94% (21.1K) • 2,963 campsites
Top-rated campgrounds near United States
Kosk Creek Campgrounds
1. Kosk Creek Campgrounds
96%
(381)
31 sites · Tents, RVs · Big Bend, CA
We are a 400 acre ranch nestled in the mountains of Shasta County. There is a mile long creek that runs through the property. We have multiple hot spring pools ranging in various temperatures. Dry and overland campsites available. Activities: Boating, hiking, kayaking, 4x4, mountain bike, and fishing.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from
$15
/ night
Smoky Mtn Mangalitsa River Ranch
2. Smoky Mtn Mangalitsa River Ranch
99%
(1516)
17 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Waynesville, NC
Voted #1 in NC and Top 50 in the USA!! We are a Mangalitsa farm in The Smoky Mountains of western NC. The entire property is oriented toward private farmland views, a half mile of river and surrounding mountains. It's really quite remarkable to be so accessible yet feel so remote! Come swim, fish, cook and play!
PLEASE NOTE, our rate is based on the number of vehicles in your group. The first vehicle is included in the nightly rate and admits 4 campers. WE CHARGE FOR ADDITIONAL CARS. The charge will be added to your booking once you select the number of vehicles at checkout.
Please note that each additional car admits four campers. For EXAMPLE, 2 cars = 8 campers total. If you only have two cars but more than eight people, YOU MUST select the "Extra Person" Extra for each night they are camping. Please select these extras at checkout. If you have questions about this PLEASE message me prior to booking.
Our 95-acre farm was once owned by the Davis family who predominantly raised dairy cattle. We now raise the wooly Mangalitsa pig and sell to the best chefs and restaurants. We sell our pork at the farm too!
All of our campsites are next to running water except the two hilltop sites.
Two porta-potties are on the farm and private porta-potties are available for rent. Groups of eight or more are required to rent a porta potty should you not bring your own toilet system with you. We do not allow the use of our small wooded areas as toilets. No porta potties are provided b/tw Dec 15 and March 15
Please contact us in advance regarding paying for firewood ($7/5 pieces), dogs ($15 each), day vehicle visitors ($30), private farm tour ($15/person) and/or a private porta potty ($120). thank you!
Quiet hours are from 10pm to 9am.
Checking in before 5 pm is requested. Later times may be available with prior arrangements. Our farm is very dark and navigating at night is difficult. Contact Catherine directly so you can be checked in safely and accommodate your schedule. LIMITED CHECK-INS AFTER DARK.
We are 1 mile off of I 40, 17 minutes from the Blue Ridge Parkway, 15 min. to Maggie Valley, 10 min to the Elk at Cataloochee, 25 min to Cataloochee ski area, 10 min to Lake Junaluska and 15 min to downtown Waynesville. Asheville is 20 miles to our East.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from
$51
/ night
Musick Creek Falls by Shaver Lake
3. Musick Creek Falls by Shaver Lake
98%
(368)
5 sites · Tents, RVs · Shaver Lake, CA
Musick Creek Falls — Waterfalls, Stargazing and stunning Landscapes Just minutes from Shaver Lake, your wilderness escape begins. Welcome to our 40 acres of quiet forest, sun-warmed granite, and the steady sound of cascading water. Each campsite is private and thoughtfully placed, with a gazebo, access to fresh spring water, and nearby swimming holes carved naturally into the creek. Nestled along the edge of the Sierra National Forest, this hidden retreat blends adventure, comfort, and sustainability. The surrounding area offers no shortage of nearby highlights, including Shaver Lake, the giant sequoias of McKinley Grove, the trails and swimming holes of the Dinkey Creek Wilderness, year-round recreation at China Peak, and day trips to Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks, home to the General Sherman Tree. Many guests, however, find the waterfalls, forest, and dark skies here more than enough to fill their stay. Spend your days swimming in natural pools, stargazing through our shared telescope, or resting in a hammock beneath towering cedars. Dogs are welcome to roam off-leash under supervision, and the open terrain keeps tails busy. Guests explore private trails, try their hand at gold panning, scramble granite boulders, or borrow a free kayak for nearby Shaver Lake. Rugged yet accessible (4×4 helpful in winter), Musick Creek Falls offers creekside camping, mountain views, and exceptionally clear night skies. Four secluded sites keep a light footprint on the land and include composting toilets, fire rings, and picnic tables. Our conservation ethos is guided by the original caretakers of this region—the Nüümü, known today as the Mono or Potuck people. Rather than relying on massive machine-cut firebreaks, aerial pesticide spraying, or “pines in lines” replanting, we take a slower, place-based approach. We use controlled burning, hands-on fuel reduction, selective native plant culling, and encourage the land to regenerate naturally. Just as important, we believe sharing the land is essential, because stewardship only lasts when people are connected to it. This is a rugged mountain property. Terrain can be steep, rocks near the creek are often slick, and nights are very dark. Campers should be prepared for off grid camping and up for adventure!
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from
$64
/ night
Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest
4. Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest
90%
(94)
2666 sites · Levan, Utah
2.1 million acres of unique wilderness scenery just begging to be explored.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Boise National Forest
5. Boise National Forest
81%
(42)
653 sites · Lowman, Idaho
You could say Boise National Forest is in the tri-forest area. It is surrounded on all sides by Payette, Salmon-Challis, and Sawtooth National Forests, it is situated conveniently close to both urban fun in Boise, and limitless wilderness adventures everywhere else. Alpine tundra is dotted with evergreen forest in the green rolling hills here, topped with snow, and anchored by sparkling valley waterways. The Payette River is great for rafting, while Banks Beach and Beehive Bend are just some of the prime access points on the forest’s 250 lakes and reservoirs (Arrowrock Reservoir has surprisingly primo salmon fishing for central Idaho).
Hikers will find 500 trails, including some that lead to 360-panoramic views at fire lookouts. The ambitious should try 10,000-foot high Trinity Mountain, while more liesurely trekkers will get just as good a view at Silver Creek. As if that’s not all enough to keep you busy, there are also endless mountain biking trails, including a scenic route along Shafer Butte. You’ll have your hands full at this intersection of so many great parks!
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
Stargazing in US's #2 Dark Sky Zone
6. Stargazing in US's #2 Dark Sky Zone
78%
(71)
12 sites · Lodging · AZ
The stars are unforgettable here. Dark sky stargazing in #2 darkest sky in USA. This remote and peaceful campsite gives you a backcountry wilderness experience you can reach in a regular car. Amateur astronomers love the stargazing and viewing the Milky Way with your bare eyes -- photo of Milky Way Galaxy here was taken at the site.
Boatel class 2 -- in the International Dark Sky Zone. Book during a NEW MOON if you want to see stars like those in the photos here.
Guests also enjoy the abundant wildlife, birdwatching, hiking and taking drives to a hot springs and swimming holes with waterfalls in the region.
The area is also great for 4x4 exploration in your short wheelbase 4x4 or ATV.
No visible city lights, no lighting on site, no passing car headlights, and no signs of civilization. No traffic noise whatsoever.
Winter daytime weather in the 70s, sunny most of the time, 3000-5000 ft elevation and above the heat.
REMOTE FEELING BUT FREEWAY CLOSE
Our base camp site is a 35 minute scenic drive off of Highway 93, between Las Vegas and Phoenix, (2 1/2 hours either way)
We are about 3 hours from the Grand Canyon and 45 miles from Prescott.
