Camping near Ridgecrest

This Southern California town is the gateway to exploring the desert and Death Valley National Park.

88% (853 reviews)
88% (853 reviews)

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Star Hosts in Ridgecrest

12 top campgrounds near Ridgecrest

86%
(25)

Bare All Retreat

8 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents138 acres · Caliente, CA
Welcome to our 138-acre ranch and farm, nestled amidst the stunning natural beauty of our mountainous landscape. With a creek running through the front and steep mountains in the rear, our property offers a picturesque setting for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers alike. Explore the many old gold miners trails that crisscross our land, now perfect for horseback riding and OHV adventures. Our working ranch and farm provide a glimpse into traditional agricultural practices, with opportunities to observe and participate in farm activities. Keep an eye out for free-range cattle roaming the area, adding to the rustic charm of our mountainous terrain. Discover hidden valleys with seasonal waterfalls and year-round springs, offering peaceful retreats and refreshing natural beauty. Whether you're seeking adventure on the trails, relaxation by the creek, or a glimpse into rural life on the farm, our 138-acre property has something for everyone to enjoy amidst the serene beauty of nature.
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from 
$28
 / night
91%
(544)

Death Valley Stargazing Camp

6 sites · RVs, Tents80 acres · Valley Wells, CA
PLEASE NOTE: You MUST approach the property from the south through the ghost town of Ballarat. If you try to approach from the north on Indian Ranch Road, you very well may come across some section of road that have been washed out. PLEASE APPROACH FROM THE SOUTH! The easiest way to get here is to navigate to Ballarat first, and then turn north on Indian Ranch Road. Google often thinks the road in between Ballarat and our location is closed, but we assure you it's not, and hasn't been for years. PLEASE NOTE THERE IS NO CELL SERVICE IN THE AREA. Pitch your tent or pull up your RV or camper van on Death Valley's front porch just outside of Surprise Canyon in Panamint Valley. Near the ghost town of Ballarat, Death Valley Stargazing Camp is one of only four private parcels in all of Panamint Valley -- and lies just west of the Death Valley National Park boundary. This pristine valley is untouched, and offers panoramic views of amazing sunsets, sunrises, and of course dark, dark skies! The property features 4 campsites with privacy amongst the 80 acres. All sites have several hundred feet in between them, and include a picnic bench, fire ring, and shared porta-potties across from the Green Alien Mailbox (800 - 1200 feet away depending on your campsite -- or as we call them, Starsites). And did we mention the views?? Whether you're visiting Death Valley, or just passing through the desert -- these campsites are serene, scenic, and include a stargazing wonderland! Site #1: Recessed from the road, this is the biggest site and has ample room for any type of vehicle, as well as lots of vehicles. Vehicles can pull through. Site #2: Closer to the road and also fairly big. Some vehicles can pull through but some will have to back out. Large trailers could be a problem. Site #3: Along side the road and the smallest of the three sites (although all sites are surrounded by nothing). All vehicles will have to back out of this site. Large trailers could be a problem. SIte #4: Across from the mailbox on the west side of the road. NOT RECOMMENDED FOR LARGE TRAILERS OR ANY HEAVY VEHICLES WHICH COULD GET STUCK IN THE SAND! Cars should proceed with caution and stay on the road as there are areas of loose sand near this site. Walk to it first to check conditions if you are unsure. Come join us in the middle of nowhere with dark skies and easy access to Death Valley, the Trona Pinnacles, Darwin Falls, Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes, and countless canyons with mining ruins and adventures!
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from 
$46
 / night
83%
(21)

Underworld Farms

15 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents6 acres · Kernville, CA
Underworld Farms is a small goat ranch in the Kern River Valley. Surrounded by forestry land, on the Kern River, and on top of what used to be the old town of Whiskey Flat (Later re-named Kernville). There is no end to the beauty, history and adventure all around the property. Life took us to the Kern River Valley after moving out of Los Angeles. We enjoy living in the Southern Sierras immersed in all its natural beauty. The small but magnificent town of Kernville is approximately two and a half miles north of us. Our livestock includes horses, dairy goats, sheep, and rabbits: Most of which are raised and bred as our son's 4H or FFA projects. You may be wondering why our farm is called "Underworld Farms". In a nutshell, since our ranch is on the footprint of the historic town of Whiskey Flat, we just happen to be south of the old Whiskey Flat "Boot Hill" Cemetery. Our "driveway" is the road that led from the old town of Kernville to the cemetery. We hope that you consider parking your RV, van conversion, or trailer on one of our customized spots on the property. Or drive your vehicle and pitch a tent on one of our tent friendly sports. Or enjoy a stay in one of our small cabins. Regardless of what you stay in, you will definitely have a memorable time. The campground is VERY barebones and rural. Critters, bugs, and sometimes fellow Hipcampers can be sparce or prevalent pretty randomly. Because Underworld Farms is a working ranch, you will probably hear livestock noises like horses neighing, sheep and goats calling, and our protector dogs barking from time to time. We encourage you to walk over to the horses and goats and meet them. They especially like when you bring them carrots or apple pieces. The ranch has a double outhouse with a hand washing station sandwiched in between, it is rustic and bare bones. We check it to see if it has paper products, soap, water, and plenty of room in the trash bins. During the hotter months, the "daddy longleg" spiders enjoy infiltrating the outhouses and seem to spin new webs overnight. But they and their webs are harmless and easy to brush off. We ask for your assistance if there is something missing, or the trash needs taking out, or if the spiders have taken over again by getting ahold of us through the Hipcamp App and letting us know. With all that being said, there is an ambient beauty here that is unbelievable and memorable. This beauty and draw is so powerful that it causes the many people who come visit to make arrangements to live in our little valley. There is much to do in and around our valley that you couldn't do it all in a lifetime. We hope that you come and stay at the ranch while enjoying our valley. May you have a great time. *** THE PIN MAP ON HIPCAMP IS NOT 100% ACCURATE. PLEASE REFFER TO THE MAP OF THE PROPERTY IN THE PHOTOS
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$24
 / night
100%
(1)

