Antelope Valley is a large area in California that is greatly characterized by aridity. It is like a ditch in which people are with their large mountains all around.
Oddly enough, you can find Los Angeles around the coastal area. From that point, proceed north and the first one to notice will be mountains. Antelope Valley is behind those mountains. It is somewhat secretive almost like a sheltered area.
The valley is very close to the Mojave Desert another hot dry area of the country. So, one can say that Antelope Valley is a desert, but a different kind of desert that includes cities and individuals.
Long before people had these things Native Americans would inhabit this area. They resided in the desert therefore they were well acquainted with life in the desert. They slept in tents or a makeshift shelter and got to know the flora and fauna.
Much later, once the white man had come richer in numbers to the state of California, he also began to venture into the Desert. They were mining for golden treasures and other metal objects.
Some of these people had to sleep in the open probably because there were no towns or accommodations to be found. They acquired skills in how to make fires, how to prepare food, and where to sleep in the burning sun and at night.
As time passed by, or more specifically as generations have passed by, more individuals have began to appreciate camping. They found time was enjoyable being outside and being near nature.
Thus, they began to construct certain areas for camping which are furnished with bathrooms, picnic tables, and sometimes swimming pools. That's how campgrounds started.
Currently, camping in Antelope Valley is common since it is one of the few ways that campers can take a break from the loud cities and be one with the desert.
How Does Camping at Antelope Valley Work?
Traveling for camping is always a very good experience that everyone should embrace at one point. First, plan, choose where you want to camp, and then look at that specific region.
Then, determine what services like washrooms, bathhouses, and water supplies are provided. Other things include checking the weather and packing clothes that are appropriate for the climate. List down the items you require: the tent, sleeping bags, cooking gear, and clothing among others.
Next, prepare your gear. Before going out, check your tent to be certain that it is sound. There are sleeping bags that are for cold weather and there are those for warm weather, ensure you pick the right one.
A first aid box is recommended to carry basic items such as sunscreen, bandages, sterilized water, and possibly any medicines that might be required on a trip.
Always carry a map and a compass or an updated Global Positioning System device in case the leading phone signals in some regions may be hard to locate.
When packing, organize your items into categories: shelter, food, clothes, and tools of work, transport. Carry as many foods and water for the trip as may be required and even more in cases of emergency.
Packaged foods that have a long shelf life such as canned foods, dry fruits, nuts, and granola bars are also appropriate. Do not forget about spoons, forks, knives, other eating tools, a small portable stove/BBQ, and spare matches/lighter.
On matters concerning dressing code, clothing should be put on in layers that will facilitate a change to the next level of heat or cold. Pack shoes for walking and physical activities which should be comfortable and strong for hiking.
If you are on a tropical night, remember to pack a raincoat, or at least an umbrella, and a hat to shield you from the scorching sun.
Before going on the trip, you should again cross-check your list and be sure that you have all the items with you.
Always inform the intended person of your itinerary, your travel plan, and the time that you will be coming back. This is important because of reasons of safety.
When you are done with selecting your camp, park your car and set up the tent but this should be done on flat ground and not beneath falling branches.
Do not litter around your campsite so that you do not attract the attention of the wild animals and do not leave your food exposed.
So, appreciate the natural scenery that has been provided to us free of charge this is by avoiding littering the environment. Enjoy and be safe!
Amenities at Antelope Valley
Camping in Antelope Valley may seem as if one will be living in the wild but that is not the case. But to tell the truth, most campgrounds and similar places have things that are necessary for people to be comfortable in their stay.
Here, common features are flat areas for your tent or your recreational vehicle. Some even have cabins that you can rent.
If you forget the camping stuff, do not worry first of all. Rentals for tents, sleeping bags, and many things you may require are available in many places.
Well in terms of food and refreshment, you have the freedom to cook your meals when you are hungry. Campgrounds generally have spots that are equipped with grills or fireplaces where one can prepare hot dogs, hamburgers, or even boiled soup.
If you do not wish to cook there are stores that you come across while selecting campgrounds where you can get some chips and beers.
Everyone has to go to the washroom, isn’t it? Some of the amenities most common in campgrounds include; rest rooms-with toilets and wash basins.
Some of them even have showers like at the pools and the gym and stuff like that. Thus you can easily remain clean as you will be camping.
Mistakes to Avoid When Camping at Antelope Valley
Antelope Valley can also become a camping site and it has its fun about it, but people have to be cautious. Here are some things you should avoid:
1. Don't Forget the Basics
Water: The plain is quite arid. Carry water for you to use in cooking, cleaning, and for drinking purposes.
Sun Protection: This is the time that the intensity of the sun is felt. Put on sunblock, a cap, and glasses, and to save yourself when it is too hot to stand it.
Food: Ensure that you have enough food and snacks enough. There might not be stores in proximity.
Warm Clothes: The climate is either hot during the day, and cold at night regardless of the season, or so it was when I visited. Bring warm clothes.
