Discover the best desert campgrounds near Santa Ana, California

United States
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California
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Santa Ana

88% (320 reviews)

Popular camping styles for Santa Ana

Under $50

Dog-friendly getaways

100%

(2)

Moonlight Farms

2 sites · Lodging30 acres · Lake Elsinore, CA

a 30 acre organic farm surrounded by the Cleveland National Forest epic hiking and close to the beach. Moonlight Farms is a SO CAL best kept secret. Bring your own Tent or stay in one of our Glamping tents or A Frame. MoonlightFarms is off the beaten trail and quiet. camp in a an oak grove teeming with wildlife.

Dead End Campgrounds RV Sites

5 sites · RVs, Tents3 acres · Wrightwood, CA

Sitting one mile high exactly on the side of the mountain, with views of the desert, mountains, and city lights below! . I have 2 other short-term rentals on the same 5 acres and the reviews have been so amazing I decided to expand to camping, RVs, etc. A large flat lot (50' x100') could host up to about 3 RVs (depending on the size) and tents. There is water, good WiFi, septic hook-up, and electricity in a limited capacity (solar and wind-powered). There are generators available. The property sits up against The Transitionary Habitat nature preserve and there are 350 acres of hiking in the Puma Canyon. You are literally surrounded by nature, a true escape but with the city lights in the backdrop! There are tables, chairs, tiki torches, bean bag toss, horseshoes, and a gas fire pit. The road to the property is narrow and steep, so please consider this when booking. We've had hundreds of groups navigate the roads with no problem, including 48 foot RVs. If you have concerns about whether or not your vehicle can make it, please don't hesitate to message me.

Nalas Lake Play

1 site · RV, Tent1 acre · Lake Elsinore, CA

Welcome to Lake Elsinore!! Im excited to be your host and help you make some great memories! This land does have a slope. But it also has a flap spot ontop perfect for camping with some amazing lake views and some gorgeous night skys. The stars feel so close to you that you think you can just reach out and grab them! There is a paved road that leads to the top of the street which is the most recommended way to get to this property since the road that google maps gives you is not paved and its too narrow for some cars. You are close to homes and stores. But your also secluded away to give you some privacy. Making you feel at one with nature. This small town is sourrended by loving people making it a jewel not just for the views and lake. This land is perfect for camping tents, Glamping tents, 4x4 Car Campers, and even small RVs(There is a small slope to get up into the property so make sure your RV is capable). The Property is just 3 minutes away from Lake Elsinore, here you can fish, swim, BBq, and many more activity that the lake offers. Being so close to it makes you want to be out there all day and come back at night to enjoy your night shows on the property with the stars. The property seize is 0.11 acres which is 4,791sq Feet. Only about 800sq Feet has a slope the rest is just flat land ontop. That gives you 3,800+ sq feet of land to just enjoy and have fun on!

AntFarm LA

6 sites · TentsLos Angeles, CA

NOTE: THIS IS A PARK AND HIKE-IN TENT-ONLY STAY. You must park by street and hike-up. You will not sleep in vehicle/RV.My wife and I built this place with the help of our 2 toddlers, our friends, and our team of shovels.

96%

(37)

Skyline Mountain

2 sites · RVs, Tents15 acres · CA

This little farm is being brought back to life! Once part of an 160 acre avocado farm now it is a 15 acre little slice of heaven purchased in 2019. Previously the farm had been let go and now our duty is to get it back in shape. We are making steady progress and fall in love with the land more everyday. Currently we are also planting about an acre of lavender which should be a beautiful backdrop come 2024. Time up here gives you a chance to unwind, unplug, and explore some remaining wildlife in southern California. Come and join us!

12 top desert campgrounds near Santa Ana

98%

(77)

AntFarm LA

6 sites · TentsLos Angeles, CA

NOTE: THIS IS A PARK AND HIKE-IN TENT-ONLY STAY. You must park by street and hike-up. You will not sleep in vehicle/RV.My wife and I built this place with the help of our 2 toddlers, our friends, and our team of shovels.

Nalas Lake Play

1 site · RV, Tent1 acre · Lake Elsinore, CA

Welcome to Lake Elsinore!! Im excited to be your host and help you make some great memories! This land does have a slope. But it also has a flap spot ontop perfect for camping with some amazing lake views and some gorgeous night skys. The stars feel so close to you that you think you can just reach out and grab them! There is a paved road that leads to the top of the street which is the most recommended way to get to this property since the road that google maps gives you is not paved and its too narrow for some cars. You are close to homes and stores. But your also secluded away to give you some privacy. Making you feel at one with nature. This small town is sourrended by loving people making it a jewel not just for the views and lake. This land is perfect for camping tents, Glamping tents, 4x4 Car Campers, and even small RVs(There is a small slope to get up into the property so make sure your RV is capable). The Property is just 3 minutes away from Lake Elsinore, here you can fish, swim, BBq, and many more activity that the lake offers. Being so close to it makes you want to be out there all day and come back at night to enjoy your night shows on the property with the stars. The property seize is 0.11 acres which is 4,791sq Feet. Only about 800sq Feet has a slope the rest is just flat land ontop. That gives you 3,800+ sq feet of land to just enjoy and have fun on!

