New Mesa Campground

For Californians seeking a refreshing escape to the great outdoors without venturing too far from urban centers, New Mesa Campground at Silverwood Lake State Recreation Area presents an ideal destination. Located in Hesperia, amidst the picturesque high desert landscape and nestled against the San Bernardino Mountains, this campground offers a unique blend of lakeside recreation and convenient amenities. It's a prime spot for both RV enthusiasts and tent campers looking to enjoy fishing, boating, hiking, and simply soaking in the natural beauty of one of Southern California's significant reservoirs.

New Mesa Campground is a part of the larger Silverwood Lake State Recreation Area, a popular retreat managed by California State Parks. Silverwood Lake itself is a key component of the State Water Project, boasting clear waters and a diverse ecosystem that attracts a variety of wildlife, including bald eagles during certain seasons. The campground is designed to cater to a range of camping styles, with a particular emphasis on accommodating RVs and trailers, as noted by its full hookup sites. While some reviews mention the sites can feel a bit "cramped," the convenience of utilities and proximity to the lake often outweigh this for many visitors. For locals in the Greater Los Angeles area and beyond, New Mesa Campground offers a readily accessible opportunity for a relaxing and activity-filled outdoor getaway, providing a welcome change of scenery and a chance to reconnect with nature.

Location and Accessibility

New Mesa Campground is situated at 13988 Sawpit Canyon Rd, Hesperia, CA 92345, USA. This address places it within the Silverwood Lake State Recreation Area, a prominent natural attraction in the high desert region of Southern California, specifically in the foothills of the San Bernardino Mountains. Its location is a significant advantage for Californians, particularly those residing in the bustling urban areas of Los Angeles and Orange County.

Accessibility to New Mesa Campground is straightforward via well-maintained state highways. The campground is located off Highway 138, approximately 11 miles east of I-15. This makes for a relatively short and manageable drive from major population centers, as confirmed by a reviewer noting it's "only 1.2 hour drive from LA." The paved roads within the park and leading to the campground ensure easy access for all types of vehicles, including large RVs and trailers. While the park has specific opening hours (e.g., 7:00 AM in winter), visitors are advised to consider that the park store might open slightly later, around 7:30 or 8:00 AM, which could impact early morning activities like getting a fishing permit or supplies. Ample parking is available at campsites, and the campground's proximity to the park entrance and main facilities further enhances its accessibility. This convenience is a major draw for locals looking for a quick and easy escape to nature without extensive travel logistics.

Services Offered

New Mesa Campground, as part of Silverwood Lake State Recreation Area, offers a comprehensive suite of services designed to make camping comfortable and convenient for visitors. It particularly caters to RV and trailer campers while also accommodating tents.

• Full Hookup Campsites: The standout service at New Mesa Campground. It offers 40 full hookup sites, providing:
  • Electric hookups (20, 30, and 50 amp outlets on each site)
  • Water hookups
  • Sewer hookups
• Standard Campsites (Nearby Old Mesa): While New Mesa focuses on hookups, the adjacent Old Mesa Campground offers 95 non-hookup sites, providing more traditional tent camping options. Both types of sites include essential amenities:
• Picnic tables
• Fire rings/grills
• Restrooms: Clean restrooms with flush toilets are available within the campgrounds.
• Coin-Operated Showers: Showers are provided for guest convenience, costing $2.00 per use (as per a review).
• Dump Station: An RV dump station is available for waste disposal.
• Camp Store: A marina store within the recreation area provides essential supplies such as ice, firewood, snacks, camping equipment, and boating fuel.
• Boat Launch and Rentals: The Silverwood Lake Marina offers boat rentals, dry storage, wet slips, and a launch ramp for private vessels (launch fees apply).
• Fishing Licenses: Available for purchase at the marina store, ensuring anglers have the necessary permits.
• Accessibility Features: ADA-accessible campsites are available, and the park generally aims for accessibility in its main facilities.

