Mesa Campground, Silverwood Lake State Recreation Area, Hesperia, California

This large, lakeside campground situated among a few pines and a lot of high desert chaparal offers over 130 campsites. Although the campground is lakeside, no sites that we saw actually have views or easy access to the lake. The park is a nice spring-fall destination woth milder temperatures than the desert floor below. The lake has a few beaches and day use areas, and seems to be a popular place for boaters, fishermen, and OHV users in the neighboring National Forest trails. We spent our time on the latter and loved the sweeping views and tricky navigation some trails offered. The Pacific Crest Trail borders the campground and you will often find hikers finding respite here. Campsites are fairly private and offer adequate space woth lots of shrubbery between most sites. Pads are level and paved, along with interior roads. Sites 97-136 offer electric, water amd sewer hookups. These sites are smaller and big rigs will not fit here. Showers and restrooms are available in each loop. The marina, not far from camp has a store with beer, firewood, and some basic grocery items. There is a paved bike path through the park, but honestly, it lacks lake views. We did see lots of wildlife while visiting the park in spring with two bobcat sightings and lots of blue jays and squirrels. The campground is in a quiet setting and we found the patrons to be the most annoying part with a lack of ranger enforcement of rules. Loud music was a common wakeup and bedtime routine in our three day stay. Rangers seemed lackluster about enforcing rules, even with a complaint filed. In fact, we only saw the ranger drive by twice in a three day Easter weekend. For us, this was a "one and done" kind of place, but in many ways, it offered a fun weekend with OHV trails and pleasant weather somewhat close to home. Lake Arrowhead is a quick 30 minute drive away. 

Best Sites: 24-30
Poor Sites: 2-9, 55-60
Hookups: Sites 97-136
Potable Water: Yes
Dump Within Facility: Yes

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