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Red Rock Canyon State Park

The best campsites in Red Rock Canyon State Park, CA

98% (22)

The best campsites in Red Rock Canyon State Park, CA

1. Ricardo Campground

98%

(22)

50 units · In Red Rock Canyon State Park

While in the Ricardo campground, surrounded by the melted-layer-cake walls of the sandstone, it feels like you aren’t even on the same planet

Public campgrounds in Red Rock Canyon State Park are often sold-out.

Happy Gray Coyote

2. Happy Gray Coyote

97%

(48)

30km from Red Rock Canyon State Park · 3 units · Motorhomes

Property has been in my family for 60 years. Hope you enjoy the desert getaway!Learn more about this land:5 acres of open desert. Great views of surrounding mountains. Middle of nowhere, a great spot to get away from it all.. star gaze, and just chill out. Boon dock off the grid. NO Facilities but town has everything you could need and just far enough away... If you plan on having a campfire please obtain a burn permit on line. Its free and a great fire safety precaution. Obviously NO FIREWORKS.   

Water hookup

Pets

from

$30

/ night

Diamond Acres Camp 🏕

3. Diamond Acres Camp 🏕

96%

(26)

43km from Red Rock Canyon State Park · 7 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping

Diamond Acres is a quiet, secluded camp in the Kern River Valley just minutes from Lake Isabella, the mighty Kern River, and Southern Sierras! We offer glamping sites (tent or trailer) with hot showers and flushing toilets! Come enjoy the solitude and stars. Our camp overlooks miles of rolling hills with no houses in view! Skip the crowded campgrounds and glamp comfortably while only being 5 minutes from Lake Isabella! Take a short walk to the top of the property and enjoy some of the best sunsets you've ever seen! We are close to the Kern River, OHV trails, hot springs, hiking, kayaking, fishing, boating, paragliding, and so much more!

Pets

Toilets

Campfires

from

$25

/ night

Double Triangle Ranch

4. Double Triangle Ranch

98%

(58)

44km from Red Rock Canyon State Park · 3 units · Tents, Motorhomes

Once settled by Tubatulabel and Shoshoni tribes, this area is rich with reminders of their habitation. Grinding rocks near Tipi camp are one of those. When gold was discovered in the Kern River Valley, most of the native tribes were displaced but their decendents here in the KRV keep the history alive with language studies and cultural events.

Toilets

Campfires

Showers

from

$41

/ night

Wandering Star Ranch

5. Wandering Star Ranch

99%

(43)

46km from Red Rock Canyon State Park · 1 unit · Tent, Motorhome

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

$100

/ night

Off My Rocker Retreat

6. Off My Rocker Retreat

100%

(18)

52km from Red Rock Canyon State Park · 2 units · Motorhomes

We are located on 2.4 acres in the beautiful Kern River Valley. This isolated community offers a wide range of fantastic activities. Rafting, biking, hiking, and seasonal skiing.Kernville is the favorite spot for visitors and locals. Full of great places to eat along the Kern River.The Trail of 100 Giants is just North of there. We highly recommend taking the opportunity to go and be in awe of their ancient beauty.We would love to have you stay at our little ranch.

Electrical hookup

Water hookup

Pets

from

$36

/ night

A Unique Mountain Retreat

7. A Unique Mountain Retreat

99%

(289)

52km from Red Rock Canyon State Park · 12 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping

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

$45

/ night

Horse Ranch Camp Desert Paradise

8. Horse Ranch Camp Desert Paradise

100%

(14)

53km from Red Rock Canyon State Park · 3 units · Tents, Motorhomes

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

$60

/ night

Antelope Canyon Ranch

9. Antelope Canyon Ranch

98%

(61)

55km from Red Rock Canyon State Park · 17 units · Tents, Motorhomes

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

$600

/ night

Kernville Ranch

10. Kernville Ranch

100%

(20)

58km from Red Rock Canyon State Park · 5 units · Glamping

Nestled in meadows with a private river flowing through horse pastures, tall shade trees and all natural cedar hot tub. Kernville Ranch is just a 5 minute walk from the center of Kernville. Plenty of fishing and white water rafting, hiking and hot springs and snow play depending on the season. Explore the lake for water-sports, the high country for pristine wilderness and a little snow. The town is full of restaurants, antiques stores, and a wonderful museum of the rich heritage of this Wild West town,

Pets

Toilets

Showers

from

$75

/ night

Deer Ravine Lodgings

11. Deer Ravine Lodgings

100%

(15)

