Old Mesa Campground

Star4.27
156 reviews
13990 Sawpit Canyon Rd, Hesperia, CA, 92345
SwimmingSummer Destination

Quick Facts

3,350 ft

Price

$10 - $50/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

95 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV FriendlyShowers

Opens California State Parks site

Official Website
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Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026
Old Mesa Campground
$10.00 - $50.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard no-hookup campsite fee is $45; hookup sites are $50 per night. Additional fees: $10 per extra vehicle. Hike-and-bike campsites are $10 per...
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Standard Site Fee$45.00
Hookup Site Fee$50.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$10.00
Group Site Fee$350.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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Reserve California
Provider
760-389-2303interp@parks.ca.gov
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What Campers Say

4.27

Satisfactory

Based on 156 reviews

144 Google reviews

Most mentioned

cleanshowersrestroomsshade

"User reviews highlight the campground’s natural beauty, convenient amenities, and well-maintained facilities, but some users note issues with site privacy, noise levels, and restroom cleanliness during peak times."

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Campground Map

13990 Sawpit Canyon Rd, Hesperia, CA, 92345

Old Mesa Campground

13990 Sawpit Canyon Rd, Hesperia, CA, 92345

Driving directionsThe park is located via Highway 138, 11 miles east of I-15; or 20 miles north of San Bernardino via Highways 18 & 138.
Highway 138 provides access to the Silverwood Lake SRA, which includes Old Mesa Campground. Roads are paved and accessible year-round, though some sections may have steep grades. Winter weather can occasionally impact access.
Nearby places
San Bernardino: 30 miles / ~40 mins
Hesperia: 20 miles / ~30 mins
Victorville: ~35 miles / ~45 mins
Nearby supplies
Silverwood Lake Marina Store onsite for basic supplies, including ice, firewood, snacks, and recreational equipment. Larger supplies available in Hesperia (~20 miles).

Best Time to Camp at Old Mesa Campground

Experience the dramatic dance of desert seasons at Old Mesa. Summer days blaze with dry heat between 90-100°F, perfect for early morning hikes and starlit evenings around the campfire. As winter arrives, the landscape transforms into a cooler wonderland where temperatures playfully swing from crisp 30-degree mornings to pleasant 60-degree afternoons. Occasional rain showers and dustings of snow add magic to the mountain scenery, creating an ever-changing canvas for outdoor enthusiasts.

Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.0 / 5

Summer offers swimming and water sports; lifeguards on duty but hot (90–100°F) and crowded at peak.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.0 / 5

Fall likely ideal for hiking and milder temps; fewer crowds than summer.

Best
Spring(Mar-May)
4.0 / 5

Spring offers pleasant conditions for trails and lake access before summer heat and crowds arrive.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
2.0 / 5

Open year-round but many sites close; cold temps and high winds make winter less comfortable.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: Memorial Day Weekend through Labor Day Weekend. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Open year-round though some sections may close during winter season. Sites 1-65 in Old Mesa Campground are closed during winter.
  • Current Alerts: Bear sightings have increased recently, particularly near Old Mesa and New Mesa Campgrounds. Follow bear safety guidelines.

About Old Mesa Campground

Escape to Old Mesa Campground, where 95 spacious non-hookup sites and 5 scenic hike-and-bike spots await your next adventure. Each site comes thoughtfully equipped with fire rings for evening gatherings and picnic tables for outdoor dining, while modern restrooms and hot showers ensure comfort meets wilderness. Open year-round, this mountain retreat adapts with the seasons—some sections hibernate during winter months, allowing nature to refresh and renew for your next visit.
Old Mesa Campground provides options for tent camping, RV camping (without hookups), and hike-and-bike campsites. Group camping is also available.
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Reserving a campsite

Check-in
2:00 PM
Check-out
12:00 PM
Stay Limit
Maximum stay of 14 consecutive nights.

Amenities available

Showers
Potable water
Flush toilets
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Firewood available

Activities you can enjoy

Old Mesa Campground offers a wide range of recreational activities. Hiking and biking trails are accessible directly from certain campsites, providing opportunities to explore Silverwood Lake and its surrounding areas. Swimming is available at two designated swim beaches near the lake, while fishing is a popular activity due to the variety of fish species stocked in the lake. Wildlife viewing includes sightings of animals such as bears and coyotes, especially in wooded areas.
HikingThe park features 13 miles of paved hiking and biking trails, with access to the iconic Pacific Crest Trail. Trails vary in difficulty, offering something for all skill levels. One reviewer noted, 'The trail to the lake is steep and tiring but worth it, offering beautiful lake views.'
FishingFishing is a popular activity at Silverwood Lake, with species such as largemouth bass, trout, catfish, and bluegill available. The lake is stocked with rainbow trout between December and May, enhancing fishing opportunities during these months. A valid California fishing license is required.
SwimmingTwo swim beaches are located at the southern end of Silverwood Lake. Lifeguards are on duty from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day. User reviews highlight the calm waters as ideal for cooling off on hot days.
BikingBiking trails are available but include steep sections, which may be challenging for some riders. One reviewer mentioned, 'Trails are extremely steep; only suitable for experienced riders.'
BoatingBoating activities are available at Silverwood Lake, with launch ramps and marina facilities provided. The northern part of the lake includes waterskiing areas. All vessels are subject to mussel inspections before launch.
Wildlife viewingWildlife sightings include bears, coyotes, and deer. The campground has seen increased bear activity recently, prompting safety guidelines for food storage and campsite cleanliness.
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsBears are active, especially in densely wooded areas. Rattlesnakes and mosquitoes are common. Seasonal fire risks due to dry conditions.
Active AlertsBear sightings have increased recently, particularly near Old Mesa and New Mesa Campgrounds. Follow bear safety guidelines.

Weather at Old Mesa Campground

Reviews

4.3
156 reviews
Satisfactory
Satisfactory
Old Mesa Campground is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews highlight the campground’s natural beauty, convenient amenities, and well-maintained facilities, but some users note issues with site privacy, noise levels, and restroom cleanliness during peak times.
Review Summaries
Based on 156 reviews

What Campers Love

Highlights include clean restrooms and showers, ample shade at certain campsites, accessibility to hiking trails and the lake, and well-patrolled ranger services ensuring safety. One user stated,...
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Based on 156 reviews

Common Concerns

Common complaints include poor enforcement of noise regulations, lack of privacy between sites, and restroom cleanliness deteriorating by evening. Some campers mentioned overcrowded conditions during...
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Based on 156 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Tips include bringing quarters for showers, choosing shaded sites such as #97 and #103, arriving early to secure the best spots during peak season, and using bear-proof containers for food storage....
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Based on 156 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Reviews vary by season, with winter reviews mentioning cold temperatures and high winds making tent camping less ideal, while summer reviews highlight the popularity of swimming and water sports...
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Based on 156 reviews

Camper Quotes

'Site #76 was big, fit 3 tents. Restrooms are clean, hot water in showers.' 'Wonderful wooded campsites with walkable access to Silverwood Lake.' 'Clean and has coin showers with really hot water.'...
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Based on 156 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Recommended sites include #97 and #103 for shade and spaciousness. Site #41 is noted for its terrific view. Site #76 fits three tents and is close to restrooms. Site #87 was criticized for being too...
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Based on 156 reviews

Accessibility Features

Accessible campsites, such as #1 and #31, are well-maintained with nearby accessible restrooms and showers, but parking barriers may pose challenges for some visitors.
Based on 156 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

The campground is pet-friendly, but pets must be leashed at all times and are not allowed on beaches. One user noted, 'Great place for pets, but keep them away from broken glass in campsites.'
Based on 156 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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