Old Mesa Campground: Your Gateway to Outdoor Adventure in Hesperia, CA

Old Mesa Campground Introduce

For Californians seeking an escape into nature, a convenient getaway from the urban bustle, or simply a place to reconnect with the great outdoors, Old Mesa Campground in Hesperia, CA, presents an ideal destination. Nestled within the breathtaking Silverwood Lake State Recreation Area, this campground offers a genuine camping experience with the added convenience of essential amenities and a stunning natural backdrop. Whether you’re a seasoned camper with all the gear or a family looking to introduce your kids to the joys of sleeping under the stars, Old Mesa Campground provides a welcoming environment for all.

Camping in California is an unparalleled experience, with diverse landscapes ranging from coastal redwoods to desert expanses and majestic mountains. Old Mesa Campground, situated in the high desert of the San Bernardino Mountains, offers a unique blend of these environments, providing a refreshing change of pace and scenery. This article will explore what makes Old Mesa Campground a prime choice for local Californians, detailing its location, the services it offers, its standout features, and why it's a suitable spot for your next outdoor adventure. We'll delve into the practicalities of a stay here, ensuring you have all the information to plan a memorable trip.

Location and Accessibility

Old Mesa Campground is strategically located at 14651 Cedar Cir, Hesperia, CA 92345, USA, placing it within the larger Silverwood Lake State Recreation Area. This location is remarkably accessible for residents across Southern California, being a convenient drive from major metropolitan areas like Los Angeles, Orange County, and San Bernardino. Situated north of San Bernardino off Highway 138, the campground offers a relatively straightforward journey, allowing campers to quickly transition from city life to the tranquility of nature.

The setting itself is a highlight; perched on a mesa above the pristine Silverwood Lake, many campsites offer views of the shimmering water and the surrounding rugged landscape. This elevation also provides a sense of remoteness while still being close enough to essential services in Hesperia for any last-minute needs. The paved roads within the campground and easy access to trails make it convenient for both vehicles and those who prefer to explore on foot or by bike. This ideal blend of accessibility and natural beauty makes Old Mesa Campground a top choice for Californian outdoor enthusiasts.

Services Offered

Old Mesa Campground is designed to provide a comfortable and enjoyable camping experience, offering a range of services and facilities. While it maintains a rustic charm, it ensures campers have access to necessary amenities:

Campsites for Tents and RVs: The campground offers a variety of campsites, catering to both traditional tent campers and those with RVs or trailers. Old Mesa specifically features 95 non-hookup campsites, while the adjacent New Mesa Campground (also part of Silverwood Lake SRA) offers full hookup sites (power, water, sewage). Each site typically includes a picnic table, fire ring, and charcoal grill, providing the essentials for a classic camping setup.
Restroom Facilities: Cleanliness is often a top priority for campers, and Old Mesa Campground generally receives positive remarks for its daily cleaned and restocked restrooms with flush toilets. This commitment to hygiene significantly enhances the camping experience.
Coin-Operated Showers: For those who appreciate the comfort of a warm shower after a day of outdoor activities, coin-operated showers are available within the campground. While user experiences can vary (as noted in some reviews about occasional outages), the provision of showers is a key amenity.
Potable Water Spigots: Convenient access to drinking water is crucial, and water spigots are readily available throughout the campground, making it easy to refill water bottles and for general camp use.
Trash Disposal: Trash cans are provided, ensuring campers can properly dispose of their waste and help maintain the cleanliness of the campground. However, campers are advised to keep coolers in their cars due to local wildlife.
Dump Station: While not explicitly stated for Old Mesa alone, Silverwood Lake State Recreation Area generally provides a dump station for RVs, which is an important service for RV campers.

