleback Butte State Park

Discover the most magical spots to pitch your tent or park your rig on your next Saddleback Butte adventure.

83% (3 reviews)

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

Popular ways to camp

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

Family Campground

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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(102)

The Hilltop Getaway

1 site · Lodging3 acres · Lake Los Angeles, CA

Welcome to The Hilltop Getaway! One of the coziest glamping spot near the Alpine Butte, Palmdale with Joshua Tree landscape just an hour from LA. The amazing 360 view from the jumbo rocks mountains on valley with Joshua Trees will make your memories unforgettable. We also have a great landscape for your spectacular photo shoot. If you’re looking for a place to hike, relax, refresh and recharge yourself, you found the place! The Hilltop Getaway! Enjoy your life! While The Hilltop Getaway is private and secluded, it is close to most stores you might need. Palmdale is a 10-minute drive and has a Target, Walmart, Home Depot, Lowe's, Ross, restaurants, fast foods, banks, and more. Additionally, you can visit a lot of unique places just few minutes from us like Antelope Valley Indian Museum, Four Aces Movie Ranch, Movie Set Diner, Club Ed Movie Set, El Mirage Dry Lake, Kill Bill Church, Antelope Valley Poppy Reserve, Joe Davies Heritage Airpark, Blackbird Airpark, Dry Town Water Park On our space you'll find 1. Bar/Kitchen area offers a four-burner gas grill with one side burner, kitchen table, sink with foot water pump, bar counter with four chairs on the bar deck; 2. Classic wood picnic table 3. Patio equipped with wood chairs and bench for lounging around our fire pit, lounge chair for sunbathing 4. Hammock for relaxing and stargazing 5. Toilet/Shower cabin. There is Thetford Porta Potti flush toilet, sink with foot water pump, mirror, Eccotemp hot shower We provide towels and soap for you. 6. The Geo Dome Tent 23ft (7M) is equipped with everything you would need for a comfortable glamping experience Geo Dome: - Queen bed with memory-foam mattress and bedding - Two Convertable Tri-Fold Sofa Beds - Twin Tufted Back Convertible Sofa - Foldable Camping Cot - Hammock Chair Swing - Dining Set - Nightstands - Full Length Floor Mirror - Kitchen Island with kitchen utensils, pots, tableware - Mini Fridge with Top Freezer - Free WiFi - Projector Screen - Video Projector (for rent) - Bluetooth Sound System - Power Station EcoFlow Pro for charging and power devices - Evaporative Air Swamp Cooler - Propane "Pleasant Hearth" Heater 30,000 BTU (Propane gas is include) - Solar lights and battery powered LED Camping Lantern - Fresh towel-Fresh linen- Books and games for entertainment - And plenty of safety amenities such as: fire extinguisher, first aid kit, etc. Please note - the water in the tank is not drinkable and has a distinct taste - please bring drinking water. Small amenities such as a first aid kit, flashlights, and lanterns are all available to you in the tent for a safe and comfortable stay. Please plan for a “leave no trace” style camping and to take your trash with you upon check out

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(5)

Aventura Del Sol

2 sites · Lodging5 acres · Lake Los Angeles, CA

Where the road ends and Aventura begins! Lux Dome accommodations for 1 - 4 ppl on 5 acres of beautiful desert landscape. Completely off-grid splendor. Enjoy a wellness center that includes a sauna and cold plunge. New wood burning heater inside dome to keep you cozy! Amenities also include outdoor kitchen area, firepit and portapotty

86%

(35)

High Desert Hot Spring Hideout

13 sites · RVs, Tents160 acres · Lake Arrowhead, CA

This 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 beautiful natural desert scenery and mountain views surround you. 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. 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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(37)

Family-Friendly Skoolie Glamping

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

EVERY STAY PLANTS A TREE 🌳 Our mission is to cultivate all ten acres of land into a sustainable oasis. That’s why we offer glamping on our tiny house bus (the "Starry Night Skoolie"), and tent camping in the gardens. 100% of proceeds to back to planting trees, watering gardens, and cultivating the land. Watch it grow: ForEveryStarATree.com In 2023, we incorporated as a nonprofit ecofarm called "For Every Star A Tree." Kids LOVE exploring our school bus clubhouse as well as the land. Pets LOVE to run free! Enjoy relaxing in the hammock, sitting at the picnic table, or even laying down on the ground to fall into the infinite starry night desert skies.

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Camp NadaLotta

1 site · Tent3 acres · Lake Los Angeles, CA

Chrissy & Ian McAllister LOVE camping the wide-open desert and invested in this land to create a private campground designed for their friends & family. We invite you to join us in building a special place made to appreciate the simpler things in life. Learn more about this land:Enjoy the beautiful landscape of Antelope Valley with your own private and secluded desert getaway. Located in the Lake Los Angeles area with direct access to Saddleback Butte State Park. Enjoy the super-bloom wildflowers, awe-inspiring flyby's from Edwards Airfield and miles of off-roading trails. 90 Minutes from LA. After booking you will receive a camp guide and directions that you will need to reach the site.

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(1)

New Yurt City

5 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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(82)

Nomad-NeXus @ArtFarm Nature Space

35 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 Nature space is 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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(24)

Antelope Valley Camp Site

1 site · RV, Tent2 acres · Sun Village, CA

We wanted an escape spot. Quiet, secluded, and gorgeous. We stumbled across this HUGE open area just 1 hour outside of LA, and decided it was a perfect getaway from our normal city lives. So perfect, we wanted to share it with others! Learn more about this land:Perfect spot for complete silence and isolation in the beautiful Californian desert. This is a spot for campers to enjoy the valley view at sunrise or sunset, take a walk or climb around the quartz filled rock structures, dirt bike or 4-wheel down desert dirt roads or just play in the sand. Truly perfect stargazing with no interference from city lights or noise.

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(13)

Off the Grid Hot Springs Camping

11 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents180 acres · Lake Arrowhead, CA

Located on a rural off the grid property near the Deep Creek Hot Springs, this 160 acre property is the perfect place to escape the city and immerse yourself in nature. Nestled in the mountains of the high desert, come camp and enjoy yourself in a peaceful setting where beautiful natural desert scenery and mountain views surround you. The natural high desert landscape of junipers, joshua trees, chaparral and sages, combined with the nearby San Bernardino mountains in the background, create an amazing 360* view from just about anywhere on our land. This private homestead property is located 6 miles off the pavement, just far enough to escape the sounds and lights of the city, and is surrounded by 1,000's of acres of undeveloped government managed lands. The natural rural setting creates a serene atmosphere on the property that allows one to easily relax and recharge. You can set up your own tent and campsite or rent one of our furnished glamping tents to stay in when you come to visit. Have a special event coming up or just want to celebrate? Check out our private hot spring pool sites and private cold spring pool sites we have available for up to 300 guests. There is plenty of activities nearby to keep yourself occupied, such as nature watching right on the property, or exploring numerous hiking and ohv trails just off the property. With the trailhead starting on the property, the Deep Creek Hot Springs is just a short hike away, and well worth the effort, with nearby fishing and gold panning along the creek as well. Deep Creek 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 steep in places and can be fairly 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. Know before you go! *Although children are permitted to be 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 of the hike. The hike to the hot springs is fairly difficult and everyone’s physical fitness needs to be considered when deciding to take children, elderly people, or over-weight people.

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(2)

SOJOURN STAYS: Desert Yurt Retreat

4 sites · RVs, Tents3 acres · Lake Los Angeles, CA

Welcome to Sojourn Stays: Desert Yurt Retreat in Hi Vista, California! Experience the rugged beauty of the American Southwest amidst high desert plains and majestic mountains. Discover diverse landscapes and stunning sunsets. Embrace the adventure and reconnect with nature. Book now for an unforgettable escape! The space This yurt retreat offers a unique and immersive experience in the heart of the California desert. Each yurt is nestled on a private deck overlooking the vast landscape, providing a tranquil space to unwind and soak up the serenity. Inside the yurt, you'll find a cozy bed, plush furnishings, and thoughtful amenities. The open-concept living areas are bathed in natural light. Guest access Guests have exclusive access to the yurt retreat grounds, which include a communal fire pit, picnic area, and stargazing deck. There are also several hiking trails nearby, offering the opportunity to explore the surrounding desert landscape. Other things to note * This is a secluded retreat, so be prepared to disconnect from the outside world. Cell phone reception is limited, and there is no Wi-Fi. * The yurts are not air-conditioned, so pack accordingly for the desert heat or the winter cold. **Book your stay today and embark on an unforgettable adventure at Sojourn Stays: Desert Yurt Retreat!** Things to do in the area * Visit Saddleback Butte State Park and take a hike at Saddleback Butte Trailhead and enjoy breathtaking views of the desert landscape and surrounding mountains. * Visit the Lifesavers Wild Horse Rescue **Book your stay today and experience the magic of relaxation in the desert at Sojourn Stays: Desert Yurt Retreat!**

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Dead End Campgrounds RV Sites

5 sites · RVs, Tents3 acres · Wrightwood, CA

Sitting one mile high exactly on the side of the mountain, with views of the desert, mountains, and city lights below! . I have 2 other short-term rentals on the same 5 acres and the reviews have been so amazing I decided to expand to camping, RVs, etc. A large flat lot (50' x100') could host up to about 3 RVs (depending on the size) and tents. There is water, good WiFi, septic hook-up, and electricity in a limited capacity (solar and wind-powered). There are generators available. The property sits up against The Transitionary Habitat nature preserve and there are 350 acres of hiking in the Puma Canyon. You are literally surrounded by nature, a true escape but with the city lights in the backdrop! There are tables, chairs, tiki torches, bean bag toss, horseshoes, and a gas fire pit. The road to the property is narrow and steep, so please consider this when booking. We've had hundreds of groups navigate the roads with no problem, including 48 foot RVs. If you have concerns about whether or not your vehicle can make it, please don't hesitate to message me.

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(4)

Desert Castle

1 site · RV, Tent3 acres · Lancaster, CA

My grandparents built this in 1954, and we have now been putting love into it and want everyone to experience how amazing it can really be out here at the desert castleLearn more about this land:This desert castle lays in the great Mojave desert. Great getaway with friends or family, one stone house standing in sight and that is your home away from home, this stone house can’t wait to get some attention, you will get it as the last campers left it so please clean up after yourself, and leave the cabin how you would like to receive it. There is good cell reception Call me at (805)-698-8623 if you have questions or need anything!

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.