The Mojave River Dam is a U.S Corps of Engineers Dam situated a few miles south from the City of Hesperia, California. The dam on the Mojave River provides flood control to the region in San Bernardino County, downstream from the junction of the West Fork Mojave River and Deep Creek. There is no permanent pool/reservoir here; the drainage area above the dam is fed by 215 square miles of mountain terrain which drain into the Mojave River basin in the area. About 95 percent of the entire 4700 square mile Mojave River basin is desert except during periods of flooding.
The dam and the surrounding natural area are part of the Mojave River Forks Regional Park, managed by the County of San Bernardino. The parking lot at Mojave River Dam is a trailhead for the Pacific Crest Trail. This 2653 mile trail is popular with cyclists, hikers, and equestrians.
The climate in the Mojave River Dam region can be extreme, with hot, arid, desert conditions. Ensure you are prepared with plenty of drinking water and appropriate clothing during activities. Strenuous recreational activities may be best conducted early or later in the day.
Overnight camping is available at Mojave River Forks Regional Park and Silverwood Lake State Recreation Area. RV Rentals can be obtained in the region at San Bernardino RV Rentals. If you have never rented an RV, for check out Beginner Questions Before Renting an RV, for helpful tips.
To reach the Mojave River Dam site from San Bernardino, California, travel north on interstate 215 and Interstate 15 to exit 131 and take California State Highway 138 east. Keep left and stay on State Highway 173, continuing east to Arrowhead Lake Road. Turn left and take Arrowhead north to access the Mojave River Dam Parking area, where the Pacific Crest Trail can be accessed. All highways to the parking area are paved, suitably surfaced and wide enough for RV travel, however, they are windy and hilly so use caution. Temperature can be extremely hot driving through this desert area, so ensure you vehicle has all fluid levels topped up and is in good condition. The parking lot at Mojave River Dam is naturally surfaced and can be dusty.
To reach overnight camping sites at nearby Mojave River Forks Regional Park go south from the dam on Arrowhead Road, and west on State Highway 173. The regional park is less than two miles from the dam.
Overnight camping at Silverwood Lake State Recreation Area is 11.2 miles away, just under a 20 minute drive south. To reach the lake from the dam head southwest on Arrowhead Lake Road and turn right on State Highway 173, then left onto State Highway 138. Take the Cleghorn Road exit to Silverwood Lake and turn left onto Cleghorn Road. Continue to Sawpit Canyon Road. Please note this is a toll road. Then turn left to access Mesa Campground off Sawpit Canyon Road. The campground area is well signed.
Situated on Silverwood Lake’s blue waters, this campground provides swimming, water sports, fishing, and boating activities for RV campers to the region. Please note that all watercraft must be taken off the lake by sunset daily. There are also lots of hiking trails around the lake, and trails connect to the 2650 mile long Pacific Crest Trail.
There are 136 reservable sites at the campground and many sites have full hookups including electric, water, and sewer. The maximum RV length accommodated is 31 feet, and sites hold up to eight people, and three vehicles with picnic tables, BBQ and fire ring at each site. Amenities at the campground include flush toilets, showers, a boat ramp, boat rentals, an RV dump station, picnic areas, interpretive programs and a visitor center, swimming beach area, store, drinking water, and ADA accessible sites and facities. Geocaching, reservable bald eagle barge tours, horseback riding, and wildlife watching area also popular activities at the campground.
With a beautiful setting in the high desert wilderness, snuggled up against the base of the San Bernardino Mountains, the Mojave River Forks Regional Park provides overnight camping, and plenty of recreational activities for hikers, cyclists, and equestrians. The Pacific Crest Trail can be accessed from the campground or the nearby Mojave River Dam parking area.
The campground is exposed with no trees. Campsites lack privacy and can be quite windy, so be prepared. There are 25 RV sites with hookups and 25 sites without hookups in the park, as well as four group camping areas. The campsites can accommodate large RVs up to 54 feet in length.
Amenities include an RV dump station, hot showers, flush toilets, potable water, a horseshoe pit, and a public phone. Campsites have fire rings and picnic tables. Some sites are ADA accessible. Pets are permitted on a leash. The entrance gate to the campground is closed from 4 PM to 8 AM each day so time your arrival during open hours. Reservations can be made at Mojave River Forks Reservations.
Silverwood Lake has a beach and swimming area on the southside of the lake near the campground. The south side of the lake is restricted to slow moving fishing boats, kayaks, and canoes, and is more appropriate for swimming than the north side of the lake which is designated for watersports. It is recommended that swimmers bathe or shower after a dip in the lake, as the water is untreated. Outdoor showers are available on site. Blue-green algae blooms occasionally occur in the lake and when these are in affect, swimming activities are prohibited.
When staying at the Silverwood Lake Recreation area, the lake provides a great opportunity for recreational boaters to get out on the water and enjoy watersports and fishing. The north part of the lake is designated for water sports, including water skiing. The south section is designated for smaller motor boats, kayaks, and canoes, going slower, and is a great area for fishing enthusiasts. Ensure you have enough life preservers on your watercraft to accommodate each passenger and have a state fishing license to enjoy fishing on the lake.
The Mojave River Dam COE park area provides access to the Pacific Crest Trail. This famous hiking trail stretches from Mexico to Canada and is 2653 miles long. You might not want to try it all in one day! The trail ranges in elevation from sea level at the Oregon-Washington border to over 13000 feet in Sierra Nevada at the Forester Pass. The route stretches through 25 national forests and seven national parks.
The Mojave Forks River Dam Overlook Trail is a little more manageable for shorter hikes in the area, at 3.2 miles. This out and back trail located on the river is rated as moderate and dogs are allowed on the trail if leashed. There is 547 feet of elevation gain along the way.
Many other trails in the area offer excellent hiking, pack lots of water in this desert environment, and head out early or later in the day if hiking during the summer months to avoid extreme heat conditions.
The scenic natural terrain of the Mojave River Dam area provides excellent cycling trails. Natural terrain can be rough and dusty, and cyclists should have appropriate equipment and safety gear to ensure a safe ride. During the off season, when temperatures are somewhat cooler, the harsh climate may be more conducive to mountain biking. Ensure you have an adequate water supply on ventures. Cycling during the early morning, or later in the evening to avoid the midday heat is advised.
The Mojave River Forks Regional Park also provides overnight camping and day use for equestrians. The magnificent hiking trails including the Pacific Crest Trail are popular with horseback riders and their mounts. Watch out for hikers and cyclists on the trails in the region and take safety precautions. Due to the extreme heat, and dry climate, equestrians often prefer riding during the off season when temperatures are more moderate and there is less trail traffic. Pack lots of water for you and your horse on riding adventures in the Mojave Lake Dam area.
If you are staying at Silverwood Lake State Recreation area during the winter months, a special treat for RV campers in the area is sighting Bald Eagles. The Bald Eagles barge tours on the lake can be reserved and allow visitors to explore the natural habitats of the native Bald Eagle population resident in the area during the off season. Other wildlife you may spot on your trip are water birds, black bears, and beavers.