60km from Red Rock Canyon State Park · 3 units · Glamping

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

$180

/ night

Spirit Walk - Private Retreat

12. Spirit Walk - Private Retreat

99%

(565)

61km from Red Rock Canyon State Park · 15 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping

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

$55

/ night

Terra Vivus

13. Terra Vivus

96%

(52)

73km from Red Rock Canyon State Park · 3 units · Tents, Motorhomes

Terra Vivus is Latin for "The Earth is alive." Welcome to a great balance of being away from civilization, engulfed in nature with peace and quiet yet also being 10 minutes away from the nearest market and 30 minutes away from the nearest city. Chipmunks, crows, doves, crickets, coyotes, sparrows and many other creatures call this land home. This is protected land called a Significant Ecological Area mostly because of the thousands of Joshua Trees. Send a photo/video of you sharing your water with the plants at terra.vivus.inquiries@gmail.com and receive $3 off your stay. 25% of all revenue goes to restoring, preserving and enhancing the existing ecosystem. Come experience and contribute to the preservation of this beautiful landscape. It can be windy at times, in order to mitigate this I recommend using your car(s) to block the wind. Local markets also sell neck gaiters for face protection. I also have pieces of plywood with bricks that you're welcome to move and shift to fit your needs. I am in the process of building a tree/shrub wind block. There's about .4 miles of dirt road to get to the property, there are some dips to watch out for but I come out here in a little Prius so it's manageable. Overall, there is an element of seclusion but occasionally people do drive by on the dirt road. I would rate the cell phone service a 7/10, it's pretty solid but can go out at times.

Pets

Toilets

Campfires

from

$20

/ night

Camp NadaLotta

14. Camp NadaLotta

95%

(93)

80km from Red Rock Canyon State Park · 1 unit · Tent

Chrissy & Ian McAllister LOVE camping the wide-open desert and invested in this land to create a private campground designed for their friends & family. We invite you to join us in building a special place made to appreciate the simpler things in life. Learn more about this land:Enjoy the beautiful landscape of Antelope Valley with your own private and secluded desert getaway. Located in the Lake Los Angeles area with direct access to Saddleback Butte State Park. Enjoy the super-bloom wildflowers, awe-inspiring flyby's from Edwards Airfield and miles of off-roading trails. 90 Minutes from LA. After booking you will receive a camp guide and directions that you will need to reach the site. 

Pets

Campfires

Toilets

from

$68

/ night

RRR Ranch Mojave

15. RRR Ranch Mojave

100%

(1)

12km from Red Rock Canyon State Park · 1 unit · Tent, Motorhome

The RRR Ranch was formed on December 25, 2005, by Brian and Rick with a vision of a place where artists and filmmakers can create and relax. 15 acres of remote desert in the Fremont Valley the ranch sits on the slopes of the hills over looking Kohen Dry Lake. We have hosted numerous events and film shoots. Explore the ranch and the surrounding areas, We have stages, fire pits, diy bars, 20 foot tall steel pyramid with observation deck and performance stage. 16 foot dome filled with tech stuff. Vintage bath tub. And 250 gallon tub, burned out car. Mini geodesic kids dome, stargazing, sand dunes and 3000 gallon water tank.

Pets

Toilets

Campfires

from

$24

/ night

Desert Wonderland

16. Desert Wonderland

23km from Red Rock Canyon State Park · 1 unit · Motorhome

Learn more about this land:Welcome to the desert! Our property opens up a nice flat space to park your RV or trailer, where you can camp under the stars. There are shrubs and wildlife surrounding the campsite where you can really experience a peaceful night night of primitive camping. We look forward to your stay!

Pets

from

$16

/ night

OHV Roadside Paradise in Cal City

17. OHV Roadside Paradise in Cal City

86%

(11)

25km from Red Rock Canyon State Park · 1 unit · Motorhome

Right by the road. Easy access. Fun OHV Trails. Park your RV and bring your OHV. This patch of land is perfect for all your desert toys. Off the main paved road (20 Mule Team). Bring the whole family. Pets welcome. Easy access to food, water, and supplies California City has Gas Stations, Variety of Restaurants, Dollar General (Food and Firewood), McDonalds, Family Dollar Store (Propane), and free dump station for RVs (Cal City RV Refuse Transfer Station) . On the way to Map Coordinates: 35.18706° N, 117.79470° W

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from

/ night

Cosmos Starry Nights Camping

18. Cosmos Starry Nights Camping

100%

(1)