2. Respect the Environment
Campfires: DO NOT START FIRES in places other than the fire pits and ensure you extinguish the fire before leaving.
Wildlife: Stop the supplies to the animals. Provide adequate storage of your foods and proper disposal of your debris.
Plants: Desert plants should not be touched, picked, or twisted in any way. They assist in the uniform holding of soil on the slope.
Litter: Make sure you bag all your garbage Have all your trash well packed. Don't leave anything behind.
Benefits of Camping at Antelope Valley
Camping in Antelope Valley is like moving to a different world completely. This would be an excellent place for one to relax because it is quite a distance from the city and there are quite many trees and vegetation.
First, or immediately, one can view a great many interesting artifacts. Open your eyes and look to the sky at night and you will find several stars.
One can perhaps witness a shooting star or meteor shower! Presumably, during the day you can try yourself in search of such animals as lizards or snakes.
Thus, Camping is a perfect way to take care of your body and soul. Staying outside enables you to have good feelings and be cheerful.
One can go for long walks and also be able to take fresh air. It’s perfect if you want something that can let you relax and also let you leave your troubles behind.
Campfires are fun! It is a place where you can roast marshmallows at night as you tell stories with friends and family. It is entertaining and since it is done together it creates a bond between the parties involved.
Thus, if one would like to challenge himself/herself and be close to nature then camping in Antelope Valley will be a perfect match!
Recreational Activities at Antelope Valley While Camping
For recreation, most campgrounds provide tables to eat outside if you wish to do so. Some have play areas for children or recreation areas that include say table tennis or billiards.
So, to maintain interaction, some of the campgrounds have Wi-Fi. In this manner, you have your phone or the computer screen to play games, watch some videos, or even chat with friends.
As you have observed, camping in Antelope Valley does not have to be live mean life. It could be fun to explore and find different beautiful and comfortable things to make the camping experience fun.
Thus, campgrounds in Antelope Valley are not just places one goes to sleep. They are just packed with things to do and all of them are a blast.
1. Outdoor Adventures
Hiking and exploring: Most campgrounds are filled and they have certain trails that you can take. One can search for stones or pebbles, some plants, or even some form of wildlife.
Stargazing: The night is also extremely dry especially when you are in the desert, there is plenty of space for the stars. Pack a blanket and then lie down to comfortably watch the sky light up.
Bike riding: Also, some campgrounds offer the bike path. You can hire a bicycle or if you have your own you can bike around the area.
Picnicking: Take your lunch and go to a nice area to eat it in. This is because; at the guards, one can decide to take food and eat it in a way that is associated with the family or friends and refer to it as a picnic.
2. Campground Fun
Swimming: This is another activity you can engage in at the campground; Some campgrounds come with a pool or a lake where you can swim.
Playing games: Pack some board games and card games or you could play with your family or other campers.
Campfires: You will enjoy roasted marshmallows, a storytelling session, and a singing session beside the campfire.
Oftentimes, there are some facilities such as volleyball or basketball in many camps grounds.
Nearby Adventures at Antelope Valley
Here, there is a national park, near great national parks for instance the Joshua Tree National Park. There are strange trees to watch, rocks to scramble, and finally some information about the desert.
Also, look for other small animals such as lizards, and snakes, or if you are lucky you may spot a desert tortoise.
It will be really exciting to try out off-roading: If you own a 4 x 4 car, you can go for a spin in the sandy desert for instance. It is entertaining and can be used to discover the area.
As you have realized, there are many activities to engage in at the Antelope Valley campgrounds. You can just lay back, be entertained and at the same time get to know more about the wonders of nature.
Wrapping Up
Wilderness camping in Antelope Valley or simply put, the desert adventure is one of a kind as it is not like going to a green forest with the tall trees they paint.
Yes, loud voices are not suitable for it since it is a desert, implying a hot, dry, and quiet place. But that is not the boring part!
It will give you eye witness of things you do not come across every other day. There are lizards and snakes to look at and at night there are millions of stars to admire if only we look at the sky. It is a huge free-for-all as far as the ball is concerned.
Camping is among the best activities that a group of people including family or friends can undertake.
One can talk, crack jokes though they may be thin, share, and create good-humored memories that may last for years. But that may sound somewhat like a desert, most have things like showers, playgrounds places for cooking, etc.
If you are fond of adventures and are eager to have sight of something unique, you have to choose Antelope Valley.
The only things that you might expect from this show are to bring a lot of water, protect your skin from the sun, and bring your curiosity. The two of you are going to have a fantastic time!
But be careful, as the desert can be dangerous as we have seen. It is always advised that you inform someone of where you are going, also ensure you take a map with you.
And of course, we have things like lizards and snakes, which belong to the wilderness of the desert. They don’t wish to harm you but it is wise to avoid them; This idiom conveys information about dangerous people.
So grab a bag, your friends and/or family, and prepare for a desert experience! Get ready; Antelope Valley is waiting for you.