Dead End Campgrounds RV Sites

5 sites · RVs, Tents3 acres · Wrightwood, CA

Sitting one mile high exactly on the side of the mountain, with views of the desert, mountains, and city lights below! . I have 2 other short-term rentals on the same 5 acres and the reviews have been so amazing I decided to expand to camping, RVs, etc. A large flat lot (50' x100') could host up to about 3 RVs (depending on the size) and tents. There is water, good WiFi, septic hook-up, and electricity in a limited capacity (solar and wind-powered). There are generators available. The property sits up against The Transitionary Habitat nature preserve and there are 350 acres of hiking in the Puma Canyon. You are literally surrounded by nature, a true escape but with the city lights in the backdrop! There are tables, chairs, tiki torches, bean bag toss, horseshoes, and a gas fire pit. The road to the property is narrow and steep, so please consider this when booking. We've had hundreds of groups navigate the roads with no problem, including 48 foot RVs. If you have concerns about whether or not your vehicle can make it, please don't hesitate to message me.

Skyline Mountain

2 sites · RVs, Tents15 acres · CA

This little farm is being brought back to life! Once part of an 160 acre avocado farm now it is a 15 acre little slice of heaven purchased in 2019. Previously the farm had been let go and now our duty is to get it back in shape. We are making steady progress and fall in love with the land more everyday. Currently we are also planting about an acre of lavender which should be a beautiful backdrop come 2024. Time up here gives you a chance to unwind, unplug, and explore some remaining wildlife in southern California. Come and join us!

Moonlight Farms

2 sites · Lodging30 acres · Lake Elsinore, CA

a 30 acre organic farm surrounded by the Cleveland National Forest epic hiking and close to the beach. Moonlight Farms is a SO CAL best kept secret. Bring your own Tent or stay in one of our Glamping tents or A Frame. MoonlightFarms is off the beaten trail and quiet. camp in a an oak grove teeming with wildlife.

99%

(74)

Rock & Tree

17 sites · RVs, Tents36 acres · Perris, CA

It's so nice to "meet you" my name is Taryn and my hubby's name is Anson. We are parents to two-year-old twins, so saying we have our hands full is an understatement. Anson is a folk and blues musician and has traveled all around the U.S. playing his music and I work for a children's book company. One day, we decided that we wanted to live the rest of our lives hosting live music, and events and that's how Rock & Tree began. As the idea grew, we wanted to create an Open Canvas so that the guest could dream up what they wanted on our stage. We moved to the Inland Empire from Santa Monica, in 2017 with the dream of building an open canvas event space out of sustainable, re purposed and natural materials. Our mission is help enrich the culture of Perris, CA by providing a unique venue that takes you away from the hustle and bustle and takes you to a wonderland of nature surrounded by rocks and eucalyptus trees. Anson and I continue to build everything ourselves with the help of our friends and family every now and again. Our process is that we source as much lumber using the dead Eucalyptus trees we have here on the 36 acre property and we are constantly trying to come up with innovative ways to use recycled and donated materials in the venue. During the pandemic, we turned our venue into a campground so we could open up the venue to people who needed to get out into nature. We are now open for daily camping and private events. You can follow our journey on our Instagram.

Rocky Mountain Retreat

21 sites · RVs, Tents300 acres · Romoland, CA

Learn more about this land:Ideal for campers looking for a space to pull away for a couple days and enjoy the desert landscape Also tiny home and van life friendly There is a hike on the property about 5 miles long to the top where there are some beautiful views! Occasional you get the hot air balloons floating in over the lakes in front of the property. If there Is any questions please feel free to ask

100%

(1)

Royal Diamond Alpaca Ranch

1 site · RV11 acres · Murrieta, CA

Royal Diamond is a Western theme ranch with 20 Alpacas, 12 llama, 10 Nubian goats, 2 Draft horses, 1 quarter horse and 2 mini horses. Guided tours available daily. Visitor will can enjoy our exotic animals Pet and Play with animals. Enjoy drinks in our signature llama lounge There is a hot tub jacuzzi available with television bar and grill

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.