We have a few campsites with fire rings you can safely drive to in a regular 2 wheel drive car, minivan, camper van or smaller (not monstrous)
Pull behind trailers are ok if you have a truck. You can pull through the site.
The rest of the ranch is 4x4, hike in camping only.
Roads beyond the Base Camp and in surrounding wilderness are rugged and a great adventure for those with a Subaru, Jeep or ATV -- miles and miles of dirt roads in this adjacent 27,000 acre wilderness.
BETWEEN PHOENIX AND VEGAS
Aquarius Stargazing Ranch is in the Aquarius Mountains, 3 hours and 200 miles West of the Grand Canyon near the ghost town of Nothing, Arizona.
We are 6 hours from Los Angeles or San Diego.
We are halfway between Phoenix and Las Vegas, (2 1/2 hours between either city).
WEATHER
It is usually 10 - 20 degrees cooler than Wikieup or Phoenix. It rains more up here and there are trees and thick brush. Never snows, sunny year round. Summer brings spectacular Monsoon thunderstorms.
ECOSYSTEM
You will notice the landscape starkly changes as you drive from the Highway up into these steep and remote mountains.
The ecosystem is a blend of Saguro Cactus, prickly pear, and cholla cactus, desert sagebrush, Southwestern hardwoods like mesquite and manzanita and deciduous leafy trees like Aspen, Gingko, Cottonwood, and Sycamore. Wildflowers are prolific in Spring and after rains.
WILDLIFE
Wildlife is abundant including endangered species like Bighorn Sheep, Wild Burro, Wild Horses, Pronghorn Antelope, Bald Eagle, Falcon, Great Horned Owl -- 150 species of birds. Bees, dragonflies and butterflies thrive here as no pesticide or herbicide has ever touched this land.
This is a primal experience. No human habitation.
SWIMMING HOLES NEARBY
Surrounded on all sides by 27,000 acres of the very remote Upper Burro Creek wilderness through which a creek flows uninterrupted for 13 miles, year round, enabling wildlife to flourish and creating amazing swimming holes and waterfalls.
There are also hot springs in this area.
HIKING
Hiking is easy and gentle on miles of roads and sandy washes, lovely trails made by wild deer, antelope, bighorn sheep, wild burros, and the occasional stray cow.
ATV ADVENTURE
There is also very challenging and rugged, steep, uphill off trail hiking for the adventurous explorer and miles of 4x4 trails to explore in the surrounding Burro Creek wilderness.
PRISTINE, SACRED LAND
We consider ourselves guardians of this sacred land.
Our intention is to preserve this absolutely pristine, untouched and virtually uninhabited land as a wildlife corridor for future generations, and develop it only according to ecological Permaculture principles.
We also intend to protect the wild horses and wild animals that roam freely here.
As you walk the road that heads into the higher mountain region of the land where volcanic peaks reach above 5,000 feet, you will notice that it is an natural bowl that protects a seasonal stream and canyon.
HISTORY
Native tribes lived here because it was a defensible and safe haven, it is truly a natural fortress of red rock and granite. Before that, dinosaurs roamed this region of Arizona and fossilized remains are evident, as well as petroglyphs.
Nearby Wikieup was once the settlement of the Hualapai Indians, also known as Walapais.
The Native Americans used to cultivate corn and other food crops aided by the rich, river-nourished soil of the valley. They had fierce rivals in the tribe of the Tonto Apaches. Mostly, the two tribes did not seek disputes with each other but all that changed with the coming of the settlers, and later, the Gold Rush and miners.
The settlement of the settlers pushed both tribes farther from their source of livelihood. This resulted in disputes between the white men, the Yavapai Apaches, and the Hualapais.
The natural fortress like formation of the canyon on the ranch was an important refuge because it was easily defensible.
We have found artifacts making it obvious that this was inhabited by aboriginal tribal humans before the Native Americans. Perhaps the land has
not changed significantly since then. Dinosaurs roamed Northern Arizona before that, and this sandy region was once a sea. It does look like an ocean without water.
Explore magical Aquarius and let us know what you discover.
Learn more about this land:
You aren't just here for camping.
You are here for transformation.
"Hipcamp Finalist - Best in Arizona - 2019"
* * * * * * * * * * * *
Guests have described Aquarius Stargazing Ranch as:
A deeply powerful experience.
A spiritual experience.
A life-altering experience.
Silent, mystical and powerful land.
Silence. Serenity. Dark, starry skies. Log off your devices, get way off the grid, and go deep into a remote wilderness that is easily accessible in your 2WD RV, van or car.
Surrender to the silence. So quiet you will hear your heartbeat.
Log off, do a digital detox, leave your electronics behind and tune into a higher frequency.
Clear your head of the clutter of city life, and empty it out here.
Primal -- yet not really that far away from the Interstate 93/11 (35 minutes), Los Angeles (6 1/2 hours), Las Vegas (2 1/2 hours), Metro Phoenix (2 hours), Prescott (1 hour,) the Grand Canyon or Sedona (3 hours.)
Our reviews are mixed because Aquarius Ranch is not for everyone.
If you want electricity, pavement, trash cans, street lights, bug zappers, Netflix, hot showers, dumping stations and a liquor store -- please don't come here, you'll hate it!
If you want to... take a bath alone with your sweetie in a primal geothermal hot spring, swim in a natural spring fed swimming hole, walk barefoot on white sand illuminated by moonlight, follow animal footprints instead of written signs, navigate by stars, hike to a spring or a well for fresh water, watch the flames dance and listen to the Cicadas....if you want a 5 BILLION STAR experience....
Aquarius is for you. Read on.
This is a 2,000 acre, State Park-level beauty, Dark Sky wildlife sanctuary-- uninhabited for over 50 years and never developed. There is nothing here and that's what you came for. (The nearest town is, indeed, Nothing, Arizona.)
The only signs of humans are arrowheads, caves, petroglyphs. The only evidence of the 21st Century are satellites. (Airplanes are rare.)
You will see dinosaur fossils embedded in sandstone. It is literally a Jurassic Park.
The land has a very high frequency as it is covered with pink quartz crystals.
I want to make sure you "get" why you are coming here, and are prepared. Aquarius is a journey -- not a destination.
Yes, it's hard to find and you can't just use your GPS. Sorry.
Put your iPhone away unless you're taking photos or using Satellite to navigate with maps you downloaded in advance.
There are no signs and the only trail markers are rock cairns.
You're going to have to rediscover how to use a map and follow directions. As you hike, you will remember how to observe the stars and the sky and the shadows of sun.
This is part of your DNA, it is part of your soul as a human.
You'll remember Aquarius. Your soul has been here before.
Have you ever seen the Milky Way Galaxy? We are in the Earth's second darkest "dark sky" region. The photo of the sky here was taken by a guest!
You can see the Milky Way here with your naked eyes.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~**~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~**~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
A VIRTUAL GUIDED EXPERIENCE
I am a trained Red Cross Advanced Wilderness First Responder and trained wilderness guide with Outdoors Unlimited, Desert Survivors and Sierra Club. My partner is a badass level 5-11 rock climber and full time Van Lifer.
We are here as your "virtual tour guides" to guide you and give you advice, directions and guidance during your journey. We're in our 60s and we remember life before the GPS, iPhone and Internet. That said, we are old and still managed to climb and walk around here -- so I'm sure you can manage too.
