Discover the best desert campgrounds in Southern California

United States
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California
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Southern California

89% (1511 reviews)

Popular camping styles for Southern California

Under $50

12 top desert campgrounds in Southern California

88%

(62)

High Desert Hot Spring Hideout

17 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents160 acres · Lake Arrowhead, CA

Nestled in the mountains of the high desert, we invite you to come stay in a peaceful serene setting, where you can relax & recharge with us here in the desert and release yourself from the burdens currently placed on you for a brief moment. Staying on this rural 160 acre slice of nature allows one to escape the sounds and stresses of the city and immerse yourself in nature, where beautiful natural desert scenery and mountain views surround you. Bordering 1000's of acres of natural undeveloped BLM and USFS land. The property's rural location provides abundant opportunities to view unique and spectacular wildlife right from your campsite or on one of the numerous hiking and OHV trails in the area. The 40 minute hike to the Deep Creek Hot Springs is well worth the effort, and there's so much more natural beauty to see as you explore miles of hiking and OHV trails nearby and right on the property. Weather can be extreme at times, with Winter temps ranging from 20*F to 40* F, and Summer temps peaking at 112F. The cold creek water in the Deep Creek canyon flows all year around, and the 6 creek-side hot spring pools are always full and consistently hot all year around, ranging in temperatures between 90F-108F. The hike to the Deep Creek Hot Springs is fairly steep and can be difficult for some people, especially in warm weather. In order to be prepared with the correct gear to make this hike and know the USFS rules that apply to the area, please educate yourself before coming by visiting the USFS website page for the Deep Creek area and our webpage for the Deep Creek Hot Springs Campground for detailed driving directions to the official trailhead located right on our property. You won't get lost if you park on our property and hike from the trailhead, so make sure you go to the right address. Know before you go! Generally, reservations are not necessary to set up a tent site, but we have a more private area set aside for hipcamp reservations that has separate facilities from the general camping area. Although children are permitted on the property, we do not recommend bringing children due to occasional nudity that may be seen in the area and the degree of difficulty for the hike. The hike to the hot springs is fairly difficult and everyone’s physical fitness needs to be considered when deciding to take pets, or have children, elderly people, or out-of-shape/over-weight people in your group.

Down-to-Earth Ecoshire

248 sites · RVs, Tents35 acres · CA

Private 35 acre Private Land Restoration Project surrounded by rolling hills, mountain views and open sky. The sunsets and sunrises are spectacular year round. Stars and open skies that you'd be hard pressed to find anywhere else in southern California. Just 15 minutes from Temecula wineries, 40 minutes from the alpine, artsy town of Idyllwild in the San Jacinto Mountains, and just 15 minutes from the 215 in Menifee toward Hemet. Best to visit from early autumn to lush springtime where we have great wildflower blooms. Cooperative managers Jim and Dawn host visitors who want to enjoy nature, participate in regenerative gardening all while off-setting their travel footprint. Fees go to our not for profit land restoration which includes planting trees, improving aquifers and enriching the soil. The property is a owned by a restorative co-op (turning a former illegal dump into an oasis of hope) where we invite you to participate in creative local solutions to our larger global problems. * If your group is larger than six adults, pease visit our group listings page. If your group needs special privacy and sound requirements and you'd like to reserve the entirer property, you will need to contact us directly. * Spaces are available on a first come, first serve basis. * Our visitor support pricing is $20 for the first person and $15 for all additional adults. Kids 6 - 12 are $5 per night. We don't want to charge for kids 6 and under, so do not include them in your booking. Thanks! * Campfire rings are only in common clearing, designated and permitted areas. Please check for seasonal fire restrictions.

AntFarm LA

6 sites · RVs, Tents20 acres · Los 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.

New Yurt City

7 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents10 acres · Lake Los Angeles, CA

New Yurt City is one of those hidden gems. The daily views are breathtaking. You can see every star down to the horizon, sunsets are amazing with snow capped mountains. There are lots to do nearby: 30min to ski resort, 1hour to the beach. Near lots of national parks and centrally located. It’s got a small town feel with amazing food trucks with handmade taco 5 mins away. We atvs for rent and a beautiful garden with lots of fresh rosemary and lavender to share.

Hot Spring camp

31 sites · RVs, Tents161 acres · Apple Valley, CA

This off the grid property is the perfect place to escape the city and immerse yourself in nature. Nestled in the mountains of the high desert, we invite you to come stay in a peaceful serene setting where nature and wildlife encompasses you on this rural property surrounded by 1,000s of acres of undeveloped BLM and US Forestry land. Come escape from the city and relax at a place where you can enjoy yourself amongst others or be by yourself in your own private campsite. With 160 acres, there is lots of room for your large group to spread out or find a more private site to seclude yourself! Set up your campsite and park your vehicle at any of our developed sites that have a patch of turf, picnic tables and fire pits (grills available). Flushing toilets, pits toilets, potable water, and showers on site. The 40 minute hike to the Deep Creek Hot Springs is well worth the effort, and there's so much more natural beauty to see as you explore miles of hiking and OHV trails nearby and right on the property. The creek water in the Deep Creek canyon flows all year around, as does the hot spring source water that feeds the 6 creek-side hot pools, ranging in temperatures between 90F-108F. Weather can be extreme at times, with Winter temps ranging from 20*F to 40* F, and Summer temps reaching 112F+. The hike to the Deep Creek Hot Springs is fairly steep and can be difficult for some people, especially in warm weather, so everyone’s physical fitness needs to be considered when deciding to hike to the hot springs with pets, children, elderly people, or out-of-shape/over-weight people in your group. Although children are permitted on the property, we do not recommend bringing them due to occasional nudity that may be seen in the area and the degree of difficulty for the hike. In order to be prepared with the correct gear to make the hike to the hot springs and know the USFS rules that apply to the area, please educate yourself before coming by visiting the USFS website page for the Deep Creek area. Know before you go! The Deep Creek Hot Springs Camp is part of the historic Bowen Ranch property that was homesteaded in 1924. This property has been the camping and parking area for the Deep Creek Hot Springs for nearly a century. The Bowen Ranch property is under new ownership as of 2020 and we welcome everyone to come visit! Generally, we always have sites available and reservations are not necessary, but reserved sites are located in a more private area set aside for Hipcamp reservations with separate facilities from the general camping area. See our webpage deepcreekhotspringscampground.com for detailed driving directions to our property with the official trailhead located right on site.

