The best camping in César E. Chávez National Monument, CA

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58% (6)

The best camping in César E. Chávez National Monument, CA

Public campgrounds here are often sold out.

1. Deer Ravine Lodgings

100%
(15)
5.9km from César E. Chávez National Monument · 3 sites · Lodging
We opened up our private mountain property during COVID 2020 so people could safely get into nature and enjoy the fresh air, peace and quiet, and wildlife.  We live on an 11-acre ranch in the beautiful and quiet community.  This is not a property for loud or raucous parties.  Only registered guests are allowed.  Pets on leashes are welcome upon prior approval only.  Absolutely no fires allowed May-December due to extreme fire danger.  No running water and no WiFi.   Learn more about this land:Enjoy a luxurious outdoor camping experience in a 16'x20' White Duck canvas tent on a large deck. There is a separate, private bathroom/shower building. Relax and sleep like a baby in a hand-hewn log king-sized bed and queen sized sofa sleeper and opulent linens. The Glamp tent and deck include a private deck, propane BBQ grill, sink with running well water, a refrigerator, Keurig, microwave, and TV with DVD's (no WiFi). July and August are hot in the tent between 2pm-6pm. The evenings are cooling down. We have two fans and an evaporative cooler and an electric heater. ABSOLUTELY NO FIRES MAY-DECEMBER DUE TO EXTREME FIRE DANGER. This is a "Leave No Trace" space and a "Shoeless Tent." Leashed pets are allowed with prior approval by hosts. For your convenience, we have a crate and dog bed available. A 7-person bullfrog spa is available upon request and availability. An outdoor solar shower (may be cold depending on weather and time of day) is available to rinse off prior to using the Spa. No unregistered guests are allowed on the property. We will be there to greet you and describe our property and amenities. We are available to answer your questions or assist you as needed.
Pets
Toilets
Showers
from 
$261
 / night

2. Antelope Canyon Ranch

98%
(61)
21km from César E. Chávez National Monument · 17 sites · Tents, RVs
The Ranch has many varied sites to explore from oak woodlands to pine covered woods. The ownership of the land has been held since 1883 by the Summit Lime Company and was until the 1930's the site of several lime quarries one of which was used to supply material for the Owens valley to Los Angeles aquaduct. Current utilization is for recreation, private hunting club, timber production, and cattle grazing. The campground was built in 1967 to provide a location for church, non-profit, and youth groups to enjoy a private, and safe location for outdoor recreation activities. Camping is restricted to family and group activities. The campground has 17 sites a comfort station, water hook-ups, fire ring, and 4X8 foot stone BAR-B-Que. In order to provide a private experience no two groups are scheduled at the same time. An ideal group size is 15 to 150 persons.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from 
$930
 / night

3. A Unique Mountain Retreat

99%
(289)
21km from César E. Chávez National Monument · 12 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
The title says it all this property is truly A Unique Mountain Retreat that will give you the peace, quiet and tranquility you are looking for. An energy efficient Uniquely designed home that is off the grid and has a very green footprint with solar and windmill to charge batteries. Oak and pine tree covered acres with fitness and nature trails around the property. Each level campsite with picnic table is designed for privacy with plenty of distance between sites and mountain views in every direction, along with an optional gas log fire pit and BBQ. There is plenty of clean, non potable drinking water, custom built toilets and optional hot showers, limited electrical use, cell phone charging and low power use devices as I am off grid. There is a fitness and nature trail on the property and Pacific Crest trail is approx 20 to 30 min drive, Mountain park which has many miles of hiking trails and an Indian reservation with hikes to many petroglphs. Things to see are the World famous Tehachapi railway loop, historic downtown, vineyards, mountain spirit center a Buddhist temple, glider rides, bicycle riding and fishing. There is cell service around the property but intermittent at the campsites.
Pets
Toilets
Showers
from 
$53
 / night

