
Desert Tortoise Campground
A lakeside campground known for its clear waters and charming, curious donkeys roaming the well-spaced, tidy sites.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more tranquility

Desert Tortoise Campground
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more tranquility
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A lakeside campground known for its clear waters and charming, curious donkeys roaming the well-spaced, tidy sites.
"The donkeys are a highlight, and the lake is incredibly clear - a truly unique camping spot!"

Secure Your Food! 🍎
Donkeys are curious! Keep all food and trash in secure containers or your car to prevent them from investigating.
Pack Insect Repellent 🦟
Essential for comfortable evenings, especially near the lake. Citronella candles are also recommended.

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Donkey Friends
Campsites
Meet the resident donkeys! These curious creatures roam the grounds, adding a unique charm to your camping experience.

Crystal Clear Lake
Lakeside
Enjoy the pristine lake waters, so clear you can see the bottom from over 30 feet away. Perfect for a refreshing dip or quiet contemplation.

Tidy & Private Campsites
Campground
Spacious, well-maintained sites offer a sense of seclusion, allowing you to relax and enjoy nature without feeling crowded.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Wildlife Encounters
Site Selection & Amenities
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Secure Your Food! 🍎
Donkeys are curious! Keep all food and trash in secure containers or your car to prevent them from investigating.
Pack Insect Repellent 🦟
Essential for comfortable evenings, especially near the lake. Citronella candles are also recommended.
Check Site Photos 📸
If you have specific needs (like a canopy), ask staff to show you photos of available sites.
Clean Bathrooms & Showers 🚿
Enjoy surprisingly clean facilities, often stocked with toilet paper. Some sites have electricity for charging devices.
Tips
from all over the internet
Secure Your Food! 🍎
Donkeys are curious! Keep all food and trash in secure containers or your car to prevent them from investigating.
Pack Insect Repellent 🦟
Essential for comfortable evenings, especially near the lake. Citronella candles are also recommended.
Check Site Photos 📸
If you have specific needs (like a canopy), ask staff to show you photos of available sites.
Clean Bathrooms & Showers 🚿
Enjoy surprisingly clean facilities, often stocked with toilet paper. Some sites have electricity for charging devices.
Embrace the Wildlife 🐢
Besides donkeys, look for fish, crawdads, and other desert creatures. The 'desert tortoise campground' name hints at potential sightings!
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the friendly donkeys and the incredibly clear lake, making for a unique and enjoyable camping experience. The campground is praised for its neat, well-spaced sites, clean modern bathrooms, and helpful staff. While the wildlife is a highlight, securing food is crucial to avoid unwanted visitors.
"Amazing hosts, the campgrounds are so neat and tidy. There are a lot of sites but theyre spaced out enough so you feel alone. 11-5 our check in was amazing, they go above and beyond. Melissa in the morning for our check out was so kind and friendly. They reset the campsites everyday after you check out which keeps it all looking so clean. There are nice modern bathrooms and even showers! Some sites with running water and electricity!!! Will def come again!"
Julie flores
"This is a wonderful spot where you can enjoy a pleasant Lake that is very clear, can see to that bottom for over 30 ft and hangout with Donkeys! 🫏✨️ yes they make noise, and yes they will make their rounds... so don't leave any food out, made the mistake of leaving an orange on the table and a donkey just ate it all in one bite."
Victoria Cue
"Absolutely love this place. Went for mother's day week and had a blast with the kids. The showers and bathrooms were surprisingly clean and always filled with toilet paper. The camp site was very clean and we had a great time. Lots of wildlife. Recommend keeping food in tubs or in the car at night. We had donkeys that decided to play with one of our boxes they found by the picnic table and kept us up kicking it around and tearing it up. Was funny to watch though. They came up while I was sitting down later and just stood there while we talked. Insect repellent or citronella is definitely a high recommendation. Have places for extensions cords if you need to charge a phone or bring a fan. Love this place!"
Shawn Dunn
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Desert Tortoise Campground is accessible by car. It's often found by following signs for the associated lake or park area. Many travelers find it by searching for 'desert tortoise campground' or 'lakeside camping near [nearby town]'.
Public transportation options are generally limited for remote campgrounds like this. It's best to plan your own transportation, typically by car or RV.
The best route will depend on your starting point. Using GPS navigation is highly recommended. Travelers often mention following signs for the lake once in the general vicinity.
It's always a good idea to check local road conditions before you travel, especially if you're visiting during or after periods of inclement weather. Local park websites or DOT sites are good resources.
