97% (409)
Top-rated campgrounds
97% (409)
Top-rated campgrounds
Stories from the community
T
Travis
2 weeks ago
Tent
Simple, well maintained, and chill campground near ,but not in, Joshua Tree national park. Would go back anytime
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C
Caroline
2 weeks ago
Tent
My husband and I had a great night tent camping here. The host has been really thoughtful with the amenities and set up and it was just a 10-15 minute drive to the Joshua tree park entrance. We plan to come back and bring friends we liked it so much. Thank you!!!
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D
Devon
3 weeks ago
25 ft Class C
With pets
We had a fantastic time in Joshua Tree! The campgrounds were clean and well taken care of and everyone was incredibly friendly. We loved that it was dog friendly and our pups enjoyed the space. Would absolutely go back and highly recommend!!
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G
Gabriella
November 2025
Tent
This oasis was a wonderful getaway from the city to enjoy the stars, the desert and the rain.
My friend and I stayed, got rained on pretty heavily in our tent & the host was very accomodating.
Even in the rain, there are plenty of common space to enjoy from the hot tub to the sauna. We were able to enjoy some sunshine as well between down pours.
I will definitely be back again!
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N
Nate
November 2025
Tent
My friend and I had a great time here! Though the weather was bad (cold & rainy) the hot tub & sauna were amazing! We were able to cook food under shelter, play games, paint, etc and enjoy being outdoors while avoiding the rain. We spent majority of our time hanging out in the common areas and loved the hot tub in the rain!
The host was incredibly kind and accommodating.
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G
Greg
November 2025
38 ft fifth wheel
Perfect location to be out in the desert and close enough to town and the national park. Nice sites with flowery bushes as barriers between sites. Clean. Nice fishing lake for those who want to fish.
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G
Gildardo
November 2025
Tent
Everything is well maintained, really nice people!
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l
lo
November 2025
Tent
Great location, stayed for two nights over the weekend and would gladly come back !
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N
Nathanielle
November 2025
Tent
With pets
Came in late and the staff were super helpful. Campsite was clean and the tent sites looked almost raked out they were so flat. Sound travels despite the campsites being pretty spread out but everyone was respectful of quiet hours. Ground is hard so be prepared to tie down with rocks. Definitely plan on coming back, beautiful and affordable.
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M
Melanie
November 2025
Tent
Group trip
Loved our stay. Sad we only stayed one night but it was such a clean site! 10/10
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F
Frank
October 2025
40 ft Class C
With pets
Great location for visiting Joshua Tree National Park. Park was clean and well organized. Check in personnel were friendly and provided information about the area and park. Park is in the desert, so no grass, but sites were seperated by bushes. We would go back, if ever in the area again.
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Francesco
October 2025
35 ft fifth wheel
Nadiya- was extremely helpful and accomodating. The site was great, quiet. All the amenities were available as decribed. Location is great and near all the Wineries. Lake skinner is less than 20 minutes away.
We had a great time I would stay here again when visting Temecula.
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Lauren
October 2025
Tent
With pets
This is an amazing campground outside of Jtree. We made last minute plans to camp & of course the national park was full. The campsites are clean, the little store/ check in area was stocked with all sorts of handy things and snacks - I forgot baby wipes, firewood and marshmallows and they had them.
The ladies at check in were very friendly and helpful.
The bathrooms were very clean/pleasant and stocked. The showers were VERY nice! They exceeded my expectations. The lake/pond is serene filled with lots of cute ducks! There’s an off leash dog area. They close the gate after 9pm (but you can still get in and out as a guest).
Overall I will definitely return here, as I often don’t plan my camping trips far enough in advance to book in the park haha.
Thanks for an awesome stay!
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C
Casey
October 2025
Tent
With kids
Great little camp, and the lake was cute. Restrooms were dated but very clean. We went out to see the Orionids and the stargazing was epic - my kiddo's first time seeing the Milky Way! They had a special event the one night we stayed and it was VERY loud until about 11 pm, so I think next time we will call ahead and try to avoid any events like that. But there will definitely be a next time. Lots of families and older folks camping, friendly staff, and overall a good vibe. We found it LGBTQ+ friendly, too - hurrah!
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L
Logan
October 2025
15 ft travel trailer
With pets
This is a great place! Facilities are immaculate and staff is very friendly. Location is far enough away where you get a nice off the beaten path feel but close enough you can pop into town to experience what Joshua tree has to offer. Absolutely will be coming back!
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M
Marianne
October 2025
20 ft campervan
Site was shaded and as described. Office staff was friendly and helpful. Bathroom and showers were super clean!
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M
Mark
October 2025
33 ft travel trailer
We thoroughly enjoyed our time at this property and will definitely return when we are in the area. Jon B was a welcoming, communicative, friendly, and informative host. We appreciate all that he did for us.
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William
October 2025
Tent
The property was beautiful to camp on especially at night being able to look up at the stars! You are located right next to Joshua Tree National Park making it easy to visit throughout the day, but enjoy your nights around 29 Palms watching the stars. Definitely had a great stay at El Ranchito!
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A
Alex
October 2025
Tent
With kids
Steve was great hosting my family while I was out working my mom and daughter had fun swimming and exploring around the desert also had the opportunity to relax my self after work thank you
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E
Emily
October 2025
Tent
Organized staff, clean sites, not too far from park (about 30-45 min drive) , adorable pond/lake. I’d totally come back🥰
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The best big rig friendly camping near Big Bear Lake guide
Where to go
The Peninsular Ranges
The southernmost U.S. stretch of the Coast Ranges, the Peninsular Ranges create a natural buffer between the desert and the urban sprawl of Los Angeles County. This region is full of opportunities to hike, camp, and swim without having to stray far from LA. Natural areas in the region include the San Bernardino and Angeles National Forests, Mt San Jacinto State Park, and the Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains National Monument.
California’s Desert Region
If you head east from Big Bear Lake, you'll quickly find yourself out in the desert. While getting to the Mojave Desert National Preserve is a bit of a trek, Joshua Tree National Park and the Salton Sea oasis both offer otherworldly landscapes within a short drive of town.
The Southern California Coast
In many people’s minds, California is synonymous with beaches, and if you’re a fan of swimming and sunbathing, SoCal offers the best coastal options in the state. While San Diego and Los Angeles have plenty of great beaches to choose from, many of which have their own campgrounds, some of the prettiest options are off the coast of Orange County, between the two cities.
When to go
Big Bear Lake is a year-round destination, offering snow in the winter and water activities the rest of the year. The lake is open for boating from spring through fall, and summer is particularly popular for stand-up paddleboarding, jet skiing, and swimming. July and August are the warmest months, though temperatures rarely soar above the low 80s, making the area attractive for Angelinos looking for a cooler escape from the city.
Nearby attractions
Experience the joy of camping near Frank G. Bonelli Regional Park, a haven for outdoor enthusiasts. Overlooking the shimmering Puddingstone Lake, it offers abundant recreational activities, making your camping trip fun-filled and memorable.