Summer camping in the High Desert area

A shadow cast off the fire brightens the faces of friends and family as they toast their marshmallows to a crisp. Dark chocolate makes its way around the group of camp chairs before landing on you, the last ingredient needed to complete the perfect s’more sandwich.

As delicacies get devoured and wine starts flowing into the night, memories are made around the campfire.

From the isolation and off-grid unwinding of Sawtooth Canyon to star-filled skies underneath a prickly-spined tree in Joshua Tree National Park, camping in the High Desert area is one of the best ways to have an affordable vacation without traveling too far this summer.

Here are more top picks for campgrounds in the High Desert area this season:

Sawtooth Canyon Campground

Nuzzled up against Mojave boulders in Lucerne Valley, Sawtooth Canyon is a hotspot for rock climbers and boulderers. The area is dubbed “New Jack City” by locals and has over 450 sport climbing routes. Sawtooth Canyon resembles the jumbo rocks of the low desert and is even referred to as the "Joshua Tree of the High Desert" among climbers.

Only 20 minutes south of Barstow, Sawtooth Canyon Campground has 13 campsites available on a first-come, first-serve basis, all of which have a fire ring, barbeque grill, and picnic table. No reservation is required to camp at Sawtooth and there are no camping fees.

Besides camping, wildlife viewing, hunting, OHV off-roading, and desert photography are popular activities in the area.

Prospective campers who prefer to smoke their camp food must obtain a permit before doing so at www.preventwildfireca.org , although fires may be completely restricted during fire season.

Deep Creek Hot Springs

Turn your day trip into an overnight stay at the Deep Creek Hot Springs thanks to the somewhat new campgrounds at Bowen Ranch - Trailhead and Juniper Flats Campgrounds.

Camping overnight at one of the hottest attractions in Apple Valley is the best way to experience the thermal springs. For the same entrance fee, campers can enjoy the hot springs as soon as they arrive and again in the morning before check-out.

The two Bowen Ranch campgrounds are open 24/7, and check-in can be found at one of the registration trailers on-site. Trailhead Campground is $15 per person and sites are equipped with picnic tables, fire pits, and a patch of grass turf. Potable water and a pit toilet are nearby. Cold solar showers are available for free or instant hot water showers for an extra $5.

Juniper Flats is a clothing-optional campground that's $20 per person and includes larger, more secluded sites with an alternate hiking trailhead nearby. Firewood is available for purchase at $10 a bundle, as well as snacks and cold drinks.

Joshua Tree National Park

Camping in Joshua Tree National Park can be as expensive or economic as campers want. Campsites in the national park run $20-25 per night, RV parks like Joshua Tree RV & Campground range from $30-75 a night, and other sites are completely free.

The Sunfair dry lake bed is located on BLM land, and camping on the lakebed is free of charge. The only downside, however, is that it’s farther from the main park entrance.

Campsites in Joshua Tree National Park include Black Rock, Jumbo Rocks, Cottonwood, Indian Cove, and Ryan Campground. They can fill to capacity in the summer, so it’s best to reserve a site during the weekday. Dogs are allowed in the campgrounds but cannot go on any trails in an effort to preserve the vegetation and not disturb the wildlife.

Hesperia Lake Park

Hesperia Lake Park is the perfect place to camp on a short trip. Located on the outskirts of Hesperia, the goose-swarmed park and campground are within reasonable driving distance from most High Desert cities.

It’s trout season at the park and 1,000 pounds of the rainbow fish from Mt. Lassen Trout Farm are re-stocked every Thursday. According to the Hesperia Lake Park website , lines form early in the morning on stock days. Camping allows early access to the freshest catch of the day.

Hesperia Lake Park Campground is open year-round and can accommodate both tent campers and RVs up to 40 feet. All sites have electricity, and most have water but there is no dump station.

The campground runs $40 per night with a limit of six people, two dogs, and two vehicles per site. A $5 discount is available with a valid ID for district residents, active military, veterans, and local non-profit organizations.

The group tent area is $55 per night and has a limit of 20 people, five pets, and five vehicles per site. Reservations can be made at the Lake Store, reachable at (760) 244-5951.

Check out other free BLM spots in the area by using the iOverlander app.

Silverwood Lake

A straight shot down the I-15 South, Silverwood Lake State Park is a great place to cool off this summer. For $45 a night for non-hookup sites or $50 for hook-ups, campers can stay overnight right on the lake shores and have early access to fishing.

Old Mesa and New Mesa campgrounds are the two developed campgrounds at Silverwood Lake. Combined, they contain 136 individual campsites and six group campsites. All sites include a fire ring, charcoal grill, and outdoor picnic table, and the restrooms include a coin-operated shower.

Additionally, both campgrounds are open year-round and include hike-and-bike campsites as well as ADA-accessible sites. Keep in mind that the maximum trailer length in Silverwood Lake State Park is 32 feet while planning your stay.

Group campsites include Miller Canyon, Valle, Barranca, and Rio campsites. The Valle, Barranca, and Rio group campsites are $350 a night and hold up to 100 occupants and 30 vehicles. Miller group sites are $250 a night and hold up to 40 occupants and 20 cars.

Additionally, Silverwood Lake is currently experiencing increased bear activity. All campers are highly advised to follow bear safety guidelines.

Online reservations can be made at ReserveCalifornia.com .

Saddleback Butte State Park

Only 45 minutes from Victorville, Saddleback Butte State Park offers 37 first-come, first-serve campsites that are open year-round. The state park is the best place to camp for an isolated getaway. There's little cell reception and few other campers, especially under the scorching summer sun.

A windbreak shelters most campsites from the sun and wind at Saddleback Butte Campground. There is also plenty of room for bigger rigs up to 30 feet. One of the main drawbacks of this campground is the road noise from the nearby highway, but it's an easy fix with earplugs.

The campsites have a picnic table, barbeque grill, and fire ring, and potable water faucets and full restrooms are located throughout the campground. There are no showers and only eight people are allowed per campsite.

Additionally, campfires are only permitted within designated fire rings with store-bought firewood or bundles bought from the camp host for $6. Collecting firewood from the park is illegal, as dead vegetation provides critical habitat for the wildlife.

An RV dump station is also available on-site for a $10 fee, credit cards only.

Mojave River Forks Regional Park

The Mojave River Forks Campground is situated along the Pacific Crest Trail in Hesperia’s Summit Valley. The dog-friendly campground is close to other fun attractions like Silverwood Lake, PCT hiking trails, and Deep Creek Hot Springs.

Open year-round, Mojave River Forks Campground offers 25 full hook-up sites, 25 tent sites, three group camping areas, two dump stations, and hot showers. The desert site offers little shade, however, and the exposed summer weather may not be the best option for pets.

Campers can stay for a maximum of 14 consecutive days within any 30-day period at Mojave River Forks, excluding holidays. Monday-Thursday fees without hook-ups are $35 a night, $45 with hook-ups. Weekend fees are $45 a night without hook-ups, $55 with.

McKenna Mobley is a Daily Press reporter and can be reached at mmobley@gannett.com.

This article originally appeared on Victorville Daily Press: Summer camping in the High Desert area