A minivan or car camping with a tent will be fine here, but this is not a State Park, or a "glampground." The Guide we give you when you reserve your space will give you details on how to pack, prepare, survive heat and cold, and directions to hot springs, swimming holes and hikes.
READ THE GUIDE AND ASK QUESTIONS BEFORE YOU DRIVE HERE.
Aquarius is not really that hard to reach, but it's not convenient, either. "The journey is the destination," and the drive is more amazing than the campsite itself.
This is not "glamping" or a developed campground with wifi and services -- it is a destination for those of us who crave the rare and hard to find experience of total silence, serenity, dark sky and potent powerful land.
It's not for tourist who wants electricity, a faucet, hot shower, and a chlorinated pool -- it's for human BEings who want to firelight, starlight, moonlight, drinking from a well or spring, bathing in a hot spring and a natural spring fed swimming hole.
Remember life, not that long ago, when humans could communicate with each other, plants and animals, without words or devices.
Come here for a personal vision quest, a personal transformational journey, for deep inner healing and reflection.
When you remove the stress of traffic noise, light pollution, EMF, devices, the Internet, signs, radio waves, chemicals, pesticides, herbicides and all the interference of the modern world, you will remember, deep in your intercellular DNA -- what it means to be human.
You will discover how many stars, galaxies and solar systems are out there. This alone could move you to tears.
You will discover who you really are. Not alone in the Universe, and much more powerful than you have been told.
THE SOUND OF SILENCE
Have you ever been somewhere so quiet you can hear your heartbeat? It will happen here. This is not just one of the darkest places on Earth, it is one of the most silent. There is no electrical, noise or light interference -- an experience so rare in the modern world.
Silence is unbelievably restorative. Meditation and states of awareness, inspiration, soul purpose and a connection with Source happen spontaneously in this silence.
SOLITUDE
You are unlikely to see another vehicle once you turn off the main Interstate. Even if we are "busy" (4 or 5 campsites filled, but usually just one) you will find solitude easily if you just wander off a bit up the jeep trail or down one of the ravines.
SELF RELIANT CAMPSITES
These are bare land, flat, drive in campsites and they are accessible with regular 2 wheel drive cars, camper vans or RVs -- or smaller pull behind trailers. These pristine, bare wilderness campsites have large stone fire rings, and there is a shared, community wood pile.
The nearest gas/food is 7 miles away (at 80 mph) plus 14 miles at 20-40 mph. There is a well you can hike to, and there is drinkable water 1 mile down the road.
MOONLIGHT HIKING
For a bright full moonlight hike to the hot spring or hiking the creek beds and canyons around the ranch in the cool of the night. You will not need a flashlight--the sand and canyon walls will reflect the moonlight and you can even see your moonshadow. It's fascinating to hike the desert in moonlight and see bats and other night creatures.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~**~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~**~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~**~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Accessible in a regular car
These sites are 15 miles from the main Interstate freeway -- far enough to feel remote and totally silent with no light pollution and no traffic noise whatsoever. This silence is worth the (spectacular) drive into the mountains. Keep in mind it will take about 35 minutes to drive here off the freeway -- the journey is the destination. The drive is spectacular, Instagram worthy through the little traveled Aquarius Mountain range, and you will see wild animals so unaccustomed to human visitors that they stand in the road.
DAY TRIP TO HOT SPRING
There is a secret Hot Spring (no sulfur smell, 100 degrees clear water) and we will give you directions to drive to it in a regular 2WD car and hike in -- 1 mile, flat, easy walk on sand though a beautiful canyon.
NEARBY SWIMMING HOLES
From our Base Camp, you can take day trips by a regular 2WD car to nearby swimming holes.
CAVES, PETROGLYPHS, CLIMBING
If you have a mountain bike, are a hiker, backpacker or have an ATV/4X4, (with short wheelbase and high clearance is best -- though Subaru Outbacks have done fine here) you can explore the surrounding vast and uncharted wilderness on miles of jeep trails.
The surrounding wilderness area has a deep creek that flows year round, waterfalls, deep blue pools and swimming holes. There is much to explore here and very few people visit this area, so it is perfect for social distancing.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~**~*~*~*~*~*~*
HIKE, BIKE OR AWD AND EXPLORE
From here, if you want, you can continue into the ranch on a short wheelbase, high clearance 4x4 vehicle, (Subaru Outbacks have managed it), mountain bike, or a horse. You can hike by foot with day pack or backpack for overnight camping on the three square miles of land of the ranch.
Please book "Isolation Point" if you plan to backpack overnight so we know you are out there.
~*~*~**~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~**~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
SUPERBLOOM WILDFLOWERS
In the Spring, after rains, you will see fields of red, orange, gold, and purple wildflowers, including sweet scented white flowering agave, yellow flowered prickly pear, orange flowered cholla, red flowering Ocotillo, red Indian Paintbrush, fields of orange poppies, violet datura, and blooming purple sage.
Along the ride you will see blooming Joshua Trees, Barrel Cactus and endangered Saguaro and BLOOMING AGAVE FORESTS. Wow. They smell amazing.
A BASE TO EXPLORE THE AREA
We love using the ranch as a base to explore the Joshua Tree Highway, swimming in the creek, hot springs, Alamo Lake, going to the small towns in this lost and lonely part of America, abandoned mines and ghost towns, and wandering the dirt roads around here.
If you love the desert, like we do, you will find this a uncharted, wild, untouched, authentic and untouristy gem in the Southwest.
BE SELF RELIANT
You must be self sufficient with water, food and a full tank of gas -- this is nothing in Nothing, Arizona. It is a very isolated area, even though it's only 3 miles "as the crow flies" from a busy Interstate and 7.5 miles from gas and food.
It's perfect for vans or small RVs and great for camping with a pop up shade structure or 10 x 10 with bug netting and a good cushy pad.
We reveal the specific maps you need, GPS coordinates, precise directions once you register.
ABOVE THE HEAT, BUT MILD YEAR ROUND
The ranch is up high above the heat at 3,900 - 5000 foot elevation, similar climate to Prescott at the higher parts of the ranch, weather like Wikieup in the lower elevations.
Winter is clear and sunny with averages in 50s-60s daytime and lows of 30s-20s at night.
Daytime is mild and sunny 60-70 in January, but nights can dip down to 20s and if it's windy, it's brisk.
Spring is like a summer, in the 70s and 80s, with cool nights in the 50s.
Summer is blazing in the 100s down at the Highway -- but up here in the Aquarius Mountains, it is usually in the 90s, with nights in the 70s, more like Prescott. We get the most rain in the Summer, not the Winter. (Dramatic monsoon thunderstorms!)
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:
CAN I BRING A DOG?
Yes, and your pet can go unleashed and run -- but bring tweezers in the event that they step on a burr or cactus thorn. (Best to stay on trail.) Leash your pet at night, or bring her into your vehicle in Winter for her warmth and safety.
DO I NEED SHADE?
We recommend bringing shade for your campsite in Summer. We are "Burning Man" desert camping veterans and used to being self reliant in the heat of the desert sun. Some folks like a sheet, tapestry or tarp fastened to their car, SUV, Van or RV. In Summer, bring a pop up shade structure with bug netting.
CAN I HAVE A CAMPFIRE?
Yes, as long as there are no restrictions.
ARE THERE ANY TREES?
For hanging out during the day, there is a nice cottonwood, aspen and gingko forest a short walk from the Base Camp--it is leafy in Spring/Summer and bare in the Winter/Fall. You can hike around and find shade, as the Primal humans did -- rocks, caves, and mesquite trees.
