Mojave River Forks Regional Park in Hesperia, San Bernardino County, sits at the entrance to the Pacific Crest Trail and covers a broad stretch of Summit Valley’s open desert landscape. The park offers a quiet camping experience under wide-open skies, well removed from city noise and light pollution. With spacious sites spread across the valley floor, this is a solid pick for dog owners who want room to roam without the crowds you’d find at more popular desert campgrounds.

Dogs are welcome throughout the park and can join you on trails that wind along the dry riverbed and surrounding terrain. The flat, sandy paths are easy on paws, though you’ll want to bring booties or plan your walks for cooler morning and evening hours during summer months. There’s plenty of space for your dog to explore on-leash, and the open sightlines mean you can keep an eye on them easily while they sniff around the sparse desert vegetation.

Water is limited in this area, so pack extra for both you and your pup—a collapsible bowl and at least a gallon per dog per day is a good rule of thumb for desert camping. The park is a popular staging area for PCT hikers, so you may meet fellow travelers passing through with their own dogs. Facilities are basic but functional, with campsites that accommodate both tents and RVs. Picnic tables and fire rings at the sites make for comfortable evenings, and the lack of development means you’ll see genuinely dark skies at night—good conditions for stargazing while your dog dozes at your feet.

The surrounding desert scenery is striking, especially at sunset when the valley fills with warm light and the mountains glow against the sky. Spring wildflower season can bring color to the otherwise muted landscape, adding another reason to visit during the cooler months. The combination of easy terrain, minimal crowds, and wide-open space makes this a genuine low-key option for desert camping with your dog. For more information on amenities and reservations, contact the park directly at (760) 389-2322.