Old Mesa Campground
4.4043 reviews13990 Sawpit Canyon Rd, Hesperia, CA, 92345
Old Mesa Campground
$10.00 - $50.00
Campsite Fees
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
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 person per night.
About this 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.
Historical SignificanceWalk in the footsteps of the Serrano Indians who called these mountains home for more than 2,500 years. This sacred landscape still whispers stories of ancient traditions, from the intricate art of basket weaving passed down through generations to time-honored rituals that connected the people to the land. Every trail and vista point carries the deep cultural heritage of the original inhabitants, inviting modern visitors to experience this timeless connection between humanity and nature.
Weather and SeasonsExperience 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.
ElevationPerched at 3,350 feet above sea level, Old Mesa Campground offers a refreshing mountain escape where the air is crisp and the views are endless. This sweet spot elevation delivers naturally cooler temperatures that provide relief from valley heat, while creating the perfect conditions for a stunning array of mountain flora and fauna. Here, diverse ecosystems thrive in the goldilocks zone between desert and alpine environments.
Natural Features and SceneryDiscover nature's spectacular transition zone where high desert chaparral gradually surrenders to towering Ponderosa pine forests across the San Bernardino Mountains. This ecological crossroads creates a wildlife paradise where majestic bald eagles soar overhead, California mule deer graze in meadows, and countless bird species fill the air with mountain melodies. Every sunrise reveals new wonders as the landscape shifts from golden desert hues to deep forest greens.
Geological RegionSilverwood Lake sparkles like a sapphire jewel in the rugged foothills of the San Bernardino Mountains, where ancient geological forces created a dramatic meeting place of ecosystems. Part of the greater Mojave River Basin, this remarkable landscape showcases nature's artistry as high desert chaparral climbs toward cool Ponderosa pine forests. The result is a biodiversity hotspot where diverse wildlife habitats flourish in the shadows of weathered peaks and sun-warmed valleys.
Campsite details
AccessibilityFive accessible tent campsites are available at Old Mesa Campground. These sites include nearby accessible restrooms and showers. Accessibility updates are listed on the official park website.
Sites SizeCampsites are generally spacious; however, some sites are described as tight or sloped. Tent pad sizes range from 10x20 feet to 32x16 feet.
Sites PrivacyPrivacy is minimal between campsites as noted by user reviews. One camper wrote, 'You are very close to your neighbor's site with no trees/privacy in between.'
Total Campsites95 campsites
Recommended CampsitesAvoid sites #107 and #108 due to lack of shade; choose sites near the hiking trail for easy lake access.
Best CampsitesUser reviews recommend sites #41 for views, #76 for spaciousness (fits 3 tents), and #92 for shade.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
2:00 PM
Check-out
12:00 PM
Stay Limit
- April 1 – September 30: 14 consecutive nights
- October 1 – March 31: 30 consecutive nights.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Maximum 8 guests per standard site.
Groups
Group sites accommodate up to 120 people and 30 vehicles. They include large fire rings, picnic tables, charcoal grills, and coin-operated showers. No group sites are equipped with RV hookups.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutSites are organized into loops, some with proximity to hiking trails and lake access.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen year-round though some sections may close during winter season. Sites 1-65 in Old Mesa Campground are closed during winter.
Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made online through ReserveCalifornia.com or via phone.
Walk-in AvailabilityLimited availability for walk-up sites, particularly during peak season. Sites fill up early in the morning during summer weekends.
Cancellation PolicyCancellation fees may apply based on ReserveCalifornia policies. Details available on reservation platform.
Accomodation available
GroupGroup campsites are offered for larger parties such as families, schools, or organizations. These sites provide space and facilities to accommodate multiple people camping together.
Amenities available
Showers
Potable water
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Firewood available
Flush toilets
Camp Store
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.
Beach activitiesBeach activities are available at Sawpit and Cleghorn beaches, which feature shallow waters and picnic facilities. Several user reviews describe the beach as crowded during peak season but enjoyable nonetheless.
Cultural and Educational ProgramsSummer interpretive activities include campfire talks, Junior Rangers programs, and wildflower walks. The Nature Center showcases local history, wildlife information, and Native American artifacts.
Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Campfires allowed only in designated rings. Restrictions may apply during dry conditions.
- Quiet hours are 10 PM to 6 AM
Hazards
General hazardsBears 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 forecast
80
°F
Aug 8
Friday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Very strong wind, outdoor activities may be affected
Humidity: 12%
Very dry conditions, stay hydrated
Wind: 13.7 mph
Very strong wind, outdoor activities may be affected
Clear sky
7-Day Forecast
Access to 7-day forecasts tailored to each campground—covering temperature, precipitation, wind, and sky conditions.
Daily & Hourly Insights
View hourly forecasts with expected weather patterns throughout the day.
Temperature Trends
Visualize how temperatures shift over the month to help pick the most comfortable days for your trip.
Precipitation Trends
Plan around rain or snow with monthly visualizations of expected precipitation patterns.
Weather Summaries
Assess conditions with visuals for easier decision-making on when and where to camp.
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Emergency Services
San Bernardino Community Hospital (~30 miles); Hesperia Police Department (~20 miles); onsite ranger station for immediate assistance.
Good to know
Peak season datesMemorial Day Weekend through Labor Day Weekend
Trash and recyclingPark-provided dumpsters are available for trash disposal. Visitors are reminded to dispose of their trash before leaving their campsite or going to bed to minimize bear encounters.
Proximity to water featuresSilverwood Lake is accessible via hiking trails and is approximately 1.5 miles from Old Mesa Campground.
Common complaintsRestrooms are occasionally dirty during peak times; quiet hours enforcement is inconsistent; campsites can be close together, lacking privacy.
HostCamp host available onsite for assistance and firewood sales.
Campground Map
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).
Camper Reviews
4.4
43 reviews
Old Mesa Campground is recommended, placing it in the top 40% 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
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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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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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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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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'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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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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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.
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.'
Last updated July 31, 2025