Discover the best desert campgrounds near Los Angeles, California

United States
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California
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Los Angeles

89% (444 reviews)

Popular camping styles for Los Angeles

Under $50

12 top desert campgrounds near Los Angeles

98%

(82)

AntFarm LA

6 sites · RVs, Tents20 acres · Los Angeles, CA

Looking for a quick escape from the city for a peaceful place to recharge? AntFarm LA offers a private, quiet retreat in nature where you can disconnect from the buzz of city life with the convenience of the city nearby. Hand-built with love and a couple of shovels by our family and friends, this hike-in, tent-only site is the perfect oasis for locals and visitors alike. As you embark on the short hike up, you will experience breathtaking views, shaded trails, and a sense of calm as you arrive at your campsite. You’ll enjoy stunning sunsets, sunrises, and the tranquil sound of birds chirping—an idyllic backdrop to clear your mind. We’ve thoughtfully added a few comforts so you can enjoy nature without completely leaving modern conveniences behind. Take advantage of amenities like a refrigerator, sink, a bathroom with a flushable toilet, and a shower to refresh after a day of exploring. We also have a few electrical outlets and WiFi if you need to stay connected online or charge your devices. If you want to howl at the moon, we have some more remote hike-in campsites available. Send us a message for details. Out of respect to our neighbors, we do not allow car camping in our parking lot. Car or RV sleeping is permitted on our Van Pad site only, although we do not provide RV hookups. To protect the privacy of others and the exclusivity of the retreat, we ask that you do not disclose the purpose of your stay to anyone outside of AntFarm LA, including surrounding neighbors. You may identify yourself as a guest or a friend, if asked. To preserve the quiet, off-the-grid atmosphere we’ve created, we ask that you respect our noise curfew of 10PM. We look forward to having you stay!

Camping @ Quail Run Ostrich Ranch

8 sites · RVs, Tents62 acres · Lake Hughes, CA

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 & 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.

Old West Mountain Camping Near LA!

2 sites · RVs, Tents100 acres · Acton, CA

Learn more about this land:A vast expanse of oak trees, California Junipers and rugged, mountainous land running with jackrabbits, quail, and owls that is just 3 miles from Vazquez Rocks and the PCT, our ranch transports you. From the tent campsite, you look out for 20 miles and see nothing but nature across small mountains and canyons all the way to the peaks of Angeles National Forest in the distance. The campsite is a large flat area. For a trailer or RV it's a great place to park and the view is towards wide open spaces. With a tent or if you want more pure nature, you can drive out onto the property further towards the small ruin of the old homesteader's cabin or beyond. The property has a long-abandoned gold mine and circular arrastres where miners used mules to break up rocks. Nearby Acton has pick-your-own apples/pears/peaches at Bloom farms. We are at 3000 feet with strong sun during the day and cool mountains air at night. The camping is set away from structures, but if you want to stroll, closer to the ranch buildings, we have friendly small goats you can visit if interested and horses and a donkey to say hello to across the corral fence.

Acton Oasis

3 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents2 acres · Acton, CA

We are a BIPOC and LGBTQIA+ friendly location. Our family home is conveniently located just off of Highway 14, along Sierra Highway, in Acton, CA. We offer parking in our large driveway with hookups for electricity and well water. You can save money by boondocking if you don't need to plug in or use well water -- just add it as an extra. Please fill your tanks with potable water and/or bring drinking water. Our well water is very hard so we filter. No black water disposal. There are no toilets, laundry, or other amenities. We currently do not have garbage disposal, but will again soon. No smoking or fires allowed. No exceptions. This is a high risk fire area. No leaking vehicles. A $400 fee to cleanup any vehicle leaks. No working on vehicles on the property.

91%

(115)

ArtFarm Movie Ranch & Nomad NeXuS

41 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents12 acres · Leona Valley, CA

Nomad-NeXus @ ArtFarm Nature Space offers the best of both worlds: Amazing Nature , bright stars and serenity , a fun creative vibe and good people and blazing fast internet connection for digital nomads and young entrepreneurs who are looking for a space to connect with nature and the world at large all at once, bridging the gap between Nature and Technology, Freedom and Community , hard work and inspiring moments with inspiring and positive people. ArtFarm Movie Ranch and Nature space is the perfect location for all your artistic needs and the perfect space for Digital Nomads and Creative entrepreneurs to immerse themselves in Nature while enjoying the benefits of an instant community of inspired people who love to connect, collaborate and create ! we would love to meet you!