83%

(3)

Estelle Mountain

3 sites · RVs18 acres · Perris, CA

Do you need a place to stay that is close to everything but feels far away? Do you have a 4x4? Can your 4x4 pull a self contained vehicle such as a Pop-Up Trailer or RV? The closest neighbors are 1/2 mile away. This is vacant land, in fact its a mountain. The elevation at the base is 1000’ above sea level….. At the top the elevation is 2,600’ above sea level.

100%

(135)

The Unhitched Ranch

1 site · RV, Tent37 acres · Colton, CA

The Unhitched Ranch is a family run Clydesdale and Texas Longhorn Ranch. Clydesdales and Texas Longhorns have been the focus of the family owned and operated ranch. The Ranch is approximately 40 acres and is tucked away in a very unique area of Southern California and has spectacular views of the local mountains and city lights. This quaint little canyon is nestled between Loma Linda and Moreno Valley, and is home to about 800 free roaming wild burros that visit frequently.Recently we have added a Gazebo that you can camp near or under as well a a horseshoe pit, and tether ball. We typically only open the ranch to one group of campers at a time so more than likely you will be alone with us on the ranch. There is plenty of room for larger groups, feel free to contact us

Booked 1 time

Huttopia Paradise Springs

3 sites · Lodging150 acres · Valyermo, CA

With its unspoiled beauty, crisp mountain air and dappled sunlight, it’s easy to see why Paradise Springs was a natural choice for our very first Huttopia resort on the West Coast. You’ll find our Huttopia Paradise Springs village high up in the San Gabriel Mountains inside the protected Angeles National Forest. Paradise Springs has long been a destination for people looking to escape greater Los Angeles for the wild. It’s an oasis in a wide canyon ringed by lush desert greenery fed by an artesian spring that flows into a winding creek all year long. That sounds like paradise to us.

Available this weekend

64%

(7)

Nalas Lake Play

1 site · RV, Tent1 acre · Lake Elsinore, CA

Welcome to Lake Elsinore!! Im excited to be your host and help you make some great memories! This land does have a slope. But it also has a flap spot ontop perfect for camping with some amazing lake views and some gorgeous night skys. The stars feel so close to you that you think you can just reach out and grab them! There is a paved road that leads to the top of the street which is the most recommended way to get to this property since the road that google maps gives you is not paved and its too narrow for some cars. You are close to homes and stores. But your also secluded away to give you some privacy. Making you feel at one with nature. This small town is sourrended by loving people making it a jewel not just for the views and lake. This land is perfect for camping tents, Glamping tents, 4x4 Car Campers, and even small RVs(There is a small slope to get up into the property so make sure your RV is capable). The Property is just 3 minutes away from Lake Elsinore, here you can fish, swim, BBq, and many more activity that the lake offers. Being so close to it makes you want to be out there all day and come back at night to enjoy your night shows on the property with the stars. The property seize is 0.11 acres which is 4,791sq Feet. Only about 800sq Feet has a slope the rest is just flat land ontop. That gives you 3,800+ sq feet of land to just enjoy and have fun on!

Skyline Mountain

2 sites · RVs, Tents15 acres · CA

This little farm is being brought back to life! Once part of an 160 acre avocado farm now it is a 15 acre little slice of heaven purchased in 2019. Previously the farm had been let go and now our duty is to get it back in shape. We are making steady progress and fall in love with the land more everyday. Currently we are also planting about an acre of lavender which should be a beautiful backdrop come 2024. Time up here gives you a chance to unwind, unplug, and explore some remaining wildlife in southern California. Come and join us!

Moonlight Farms

2 sites · Lodging30 acres · Lake Elsinore, CA

a 30 acre organic farm surrounded by the Cleveland National Forest epic hiking and close to the beach. Moonlight Farms is a SO CAL best kept secret. Bring your own Tent or stay in one of our Glamping tents or A Frame. MoonlightFarms is off the beaten trail and quiet. camp in a an oak grove teeming with wildlife.

Estelle Mountain

3 sites · RVs18 acres · Perris, CA

Do you need a place to stay that is close to everything but feels far away? Do you have a 4x4? Can your 4x4 pull a self contained vehicle such as a Pop-Up Trailer or RV? The closest neighbors are 1/2 mile away. This is vacant land, in fact its a mountain. The elevation at the base is 1000’ above sea level….. At the top the elevation is 2,600’ above sea level.