BIRDWATCHING/WILDLIFE
Because of the silence, distance from major roads, lack of fences and natural "bowl" of mountains surrounding from which to observe the distance, the ranch is a sanctuary for Endangered Species, many found only here. If you sit still and very silent, the animals and birds will appear. They are shy and will not bother or beg from you.
Often they will just stare at you, fascinated but unconcerned, as human visitors are so rare for them.
This is primal desert ecosystem, virtually uninhabited for decades. Wildlife abounds including 100 varieties of birds -- quail, blue jays, hawks, roadrunners, raven, owl, blue jays and wild turkey, even black hawks and bald eagles.
If you are silent, you will see desert cottontails, raccoon, skunks (spotted, striped, and hognose), mule deer, pronghorn antelope, elk, bighorn sheep, wild Mustang horses. You will see wild burros along the roads. (Bring binoculars!)
It is rare to find an ecosystem untouched by pesticide or herbicide in which so many species thrive.
There are lizards, snakes, bees, dragonflies and butterflies. You will hear a symphony of cicadas, crickets and birds.
There are predators here but they don't bother humans. They are wild.
PETROGLYPHS AND CAVES
Discover petroglyphs, prehistoric sites, ancient lava fields, volcanic formations and caves, and feel like you are truly the last human (or the first) alive on Earth.
BIKING, HORSEBACK RIDING, AWD, OHV, QUADS
Fat tire Mountain Biker's paradise with miles of winding dirt jeep roads to explore.
We can help you rent an off road vehicle tour from a local outfitter.
GHOST TOWNS
The ghost town of Nothing, to the south has... almost nothing. Signal is another ghost town nearby.
HISTORIC SMALL TOWNS
Wikieup, about 10 miles North, has gas, RV dumping, great classic American road trip food (even great Chicago pizza and steak sandwiches at Dazzo's), homemade pie at Luchia's, and a Trading Post with Native American jewelry and art.
All the food around here is surprisingly good with eclectic decor and fun roadside attractions for the kids, like peacocks!
Wickenburg, 50 miles south, has a great restaurant we love called Cowboy Cookin', and a big grocery store with block ice, water machine outside with filtered water.
Kingman, 60 miles north, is going hipster fast -- this town caters to tourists and truckers with all the services you need, like health food store, camping supplies and laundromat.
Bagdad is the nearest town as the crow flies if you are checking the weather.
Check out the Train Museum, historic downtown, Route 66, funky antique and secondhand clothing stores, flea markets, great tacos, two brew pubs, Black Ridge Brewery for live music. Desert Diamond Distillery for a tour of how Agave cactus is turned into Tequila.
Explore the magic of Aquarius Ranch and let us know what you discover
Pets
Toilets
Showers
from
$120
/ night
Bowen Ranch Hot Spring Retreat
7. Bowen Ranch Hot Spring Retreat
88%
(147)
17 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Lake Arrowhead, CA
Peaceful Off-the-Grid Property in the Mountains of the Mojave Desert,
Hot Springs and Numerous Hiking and Off-Roading Trails Nearby...
Surrounded by 1,000s of Acres of Undeveloped BLM and US Forestry Land, With Endless Views of the San Bernardino Mountains and High Desert Scenery.
Bring Your Tent, Trailer, RV or Camp in your Car .
Picnic Tables and Fire Pits (grills available). Flushing Toilets, Pits Toilets, Potable Water, and Showers On-Site.
Breakfast Lunch Dinner Served on the Weekends
*Warning! 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. Even though Deep Creek has never had any known cases of amoeba outbreaks, be advised that the warm waters around hot springs can carry a sometimes fatal amoeba.
*Although children are permitted at most sites on the property (children are not permitted at the cabin or spring pool sites), 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 Campground is part of the historic Bowen Ranch property that was homesteaded in 1924 and 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. See our webpage deepcreekhotspringscampground.com for more information and detailed driving directions to our property.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from
$62
/ night
DragonflyHill Desert Farm
8. DragonflyHill Desert Farm
97%
(304)
27 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Desert Hot Springs, CA
About
Welcome to DragonflyHill Desert Farm & Wildlife Habitat where you can experience desert magic, starry skies, and natural mineral water from our private well. Remote enough for a quiet retreat yet easy to get to and only a short drive to amenities and outdoor adventures! Please review our rules and read our entire listing description prior to requesting to stay here, to assure we’re the right space for you. Copies of our rules, registration documents, liability waiver and amenities are provided in our photos. Guests must agree to adhere to our rules and honor our cancellation policy to book with us. If you have any questions, please make an inquiry and we will get back to you very quickly. We really do love this work.
LOCATION:
We are located one mile down a well maintained and navigable dirt road, 20 minutes to Palm Springs, Desert Hot Springs and Palm Desert, and 15 minutes to the 10 freeway. We're near the Cabazon outlets, 2 hours to Los Angeles, San Diego, Disneyland, mountain areas, and beaches. Nearby there are local wildlife preserves, hiking and outdoor activities. We are 45 minutes to Joshua Tree and a half hour to Coachella. We truly are in the middle of nowhere and the center of everything. For folks traveling in winter, we’re considerably warmer than Joshua Tree and the High Desert. In summer we are cooler than Palm Springs. Immediate neighbors are small farmers and ranchers. Local spas and resorts are available for day use and access to their pools and ponds for as little as $10 a day ($5 seniors). We can provide space for events and entertainment for a small fee.
ARRIVAL:
Upon approving your reservation we'll send you a welcome message with information we need prior to your arrival to process your reservation, prepare for your arrival and provide you with check in information and accurate directions as gps apps to our location are often wrong. Please answer that initial email as soon as possible.
We'll follow up with check in information and driving directions.
Once in the gate, stay on the driveway and meet us on the patio with the blue shade sails. We will provide you with an approximately 15 minute orientation and tour, register you, check identification and show you to your campsite. Guests are required to fill out a liability waiver and a simple registration form. (See photos for copies of these forms.)
OUR SPACE:
Our land is 130 feet wide by an eighth of a mile deep in a residential neighborhood with lots 2.5-10 acres. We can see and hear our neighbors.
We maintain a very quiet space but occasionally our neighbors have their own activities and events. Let us know if the neighborhood gets too noisy and we'll try to mitigate those situations. We can also provide free earplugs for those very rare occasions. Guests wanting a totally isolated experience may want to book elsewhere.
DragonflyHill Desert Farm is a working farm in a wilderness area. Guests should check weather forecasts prior to arrival and assure that they have the right equipment. We have a moderate cancellation policy that allows guests to cancel 3 days prior to their arrival date to receive a refund. This allows enough time to check weather reports. There are occasional heavy rains and frequent high winds. It can get very hot in summer and reach freezing temperatures in winter. Despite our proximity to the freeway and nearby cities, and our location in a residential neighborhood, this is very much a wilderness area. DragonflyHill is not responsible for the weather.
