Pack your bags — we’re going to the desert…
If you’re lucky enough to catch it, there is but a moment each year when temperatures drop to the perfect point, so that one can venture out to the desert and camp in comfort. Southern California and surrounding area residents spend all summer waiting and, friends, the time has come. For the next month, desert weather nails it — it hits the bullseye. To celebrate this wrinkle in time, we have put together a list of our favorite desert campgrounds in SoCal. Get out there quick — there’s only about a month’s worth of great weather left!
Red Rock Campground in Mojave National Preserve. Only a few hours outside of Los Angeles, Red Rock campground sits among spectacular rock formations and desert cliffs. Hike through the colorful landscape to the top of the cliffs and enjoy an insane view of the desert floor.
Jumbo Rocks at Joshua Tree National Park. What kind of list would this be if we didn’t include Joshua Tree? With the weather finally cooperating, head out early to Jumbo Rocks to swipe a campsite. Spend the day climbing the unending sea of volcanic rock formations and boulders.
Hole in the Wall Campground at Mojave National Preserve. Great views during the day and, as one of the darkest campgrounds in California, the stargazing is unmatched. Bring your binoculars!
Lone Pine Campground in Owens Valley. Located in Inyo National Forest, Lone Pine has perfect high desert weather, so bring your jacket to endure the chilly nights. Just a few miles away is the famous and equally bizarre Alabama Hills, so take a day to explore the rocks. Perk: this is one of the cleanest campgrounds I have ever been to.
Mesquite Springs Campground at Death Valley National Park. Located on the north end of the valley, Mesquite Springs offers 30 campsites away from the bustle of the national park. These sites get snatched up early, especially on holiday weekends, so schedule accordingly.
+What other campgrounds should we add to this list? I’d love to know!
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