26km from Red Rock Canyon State Park · 10 units · Tents, Motorhomes

Desert 🌵 off grid camping. There are no amenities, please come prepared with water. If you are tent camping, you are required to bring your own toilet. This is a property setup for experienced campers. The property is 15 minutes away from an Astronomy Retreat - Galileo Hill is situated near Silver Saddle Ranch and Club within California City, a city in the Mojave Desert. This is Birding Hotspot: It's recognized as a birding hotspot, attracting birdwatchers due to the diverse birdlife in the area.. This area is known for it's dark skies, so you will have stellar views for stargazing. Close to Fremont Valley Ecological Reserve. In between Red Rock Canyon State Park & Grass Valley Wilderness.

Pets

from

$17

/ night

PLANTS Foundation

19. PLANTS Foundation

26km from Red Rock Canyon State Park · 1 unit · Tent, Motorhome

A vacant land surrounded by desert landscape 🏜️ Hot days and star filled cold nights 🌌 Area is known to have high breezes! 🍃 Reptiles & Birds have been spotted in the area 🦅 This desert is also know for precious metals & crystals such as gold & silver , tourmaline 🔮 **This is a non-profit.

Pets

Campfires

from

$18

/ night

Randsburg Hard Rock Gold

20. Randsburg Hard Rock Gold

29km from Red Rock Canyon State Park · 12 units · Tents, Motorhomes

58 Acres 4000 Feet High in the Mojave Desert with endless views. Approximately 2.5 miles away from the legendary Ghost Town of Randsburg California. One mile away from Government Towers with southern and Northern views that will leave you speechless. Private campsites spread throughout property as will as large group camp sites available. Pitch your tent or pull up with your RV. Unload your ATVs, toys, tools, equipment and explore till your heart’s content. No Hookups. No Toilets, No Trash Service.

Pets

Campfires

from

$16

/ night

98% (22)

Discover the most magical spots to pitch your tent or park your rig on your next Red Rock Canyon State Park adventure.

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Top-rated campgrounds near Red Rock Canyon State Park

Happy Gray Coyote

97%

(48)

30km from Red Rock Canyon State Park · 3 units · Motorhomes

Water hookup

Pets

from

$30

/ night

Diamond Acres Camp 🏕

96%

(26)

43km from Red Rock Canyon State Park · 7 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping

Pets

Toilets

Campfires

from

$25

/ night

Double Triangle Ranch

98%

(58)

44km from Red Rock Canyon State Park · 3 units · Tents, Motorhomes

Toilets

Campfires

Showers

from

$41

/ night

Wandering Star Ranch

99%

(43)

46km from Red Rock Canyon State Park · 1 unit · Tent, Motorhome

Pets

Toilets

Campfires

from

$100

/ night

Off My Rocker Retreat

100%

(18)

52km from Red Rock Canyon State Park · 2 units · Motorhomes

Electrical hookup

Water hookup

Pets

from

$36

/ night

A Unique Mountain Retreat

99%

(289)

52km from Red Rock Canyon State Park · 12 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping

Pets

Toilets

Showers

from

$45

/ night

Horse Ranch Camp Desert Paradise

100%

(14)

53km from Red Rock Canyon State Park · 3 units · Tents, Motorhomes

Toilets

Water hookup

Potable water

from

$60

/ night

Antelope Canyon Ranch

98%

(61)

55km from Red Rock Canyon State Park · 17 units · Tents, Motorhomes

Pets

Toilets

Campfires

from

$600

/ night

Kernville Ranch

100%

(20)

58km from Red Rock Canyon State Park · 5 units · Glamping

Pets

Toilets

Showers

from

$75

/ night

Deer Ravine Lodgings

100%

(15)

60km from Red Rock Canyon State Park · 3 units · Glamping

Pets

Toilets

Showers

from

$180

/ night

Spirit Walk - Private Retreat

99%

(565)

61km from Red Rock Canyon State Park · 15 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping

Toilets

Campfires

Full hookups

from

$55

/ night

Terra Vivus

96%

(52)

73km from Red Rock Canyon State Park · 3 units · Tents, Motorhomes

Pets

Toilets

Campfires

from

$20

/ night

Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community

peter

3 weeks ago

2 nights at Spirit Walk - Private Retreat

Had the most wonderful time at playhouse in spirit camp. I felt comfortable and communication was a 10/10 throughout the experience. I would definitely recommend!