We are not a resort. Expect dry plants and patches during summer and into the fall. As a farm, we may be a bit more rustic than your typical farm to allow for shelter for local wildlife. Our cultivation methods encourage biodiversity and though we are growing food, many of our crops resemble landscaping or natural habitat rather than garden patches. Currently we have habitat viewing areas, an herb garden, an orchard, an outdoor classroom, a sheltered social distancing patio, an outdoor kitchen, meditation gardens, our (seasonal) mineral pool, community library, game boards and toys, and a tree bath. Plant varieties, wildlife and presentation may vary by season. Our farm specializes in herbs, fruit trees, desert and native plants, and edible flowers. We also grow some sprouts and microgreens indoors. We cultivate community and share what we grow with our neighbors and our guests. Guests have shared access to the outdoor kitchen and BBQ area, the orchards, gardens, patios, and grounds of the Desert Farm and Wildlife Habitat, and (for safety reasons) limited access to the pool pond and spa -both unheated. The pool pond is filled with local mineral water from our own well. The pool pond is cleaned regularly & is chlorinated. The pool pond is not cleaned daily and is shared with wildlife. including bees and birds who drink water pool side. Debris from high winds and wildlife may contribute to the pool pond environment. Currently neither the pool pond nor the spa is heated. We also have wheelchair accessible hot water outdoor showers and wheelchair accessible porta potties.
The pool area is accessible to guests year round but the pool itself is winterized and unavailable from mid October through mid to late April.
We work hard to keep the home well maintained & clean; we're vigilant & do due diligence with professional quarterly visits from Truly Nolen 4 Season Pest Prevention (a green company.) We doubt you'll see any unwanted critters inside or near the house or other structures during your stay, but if you do, please advise us & we will promptly address the situation. DragonflyHill Desert Farm and Wildlife Habitat is in a remote area of the desert with lots of wildlife. To help us keep wildlife OUT of the house and campsites, please keep food out of reach of critters & clean up after every meal.
We affirmatively welcome children, but as this is a working farm in a wilderness area, parents will need to be vigilant of their child's safety and activity while here. We are constantly adding activities and features for children and adults.
We are child friendly and we are a good location for groups. (Just message us with your details and we can tailor your stay to meet your needs.)
We have 1 cat and 1 service dog. Other guests may have pets or assistance animals. Neighbors have chickens, farm animals and pets. There are a few feral cats in the vicinity as well as a variety of desert wildlife. At night you can hear the coyotes though we’ve never seen them or their tracks on our land. Common sightings of road runners, rabbits, hares, lizards, snakes, hawks, doves, desert wrens, migrating ducks (in the Spring), scorpions, mantises, crickets, mockingbirds, insects and spiders.
WHO WE ARE:
DragonflyHill is a community of artisans, activists, craftspeople and farmers, working together to cultivate community, develop methodologies for living and working together in ever increasing paradigms of social justice and sustainability. We are a safe and sober space that is disability and LGBTQIA affirmative, anti-racist, anti-sexist, anti-imperialist and de-colonialist, because anything else is just a bandaid. Core values of our work include attention to detail, fine craftwork and cultivating community.
Some members of the Dragonfly Team live on the premises at all times and will be here for the duration of your stay. The rest of the team are community members. All Team members work at DragonflyHill Desert Farm and Wildlife Habitat in different capacities, in cooperation and collaboration with each other. It should be noted that we are not a museum community and our collective is not on display. Only 2-3 members of the community are currently responsible for hosting guests. Community members are autonomous and, much of our community functions virtually. There are also occasional community events at the farm, including farming, though many activities are just coming back after the pandemic. We hope to offer activities in the Fall. All activities will continue to be held outdoors and social distancing is required.
We speak: English and Spanish. We can communicate somewhat in French, Italian and Portuguese.
DRAGONFLYHILL CONSEIRGE
We love to hear about your travels and share our knowledge of our community and Southern California with our guests. Our library, located on the Blue Patio, offers children’s books, local history including indigenous history, farming and gardening, wildlife guides, hiking trails, entertainment and tourist attractions. We can recommend activities on and off site including places to go with children, local hiking, museums, restaurants and shopping.
In addition to campsites, for additional fees, we offer reiki, a private jacuzzi hot water mineral bath, farm tours, firewood, tutoring, tax preparation, vehicle storage, event and space rental, and classes. Three of us are licensed to officiate weddings.
RULES, DOCUMENTS & AMENITIES
Carefully read our listing description and our rules to determine if we're the right space for you. We know we have excellent reviews but take the time to assure that we offer what you are looking for. Each Hipcamp host is autonomous and has their own rules, amenities and features. Hipcamp does not provide guests a copy of the house rules until after you have selected a location and then requires you to agree to the house rules before finalizing your decision. There is not enough space in the listing description to include the rules so guests can see them prior to booking. If you would like to see our rules, registration documents or a list of amenities please find them in our photos or message us prior to booking and we will send you a copy.
We welcome guests new to Hipcamp but please take the time to familiarize yourself with the Hipcamp platform. Hipcamp travel is very different from public campgrounds. At DragonflyHill Desert Farm and Wildlife Habitat you will be guests in our home. We welcome and encourage guests with service and support animals to stay with us. All animals must have current vaccination records.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
from
$25
/ night
sol duc rainforest retreat
9. sol duc rainforest retreat
92%
(1061)
15 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Port Angeles, WA
Stay at our private piece of rain forest paradise. Our 9 acres of forest is adjacent to the Olympic national park and the Olympic discovery trail.
Camp next to Lake Crescent and the Sol Duc river/ hot springs, immersed in the Olympic rain forest, next to a bubbling creek. There is hiking , biking and boating in all directions. Each camp is semi secluded, surrounded in ferns and old growth trees.
With many trails that loop around and covered outdoor kitchens, its a great spot to chill and cook or explore the forests
thousands of ferns and bubbling brooks .
Located a mile and a half from Lake Crescent, adjacent to the Olympic Discovery Trail and the Olympic National Park, our property is
a perfect gathering point to explore the possibilities of the peninsula.
You will think you're in the park.
Pets
Toilets
Full hookups
from
$38
/ night
Ashley National Forest
10. Ashley National Forest
88%
(13)
1000 sites · Whiterocks, Utah
Choose some majestic highlights in this mountainous national forest.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Inyo National Forest
11. Inyo National Forest
96%
(453)
2001 sites · Lone Pine, California
Explore ancient pine forests, curious rock formations, and massive peaks in this sprawling national forest.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Mt. Hood National Forest
12. Mt. Hood National Forest
92%
(191)
1295 sites · Government Camp, Oregon
Explore mountains, lakes, hot springs, and hiking trails in this expansive forest near Portland.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
Shasta-Trinity National Forest
13. Shasta-Trinity National Forest
93%
(137)
912 sites · Junction City, California
California’s largest national forest offers year-round outdoor adventures and diverse camping options.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
Paisano Azul Ranch
14. Paisano Azul Ranch
95%
(1212)
16 sites · Tents, RVs · Study Butte, TX
Paisano Azul Ranch is on 30 acres located by Terlingua Creek.
The property is just minutes from the Terlingua Ghost Town and a short 3 mile drive to the Big Bend National park.
Come pitch your tent or park your camper amid the peaceful desert hillside with views of plateaus that lead to the Chisos Mountains in Big Bend National Park. There is a fire pit on site for you to toast marshmallows or cozy up near, and you can enjoy a bite to eat at the picnic table provided at each site.
The picnic tables are placed beneath shade sails.
There are two nice and new desert tan flushing Porta-Potties on-site, as well as showers for guests to use. These come in handy after a long day hiking.
We hope you'll enjoy the beautiful open sky sunsets, sunrises, and stargazing
as much as we do.
