Desert camping near Ridgecrest

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

84% (531 reviews)
84% (531 reviews)

Popular camping styles for Ridgecrest

Community favorites near Ridgecrest

Top-rated campgrounds reviewed by the Hipcamp community.

Public campgrounds near Ridgecrest

Dog-friendly getaways

12 top desert campgrounds near Ridgecrest

85%
(23)

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
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
Campfires
Showers
from 
$24
 / night
100%
(2)

Camp Dirty Shirt

3 sites · RVs, Tents2 acres · Edwards, CA
Nice place to park your RV or setup a tent. Alot of mother Earth and the open sky. A decent liquor Store not far east of here. Two benches by the fire ring. If you need water let me know I could drop of a 5 gallon for 5 dollars. Need more electric? For $20 I can rent you a battery pack that runs most appliances. For $5.00 I will bring you firewood. Pretty decent dirt road should be ok for most vehicles. If it's raining you probably need a sub or 4x4. Guarantee you will see a shooting star aka meteor if you look at the sky for 15 minutes. There are two graded roads on the property for parking, please stay on them. There is no reason to drive your car around the area trampling the vegetation and native growth. Don't hack down the bushes to use for firewood! Please bring your own firewood. Keep this place natural. I can bring you some firewood. Excellent 4 bar Verizon cell service. Stream or remote work all you want. Bring your binoculars to see the stars or occasional wildlife?
Pets
Campfires
from 
$13
 / night
91%
(548)

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!
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
Campfires
Showers
from 
$46
 / night
99%
(39)

Wandering Star Ranch

1 site · RV, Tent15 acres · Weldon, CA
Learn more about this land: A large private dispersed group camp- Entire property (all sites) included in rental. 7 night maximum.  Longer possible with discussion. 15 acres yours to enjoy. Take your jeep or ATVs through our gates straight into the BrightStar BLM Wilderness which abuts the property on two sides.  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 . The Brightstar wilderness extends to Jawbone canyon. 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. Verizon has good service  Gas/Diesel and Market with Deli 5 minutes away. (Ice, wood, adult beverages, fishing tackle, full grocery)
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
Trash
from 
$125
 / night

Under $50

Available this weekend

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

Desert camping near Ridgecrest guide

Overview

Looking to experience the desert in all its glory near Ridgecrest, California? Look no further than Hipcamp, where you'll find over 1,700 options specifically tailored to your desert terrain preference. With options as low as $5 per night and an average price of $30 per night, there's something for every budget. Check out the top-rated Death Valley Stargazing Camp (171 reviews), Death Valley Camp (132 reviews), and Bowen Springs Camp Retreat (127 reviews) for a stellar camping experience. Enjoy popular amenities like campfires, toilets, and the ability to bring your furry friend along. Plus, get your adrenaline pumping with activities like off-roading (OHV), swimming, and exploring historic sites. Don't miss out on the ultimate desert camping adventure!

Hipcamp is created with ❤️ and hope for our future.