100%

(34)

Prospector Ranch

5 sites · Lodging, RVs10 acres · Thousand Oaks, CA

Prospector Ranch which is an 1800's style ranch located right next door to the acre used for Hipcamping. The ranch is made up of their home and is also a venue for filming, photo shoots and small events. When not being used, camping guest are welcome to enjoy the area down around the authentic saloon, use the picnic area under large Oak trees and hike the property. They purchased the ranch 3 years ago and love being outside of the city in the mountains. Star gazing is a must when staying there! The camp site is NEXT DOOR to Prospector Ranch which is our 1800's style ranch tucked away in the Santa Monica mountains, close to beaches, vineyards, amazing hiking, biking to the beach and the city! The wide open empty lot looks out at the beautiful mountains. Enjoy stunning sun sets and Picnic under the grand Oak Trees at the ranch or maybe come by the saloon next door for a cold beverage if we are around. :-). We are happy to point you in the direction for what ever you want to do. There are so many things to do in Thousand Oaks!

HIPTRIP Basecamp + Wildlife Habitat

2 sites · Tents3 acres · Santa Clarita, CA

A NATURAL AMPHITHEATER SPACE – come tent-camp under the stars – at the base of desert chaparral rolling hills – on a secluded, flat, circular, primitive camp area 50 feet in diameter – within a three-acre wildlife habitat – along the edge of a quiet suburban neighborhood. ACCESS INCLUDES shaded concrete patio with gas-fired firepit (no wood). 18+ only. No pets. Pee anywhere, but bring your own camp toilet, please. NEARBY – Six Flags Magic Mountain, San Fernando Valley, Castaic Lake, Angeles National Forest, Pyramid Lake, Pacific Crest Trail, Antelope Valley Poppy Preserve, Southern Sierra Mountains, Mojave Desert. Downtown L.A., 60 minutes away. Orange County, 90+ minutes away. ONE HOUR NORTH OF DOWNTOWN L.A. – off I-5 at Newhall Ranch Road. Perfect for overnight stays before heading elsewhere in California – north or south. Friendly onsite host and property owner.

77%

(22)

Nomad NeXus @ Lonesome Ranch

7 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents9 acres · Leona Valley, CA

Staying with us gives you the best of both worlds. Nature, Serenity and Connectivity. Enjoy the seclusion and privacy of your own little spot in nature knowing that you have an instant community & can still have access to fast internet speed in most places of the ranch thanks to our 2 starling internet networks. Also there are always some awesome, helpful people near by ready to help you with anything you might need. And YES, your always welcome to hop into our sparkling swimming pool, join us at our fun Western Saloon and play billiards, hang out at the bar and meet other campers and ranch hands and join us at our campfire and enjoy all the other cool amenities which make up our ArtFarm community! Most camp sites are just a short 5 minute walk from our main ranch house were you have access to our community kitchen, Showers, air-conditioned co- workspace w unlimited, high speed Starlink internet for all your online work needs, a Movie projector area, indoor fireplace and With tons of hiking and ATV trails there is lots to do and explore and with all the friendly people and projects going on close by at Art Farm you might just get inspired to make some friends or be more creative yourself and start tinkering with your own art or craft projects. As far as supplies, Leona Valley has a well stocked little mini mart, gas and a a great little restaurant called "Jacks Place" with yummy food and amazing draft beer .... all just 10 minutes drive down the dirt road.

97%

(43)

Agua Dulce with Your RV

5 sites · RVs5 acres · Agua Dulce, CA

Site #1 is set up with a full RV service. 30 amps, water and permitted septic. There is a large 12 ft x 30 ft cement patio to park next to with a 12 x 12 ft covered pergola on Site, dining seating and lovely views. Sunsets are amazing from here. We sit on 5 acres with walking trails and vista points. Across the street is Vasquez Park, and the town center is a 5-minute drive or a healthy walk. There are 3 restaurants to enjoy along with 2 bars, a liquor store and a 1950's style hardware store. Easy freeway access will get you to shopping centers in @ 15 minutes. These include Chase Bank, Vons Supermarket, Subway, 31 Flavors, Starbucks, Yum Yum Donuts, a Pizza Place. Costco is the next offramp up. The best of both worlds. The Beauty of a quiet, rural area only a skip, hop and jump to a shopping center.

