The best camping in Saddleback Butte State Park, CA

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83% (3)

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

The best camping in Saddleback Butte State Park, CA

Public campgrounds here are often sold out.
83% (3)

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

Camper favorites near Saddleback Butte State Park

Top-rated campgrounds reviewed by the Hipcamp community.

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Top-rated campgrounds

Bowen Ranch Deep Creek Hot Springs

88%
(141)
43mi from Saddleback Butte State Park · 17 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Lake Arrowhead, CA
Peaceful Off-the-Grid Property in the Mountains of the Mojave Desert, Hot Springs and Numerous Hiking and Off-Roading Trails Nearby... Surrounded by 1,000s of Acres of Undeveloped BLM and US Forestry Land, With Endless Views of the San Bernardino Mountains and High Desert Scenery. Bring Your Tent, Trailer, RV or Camp in your Car . Picnic Tables and Fire Pits (grills available). Flushing Toilets, Pits Toilets, Potable Water, and Showers On-Site. Breakfast Lunch Dinner Served on the Weekends *Warning! 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. Even though Deep Creek has never had any known cases of amoeba outbreaks, be advised that the warm waters around hot springs can carry a sometimes fatal amoeba. *Although children are permitted at most sites on the property (children are not permitted at the cabin or spring pool sites), 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 Campground is part of the historic Bowen Ranch property that was homesteaded in 1924 and 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. See our webpage deepcreekhotspringscampground.com for more information and detailed driving directions to our property.
Pets
Potable water
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from 
$55
 / night

Hot Springs Campground

93%
(66)
43mi from Saddleback Butte State Park · 33 sites · Tents, RVs · Apple Valley, CA
Rural 160 acre homestead property located in the mountains of the Mojave Desert, next to the Deep Creek Hot Springs. This off the grid property is surrounded by 1,000s of acres of undeveloped BLM and US Forestry land, providing endless views of the San Bernardino mountains and high desert scenery, Numerous hiking and OHV offroad trails right off the property. The 6 mile dirt road can be bumpy, but a 4WD isa not necessary. Low profile vehicles and large trailers Park your car, truck/trailer or RV right at one of our developed campsites that has a patch of turf, picnic tables and fire pits (grills available). Flushing toilets, pits toilets, potable water, and showers on site. *Warning! 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. Even though Deep Creek has never had any known cases of amoeba outbreaks, be advised that the warm waters around hot springs can carry a sometimes fatal amoeba. *Although children are permitted at most sites on the property (children are not permitted at the cabin or spring pool sites), 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 Campground is part of the historic Bowen Ranch property that was homesteaded in 1924 and 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. See our webpage deepcreekhotspringscampground.com for more information and detailed driving directions to our property.
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
from 
$55
 / night

AntFarm LA

98%
(100)
40mi from Saddleback Butte State Park · 6 sites · Tents, RVs · La Crescenta Montrose, 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 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!
Pets
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from 
$36
 / night

Peacefully Camping

42mi from Saddleback Butte State Park · 1 site · Lodging · Apple Valley, CA
Peacefully Camping — Apple Valley, California Escape into quiet desert serenity at Peacefully Camping, a remote off-grid retreat hosted by Jake in Apple Valley. Perfectly paced between adventure and relaxation, this site offers a place to rest, explore, and disconnect. 🏕 What to Expect • A bell-style tent (yurt-inspired, 4-season) that accommodates up to 4 guests • Off-grid living: no electrical hookup, no water hookup, no potable water (bring what you need) • A fire pit for cooking under the stars (campfires permitted) • Shared or basic toilet facilities (toilet available) • Pets are allowed • Suitable for both RV and tent setups (spaces for RVs too) • Pricing starts at $40 per night 🌵 Location & Surroundings • Located in Apple Valley, California (precise address shared after booking) • Within an hour’s drive from the Mojave National Preserve Headquarters—ideal for desert hikes, exploration, and stargazing • Trails and offroad routes nearby offer plenty of ground for adventure
Pets
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from 
$40
 / night

A Unique Mountain Retreat

99%
(287)
44mi from Saddleback Butte State Park · 12 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Tehachapi, CA
The title says it all this property is truly A Unique Mountain Retreat that will give you the peace, quiet and tranquility you are looking for. An energy efficient Uniquely designed home that is off the grid and has a very green footprint with solar and windmill to charge batteries. Oak and pine tree covered acres with fitness and nature trails around the property. Each level campsite with picnic table is designed for privacy with plenty of distance between sites and mountain views in every direction, along with an optional gas log fire pit and BBQ. There is plenty of clean, non potable drinking water, custom built toilets and optional hot showers, limited electrical use, cell phone charging and low power use devices as I am off grid. There is a fitness and nature trail on the property and Pacific Crest trail is approx 20 to 30 min drive, Mountain park which has many miles of hiking trails and an Indian reservation with hikes to many petroglphs. Things to see are the World famous Tehachapi railway loop, historic downtown, vineyards, mountain spirit center a Buddhist temple, glider rides, bicycle riding and fishing. There is cell service around the property but intermittent at the campsites.
Pets
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from 
$45
 / night

SB Mountain Cabin Rentals

95%
(192)
52mi from Saddleback Butte State Park · 39 sites · Lodging · 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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from 
$122
 / night

The Hilltop Getaway

99%
(126)
6.1mi from Saddleback Butte State Park · 1 site · Lodging · Lake Los Angeles, CA
Welcome to The Hilltop Getaway! One of the coziest glamping spots 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! While our site 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, 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. Fire pit with wood chairs and bench for lounging 4. Hammock for relaxing and stargazing 5. Toilet/Shower cabin. Thetford Porta Potti flush toilet, sink with foot water pump, mirror, Eccotemp hot shower We provide towels and soap 6. Cowboy Pool 8ft Open seasonally May - Oct 7. The Geo Dome Tent 23ft (7M) is equipped with everything 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 - Kitchen Island with kitchen utensils, pots, tableware - Portable Power Station EcoFlow River Mini for charging and power devices - Propane Portable Heater, indoor-safe (Propane gas is include) - Solar lights - Fresh towel-Fresh linen- Books games for entertainment - fire extinguisher, first aid kit, etc Please note - water in the tank is not drinkable and has a distinct taste Please plan for a “leave no trace” style camping and to take your trash with you upon check out
Pets
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from 
$200
 / night

Camping @ Quail Run Ostrich Ranch

95%
(151)
37mi from Saddleback Butte State Park · 7 sites · Tents, RVs · 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 and 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.
Pets
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from 
$25
 / night

Other options near Saddleback Butte State Park

The best camping in Saddleback Butte State Park, CA 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.
83%
3 ratings · 6 reviews