Something of Our Own Farms

4 sites · RVs, Tents3 acres · Inyokern, CA
Located in the high desert at the base of the eastern side of the Sierra Nevada mountain range, adventure is down every road. Views of Five Fingers Peaks from the property with spectacular moutnian sunsets. Only 1 hour to Kernville; 1 hour to Kennedy Meadows home of the Golden Trout; 1 hour to Death Valley National Park; 1:20 to Lone Pine and Whitney Portals; 3:30 to Yosemite National Park; about 3 hours from many beaches. The town of Ridgecrest is 15 minutes away and has all the ameneties you could need: Walmart, Home Depot, Tractor Supply, mechanics, hospital, etc. This 3 acre property is a family run small farm with chickens, ducks, turkeys, rabbits, dogs, cats, sheep, and goats. You will hear roosters crowing, sheep baaaing, and children playing. Otherwise this is a quiet location great for star gazing and quiet nights by the fire. 50 Amp hook up and water hook up. WiFi inuded. Trash dumping and bins included. Must bring own toilet. No septic service on site but locations nearby. Fires allowed in pit most times of the year unless under no burn order or winds. Outdoor seating. Pets ok as long as they don't interfere with livestock. Pens available for boarding your horses or livestock. Large riding arena.
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from 
$55
 / night

Under $50

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Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field
Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

Camping near Ridgecrest guide

Overview

In the Indian Wells Valley of the Mojave Desert, the town of Ridgecrest is known mainly for its proximity to the China Lake Naval Base. Its location also makes it a great base for exploring nearby desert attractions like the Trona Pinnacles, Fossil Falls, Petroglyph Canyons, Red Rock Canyon State Park, and Death Valley National Park. Nearby Sequoia National Forest offers non-desert options for outdoor recreation, including numerous lakes and rivers for fishing, boating, and water sports. Desert camping options are the most plentiful, though Forest Service campsites are also available, for both tent and RV campers looking for Ridgecrest camping.

Where to go

Near Ridgecrest

Head to Red Rock Canyon State Park to explore dramatic rock formations, canyons, cliffs, and trails for hiking, horseback riding, and OTV, then spend the night in a tent or RV at the Ricardo Campground.  Near Barstow, camp on BLM land at Owl Canyon, which offers tent camping and RV camping, with no restrictions on RV length. Find tent sites, RV sites, and cabins at the Calico Ghost Town Regional Park. For more amenities, including wifi and full hookups, try a private RV park.

Death Valley National Park

Ridgecrest is also a gateway to Death Valley National Park, the lowest, hottest, and driest point in the continental US, with a dramatic landscape of rolling sand dunes, massive salt flats, winding canyons, and snow-capped mountains. Choose from nine established campgrounds—each is situated at various elevations, so they are open at different times of the year. The year-round Furnace Creek Campground is centrally located to park highlights.

Sequoia National Forest

Head west to the Sequoia National Forest to explore groves of towering sequoias, canyons and peaks with plentiful trails, rivers, and lakes. Enjoy boating, fishing, and water sports at Lake Isabella, which offers more than 10 campgrounds around its shores for campers to choose from, with options for tent and RV camping. Several campgrounds can also be found along the Kern River, ideal for fishing and whitewater rafting.

When to go

With its desert location, spring and fall are the best times for outdoor activities around Ridgecrest, and for camping at Death Valley National Park, Red Rock Canyon National Park, and other desert parks. Guided tours of the Coso Rock Art National Historic Landmark are offered in spring and fall. Summer is the most popular time for camping at Sequoia National Forest. Visit in spring and summer for whitewater rafting, or in winter for trout fishing.

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.

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