100%

(4)

Zorthian Ranch

1 site · Tent45 acres · Altadena, CA

For over 70 years, the Zorthian Ranch has stood as a haven for artists and intellectuals, functioning as both a community and arts center, and providing a natural respite from the city. Conveniently located just 15 miles from Downtown Los Angeles and bordering the Angeles National Forest, Zorthian Ranch spans 45 acres of mountains, valleys, forests, structures, and sculptures. Its distinctive architecture, handcrafted by the renowned Jirayr Zorthian, a popular and eccentric artist in the area, adds a unique touch. The ranch features vintage vehicles, a variety of farm animals, agriculture, and a diverse landscape, creating a vibrant setting for community events, art, music, and permaculture. Additionally, the ranch has served as a film location for over 20 years, hosting popular TV shows, movies, and music videos. Campers have various options for their stay. Those seeking a tranquil, wilderness-immersed experience can choose campsites accessible by foot trail, offering shaded areas and expansive overlooks with views stretching to Santa Catalina Island. For car campers, campsites within the developed portion of the ranch are accessible by vehicle and nestled in a lively garden oasis. The property boasts extensive wilderness with numerous private trails available to campers. Scenic outlooks and open flat rest areas with tables and chairs are scattered throughout the private wilderness trails. Campers also have access to a vast network of public trails and sites in the San Gabriel Mountains, including Millard Canyon Falls Trail, Sunset Ridge Trail, Mt Lowe Trail, and Echo Mountain Trail. The dominant plant communities within and around the ranch create a diverse mosaic, including chaparral, coastal sage scrub, coast live oak, Engelmann oak woodland, riparian habitat, and ephemeral wash habitat. The undeveloped foothill and mountainous terrain within the Angeles National Forest to the north serve as the core habitat for large mammals and birds. Wildlife movement within and through the ranch features daily and seasonal patterns for both large and small vertebrates, with shaded canyon bottoms acting as vital corridors. Regular wildlife sightings include bobcats, coyotes, bears, deer, rabbits, squirrels, and a variety of birds. In the developed portion of the ranch, terrain can be steep and uneven in certain areas, with dirt pathways that result in dust during hot summers and mud during the wet season. Campers should take this into consideration when packing and come prepared with sunscreen, hats, sturdy footwear, and water bottles for exploring the property.

100%

(17)

Desert mountain

2 sites · RVs, Tents5 acres · Agua Dulce, CA

Learn more about this land: Desert mountain view of the open sky with lots of stars Covered picnic area with games fire pit seating area tables heat lamps in western Decour Two horses chickens ducks dogs with clean comfort walking distance to Le Chen Restaurant

100%

(5)

Mojave in LA

9 sites · Tents40 acres · Lake Los Angeles, CA

I love that we have so much pristine desert right here in LA County. It’s a true treasure. Many of my fellow Angelenos don’t realize that you don’t have to drive far to get the full desert experience.Learn more about this land:This huge 40 acre property has the best of both worlds, as you'll feel away from it all while still being relatively close to civilization. The property is completely undeveloped (no houses, structures, etc.) and is in its pure natural state. Pitch your tent anywhere on this pristine piece of the Mojave Desert and you will be connected with nature. A wash runs through the property, so water for trees is not too far below ground and this property is one of the few in the Antelope Valley to have shade trees. The north edge of the property is bordered by Palmdale Blvd, making the property easily accessible. Palmdale Blvd is also where you’ll want to park unless your vehicle can drive on sand. And if you forgot anything or want to go shopping or dining, just hop in your car and you’re only 10 minutes from the heart of the City of Palmdale, with every modern comfort. The smaller town of Lake Los Angeles is even closer, offering groceries and restaurants with a small town feel.

Available this weekend

100%

(41)

Acton Oasis

3 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents2 acres · Acton, CA

We are a BIPOC and LGBTQIA+ friendly location. Our family home is conveniently located just off of Highway 14, along Sierra Highway, in Acton, CA. We offer parking in our large driveway with hookups for electricity and well water. You can save money by boondocking if you don't need to plug in or use well water -- just add it as an extra. Please fill your tanks with potable water and/or bring drinking water. Our well water is very hard so we filter. No black water disposal. There are no toilets, laundry, or other amenities. We currently do not have garbage disposal, but will again soon. No smoking or fires allowed. No exceptions. This is a high risk fire area. No leaking vehicles. A $400 fee to cleanup any vehicle leaks. No working on vehicles on the property.