Yes, the campground offers sites suitable for RVs, with some sites providing electricity. It's advisable to check the specific site details when booking.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Entry to the campground typically requires a camping fee. It's not a ticketed attraction in the traditional sense, but rather a fee for overnight stays.
Check-in is usually around 11 AM, and check-out is around 5 PM, though this can vary. It's always best to confirm these times when you book or upon arrival.
Camping fees vary depending on the site type (e.g., with or without hookups) and the season. It's recommended to check the official park website or contact them directly for current pricing.
Yes, advance reservations are highly recommended, especially for popular times or specific sites. This helps ensure you get a spot and can plan your trip accordingly.
If you arrive after the office has closed, there's usually a procedure for late arrivals, such as a self-check-in station or instructions posted at the entrance. Confirm this with the campground management beforehand.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Expect to see friendly donkeys roaming the grounds! You might also spot fish, crawdads in the lake, and other desert wildlife. The name itself suggests the possibility of seeing desert tortoises.
Yes, many sites have access to clean, modern bathrooms and showers. Some sites even offer electricity and running water, making for a comfortable stay.
The lake is described as very clear, with visibility to the bottom from over 30 feet. It's a great spot for enjoying the water.
Activities include enjoying the lake, observing wildlife, campfires, and relaxing at your campsite. It's a great place for a peaceful getaway.
Yes, many sites are equipped with fire rings, making campfires a popular evening activity. Be sure to check for any fire restrictions in place.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
The campground itself typically does not have on-site restaurants. It's a camping destination, so you'll need to bring your own food and cooking supplies.
Donkeys are known to be curious and will eat unattended food. It's highly recommended to store all food, snacks, and trash in secure containers, bear-proof boxes if available, or inside your vehicle.
Many campsites come equipped with barbecue grills, making it easy to cook your meals outdoors.
Besides grills, you can use your own portable camping stoves. Some sites may have access to electricity, which can be useful for small appliances.
Grocery options will depend on the nearest town. It's best to stock up on supplies before you arrive at the campground, as options may be limited in the immediate vicinity.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture the unique charm of the resident donkeys, the stunning clarity of the lake, and the serene desert landscapes. Sunrises and sunsets over the desert can also be spectacular.
Absolutely! The donkeys are often approachable and provide great subjects. Keep an eye out for other desert creatures and the unique flora.
Early mornings and late afternoons offer the best light for photography, with softer shadows and warmer tones. Golden hour is particularly magical in the desert.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive desert vistas and the lake. A telephoto lens can be useful for wildlife photography if you want to get closer shots without disturbing the animals.
Generally, photography for personal use is allowed. However, always be respectful of other campers' privacy and avoid intrusive photography, especially of wildlife.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🚗 Road Trippers & Day-Trippers
🏕️ RV Campers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Unique Charm of the Donkeys
Donkey Etiquette
* Never feed the donkeys. This can lead to dependency and health issues for them, and can encourage bolder behavior.
* Secure your food and trash. Use designated bins or store items inside your vehicle.
* Observe from a distance. While they may approach, avoid cornering or startling them.
* Enjoy the show! Their antics are often a highlight for campers.
Lakeside Camping and Water Activities
Beyond swimming, the lake is also a habitat for various aquatic life. Visitors have reported seeing fish and crawdads, suggesting opportunities for casual observation or even simple fishing if regulations permit. The lakeside setting provides a tranquil environment for relaxation, picnicking, and enjoying the natural beauty of the area. The combination of desert landscapes and a clear lake creates a unique and appealing environment for campers looking for a diverse outdoor experience.
Campground Amenities and Comfort
The campsites themselves are designed to offer a sense of privacy, with ample spacing between them. This allows visitors to feel secluded and enjoy their own piece of nature. Many sites also feature picnic tables and fire rings, enhancing the classic camping experience. The campground staff are often highlighted for their helpfulness, with one reviewer mentioning staff using photo albums to help select the perfect site. This attention to detail and customer service contributes to the overall positive reputation of the campground.



Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit