New Mesa Campground sits at 3,350 feet in Silverwood Lake State Recreation Area, offering 136 sites for tents, RVs up to 32 feet, and groups. Full hookups (water, electric, sewer) are available, along with showers, flush toilets, and a camp store. Rates run $45-$50 per night. The campground provides direct access to the lake for boating, fishing, and swimming, plus trailheads for hiking and biking through mixed pine forest and chaparral.
New Mesa Campground offers accommodations for RVs, tents, and group camping. Sites come with hookups, and group campsites provide amenities such as large fire rings and canopies.
The Serrano people lived in these San Bernardino Mountains for over 2,500 years, though no specific structures or sites are documented within the current campground boundaries. Weather and SeasonsFall delivers the most comfortable conditions. Daytime highs settle into the 60s and 70s°F with nights dropping to the 40s and 50s, ideal for hiking and fishing without summer's crowds. The lake stays warm enough for swimming into early fall. Summer (June through September) brings temperatures between 90-100°F. Great for water sports but hot for tent camping in unshaded sites. Winter sees temps from 30-60°F with rain replacing snow at this elevation. Weekdays and non-holiday weekends in fall offer noticeably quieter conditions than peak summer.
ElevationPerched at an refreshing elevation of 3,350 feet, New Mesa Campground offers a natural escape from the heat of Southern California's valleys below. This mountain oasis provides noticeably cooler temperatures and cleaner air, making it an ideal retreat when lowland areas swelter under the summer sun.
Natural Features and SceneryThe campground blends Ponderosa pine forest with high desert chaparral, creating varied habitat for wildlife viewing. Silverwood Lake. A reservoir formed by Cedar Springs Dam. Sits nearby, its shoreline accessible from camp. Some sites offer shade under mature pines, while others sit more exposed in open areas with sparse vegetation. Views extend across the lake and surrounding San Bernardino Mountain terrain. Elevation at 3,350 feet keeps the air cooler than the valleys below.
Geological RegionDiscover the remarkable diversity of the San Bernardino Mountains, where New Mesa Campground sits at the crossroads of multiple ecosystems. From the majestic Ponderosa pine forests that provide shade and serenity to the rugged high desert chaparral bursting with wildflowers and wildlife, this geological wonderland offers breathtaking vistas and endless opportunities to connect with California's spectacular natural heritage.
Scenic ViewsMany campsites offer views of the surrounding mountains or Silverwood Lake. Visitors describe the vistas as 'stunning' and 'peaceful.'
Lodging & AccommodationsThere are no hotel-style accommodations explicitly mentioned at this campground.
Programs & ActivitiesThe park's Nature Center hosts educational programs on local wildlife and history. Interpretive activities such as campfire talks and Junior Ranger programs are offered seasonally.