Features / Highlights

Old Mesa Campground offers several features and highlights that make it a compelling choice for campers in California:

Proximity to Silverwood Lake: A major draw is the easy access to Silverwood Lake, a hub for a wide array of water-based activities. Campers can enjoy boating, fishing (known for trout, bass, catfish), swimming at designated beaches, and various other water sports. A trail directly from the campground leads to the lake, or it’s a short drive to the day-use area and marina where boat rentals are available.
Hiking and Biking Trails: The campground offers direct access to numerous trails, including portions of the famed Pacific Crest Trail. These trails cater to various skill levels, providing opportunities for scenic walks, challenging hikes, and mountain biking amidst the natural beauty of the San Bernardino Mountains.
Wildlife Viewing Opportunities: The area is home to diverse wildlife, including various bird species and mammals. Campers often spot local creatures, adding an exciting element to their outdoor experience. Bear sightings are also noted by visitors, emphasizing the importance of following park guidelines for food storage.
Site Variety and Privacy: While some sites may offer less privacy, there are many campsites that provide good distance from neighbors, along with hidden spots for tents tucked away in trees. Campsite 71, for instance, is highlighted by a past visitor as "the best site in Old Mesa" due to its spaciousness, ample parking, and good shade, ideal for family gatherings.
Pet-Friendly Environment: Old Mesa Campground is pet-friendly, allowing dogs in campgrounds, picnic areas, and parking lots, as well as on boats. This makes it a great option for those who wish to bring their furry companions along on their camping trips (note: dogs are not allowed on the beach or in the water).
Family-Friendly Atmosphere: With its range of activities and amenities, the campground is well-suited for families. The presence of flush toilets and showers, along with opportunities for outdoor games and exploration, makes it a comfortable setting for campers of all ages.

Contact Information

To plan your visit or inquire further about Old Mesa Campground, you can reach them through the following contact details:

Address: 14651 Cedar Cir, Hesperia, CA 92345, USA
Phone: (760) 389-2303
Mobile Phone: +1 760-389-2303

It is always advisable to check their official website or contact them directly for the most current information regarding reservations, fees, and any specific seasonal regulations or advisories.

Conclusion: Why this place is suitable for locals

Old Mesa Campground truly stands out as an exceptional choice for Californians seeking an accessible, amenity-rich, and authentically natural camping experience. Its location within the Silverwood Lake State Recreation Area offers an unparalleled combination of high desert beauty and abundant water recreation, a unique blend that appeals to a wide range of outdoor enthusiasts. For local users, the convenience of a relatively short drive from major Southern California cities means less time on the road and more time enjoying the outdoors, making it an ideal weekend getaway or a longer vacation destination.

The variety of campsites, accommodating both tents and RVs, ensures that whether you're roughing it or enjoying some creature comforts, there's a spot for you. The presence of clean flush toilets and coin-operated showers, along with potable water, significantly enhances the comfort level, especially for families or those new to camping. Beyond the physical amenities, the sheer breadth of activities available – from fishing, boating, and swimming in Silverwood Lake to hiking and biking on the surrounding trails – means there's never a dull moment. The campground encourages exploration and engagement with nature, fostering a deeper appreciation for California's diverse ecosystems.

Furthermore, the emphasis on a family-friendly environment and the allowance of pets in designated areas make it an inclusive destination where everyone can create lasting memories. While being mindful of wildlife, particularly bears, is part of the authentic outdoor experience, the park's guidelines help ensure safety. Old Mesa Campground encapsulates the quintessential Californian outdoor spirit: adventurous, scenic, and welcoming. For anyone in the Golden State looking for their next camping adventure, Old Mesa offers a compelling and rewarding escape into the heart of nature, promising a refreshed spirit and cherished memories.