Old West Mountain Camping Near LA!

2 sites · RVs, Tents100 acres · Acton, CA

Learn more about this land:A vast expanse of oak trees, California Junipers and rugged, mountainous land running with jackrabbits, quail, and owls that is just 3 miles from Vazquez Rocks and the PCT, our ranch transports you. From the tent campsite, you look out for 20 miles and see nothing but nature across small mountains and canyons all the way to the peaks of Angeles National Forest in the distance. The campsite is a large flat area. For a trailer or RV it's a great place to park and the view is towards wide open spaces. With a tent or if you want more pure nature, you can drive out onto the property further towards the small ruin of the old homesteader's cabin or beyond. The property has a long-abandoned gold mine and circular arrastres where miners used mules to break up rocks. Nearby Acton has pick-your-own apples/pears/peaches at Bloom farms. We are at 3000 feet with strong sun during the day and cool mountains air at night. The camping is set away from structures, but if you want to stroll, closer to the ranch buildings, we have friendly small goats you can visit if interested and horses and a donkey to say hello to across the corral fence.

Camping @ Quail Run Ostrich Ranch

8 sites · RVs, Tents62 acres · Lake Hughes, CA

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 & 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.

ArtFarm Movie Ranch & Nomad NeXuS

41 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents12 acres · Leona Valley, CA

Nomad-NeXus @ ArtFarm Nature Space offers the best of both worlds: Amazing Nature , bright stars and serenity , a fun creative vibe and good people and blazing fast internet connection for digital nomads and young entrepreneurs who are looking for a space to connect with nature and the world at large all at once, bridging the gap between Nature and Technology, Freedom and Community , hard work and inspiring moments with inspiring and positive people. ArtFarm Movie Ranch and Nature space is the perfect location for all your artistic needs and the perfect space for Digital Nomads and Creative entrepreneurs to immerse themselves in Nature while enjoying the benefits of an instant community of inspired people who love to connect, collaborate and create ! we would love to meet you!

Nomad NeXus @ Lonesome Ranch

7 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents9 acres · Leona Valley, CA

Staying with us gives you the best of both worlds. Nature, Serenity and Connectivity. Enjoy the seclusion and privacy of your own little spot in nature knowing that you have an instant community & can still have access to fast internet speed in most places of the ranch thanks to our 2 starling internet networks. Also there are always some awesome, helpful people near by ready to help you with anything you might need. And YES, your always welcome to hop into our sparkling swimming pool, join us at our fun Western Saloon and play billiards, hang out at the bar and meet other campers and ranch hands and join us at our campfire and enjoy all the other cool amenities which make up our ArtFarm community! Most camp sites are just a short 5 minute walk from our main ranch house were you have access to our community kitchen, Showers, air-conditioned co- workspace w unlimited, high speed Starlink internet for all your online work needs, a Movie projector area, indoor fireplace and With tons of hiking and ATV trails there is lots to do and explore and with all the friendly people and projects going on close by at Art Farm you might just get inspired to make some friends or be more creative yourself and start tinkering with your own art or craft projects. As far as supplies, Leona Valley has a well stocked little mini mart, gas and a a great little restaurant called "Jacks Place" with yummy food and amazing draft beer .... all just 10 minutes drive down the dirt road.

Dog-friendly getaways

91%

(115)

ArtFarm Movie Ranch & Nomad NeXuS

41 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents12 acres · Leona Valley, CA

Nomad-NeXus @ ArtFarm Nature Space offers the best of both worlds: Amazing Nature , bright stars and serenity , a fun creative vibe and good people and blazing fast internet connection for digital nomads and young entrepreneurs who are looking for a space to connect with nature and the world at large all at once, bridging the gap between Nature and Technology, Freedom and Community , hard work and inspiring moments with inspiring and positive people. ArtFarm Movie Ranch and Nature space is the perfect location for all your artistic needs and the perfect space for Digital Nomads and Creative entrepreneurs to immerse themselves in Nature while enjoying the benefits of an instant community of inspired people who love to connect, collaborate and create ! we would love to meet you!