4. Bakersfield Farm Animals & Pond

96%
(309)
38km from César E. Chávez National Monument · 15 sites · Tents, Lodging
LOCATION INFO Enjoy a rustic, no-fuss stay on our 20-acre working farm just 15 miles south of Bakersfield, with easy freeway access. Campsites sit along the pond—perfect for catch-and-release fishing, paddle boarding, or kayaking. We have a small area with farm animals (pigs, goats, sheep, peacocks and chickens) for you to enjoy. Most guests are road-tripping, escaping LA, or stopping over en route to Yosemite, Sequoia, or Joshua Tree. Expect a desert climate: hot summers, cold winters. Each site includes a small table, potable water spigot, picnic table, and fire pit (bring your own wood). All sites are BYO tent or car-camping with the exception of our one Glamping Site which includes a queen bed. Some have vehicle height limits (noted in site names), and cannot accommodate pop-ups or truck campers. Amenities include one shared indoor toilet and an outdoor hot/cold shower. You may be greeted by our friendly, working farm dogs. We offer self check-in and you're welcome to arrive anytime after 1PM; checkout is 11AM. Please respect quiet hours after 10PM if arriving late. CAMP RULES No Pets – Our dogs protect the farm and see other animals as threats. You will be asked to leave with no refund if you bring a pet. Quiet Hours: 10 PM–7 AM – No exceptions. If we receive complaints about noise, you’ll be asked to leave immediately. 1 Tent + 1 Car per Site (Site 4 allows 2 tents/2 cars). If you need more tents, you will need to book multiple sites. No tents or canopies on the grass/lawn area. No fireworks or open flames outside of designated fire pits. Propane burners or grills are permitted. Do not feed the farm dogs—no treats or food, ever. At checkout: dispose of trash in the dumpster by Site 5, soak any hot coals, wipe down tables, and put back the kayaks and paddleboards. Shower use: Only farm-provided shampoo and soap are allowed. Fire pits must stay in place. Do not move them.
Toilets
Campfires
Showers
from 
$50
 / night

5. Okihi- Reimagining The Kern River

96%
(28)
38km from César E. Chávez National Monument · 8 sites · Tents, Lodging
Okihi is a unique sanctuary where habitat restoration meets outdoor adventure. Nestled in a diverse landscape, we focus on healing the land through hands-on conservation while offering a space to connect with nature, camp, and learn. This is not your average campground, so i make sure to look over the rules. They will be enforced to keep a tranquil vibe. Restore and Explore We’re committed to revitalizing native habitats—our land is a living example of ecological renewal. Wander scenic trails, enjoy wildlife, and witness the power of restoration in action. Sustainable Farming and Livestock Our animals play a key role in regeneration. Horses, sheep, goats, turkeys, and chickens help manage invasive weeds and maintain healthy ecosystems. We compost all their manure, turning waste into valuable resources for soil health. Camping and Community Camp under the stars, explore nature, and join us for seasonal events and workshops focused on sustainability, conservation, and community. Whether you're here to camp, hike, or volunteer, Okihi is a place where nature and people come together for a common cause. Okihi is more than a destination—it's a living example of land restoration, sustainable living, and the power of community. Come explore, learn, and make a difference! Okihi is approximately 15 minutes east of Downtown Bakersfield. 20 minutes away from the 99 hwy or 178 hwy. Whichever way you are traveling, we are a great stopover point. Sites are spread around on the east side of the property facing the river for beautiful river views while you sip coffee from your site. There are a multitude of recreation opportunities to enjoy. On site there is hiking, places to practice yoga or meditate, kayaking, paddle boarding. We also have a hammock veranda that is fully shaded and a great place to relax along the river. Miles of biking paths run on the road right by where we are situated and there is a nearby river rafting company if you want the white water experience. Most of our campers are road tripping, getting away from LA, or are looking for a stopover on their way to/from Yosemite, Sequoia, Joshua Tree, etc. We are in a desert climate – cold in the winter and hot in the summer. Portable heaters or fans with misting options are available for rent.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from 
$47
 / night