We are located just 3 miles from the entrance to Big Bend National Park. There are plenty of opportunities to get out and explore - you can hike, bike, canoe camp; kayak, off-road, swim, go horseback riding, visit hot springs, as well as visit restaurants, galleries, and listen to great music in Terlingua. There is something for everyone to feel free to bring the whole family.
DIRECTIONS: Once you are on Road Runner Circle, go past the house on the left with the Christmas lights on. Please continue down the road and follow the road around the curve to the left. The campsites will be on the left and side behind the rock walls. The campsite number that is booked is the campsite you will stay in.
Additional details to note:
- We now have an above ground pool to keep cool in during the summer! Covered with a shade sail the water stays nice and chilly. ($10 fee/person)
- You can stay connected if you'd like to, as cell reception and wifi are both available by the showers. Feel free to unplug during your stay though.
- Seeing other campers on your trip at the campsite is very standard, as the sites are far enough apart to feel like they are yours, but they are not private.
- Non potable water is provided on-site. The showers and non potable water is located approximately 1/4 mile from campsites 1-7.
-We have friendly, quirky miniature goats named Clyde and Stella to visit while up at the showers.
Please feel free to reach out with any questions and we look forward to your stay.
Pets
Toilets
Full hookups
from
$45
/ night
Umpqua's Last Resort
15. Umpqua's Last Resort
96%
(928)
35 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Idleyld Park, OR
Umpqua’s Last Resort is nestled along the North Umpqua River in the Umpqua National Forest. This region of the Oregon Cascade Mountains is commonly referred to as “Oregon’s Emerald-Jewel Gateway” to Crater Lake National Park. Spectacular marble river views, volcanic formations, thundering waters, and towering firs are just the beginning… the North Umpqua River is World Class!
Settled in the community of Dry Creek, 27-miles east of Idleyld Park [Idle-wild Park] on the North Umpqua River, Umpqua's Last Resort hosts fifteen 50/30/20amp Full Hook-up RV Sites, Glamping Tents, Camper Cabins, a Tiny Home, RV Experiences, heated shower house & restrooms, mountain Wi-Fi, access to the North Umpqua River & Dry Creek.
Umpqua’s Last Resort is a privately owned recreational vehicle park & campground located on exclusive private-property deep in the heart of the Umpqua National Forest. As a proud equal opportunity recreation provider we thank you for your interest.
Pets
Toilets
Full hookups
from
$35
/ night
Kokomo Farms
16. Kokomo Farms
100%
(214)
16 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Live Oak, FL
Kokomo Farms is an Organic rescue farm on approximately 20 acres. We named Kokomo Farms after our two loves. We traveled for years only to discover Kokomo is inside of us all . Our love for unwanted animals from horses, pigs chickens, ducks, dogs, birds (well you get the idea) allows us to care for rescued animals.
We offer many different unique stays from our Glamping Netted Hanging Round Bed to a converted Shipping Container made into an Eco Friendly Tiny Home to even a Tiny House Cottage and a treehouse!
Soak in our zen garden hot tub . The Zen garden is a peaceful botanical retreat. It's a fun and romantic vibe if you love animals to just relax and breathe! Bring a good book to read on the back porch of the Main house, add your artistic talents to our artwall, lie on our stargazing bed and enjoy our beautiful dark skies, meander thru the greenhouse, or enjoy our weekend community fires, or just Wander around Kokomo's spacious property which includes a beautiful Hammock of 200+ yr old Live Oak trees. Bring carrots to make horse friends. All our animals are retired but love to interact.
Rent a Kayak from a local outfitter for the Historic Suwannee River and enjoy North Florida's best natural resources that are very nearby, or just visit our local beautiful springs for a swim or hike!
Come enjoy a little of our paradise.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
from
$39
/ night
Hot Springs Campground
17. Hot Springs Campground
93%
(67)
33 sites · Tents, RVs · Apple Valley, CA
Rural 160 acre homestead property located in the mountains of the Mojave Desert, next to the Deep Creek Hot Springs. This off the grid property is surrounded by 1,000s of acres of undeveloped BLM and US Forestry land, providing endless views of the San Bernardino mountains and high desert scenery, Numerous hiking and OHV offroad trails right off the property. The 6 mile dirt road can be bumpy, but a 4WD isa not necessary. Low profile vehicles and large trailers Park your car, truck/trailer or RV right at one of our developed campsites that has a patch of turf, picnic tables and fire pits (grills available). Flushing toilets, pits toilets, potable water, and showers on site.
*Warning! 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. Even though Deep Creek has never had any known cases of amoeba outbreaks, be advised that the warm waters around hot springs can carry a sometimes fatal amoeba.
*Although children are permitted at most sites on the property (children are not permitted at the cabin or spring pool sites), 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 Campground is part of the historic Bowen Ranch property that was homesteaded in 1924 and 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. See our webpage deepcreekhotspringscampground.com for more information and detailed driving directions to our property.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from
$55
/ night
Arber-Moore's Ranch
18. Arber-Moore's Ranch
93%
(568)
6 sites · Tents, RVs · Oak View, CA
Beautiful natural campsites in the Valley of the Moon (Ojai Valley). Our sites are within an eighth of a mile of walking, running, biking, and riding trails from Ojai to the beaches of Ventura. On many days you can experience Ojai’s famous pink moments. You can hike the trails above Ojai, boat, eat, or picnic at Lake Casitas. Travel to nearby Ventura to shop, fish the pier, or take a deep sea fishing charter or Island charter to Whale watch or fish around the Channel Islands.
Please note the aerial view of the camping area recently placed by Hipcamp is NOT AT ALL REPRESENTATIVE of the current camping sites and shows a photo that is many years old when the site was merely land.
That photo is without any of the existing amenities or improvements. The actual sites are all Larger than Federal Park and Statepark guidelines, with averages of 20'x30' for campsites and 20'x40' for a long RVCampsite.
We have planted many young trees and continue to plant trees and native shrubs around and near the sites. We have picnic tables, table coverings, fire pits, and camping rugs/footprints. There is also an outdoor shower, a shower tent with hot water, and an upgraded porta-potty with a sink.
Note: During times when high heat is predicted, we strongly recommend that our Hipcampers bring pop-up shade tents or canopies for their sites.
The Hipcamp is adjacent to our working ranch, and any photos of old sheds, trucks, a wood lot, or other equipment are NOT on the Hipcamp, but you will drive past that property to get to the separate Hipcamp area.
Wineries, Farmer's Markets, Craft Breweries, dispensaries, and more are within 10 to 15 minutes of our site. Our location allows moments when you may see Hawks, Owls, Geese, Swallows, Robins, Bluebirds, and more.
We offer both tent and RV camping.
The Majority of our Guests love it here:
"Vivian and Dave were exceptional hosts!
Easy to contact and find our way to their property. Also gave us a plethora of places to go and things to do in the Ojai area.
The area was open and spacious, and many trees and upgrades were in the works to make future stays more user-friendly.
Big pluses were the shower and toilet facilities—much appreciated !!"
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
from
$69
/ night
Meadow Hot Springs Glamping Cabin
19. Meadow Hot Springs Glamping Cabin
96%
(48)
1 site · Lodging · Alma, CO
The Zella Hut is a cabin built in the late 1800's. It was redone in the 70's and recently updated with mid century modern interiors.
Now it serves as a backcountry hut in the winter and glamping cabin in the summer.
During the winter it can be accessed by skinning, snowshoeing and snowmobiling.
During the summer it can be accessed by car.