Old Mesa Campground Photos

Old Mesa Campground Location

Old Mesa Campground

California San Bernardino County Hesperia Cedar Circle

14651 Cedar Cir, Hesperia, CA 92345, USA

Old Mesa Campground Reviews

Campsite 81 and hmmmm first off for pros: the toilets are cleaned daily and restocked with toilet paper in the morning and sometime in the afternoon which is nice. You have some privacy and distance from neighbors but I've been to campsites that have more space and privacy. At 81, you do see 82 in your view but we had nice neighbors. They had three kids that would karaoke at night but honestly it could've been worse since a bigger group was way louder but further from us. The site also had a spot hidden in the trees specifically for our tent which fit nicely. However we booked the site for two tents, sadly the other group couldn't make it since they got sick. It worked out though because I have no idea where they would set up their tent. 81 is definitely meant for just one tent, didn't have much flat space for another tent to be set up. The tent is also flat for the most part but if your tent is bigger, the right side is on a slope so I kept almost falling off my bed when trying to sleep.The location is perfect though since everything is nearby, the water spigot, trash can, and showers/restrooms.Cons: The showers didn't work when we were there :( Huge bummer since we paid $45/night specifically for the showers just for it to not work. The toilets flushed at least so we'll take what we can get. There's also a sewer next to the tent but it honestly didn't smell. We only got one small whiff of it on the first day when it was really windy. There also wasn't much shade so luckily we had a canopy that we pitched up to give us some. We noticed other campsites had more tree coverage so I'd probably try to book a different site next time. Check the weather too! We packed for a super hot weekend in the 90s but instead got a super windy weekend in the 70s. You never know the weather till you get there so just be aware! ALSO, the big group nearby wouldn't put their coolers in the cars so a bear would come at night every now and then. It didn't wake my family up but we'd talk to neighbors about it in the morning. It would scratch the dumpster and it pushed a family's cooler once since they saw scratch marks on it in the morning. Just be careful and please follow the signs and directions when you're there, the bears are no joke. They said it was as long and big as the table!Overall, it was still a super nice campground. 8/10! The weather and neighbors weren't the best but it's out of our control and could've been a lot worse. We'd definitely come back but maybe try a different campsite.
Jun 25, 2025 · Alyssa Luceno
Campsite 71 is the best site in old Mesa. Enough parking for four cars, trees for 3 hammocks, spacious with a decently placed fire pit at General height. This would be a perfect spot for family reunions since there is a lawn in front, which allows for spacious games like football. After scouting old Mesa and new Mesa this is the best spot and with good shade. 72 &73 are also Ok. $45 for the site & a Car. $10 for any extra car
Mar 14, 2025 · Carlos Hernandez
Off season camping trip with great weather and lots of empty sites. Park was good shape sand seemed will maintained. Bathrooms did run out of paper product butt you should always have backup with you.
Oct 27, 2024 · R Barna
This place is infested with horse flies.In case you don't know them, they are big and bite hard.In any given moment, 30~40 flies chase you to bite you.No joke. You will get bitten everywhere the moment you stop waiving your limbs to chase them away.These flies are not limited to any given spots but all across the campground and beyond.Forget any outdoor activity.You will be forced to stay inside your car or tent the entire time you are there.If you still want to go, don't bother making reservation and pay, because there is no camp host to check you in because they cannot stand the condition themselves.You will be forced to leave in less than 10 minutes anyways, so don't waste money.No one in their right mind will come back here to camp ever.
May 15, 2025 · Tae Youn Kim
I stayed here for three days and two nights. My camp spot was #41. Terrific view. No one was here at the park in early April. Kind of windy. And cold in the evenings. Not good for tent camping at this time of the year. Perfect if you have a self-contained RV. However the rules regarding generators could be a little more generous. You cannot turn your generator on before 10 AM. I think 8 AM is reasonable. Generators must be turned off by 8:00 PM. I can understand that they are trying to keep things peaceful in the early morning and evening hours in case others are asleep. This is dry camping at its finest. Nice level lots. Easy navigation throughout the park. Ideal for trailers up to 23 feet. Larger trailers will have some difficulty finding adequate parking. They do have water situated around the park that you can use to fill up water containers and or freshwater tanks within your RV. There is a bait and tackle shop not far away you can find some necessities there. It is limited. There are his and hers bathrooms and wash basins located in outbuildings around the park. I was happy to see Park Rangers and other law-enforcement patrolling the park regularly. Makes for a safe camping. There are some great mountain biking trails locally. If you’re into that sort of thing. Also plenty of walking paths. This park is pet friendly. So if you have a dog you shouldn’t have any issues. Dogs are not allowed on the beach area near the lake. I Give this park 4 stars instead of 5 because of the lack of a usable dump station and the fact that you can’t turn your generators on until after 10 AM. However that being said I will definitely come again. Decent value.
Apr 12, 2019 · David Salvato