Razz

December 2025

6 m campervan

Weekend Trip to RRR Ranch Mojave

Cool patch of desert surrounded by swell mountains… the Hillbilly liked squatting there for a night in the Hillbilly Camper for sunset with Padre Sol!! #yeehaw Razz The Roaming Hillbilly

December 2025

1 night at A Unique Mountain Retreat

This cabin, location & host, John, all were truly such a treat! John is an absolutely wonderful human. He went above and beyond as a host to ensure we got in, settled and enjoyed ourselves. It’s clear the love and care he’s put into this property and for his guests. The cabin was comfortable, beautifully designed & the morning views were stunning. Thank you for having us!

Nikki

November 2025

With pets

Weekend Trip to Diamond Acres Camp 🏕

Loved loved loved my stay here! I would call it gamping - not quite luxury glamping but definitely above camping. There are basic amenities provided though bringing your own gear might be helpful. Definitely coming back with my friends!

Maria

November 2025

Tent

3 nights at Spirit Walk - Private Retreat

My bf and I enjoyed our stay at Stargazer. It was quiet, clean, secluded and spacious! We loved that there were hot showers and clean toilets. We were the only one booked in the campground and we used the outdoor shower. The outdoor shower felt like we were showering in the middle of the forest! The creek is also so close to the campsite that you can hear it and it’s so relaxing. We cant wait to be back in the spring to go white water rafting!

Prajwal

November 2025

1 night at Diamond Acres Camp 🏕

Diamond Acre Camp is one of those rare places that feels calm the moment you arrive. The site is spacious, clean, and perfectly positioned for wide-open night skies. The star-gazing here is unreal — the kind of view that makes you forget about everything else. The atmosphere is quiet, peaceful, and beautifully raw. My tent lit up under the stars felt straight out of a movie.

Lauren

November 2025

With kids

1 night at A Unique Mountain Retreat

My two boys and I stayed in the studio cabin. We had to rearrange our travel dates due to the weather. John couldn’t have been more flexible and accommodating in making sure our trip could still happen a few days later. The site had a beautiful view, a little kitchenette, shower and wood stove that kept us warm. We had great stargazing and the gas burning stove was perfect for chilly nights. John was the most welcoming host and made us feel very comfortable. We also enjoyed the nature trail on the site! Overall, a lovely place I would recommend if you want to slow down and enjoy some peace and quiet.

selby

November 2025

1 night at A Unique Mountain Retreat

Magic, authentic, star-filled. What a magnificent spot! Wish we could have stayed longer. Be sure to bring blankets-and maybe an extra foam topper. Truly memorable!

Michelle

November 2025

Tent

2 nights at Spirit Walk - Private Retreat

We had such a rejuvenating time tent camping on John’s land. The campsites were spacious, clean, and thoughtfully set up. The kitchen area and bathroom had everything we could possibly need — so organized, easy to find, and even hot water. We especially loved the outdoor shower, and really appreciated the walk-through tour over the phone with John when we arrived. We stayed at the Stargazer site and it was unforgettable. Perfect, wide-open views of the stars and a cozy chimenea to sit beside the fire while we watched the sky all night. Truly such a special spot. We will absolutely be back for future trips!

Will

November 2025

With kids

1 night at Diamond Acres Camp 🏕

Absolutely loved Diamond Acres, in particular the Stargazing Tent. The views were gorgeous (we saw the Milky Way!) and the site itself was set up great. Even though it was 38 degrees F overnight, we were cozy. Just wonderful.

Lenzo

November 2025

Tent

Group trip

Weekend Trip to Spirit Walk - Private Retreat

Even on an extremely rainy day it was a great experience camping at Stargazer, when you arrive John will give you an introduction tour, and we really appreciated the moderate amount of equipment and amenities provided to us, the communal bathroom was really clean and campground has nice vibes!

Heidi

November 2025

Tent

1 night at A Unique Mountain Retreat

We loved tent camping on John’s property. It was beautiful and peaceful. We look forward to staying again.

November 2025

Tent

3 nights at Spirit Walk - Private Retreat

I almost didn’t want to write this review as this place is so good. I want to keep it a secret. John and his wife were there to meet me as I pulled up and gave me a quick tour. Word cannot describe the beauty of this land. the place is kept immaculate all the amenities of the best campsites and more. They fit in all the comforts without spoiling any of the rustic beauty. I am definitely coming back. Thank you John.