Its a small cabin, but it can sleep 4 in comfort.
No Rv campers, van and sprinter rvs ok.
Pets
Toilets
Showers
from
$171
/ night
Spirit Walk - Private Retreat
20. Spirit Walk - Private Retreat
99%
(565)
15 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Wofford Heights, CA
Private ADULT ONLY camping. With a central outdoor kitchen and dining area, group fire pit, and a bathroom with a composting toilet, sink and shower. Seasonal creek. Quiet and private.
Stargazer and the Boulders have their own fire pit, and there's a communal fire pit too.
We have a small cabin (The Playhouse) and 9 campsites. Each campsite will accommodate a medium size tent (10’x10’ max), except for The Boulders which will accommodate more.
No Pets, No Smoking
ADULTS ONLY. Spirit Walk is a quiet meditative place. It is not a conducive environment for young children. Thank you for understanding.
Lake Isabella, the Kern River and historic Kernville are just 5 minutes down the road.
All Hipcamp proceeds go directly back into the land in the way of forest maintenance, a tree planting program and improvements to the facilities.
Toilets
Campfires
Full hookups
from
$55
/ night
94% (21.1K) • 2,963 campsites
Top-rated campgrounds near United States
Kosk Creek Campgrounds
1. Kosk Creek Campgrounds
96%
(381)
31 sites · Tents, RVs · Big Bend, CA
We are a 400 acre ranch nestled in the mountains of Shasta County. There is a mile long creek that runs through the property. We have multiple hot spring pools ranging in various temperatures. Dry and overland campsites available. Activities: Boating, hiking, kayaking, 4x4, mountain bike, and fishing.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from
$15
/ night
Smoky Mtn Mangalitsa River Ranch
2. Smoky Mtn Mangalitsa River Ranch
99%
(1516)
17 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Waynesville, NC
Voted #1 in NC and Top 50 in the USA!! We are a Mangalitsa farm in The Smoky Mountains of western NC. The entire property is oriented toward private farmland views, a half mile of river and surrounding mountains. It's really quite remarkable to be so accessible yet feel so remote! Come swim, fish, cook and play!
PLEASE NOTE, our rate is based on the number of vehicles in your group. The first vehicle is included in the nightly rate and admits 4 campers. WE CHARGE FOR ADDITIONAL CARS. The charge will be added to your booking once you select the number of vehicles at checkout.
Please note that each additional car admits four campers. For EXAMPLE, 2 cars = 8 campers total. If you only have two cars but more than eight people, YOU MUST select the "Extra Person" Extra for each night they are camping. Please select these extras at checkout. If you have questions about this PLEASE message me prior to booking.
Our 95-acre farm was once owned by the Davis family who predominantly raised dairy cattle. We now raise the wooly Mangalitsa pig and sell to the best chefs and restaurants. We sell our pork at the farm too!
All of our campsites are next to running water except the two hilltop sites.
Two porta-potties are on the farm and private porta-potties are available for rent. Groups of eight or more are required to rent a porta potty should you not bring your own toilet system with you. We do not allow the use of our small wooded areas as toilets. No porta potties are provided b/tw Dec 15 and March 15
Please contact us in advance regarding paying for firewood ($7/5 pieces), dogs ($15 each), day vehicle visitors ($30), private farm tour ($15/person) and/or a private porta potty ($120). thank you!
Quiet hours are from 10pm to 9am.
Checking in before 5 pm is requested. Later times may be available with prior arrangements. Our farm is very dark and navigating at night is difficult. Contact Catherine directly so you can be checked in safely and accommodate your schedule. LIMITED CHECK-INS AFTER DARK.
We are 1 mile off of I 40, 17 minutes from the Blue Ridge Parkway, 15 min. to Maggie Valley, 10 min to the Elk at Cataloochee, 25 min to Cataloochee ski area, 10 min to Lake Junaluska and 15 min to downtown Waynesville. Asheville is 20 miles to our East.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from
$51
/ night
Musick Creek Falls by Shaver Lake
3. Musick Creek Falls by Shaver Lake
98%
(368)
5 sites · Tents, RVs · Shaver Lake, CA
Musick Creek Falls — Waterfalls, Stargazing and stunning Landscapes Just minutes from Shaver Lake, your wilderness escape begins. Welcome to our 40 acres of quiet forest, sun-warmed granite, and the steady sound of cascading water. Each campsite is private and thoughtfully placed, with a gazebo, access to fresh spring water, and nearby swimming holes carved naturally into the creek. Nestled along the edge of the Sierra National Forest, this hidden retreat blends adventure, comfort, and sustainability. The surrounding area offers no shortage of nearby highlights, including Shaver Lake, the giant sequoias of McKinley Grove, the trails and swimming holes of the Dinkey Creek Wilderness, year-round recreation at China Peak, and day trips to Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks, home to the General Sherman Tree. Many guests, however, find the waterfalls, forest, and dark skies here more than enough to fill their stay. Spend your days swimming in natural pools, stargazing through our shared telescope, or resting in a hammock beneath towering cedars. Dogs are welcome to roam off-leash under supervision, and the open terrain keeps tails busy. Guests explore private trails, try their hand at gold panning, scramble granite boulders, or borrow a free kayak for nearby Shaver Lake. Rugged yet accessible (4×4 helpful in winter), Musick Creek Falls offers creekside camping, mountain views, and exceptionally clear night skies. Four secluded sites keep a light footprint on the land and include composting toilets, fire rings, and picnic tables. Our conservation ethos is guided by the original caretakers of this region—the Nüümü, known today as the Mono or Potuck people. Rather than relying on massive machine-cut firebreaks, aerial pesticide spraying, or “pines in lines” replanting, we take a slower, place-based approach. We use controlled burning, hands-on fuel reduction, selective native plant culling, and encourage the land to regenerate naturally. Just as important, we believe sharing the land is essential, because stewardship only lasts when people are connected to it. This is a rugged mountain property. Terrain can be steep, rocks near the creek are often slick, and nights are very dark. Campers should be prepared for off grid camping and up for adventure!
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from
$64
/ night
Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest
4. Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest
90%
(94)
2666 sites · Levan, Utah
2.1 million acres of unique wilderness scenery just begging to be explored.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Boise National Forest
5. Boise National Forest
81%
(42)
653 sites · Lowman, Idaho
You could say Boise National Forest is in the tri-forest area. It is surrounded on all sides by Payette, Salmon-Challis, and Sawtooth National Forests, it is situated conveniently close to both urban fun in Boise, and limitless wilderness adventures everywhere else. Alpine tundra is dotted with evergreen forest in the green rolling hills here, topped with snow, and anchored by sparkling valley waterways. The Payette River is great for rafting, while Banks Beach and Beehive Bend are just some of the prime access points on the forest’s 250 lakes and reservoirs (Arrowrock Reservoir has surprisingly primo salmon fishing for central Idaho).
Hikers will find 500 trails, including some that lead to 360-panoramic views at fire lookouts. The ambitious should try 10,000-foot high Trinity Mountain, while more liesurely trekkers will get just as good a view at Silver Creek. As if that’s not all enough to keep you busy, there are also endless mountain biking trails, including a scenic route along Shafer Butte. You’ll have your hands full at this intersection of so many great parks!