100%

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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.

99%

(113)

The Hilltop Getaway

1 site · Lodging3 acres · Lake Los Angeles, CA

Welcome to The Hilltop Getaway! One of the coziest glamping spot near the Alpine Butte, Palmdale with Joshua Tree landscape just an hour from LA. The amazing 360 view from the jumbo rocks mountains on valley with Joshua Trees will make your memories unforgettable. We also have a great landscape for your spectacular photo shoot. If you’re looking for a place to hike, relax, refresh and recharge yourself, you found the place! The Hilltop Getaway! Enjoy your life! While The Hilltop Getaway is private and secluded, it is close to most stores you might need. Palmdale is a 10-minute drive and has a Target, Walmart, Home Depot, Lowe's, Ross, restaurants, fast foods, banks, and more. Additionally, you can visit a lot of unique places just few minutes from us like Antelope Valley Indian Museum, Four Aces Movie Ranch, Movie Set Diner, Club Ed Movie Set, El Mirage Dry Lake, Kill Bill Church, Antelope Valley Poppy Reserve, Joe Davies Heritage Airpark, Blackbird Airpark, Dry Town Water Park On our space you'll find 1. Bar/Kitchen area offers a four-burner gas grill with one side burner, kitchen table, sink with foot water pump, bar counter with four chairs on the bar deck; 2. Classic wood picnic table 3. Patio equipped with wood chairs and bench for lounging around our fire pit, lounge chair for sunbathing 4. Hammock for relaxing and stargazing 5. Toilet/Shower cabin. There is Thetford Porta Potti flush toilet, sink with foot water pump, mirror, Eccotemp hot shower We provide towels and soap for you. 6. The Geo Dome Tent 23ft (7M) is equipped with everything you would need for a comfortable glamping experience Geo Dome: - Queen bed with memory-foam mattress and bedding - Two Convertable Tri-Fold Sofa Beds - Twin Tufted Back Convertible Sofa - Foldable Camping Cot - Hammock Chair Swing - Dining Set - Nightstands - Full Length Floor Mirror - Kitchen Island with kitchen utensils, pots, tableware - Mini Fridge with Top Freezer - Free WiFi - Projector Screen - Video Projector (for rent) - Bluetooth Sound System - Power Station EcoFlow Pro for charging and power devices - Evaporative Air Swamp Cooler - Propane "Pleasant Hearth" Heater 30,000 BTU (Propane gas is include) - Solar lights and battery powered LED Camping Lantern - Fresh towel-Fresh linen- Books and games for entertainment - And plenty of safety amenities such as: fire extinguisher, first aid kit, etc. Please note - the water in the tank is not drinkable and has a distinct taste - please bring drinking water. Small amenities such as a first aid kit, flashlights, and lanterns are all available to you in the tent for a safe and comfortable stay. Please plan for a “leave no trace” style camping and to take your trash with you upon check out

99%

(76)

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.

96%

(109)

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.

100%

(6)

cowboy hottubs

2 sites · RVs, Tents5 acres · Phelan, CA

Welcome to our home. 5 acres in Phelan, Ca 10 miles from Wrightwood and Victorville. Come spend a night and enjoy a soak in our wood burning hot tubs. We have chickens, greenhouse, an orchard, solar, a windmill come experience our bit of paradise. We have had two single women both with Toyota Tundra trucks. Feeling safe was important to them, it has always been safe here with plenty of peace and quiet. Phelan is a semi rural area with good neighbors. Tesla charging is available.

91%

(23)

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.

96%

(38)

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!

Nearby parks

Explore the area’s public lands.

92%

(224)

Angeles National Forest

La Crescenta Montrose, California

95%

(76)

Cleveland National Forest

Descanso, California

94%

(141)

San Bernardino National Forest

La Quinta, California

83%

(3)

Saddleback Butte State Park

Lake Los Angeles, California

Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

Exploring the beautiful vast landscapes with friends, family, or a solo adventure will be an experience you won’t soon forget.

Desert camping in Southern California guide

Overview

Looking to experience the beauty of the desert in Southern California? Look no further than Hipcamp! With over 3900 options in Southern California alone, Hipcamp offers a wide range of camping accommodations to suit your needs. Whether you prefer tent camping, RV camping, or cabin rentals, Hipcamp has you covered. Explore the stunning desert landscapes of Southern California, from the Cuyama Badlands to The Lovelight Ranch and The Desert Rose Collective - all top campsites with rave reviews (1681, 532, and 378 reviews respectively). Enjoy popular amenities such as trash disposal, showers, and campfires, and engage in exciting activities like snow sports, visiting historic sites, or even catching some waves while surfing. With an average price per night of $49 and options as low as $5, Hipcamp provides affordable and unforgettable camping experiences in the desert. So pack your bags and get ready for an adventure in Southern California!