6. Horse Ranch Camp Desert Paradise

100%
(14)
41km from César E. Chávez National Monument · 3 sites · Tents, RVs
We are the largest Arabian horse rescue in the United States. We are on 100 acres, but are currently using only 10 fenced acres for our horses. We have an average of 75 horses on our property. Most live in larger areas or paddocks in group "herds". We focus on rehabilitation and training with the goal of finding permanent homes for our horses. However, we have about 30+ horses who are "sanctuary horses", either because they are older, or were traumatized, or have health issues, thus will not be rideable. They get to live their lives out with us.Learn more about this land:Come pitch your tent on our horse rescue ranch. Two spots are near our little Western Town, you can even sleep in the jail or inside the general store. Another location is near the horses or in a more secluded area. We have two spots to park RVs as well. You can visit with the horses, while enjoying some idyllic beautiful high desert vistas. At night, you can see the city lights from a distance, but it is far enough to really see the stars in the night sky (no light pollution). Please bring your own chairs. We have a serviced porta-potty with potable water access. Camp Fire: Because of fire danger, there are no campfires possible. We have a working gold mine across the street, that can be hiked up to, to a certain point. We have lots of desert trails surrounding us. Activities: Learn about horses and help at the horse rescue, feeding and watering, giving horses treats. All proceeds from your camping on our property goes to support the horses at our rescue.
Toilets
Water hookup
Potable water
from 
$71
 / night

8. Wandering Star Ranch

99%
(43)
49km from César E. Chávez National Monument · 1 site · Tent, RV
Learn more about this land: Why book a camp site when you can book the campground? The Wandering Star is a private 20 acre dispersed group camp- Entire property (all sites) included in rental.  Bring a lock (Gate and Chain provided) and claim your retreat. Take your jeep or ATVs through our gates straight into the BrightStar BLM Wilderness which abuts the property on two sides and extends into the Jawbone wilderness.  Beginners can ride the extensive trails on the property itself. Play your music, dance naked, let your dogs run free... Enjoy the fantastic star gazing. Visit the primitive firing range a two minute walk away or by jeep, or plink varmints on site. Hiking, Biking.  Nearby fishing, swimming, boating in the Kern River or Lake . Situated on the back side of the lake, this site provides more sunlight time than many other sites around the lake.  In some cases close to 2 hours. Close to the lake at Mt. Mesa, boat launch, South fork Audubon nature preserve, restaurants, and scenic back road to Kernville. Gas/Diesel and Market with Deli 5 minutes away. (Ice, wood, adult beverages, fishing tackle, full grocery)
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from 
$112
 / night

13. Spirit Walk - Private Retreat

99%
(563)
55km from César E. Chávez National Monument · 15 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
Private ADULT ONLY camping. With a central outdoor kitchen and dining area, group fire pit, and a bathroom with a composting toilet, sink and shower. Seasonal creek. Quiet and private. Stargazer and the Boulders have their own fire pit, and there's a communal fire pit too. We have a small cabin (The Playhouse) and 9 campsites. Each campsite will accommodate a medium size tent (10’x10’ max), except for The Boulders which will accommodate more. No Pets, No Smoking ADULTS ONLY. Spirit Walk is a quiet meditative place. It is not a conducive environment for young children. Thank you for understanding. Lake Isabella, the Kern River and historic Kernville are just 5 minutes down the road. All Hipcamp proceeds go directly back into the land in the way of forest maintenance, a tree planting program and improvements to the facilities.
Toilets
Campfires
Full hookups
from 
$73
 / night

15. Camping @ Quail Run Ostrich Ranch

95%
(154)
61km from César E. Chávez National Monument · 7 sites · Tents, RVs
Run by three generations, our ranch has been in our family for more than 70 years. We opened our doors to the public in 2014 to help support feeding our animals, bred and rescued, after the Powerhouse Fire almost burned us out. We’ve survived a county quarantine(2018-2019), the COVID Lockdowns (2021-2022), the Lake Fire (2020), and the Hurricane Kay burn scar debris flow and flood (9/11/22), depending on hard work and strong family and community bonds. In addition to camping and educational tours, we host private and community events, grow and sell produce and eggs, hatch and sell chicks, rescue ratites, and support the local bee population (which gives us RAW honey to sell), and are working to open a private U-pick-by-appointment orchard. We are all animal lovers, and conservationists, and try to do our part to ensure our children inherit a healthy and viable world. This is our home where we live, work, love, and play. We enjoy sharing our space with visitors who we hope learn about ostrich and make some great memories.
Pets
Toilets
Potable water
from 
$30
 / night