Nikhil

November 2025

Weekend Trip to A Unique Mountain Retreat

We had a wonderful short stay at John’s cabin. He has made everything so thoughtfully and we felt very comfortable. The location was easy to find and the views are unbeatable! We will surely be back. John has a huge property and a trail along the boundary. Also, the silence at the place was exactly what we were looking for.

polly

October 2025

4 m pop-up camper

Weekend Trip to Horse Ranch Camp Desert Paradise

Friendly people. Cute spot. Lots of animals to pet. Dogs, horses, and a kitty!

Timothy

October 2025

5 m car

With pets

1 night at Cosmos Starry Nights Camping

Privacy, privacy, privacy… my wife and I went to view a meteor shower towards the end of October and we were not disappointed in the primitive campsite provided. Just make sure that you have four-wheel-drive available and please keep the campgrounds clean as I would love to return, and since it is already prestige, it would be nice to come to it in the same condition. There were no hassles we paid we camped we left. We had a great time so thank you Adidas Ziggy’s lead. Hope to see you soon.

Emily

October 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Spirit Walk - Private Retreat

This was my second time solo camping at Spirit Walk, and it was just as beautiful as the first. Tranquil, lovingly cared for, sacred space, with just enough thoughtful infrastructure to be supportive while not diminishing the feeling of wildness. There was enough fresh, cold water in the swimming hole to submerge my body - even in the fall, when many places are dry. The plants around were beautiful, and I had the place to myself besides my interspecies kin (including curious deer and bobcat). John, his partner, and lil puppy come to help you get oriented, and are cool and kind as well. Would recommend Spirit Walk to anyone looking for a peaceful way to commune with the land.

Blaine

October 2025

1 night at A Unique Mountain Retreat

Greta place! What the owner has done with the entire project is quaint, romantic, and unique- all making for an amazing stay. Look no farther than here and you won’t regret it!

Paul

October 2025

5 m travel trailer

1 night at A Unique Mountain Retreat

This was a wonderful stay. Beautiful site. Hot outdoor showers for a small fee (what a treat in that setting!) clean toilets plus hot and cold running water close by. A nice little walking trail (about a mile) right there. And John was a great host, very friendly and helpful. Highly recommend this site!

Felicia

October 2025

Weekend Trip to Kernville Ranch

Great location off the beaten path. Nice and quiet, with lots of critters to gawk at, domesticated and wild. Deer wandered by while we soaked in the hot tub watching horses, and at night we were serenaded by nearby coyotes. The property has lots of character itself and is near enough to Kernville proper to go out for a hot meal, browse its shops, or hunt-down Quartzburg ghost town (which I strongly recommend!).

The best campsites in Red Rock Canyon State Park, CA guide

Overview

About

With its jagged red-and-white-striped canyons, soaring cliffs, and dusty trails, it’s little surprise that Red Rock Canyon State Park has a host of Hollywood Westerns (plus a Destiny’s Child music video) on its resumé. If you’re not here as cast or crew, you’ve probably come for the trails, and movie-worthy views await at every turn. Saddle up for a horseback ride, bring your OTV, or enjoy a scenic hike beneath dramatic rock formations. Campers can sleep beneath the stars (the canyon is a renowned stargazing spot) at Ricardo Campground.

Tips for snagging a campsite

The 50 campsites at Ricardo Campground are available on a first-come, first-served basis only.
The campground can fill up fast, especially on weekends and holidays—plan to arrive on a Thursday evening or early Friday morning to avoid disappointment.

When to go

Day-trippers and campers flock to Red Rock Canyon State Park from spring through fall, and popular trails can get crowded, especially on weekends. Summer temperatures can reach 100°F, so come prepared with plenty of water and avoid hiking through the hottest time of the day. Our advice? Visit in spring when wildflowers bloom through the desert valleys, or in fall, when the mild weather is ideal for hiking.

Know before you go

Red Rock Canyon State Park is on Highway 14, 25 miles northeast of Mojave or about a 25-minute drive away. It’s about a 2-hour drive north of Los Angeles.
Daily parking fees and camping fees are charged at the state park.
Facilities at Red Rock Canyon State Park include a visitor center, restrooms, and picnic tables. Ricardo Campground has pit toilets, fire rings, picnic tables, and potable water. There are no electric hookups or showers, and the maximum RV size is 30 feet.
There are accessible campsites, picnic areas, and restrooms at Red Rock Canyon.

Nearby attractions

Embark on a unique camping adventure amidst the otherworldly landscape of Trona Pinnacles. Set up camp near the towering Tufa formations, explore the ancient fossil beds, and stargaze under clear night skies.

98%

22 Ratings · 17 reviews

Recommends

· April 2025

Awesome!