Features / Highlights

New Mesa Campground at Silverwood Lake State Recreation Area boasts several appealing features and highlights that make it a popular choice for California campers, providing a well-rounded outdoor experience:

• Lakeside Recreation: The primary highlight is direct access to Silverwood Lake, offering a wide array of water-based activities:
  • Fishing: Excellent opportunities for trout (especially Feb-June), largemouth bass, bluegill, crappie, catfish, and striped bass. Fishing from the shore, boats, or the marina dock is popular, though a California fishing license and a $3.00 dock fee apply.
  • Boating: Designated areas for water skiing, wakeboarding, tubing, kayaking, canoeing, and sailing. Boat rentals are available at the marina.
  • Swimming: Two designated swim beaches are located in the southern end of the lake, perfect for lounging and cooling off, with lifeguards often present during peak season.
• Full Hookup Convenience: The 40 full hookup sites at New Mesa are a major draw for RV and trailer campers, providing the comfort of home with electricity, water, and sewer connections. This makes longer stays and more comfortable trips possible.
• Clean Facilities: Reviews consistently praise the "clean bathroom and showers," which is a crucial aspect for any campground. The coin-operated showers provide hot water for a small fee, adding to guest comfort.
• Proximity to Southern California Cities: Its location just over an hour's drive from Los Angeles makes it an ideal quick getaway for city dwellers, minimizing travel time and maximizing outdoor enjoyment.
• Hiking and Biking Trails: An extensive system of trails, including 13 miles of paved paths, caters to hikers and bikers. Sections of the iconic Pacific Crest Trail also run through the park, offering serious trekkers a unique experience.
• Wildlife Viewing: The lake and surrounding natural areas attract diverse wildlife, including waterfowl, raptors, and songbirds. Bald eagle barge tours are offered in winter (Jan-March), providing a unique opportunity to observe these majestic birds.
• Year-Round Operation: New Mesa Campground is open year-round, allowing visitors to enjoy Silverwood Lake's beauty across all seasons, from summer water activities to cooler fall fishing and winter wildlife viewing.
• Pet-Friendly: Dogs are welcome in campgrounds, picnic areas, parking lots, and on boats (on leash), making it a great destination for pet owners (though not allowed on beaches or in the water).

Contact Information

For reservations, inquiries about New Mesa Campground, or any questions regarding Silverwood Lake State Recreation Area, direct contact with the park's official channels is recommended. Given it's a California State Park, the booking process is centralized and detailed information is readily available.

New Mesa Campground / Silverwood Lake State Recreation Area

Address: 13988 Sawpit Canyon Rd, Hesperia, CA 92345, USA

General Park Information & Campground Office:

Phone: (760) 389-2281 or (760) 389-2303

Marina (fishing gear, boat rentals, slips):

Phone: (760) 389-2299

Camping Reservations:

Phone: (800) 444-7275 (TDD: 1-800-274-7275)

Online Reservations: Reservations for New Mesa Campground (and other Silverwood Lake campsites) are made through ReserveCalifornia.com. This is the primary and most efficient way to secure a site, especially since campsites can be booked up to six months in advance and fill up quickly, particularly the full hookup sites.

Website: For the most comprehensive and up-to-date information, including park hours, fees, rules, specific campsite details, maps, and current conditions (like fire restrictions or lake advisories), always refer to the official California State Parks website for Silverwood Lake State Recreation Area:

www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=25893. This site will also link directly to the ReserveCalifornia booking portal.

It's advisable to check operating hours before visiting, especially concerning park entrance and store times, as these can impact early morning plans as noted by previous visitors.

Conclusion: Why this place is suitable for locals

New Mesa Campground at Silverwood Lake State Recreation Area is an exceptionally suitable destination for Californians, offering a balanced and accessible outdoor experience that caters to a wide range of local interests. Its blend of natural beauty, recreational opportunities, and modern conveniences makes it a compelling choice for a quick getaway or a longer family vacation within the Golden State.

For Californians, especially those residing in the populous Southern California region, the primary appeal lies in its convenient location. Being just over an hour from Los Angeles means less time driving and more time enjoying the outdoors. This accessibility allows for spontaneous weekend trips or easy planning for longer stays, making it a practical option for busy individuals and families looking to escape the urban sprawl.

The campground's focus on full hookup RV sites is a significant advantage for the large RV-owning community in California, providing the comforts of home while immersed in nature. Even for tent campers, the clean restrooms, hot showers, and proximity to lake activities ensure a comfortable and enjoyable experience. The diverse recreational offerings, from excellent fishing and various boating activities to extensive hiking and biking trails, mean there’s something for everyone, regardless of their preferred outdoor pursuit. This variety allows local families and groups with mixed interests to find common ground and enjoy their time together.

Furthermore, the opportunity to observe local wildlife, including bald eagles in winter, adds an educational and awe-inspiring element to the visit. The efficiency of the California State Parks system for reservations and the availability of essential services at the marina store contribute to a hassle-free trip. New Mesa Campground offers Californians a readily available and well-equipped gateway to enjoy the unique high desert and lake environments of their home state, fostering lasting memories and a deeper appreciation for California's diverse natural treasures.

New Mesa Campground

13988 Sawpit Canyon Rd, Hesperia, CA 92345, USA