Silverwood Lake State Recreation Area
The Silverwood Lake State Recreation Area is approximately a 30-minute drive from Wrightwood. Tent campsites are primitive but have picnic tables, fire rings and access to fresh water spigots for drinking and cooking water. Pets are allowed but must be leashed while in the park. There are toilets and showers at the campground. Swimming in the lake is possible. Boats (including canoes and kayaks) must be cleaned and pass inspection before launching to prevent invasive species from entering the ecosystem. The Pacific Crest Trail passes near the park.
Silverwood Lake State Recreation Area
14651 Cedar Circle
Hesperia, CA 92345
760-389-2281
ca.gov
Deep Creek Hot Springs
desert canyon flowers image by Kimberly Johnson from
Fotolia.com
Deep Creek Hot Springs is about 30 minutes from Wrightwood. There are primitive camping sites available for tent campers. While the hot springs are on National Forest land, the access is through private land, and you must pay a parking fee before entering the public lands. Be aware that valuables should not be left in your vehicle, as break-ins at the parking area do occur. Pets are allowed if leashed. Bring water with you when hiking into the hot springs or bring a method of purifying the waters at the springs. There are no toilets or showers. Pack out what you bring in. The trail to the hot springs is 2 miles and can be strenuous due to the heat.
Deep Creek Hot Springs
Forest Office
602 S. Tippecanoe Ave
San Bernardino, CA 92408
909-382-2600
fs.fed.us/r5/sanbernardino/recreation/deepcreek/
Mojave River Forks
Photograph took at the desert of Bardenas Reales image by Eric Isselée from
Fotolia.com
Tent and RV sites are available at the Mojave River Forks campground. Tent sites are primitive but have access to fresh water for drinking and cooking. Pets are allowed if leashed and should not be left in parked vehicles or unattended. Fire rings and picnic tables are available, as are showers and bathrooms. Hiking trails and horseback riding trails are accessible at the campground. Mountain biking singletrack and fire roads are found throughout the region. There is direct access to the Pacific Crest Trail from the campground. Bouldering and rock climbing routes can be enjoyed in the neighboring San Bernardino National Forest.
Mojave River Forks
18395 Highway 173
Hesperia, CA 92345
760-389-2322
co.san-bernardino.ca.us/parks/mojave_river_forks.htm
Article Written By Eric Cedric
A former Alaskan of 20 years, Eric Cedric now resides in California. He's published in "Outside" and "Backpacker" and has written a book on life in small-town Alaska, "North by Southeast." Cedric was a professional mountain guide and backcountry expedition leader for 18 years. He worked in Russia, Iceland, Greece, Turkey and Belize. Cedric attended Syracuse University and is a private pilot.