Ricardo Campground

Amazing views enjoyed our stay here it was peaceful and quiet at nigh!

Felipe S.

9 months on Hipcamp

September 2019

Ricardo Campground

An easy to get to (no 4wd needed) and very clean campground. The trais are as beautiful as the drive in, and really close to the camp sites. I've camped here twice, both times on week days. The first trip there were only a handful of people staying at the campground. The next time I went I had the whole place to myself. It can get quite windy, so be sure to bring extra stakes and set up your tent as close to a rock wall as you can. This is a great place for stargazers, for those with an interest in geology, and anyone who wants to submerge themselves in silence.

Forrest M.

6 years on Hipcamp

July 2019

Ricardo Campground

Rolled in about 1:30 a.m. on June 29th. A sign on the gate said the campground was closed, and only open September through mid-June. We had to scramble to find an (illegal) place to crash for the night! BE FORWARNED THAT THE CAMP SEEMS TO NOT BE OPEN IN THE SUMMER MONTHS! :-(

John S.

6 years on Hipcamp

Recommends

· May 2019

Ricardo Campground

It gets very windy at times as this campground is located out in the desert.

Cassidy B.

6 years on Hipcamp

Recommends

· April 2019

Ricardo Campground

Obvious, but wear sunscreen.

Chris H.

7 years on Hipcamp

December 2017

Ricardo Campground

I camped at Ricardo Campground just recently during the winter. I went on a Sunday and stayed there for 3 days. No one was really there except for 2 other groups. The campground wasn’t difficult to find and there are a lot of campsites to choose from. It’s very peaceful and the hikes weren’t that long. The best part of the campground is that it’s really close to a lot of the trails and you can go off trail if you want to. The weather was nice when I went but temperatures dropped to about 15F at night. So it’s best to bring comfy gear when you go camping. Also, it’s really dusty due to it being in the desert so make sure you bring a lot of wipes or thing to keep you clean if you don’t like the dust.

Audrey T.

8 years on Hipcamp

June 2017

Ricardo Campground

This campground was amazing and will hold lasting memories for us. The way the sites back up to their own private rock formations make the spots seem intimate. Hiking though the area is nice and offers a rich diversity of flora and fauna.

Ann Marie S.

2 reviews

March 2017

Ricardo Campground

Found this place on Hipcamp when driving from Yosemite toward Death Valley. Perfect one-night stopover spot. Camp Sstes are nice (tho kinda close together), toilet was the cleanest I've ever used in a state park, and scenery is amazing. 👍👍

Tim F.

11 years on Hipcamp

January 2016

Ricardo Campground

This is one of my favorite sites 2 hrs outside of LA! Close enough so it's easy to convince friends to join for the weekend :) It's so great for exploring. Lots of caves to wander into, and such crazy formations.

Kelsey T.

2 reviews

October 2015

Unfortunately with the military bases nearby, southern looking star gazing is washed out in the glowing haze. It's a typically quiet campground close to Los Angeles, that offers a great run of OHV trails. Avoid Joshua Tree crowds, and spend a night here during the spring.

Michael W.

10 years on Hipcamp

July 2015

Ricardo Campground

Used often as a one-night layover, this park is actually worth exploring. It's a great hiking area, with some slot-like canyons, fossils, and great spring flowers. And the setting for hundreds of old movies.

Rob G.

10 years on Hipcamp

March 2015

Bring food! There aren’t many places around to eat, so be sure to come stocked with good ol’ food n’ water to get you through the night.

Hipcamper

10 years on Hipcamp

March 2015

The nearest significant town is 25 miles off, so light pollution isn’t a thing. Take advantage of the solitude and kick back for some mind-expanding stargazing.

Hipcamper

10 years on Hipcamp

March 2015

What are deserts famous for? A lot, but what we are hinting at is HEAT. It gets real hot, so be sure to bring double the amount of water you were originally thinking of bringing.

Hipcamper

10 years on Hipcamp

March 2015

Head out during the spring season to witness the beauty that is the Californian desert wildflowers, we promise you won’t be disappointed.

Hipcamper

10 years on Hipcamp

March 2015

While we stress the heat, deserts also get real chilly come sundown, so be sure to bring extra layers for the temperature fluctuations!

Hipcamper

10 years on Hipcamp

March 2015

Depending on the season, watch for traffic (on the trails, that is). People love to use OHV’s at Red Rock Canyon, so keep an eye out to make sure you don’t get run over.

Hipcamper

10 years on Hipcamp