Royal Diamond Alpaca Ranch

1 site · RV11 acres · Murrieta, CA

Royal Diamond is a Western theme ranch with 20 Alpacas, 12 llama, 10 Nubian goats, 2 Draft horses, 1 quarter horse and 2 mini horses. Guided tours available daily. Visitor will can enjoy our exotic animals Pet and Play with animals. Enjoy drinks in our signature llama lounge There is a hot tub jacuzzi available with television bar and grill

Star Hosts in Santa Ana

96%

(37)

Skyline Mountain

2 sites · RVs, Tents15 acres · CA

This little farm is being brought back to life! Once part of an 160 acre avocado farm now it is a 15 acre little slice of heaven purchased in 2019. Previously the farm had been let go and now our duty is to get it back in shape. We are making steady progress and fall in love with the land more everyday. Currently we are also planting about an acre of lavender which should be a beautiful backdrop come 2024. Time up here gives you a chance to unwind, unplug, and explore some remaining wildlife in southern California. Come and join us!

98%

(26)

Heavenly Hideout at Quail Ranch

1 site · Lodging5 acres · Phelan, CA

Experience a 70’s groovy retro Trailer with beautiful panoramic views. The property is gated with a private entrance. Feature's a Hammock, Cowboy pool, fire pit, Swing for 2, indoor shower, Full kitchen Table, flush toilet, Bed #1 (fits 2 adults) Bed#2 (fits 2 kids or 1 adult) Picnic table, covered outdoors seating. Air conditioning. Campsite has a full restroom (hot water). 5 beautiful acres where you can disconnect with peace and quiet. Hiking trail is your view, enjoy a hike and fresh air. A retro style oozing with charm and quirky vibes. - Kichen is stocked with everything needed to cook a meal -Roasting sticks - Guitar -Smart TV - Tripod -Boards Games, card games - Complimentary Coffee and Sugar (Coffee kettle provided) -Trailer is powered by Solar Power -Solar Power Station inside Trailer (Charge Small electronics, Cellphone)

Rock & Tree

17 sites · RVs, Tents36 acres · Perris, CA

It's so nice to "meet you" my name is Taryn and my hubby's name is Anson. We are parents to two-year-old twins, so saying we have our hands full is an understatement. Anson is a folk and blues musician and has traveled all around the U.S. playing his music and I work for a children's book company. One day, we decided that we wanted to live the rest of our lives hosting live music, and events and that's how Rock & Tree began. As the idea grew, we wanted to create an Open Canvas so that the guest could dream up what they wanted on our stage. We moved to the Inland Empire from Santa Monica, in 2017 with the dream of building an open canvas event space out of sustainable, re purposed and natural materials. Our mission is help enrich the culture of Perris, CA by providing a unique venue that takes you away from the hustle and bustle and takes you to a wonderland of nature surrounded by rocks and eucalyptus trees. Anson and I continue to build everything ourselves with the help of our friends and family every now and again. Our process is that we source as much lumber using the dead Eucalyptus trees we have here on the 36 acre property and we are constantly trying to come up with innovative ways to use recycled and donated materials in the venue. During the pandemic, we turned our venue into a campground so we could open up the venue to people who needed to get out into nature. We are now open for daily camping and private events. You can follow our journey on our Instagram.

The Unhitched Ranch

1 site · RV, Tent37 acres · Colton, CA

The Unhitched Ranch is a family run Clydesdale and Texas Longhorn Ranch. Clydesdales and Texas Longhorns have been the focus of the family owned and operated ranch. The Ranch is approximately 40 acres and is tucked away in a very unique area of Southern California and has spectacular views of the local mountains and city lights. This quaint little canyon is nestled between Loma Linda and Moreno Valley, and is home to about 800 free roaming wild burros that visit frequently.Recently we have added a Gazebo that you can camp near or under as well a a horseshoe pit, and tether ball. We typically only open the ranch to one group of campers at a time so more than likely you will be alone with us on the ranch. There is plenty of room for larger groups, feel free to contact us

Nearby parks

Explore the area’s public lands.

95%

(76)

Cleveland National Forest

Descanso, California

92%

(224)

Angeles National Forest

La Crescenta Montrose, California

94%

(141)

San Bernardino National Forest

La Quinta, California

Desert camping near Santa Ana guide

Overview

Welcome to Hipcamp, your go-to resource for camping in the United States! If you're looking for a desert camping experience near Santa Ana, California, we've got you covered. With over 2400 options specifically tailored to your preference for a desert terrain, you're sure to find the perfect spot. Plus, you can choose from a variety of accommodations including RV sites, tent camping, and more. Our top campsites in the area, such as Down-to-Earth Ecoshire (552 reviews), The Lovelight Ranch (532 reviews), and The Desert Rose Collective (378 reviews), promise an unforgettable experience. You'll have access to popular amenities like campfires, trash disposal, and potable water, and can enjoy activities such as snow sports, wind sports, and exploring historic sites. With an average price per night of $40 and options as low as $5, camping near Santa Ana, California has never been more accessible. So pack your bags and get ready to explore the desert with Hipcamp!