Many visitors come to Silverwood Lake for day trips to swim, hike, or boat before returning home to nearby San Bernardino or Orange County, but the recreation area reveals its true magic when you can experience gorgeous mountain views at sunset or enjoy quiet morning hours strolling the beach before city crowds arrive—making camping at Silverwood Lake Recreation Area a luxury worth experiencing at least once.
However, as this destination hosts several campsites, determining which camping spots offer the best experience can be challenging for first-time visitors. Understanding the differences between Silverwood Lake campgrounds helps ensure you select the perfect location matching your camping style, group size, and desired amenities.
Understanding Mesa Campgrounds: Old and New
When people discuss Silverwood Lake campgrounds, they typically reference the recreation area’s New Mesa and Old Mesa campgrounds (collectively called the Mesa Campgrounds). Located on a hillside overlooking the water, these campsites sit approximately a seven-minute walk from the cove or roughly a 20-minute walk (or three-minute drive) from Cleghorn Beach—one of the lake’s two designated swimming areas.
At Silverwood Lake State Recreation Area, there are also several large group campsites situated about a seven-minute drive from the Mesa Campgrounds and a 10-minute drive from Cleghorn Beach. These sites work well if you’re planning on camping with parties of more than 10 people, though they’re located farther from the water than the Mesa Campgrounds.
To book one of these official campsites, visit Reserve California. Costs vary depending on the spot you choose. If you’re looking to avoid paying $45 or more per night, you can camp for free on the public lands located on the hillsides above the lake.
Old Mesa Campground: Affordable Family Camping
The Old Mesa Campground is located on a bluff above the lake. While each of the 95 campsites here are within walking distance of the water, none are located directly next to the lake. This is true of all Silverwood Lake campsites—if you’re seeking beach camping, alternatives like California’s “Spanish Village by the Sea,” San Clemente, might be better options.
To reach the lake from Old Mesa or New Mesa Campgrounds, you can either walk 1,200 feet along a trail or drive 1.25 miles on Sawpit Canyon Road. At Old Mesa, you’re allowed up to three vehicles and eight people per family campsite. Each spot comes with its own fire ring, charcoal grill, and picnic table. Coin-operated showers and public restrooms are all within walking distance.
While you can camp in an RV or trailer at Old Mesa, all sites are non-hookup. This represents the biggest difference between Old Mesa and New Mesa Campgrounds. The cost is also slightly lower here, starting at $45 per night instead of New Mesa’s $50 per night.
“Campsite 71 is the best site in Old Mesa,” a Google reviewer reported. “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.”
New Mesa Campground: Premium Amenities and Full Hookups
According to Power Camper, while Old Mesa may be worth staying at if you’re looking to be closer to the marina or Sawpit Day Use area (specifically sites 1 through 30), generally speaking, New Mesa is the superior campsite. This is because all 40 spots have full hookups—including power, water, and sewage. Power Camper also favors the New Mesa campsite location for being near trailheads and the Silverwood Lake State Recreation Area park office.
Past visitors share that the New Mesa Campgrounds are quiet, with clean toilets and hot showers. Regarding which campsites to pick within New Mesa, “#97, #103 are very good. Shaded and large,” a Google reviewer wrote.
Like Old Mesa, the New Mesa campsites allow up to eight people and three vehicles per site (including towed vehicles). Costs start at $50 per site per night. Each spot comes with a charcoal grill, picnic table, and fire ring. Public restrooms and coin-operated showers are a short walk away.
Miller Canyon Group Campsite: Mid-Size Group Options
If you’re looking to host a medium-sized group (whether a scout troop or family reunion), then the Miller Canyon Campground is ideal. The group campsites (sites I, II, and III) here are located in the recreation area’s wooded area of Miller Canyon. You’ll need to drive about 4 miles past Silverwood Lake’s park entrance to reach the sites. The region is surrounded by beautiful trees, with a small creek running through it. While wooded, the space also has a large grassy area providing ample room for setting up tents or playing flag football.