Camping @ Quail Run Ostrich Ranch

8 sites · RVs, Tents62 acres · Lake Hughes, CA

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 & 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.

Acton Oasis

3 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents2 acres · Acton, CA

We are a BIPOC and LGBTQIA+ friendly location. Our family home is conveniently located just off of Highway 14, along Sierra Highway, in Acton, CA. We offer parking in our large driveway with hookups for electricity and well water. You can save money by boondocking if you don't need to plug in or use well water -- just add it as an extra. Please fill your tanks with potable water and/or bring drinking water. Our well water is very hard so we filter. No black water disposal. There are no toilets, laundry, or other amenities. We currently do not have garbage disposal, but will again soon. No smoking or fires allowed. No exceptions. This is a high risk fire area. No leaking vehicles. A $400 fee to cleanup any vehicle leaks. No working on vehicles on the property.

AntFarm LA

6 sites · RVs, Tents20 acres · Los Angeles, CA

Looking for a quick escape from the city for a peaceful place to recharge? AntFarm LA offers a private, quiet retreat in nature where you can disconnect from the buzz of city life with the convenience of the city nearby. Hand-built with love and a couple of shovels by our family and friends, this hike-in, tent-only site is the perfect oasis for locals and visitors alike. As you embark on the short hike up, you will experience breathtaking views, shaded trails, and a sense of calm as you arrive at your campsite. You’ll enjoy stunning sunsets, sunrises, and the tranquil sound of birds chirping—an idyllic backdrop to clear your mind. We’ve thoughtfully added a few comforts so you can enjoy nature without completely leaving modern conveniences behind. Take advantage of amenities like a refrigerator, sink, a bathroom with a flushable toilet, and a shower to refresh after a day of exploring. We also have a few electrical outlets and WiFi if you need to stay connected online or charge your devices. If you want to howl at the moon, we have some more remote hike-in campsites available. Send us a message for details. Out of respect to our neighbors, we do not allow car camping in our parking lot. Car or RV sleeping is permitted on our Van Pad site only, although we do not provide RV hookups. To protect the privacy of others and the exclusivity of the retreat, we ask that you do not disclose the purpose of your stay to anyone outside of AntFarm LA, including surrounding neighbors. You may identify yourself as a guest or a friend, if asked. To preserve the quiet, off-the-grid atmosphere we’ve created, we ask that you respect our noise curfew of 10PM. We look forward to having you stay!

Prospector Ranch

5 sites · Lodging, RVs10 acres · Thousand Oaks, CA

Prospector Ranch which is an 1800's style ranch located right next door to the acre used for Hipcamping. The ranch is made up of their home and is also a venue for filming, photo shoots and small events. When not being used, camping guest are welcome to enjoy the area down around the authentic saloon, use the picnic area under large Oak trees and hike the property. They purchased the ranch 3 years ago and love being outside of the city in the mountains. Star gazing is a must when staying there! The camp site is NEXT DOOR to Prospector Ranch which is our 1800's style ranch tucked away in the Santa Monica mountains, close to beaches, vineyards, amazing hiking, biking to the beach and the city! The wide open empty lot looks out at the beautiful mountains. Enjoy stunning sun sets and Picnic under the grand Oak Trees at the ranch or maybe come by the saloon next door for a cold beverage if we are around. :-). We are happy to point you in the direction for what ever you want to do. There are so many things to do in Thousand Oaks!

Nearby parks

Explore the area’s public lands.

92%

(224)

Angeles National Forest

La Crescenta Montrose, California

Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

Desert camping near Los Angeles guide

Overview

Looking for a camping experience near Los Angeles, California in the desert? Look no further than Hipcamp! With over 1,700 options available, you're sure to find the perfect campsite to suit your needs. Whether you prefer a secluded oasis or a bustling campground, there's something for everyone. Check out top campsites like Cuyama Badlands (1681 reviews), Down-to-Earth Ecoshire (552 reviews), or Blue Sky Center (343 reviews) for highly recommended options. Plus, with popular amenities like showers, trash disposal, and pet-friendly options, you'll have everything you need for a comfortable stay. Get ready to enjoy activities like wind sports, horseback riding, and climbing in the beautiful desert terrain. And with an average price per night of $33 and options as low as $5, you can enjoy an affordable camping adventure. Happy camping!