18. Sleepy Meadow Ranch

93%
(20)
70km from César E. Chávez National Monument · 3 sites · Tents, RVs
The ranch been here for many years ( We uncovered a buried Horse wagon from the late 1800's at the back end of the property) . There was originally a very small cabin, but since it was upgraded by the previous owner around 1961 by adding a small kitchen and indoor restroom instead of the "outhouse" . My wife purchased the property about 3 years ago and we been doing intensive cleaning and upgrading of the Rustic property so we can share it with our guests !        Learn more about this land:Ranch setting on the high desert with over 15 pine trees for shadow areas.Great paved area with chairs and tables for eating, reading, or just contemplating nature! Plenty of room for RV's or tents! Water and electrical power available.Come and hear the wolves howl in the evening! ( Wolf reserve nearby).Great site for solitude, and relaxation or for bringing your toys and go play in the near areas! Great place for church groups or musicians that want to come in and play! (Also one small cabin available for couples!
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
from 
$83
 / night

20. Gem of the Bend (Horses welcome)

100%
(16)
72km from César E. Chávez National Monument · 1 site · RV
The Chumash called the peak of Mount Piños the center of the universe, or center of the world depending on the translation. This campground is at the southeast base of this mountain. The San Andreas fault is just about 8 miles away, and many other faults meet nearby. The mountains here are full of geological signs of the Forces that ripped away Santa Barbara from the North American plate as it was flipped upside down. This is the entrance to the Enchanted Forest. Learn more about this land: Lockwood Valley is so close to Los Angeles and other urban areas, but feels 1000 miles away. Our neighborhood is a gem within Lockwood Valley. The community has less than 20 residences so it is very rural, but neighborly. There are horses nearby, you will hear some roosters in the distance, and if you are lucky, you may hear the African lions or wolves from the next canyon over where there is a (fully contained) wildlife sanctuary called Steve Martins Working Wildlife (not the funny guy). Great secluded spot for a fully contained RV. Easy entrance from a good dirt road. The actual property of the site is 1/8 of an acre and is surrounded by forest and fields. A picnic table is nestled in a grove of trees next to a steel fire pit ring. Bring your hammock to relax under big shady piñon pines. The site is about 200 yards from the entrance to the Los Padres National Forest with great hiking, mountain biking, birdwatching, hunting, etc. There is currently no privacy barrier between the campsite and the dirt road, but the traffic is extremely minimal. There are two 12’x24’ horse corrals on the property. This area is ideal for horseback trail riding and the campsite location makes for the perfect base camp. This is a superb stargazing spot, far from the city lights. Many amateur astronomers come to this area for the dark skies. At a mile high, nights can be very cold, and in the winter it is possible to get up to a couple feet of snow. Weather conditions such as heavy rain or snow can make the roads and campsite impassable at times so cancellations are possible in this case (this happens a lot less than we would like, of course, because we need the precipitation!).
Pets
from 
$82
 / night
58% (6)

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The best camping in César E. Chávez National Monument, CA guide

Overview

About

Located on a 116-acre historic ranch in Kern County, California is the once-headquarters of the United Farm Workers (UFW). This property was also home to its founder, César Estrada Chávez. The labor leader and civil rights activist lived here with his wife, Helen Fabela Chávez, from the early 1970s until his death in 1993.

Pay your respects at the gravesites of César and Helen Chávez. The couple's two beloved German Shepherds, Boycott and Huelga ("Strike"), lie buried beside their masters. It was Boycott that Chavez credited with inspiring his decision to adopt a vegetarian diet.

The monument, known as Nuestra Señora Reina de la Paz, tells the story of Chávez. A visit to the Exhibit Hall will show you Chávez’s meticulously preserved office. Piles of paperwork cover his ornately carved wooden desk, and books line the walls.

Check out the broken-down shack made of rusted metal and weather-warped wood. This exhibit illustrates the deplorable "housing" a typical farmworker lived in during the 1960s.

A photography archive documents the farm worker's revolution led by Chávez and UFW co-founder Dolores Huerta. Their ongoing efforts to bring worldwide attention to the plight of U.S. farmworkers eventually got them higher wages and safer working conditions. 1975's California Agricultural Labor Relations Act was the first law in the U.S. to recognize farm workers’ collective bargaining rights.

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58%
6 Ratings · 4 reviews

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