As far as pros and cons go, the Miller Canyon group sites are smaller than other group camping spots. This makes them more affordable ($250 per night instead of $350), though. They’re still large enough to accommodate a sizable group of up to 40 people and 20 vehicles. Expect all the usual amenities—fire ring, charcoal grill, public restrooms—but not running water or showers, which some Google reviewers found disappointing.
Instead, campers wishing to wash up after a long day of hiking or boating will need to use showers at the New or Old Mesa campgrounds, which are a little over 5 miles away. The Miller Canyon Campgrounds are a couple of miles from the lake, making them a less convenient choice than the Mesa Campgrounds. However, as a past visitor on Google wrote, “it’s a walk but worth it.”
Barranca, Valle, and Rio Group Campsites: Large Group Facilities
For a large campsite capable of giving your school or church group extra space to spread out, the Barranca, Valle, and Rio group campsites are ideal. They allow up to 100 people each, with parking for up to 30 vehicles per site.
At $350 per night, these sites are more expensive than the three Miller Canyon group sites, but you may find this money well spent. Not only can these sites host more than twice the number of people, but they also offer amenities the other sites lack (most importantly, showers). Each group site has its own private restroom, coin-operated shower, and power outlets. They also each include two large canopies over the picnic tables and running water. The Rio group site even has two horse stalls.
Multiple reviewers on Google commented that the Barranca, Valle, and Rio group campsites were “nice” and “clean.” One Google reviewer stated: “Beautiful nature. Very well maintained area by the Rangers everyone was very helpful and friendly. Lake wasn’t too bad … would definitely recommend it for a little family get away/trip!”
Another Google reviewer commented that the group site “is spacious enough to fit your chaotic friend group, their dogs, their coolers, and even that one guy who always brings too much gear.” Like all group campsites at Silverwood Lake, it can be a trek getting from this area to the water. The Barranca, Valle, and Rio group camp areas are located off Hwy 138, about a 30-minute walk or seven-minute drive from Cleghorn Beach.
Silverwood Lake Pilot Rock OHV Trail: Free Dispersed Camping
If you’re willing to rough it for a couple of nights without a bathroom or shower, the area in the hills overlooking Lake Silverwood allows for dispersed camping, meaning you’re free to set up camp most anywhere you can find a spot. This area is located along Forestry Road 2N33, also known as Pilot Rock Road, and it offers a panoramic view of Lake Silverwood. A reviewer on Google called the area “a perfect little getaway,” and another highlighted its “beautiful views,” especially at sunset.
Because this area is BLM land, meaning it’s managed by the Federal Bureau of Land Management, you’re allowed to camp for free for up to 14 days in a 28-day period. However, Pilot Rock Road is unpaved and bumpy and can even be muddy or eroded in some parts, so a high-clearance, four-wheel-drive vehicle or ATV is recommended.
The area is popular with motorcycle, ATV, and other OHV riders, and can become packed on holiday weekends, so you may want to keep this in mind when picking a spot to pitch your tent. Pay attention to marked signs, as some areas may require you to pay a parking pass via a QR code on the sign.
You may also want to contact the California State Office of the Bureau of Land Management ahead of time to get the most up-to-date information on the precise areas that allow dispersed camping, as they are not always clearly marked.
Planning Your Silverwood Lake Camping Adventure
Whether you choose the affordable Old Mesa, premium New Mesa, group-friendly Miller Canyon, spacious Barranca/Valle/Rio sites, or adventurous free dispersed camping, Silverwood Lake Recreation Area offers camping experiences for every style and budget. The gorgeous mountain views, quiet morning hours, designated swimming areas, and proximity to San Bernardino and Orange County make this destination perfect for weekend getaways and extended stays alike.
Remember to book official campsites early through Reserve California, especially during peak season and holiday weekends. For those seeking free camping options, the BLM land along Pilot Rock Road provides stunning vistas and solitude, though requiring proper vehicle capabilities and preparation for primitive conditions without facilities.
For comprehensive guides to California camping destinations, outdoor recreation tips, and expert advice on planning memorable camping adventures, explore The Inspiring Insight for detailed coverage of state parks, recreation areas, and hidden gems throughout California and beyond.
