The best camping in Antelope Valley California Poppy Reserve State Natural Reserve, CA

In the western Mojave Desert, on the edge of Los Angeles County, the Antelope Valley Poppy Reserve attracts visitors to Southern California with its eight miles of trails and colorful wildflowers—notably poppies—generally in full bloom from late winter through early spring. Other features include a seasonal interpretive center (open during the blooming season) as well as a picnic area with an interpretive display. Camping is not allowed at the park, but if you’re staying at another California state park in the area, your camping receipt will entitle you to free entry. Many visitors pair their visit with a trip to the nearby Arthur B. Ripley Desert Woodland State Park.

While the park is open year-round, the best time of year to visit is during the annual wildflower bloom, typically from around late February until May. This is also the busiest time, so you're best off visiting early on a weekday morning to beat the crowds. If you just want to come for a hike, autumn and early winter generally have pleasant weather and fewer crowds.

• Remember to leave it better when visiting the poppy reserve.
• Parking is limited and carpooling is recommended. If the parking lot is full, you can park along Lancaster Road within 100 feet of the entrance.
• Accessible features include ADA-compliant restrooms and parking, and there's a manual wheelchair available for checkout from the visitor center during wildflower season. The picnic area also has wheelchair-accessible picnic tables and a paved pathway.
• Mojave green rattlesnakes that call the flower fields home. The snakes are not generally aggressive unless provoked, but it's wise to give them space, particularly if they are rattling.
• Biking is not allowed on trails, and dogs and drones are not allowed anywhere in the reserve.