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Saddleback Butte
Overview
Saddleback Butte State Park offers a serene escape into the high desert landscape of the Antelope Valley. Established to protect the iconic granite butte and the surrounding Joshua tree woodland, this park provides a rugged, authentic Mojave Desert experience. RVers visiting this state park are greeted by wide-open vistas and the quiet solitude that only the desert can provide. It serves as a stark, beautiful contrast to the busy urban centers of Southern California.
Location & Surroundings
Located just east of Lancaster, California, the park sits at an elevation of nearly 3,000 feet. The landscape is defined by the massive granite peak that rises abruptly from the desert floor. The surrounding area features thousands of Joshua trees and native creosote bushes, offering a unique backdrop for sunset photography. Because of its remote desert location, the air is remarkably clear, providing unobstructed views of the valley and the distant San Gabriel Mountains.
Amenities & Park Features
This is a rustic destination focused on nature, so RVers should arrive prepared for dry camping. While there are no individual hookups, the campground offers 37 sites equipped with picnic tables and fire rings. The park provides potable water stations and shared restroom facilities for guest convenience. There is a dump station available for RV use, making it manageable for self-contained rigs. The campsites are spacious, allowing travelers to enjoy the natural desert vegetation without feeling crowded.
Nearby Attractions & Things to Do
Outdoor enthusiasts can explore the Saddleback Butte Peak Trail, a challenging hike that rewards visitors with 360-degree views of the Mojave. During the spring, the nearby Antelope Valley California Poppy Reserve offers stunning floral displays. Aviation fans will appreciate the Joe Davies Heritage Airpark in Lancaster, which showcases the region's rich aerospace history. For those who enjoy stargazing, the lack of light pollution makes this one of the best spots in the region for viewing the night sky.
Who This Park Is Best For
This park is ideal for boondockers and nature lovers who prefer quiet landscapes over resort-style amenities. It is a perfect fit for photography enthusiasts and hikers looking to explore unique geological formations. Because it offers a primitive camping experience, it attracts travelers who value peace, dark night skies, and a deeper connection to the environment. If you are seeking a tranquil stopover in the California desert, this park provides the perfect setting.
Amenities
- Policies
- Other Amenities & Services
- Recreation Nearby (within 10 miles)
- Facility
- On-Site Rentals
- Sites
User Reviews
Yuliana B
Nice place for camping or stargazing. Make sure where to go, especially at night bcz one of the gates may be closed. Don’t walk bare feet. Too many spikes! There are seats, tables, and BBQ grills. Bring food, beverages and enjoy the views. By the way Lancaster seemed a little strange, and that’s definitely a windy town. So bring your jackets.
OfficialKingChaco
Be aware that this park is NOT dog friendly. You can have leashed pets on the main road and in campsites only, but not on any trails. There is a deceptively placed sign with a dog on a leash right by the pay envelopes. Ended up with a $5 day pass for a 10 minute walk with the dog. The park is bordered by highways with semi traffic on two sides, very close to both camping areas. If you're passing through and need a low cost alternative to a hotel, it's cheap, clean, and well maintained. Otherwise Vasquez Rocks is free and has 4000 acres of rocks and trails to get lost in - plus it's dog-friendly.
Eva Wright
Nice park. Was conveniently available on short notice. The park allows pets and has fresh running water. Some all night traffic noise from travelers going into town but it is still very nice.
Jessica
We hiked the Saddleback Butte Trail. It was very windy. It would have been more enjoyable if it hadn't been as windy as it was, but as I've read from other reviews, it is typically windy here. It is a peaceful, quiet park. The view from the top was incredibly beautiful.
Jessica Wright
Perfect for our purposes. Just needed a spot to crash overnight. Nice clean bathrooms with flush toilets and a dump station if needed. We went dec 20th and there was only one other person there. Beautiful dark skies, minimal light pollution.