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
Stargazing in US's #2 Dark Sky Zone
6. Stargazing in US's #2 Dark Sky Zone
78%
(71)
12 sites · Lodging · AZ
The stars are unforgettable here. Dark sky stargazing in #2 darkest sky in USA. This remote and peaceful campsite gives you a backcountry wilderness experience you can reach in a regular car. Amateur astronomers love the stargazing and viewing the Milky Way with your bare eyes -- photo of Milky Way Galaxy here was taken at the site.
Boatel class 2 -- in the International Dark Sky Zone. Book during a NEW MOON if you want to see stars like those in the photos here.
Guests also enjoy the abundant wildlife, birdwatching, hiking and taking drives to a hot springs and swimming holes with waterfalls in the region.
The area is also great for 4x4 exploration in your short wheelbase 4x4 or ATV.
No visible city lights, no lighting on site, no passing car headlights, and no signs of civilization. No traffic noise whatsoever.
Winter daytime weather in the 70s, sunny most of the time, 3000-5000 ft elevation and above the heat.
REMOTE FEELING BUT FREEWAY CLOSE
Our base camp site is a 35 minute scenic drive off of Highway 93, between Las Vegas and Phoenix, (2 1/2 hours either way)
We are about 3 hours from the Grand Canyon and 45 miles from Prescott.
We have a few campsites with fire rings you can safely drive to in a regular 2 wheel drive car, minivan, camper van or smaller (not monstrous)
Pull behind trailers are ok if you have a truck. You can pull through the site.
The rest of the ranch is 4x4, hike in camping only.
Roads beyond the Base Camp and in surrounding wilderness are rugged and a great adventure for those with a Subaru, Jeep or ATV -- miles and miles of dirt roads in this adjacent 27,000 acre wilderness.
BETWEEN PHOENIX AND VEGAS
Aquarius Stargazing Ranch is in the Aquarius Mountains, 3 hours and 200 miles West of the Grand Canyon near the ghost town of Nothing, Arizona.
We are 6 hours from Los Angeles or San Diego.
We are halfway between Phoenix and Las Vegas, (2 1/2 hours between either city).
WEATHER
It is usually 10 - 20 degrees cooler than Wikieup or Phoenix. It rains more up here and there are trees and thick brush. Never snows, sunny year round. Summer brings spectacular Monsoon thunderstorms.
ECOSYSTEM
You will notice the landscape starkly changes as you drive from the Highway up into these steep and remote mountains.
The ecosystem is a blend of Saguro Cactus, prickly pear, and cholla cactus, desert sagebrush, Southwestern hardwoods like mesquite and manzanita and deciduous leafy trees like Aspen, Gingko, Cottonwood, and Sycamore. Wildflowers are prolific in Spring and after rains.
WILDLIFE
Wildlife is abundant including endangered species like Bighorn Sheep, Wild Burro, Wild Horses, Pronghorn Antelope, Bald Eagle, Falcon, Great Horned Owl -- 150 species of birds. Bees, dragonflies and butterflies thrive here as no pesticide or herbicide has ever touched this land.
This is a primal experience. No human habitation.
SWIMMING HOLES NEARBY
Surrounded on all sides by 27,000 acres of the very remote Upper Burro Creek wilderness through which a creek flows uninterrupted for 13 miles, year round, enabling wildlife to flourish and creating amazing swimming holes and waterfalls.
There are also hot springs in this area.
HIKING
Hiking is easy and gentle on miles of roads and sandy washes, lovely trails made by wild deer, antelope, bighorn sheep, wild burros, and the occasional stray cow.
ATV ADVENTURE
There is also very challenging and rugged, steep, uphill off trail hiking for the adventurous explorer and miles of 4x4 trails to explore in the surrounding Burro Creek wilderness.
PRISTINE, SACRED LAND
We consider ourselves guardians of this sacred land.
Our intention is to preserve this absolutely pristine, untouched and virtually uninhabited land as a wildlife corridor for future generations, and develop it only according to ecological Permaculture principles.
We also intend to protect the wild horses and wild animals that roam freely here.
As you walk the road that heads into the higher mountain region of the land where volcanic peaks reach above 5,000 feet, you will notice that it is an natural bowl that protects a seasonal stream and canyon.
HISTORY
Native tribes lived here because it was a defensible and safe haven, it is truly a natural fortress of red rock and granite. Before that, dinosaurs roamed this region of Arizona and fossilized remains are evident, as well as petroglyphs.
Nearby Wikieup was once the settlement of the Hualapai Indians, also known as Walapais.
The Native Americans used to cultivate corn and other food crops aided by the rich, river-nourished soil of the valley. They had fierce rivals in the tribe of the Tonto Apaches. Mostly, the two tribes did not seek disputes with each other but all that changed with the coming of the settlers, and later, the Gold Rush and miners.
The settlement of the settlers pushed both tribes farther from their source of livelihood. This resulted in disputes between the white men, the Yavapai Apaches, and the Hualapais.
The natural fortress like formation of the canyon on the ranch was an important refuge because it was easily defensible.
We have found artifacts making it obvious that this was inhabited by aboriginal tribal humans before the Native Americans. Perhaps the land has
not changed significantly since then. Dinosaurs roamed Northern Arizona before that, and this sandy region was once a sea. It does look like an ocean without water.
Explore magical Aquarius and let us know what you discover.
Learn more about this land:
You aren't just here for camping.
You are here for transformation.
"Hipcamp Finalist - Best in Arizona - 2019"
* * * * * * * * * * * *
Guests have described Aquarius Stargazing Ranch as:
A deeply powerful experience.
A spiritual experience.
A life-altering experience.
Silent, mystical and powerful land.
Silence. Serenity. Dark, starry skies. Log off your devices, get way off the grid, and go deep into a remote wilderness that is easily accessible in your 2WD RV, van or car.
Surrender to the silence. So quiet you will hear your heartbeat.
Log off, do a digital detox, leave your electronics behind and tune into a higher frequency.
Clear your head of the clutter of city life, and empty it out here.
Primal -- yet not really that far away from the Interstate 93/11 (35 minutes), Los Angeles (6 1/2 hours), Las Vegas (2 1/2 hours), Metro Phoenix (2 hours), Prescott (1 hour,) the Grand Canyon or Sedona (3 hours.)
Our reviews are mixed because Aquarius Ranch is not for everyone.
If you want electricity, pavement, trash cans, street lights, bug zappers, Netflix, hot showers, dumping stations and a liquor store -- please don't come here, you'll hate it!
If you want to... take a bath alone with your sweetie in a primal geothermal hot spring, swim in a natural spring fed swimming hole, walk barefoot on white sand illuminated by moonlight, follow animal footprints instead of written signs, navigate by stars, hike to a spring or a well for fresh water, watch the flames dance and listen to the Cicadas....if you want a 5 BILLION STAR experience....
Aquarius is for you. Read on.
This is a 2,000 acre, State Park-level beauty, Dark Sky wildlife sanctuary-- uninhabited for over 50 years and never developed. There is nothing here and that's what you came for. (The nearest town is, indeed, Nothing, Arizona.)
The only signs of humans are arrowheads, caves, petroglyphs. The only evidence of the 21st Century are satellites. (Airplanes are rare.)
You will see dinosaur fossils embedded in sandstone. It is literally a Jurassic Park.
The land has a very high frequency as it is covered with pink quartz crystals.
I want to make sure you "get" why you are coming here, and are prepared. Aquarius is a journey -- not a destination.
Yes, it's hard to find and you can't just use your GPS. Sorry.
Put your iPhone away unless you're taking photos or using Satellite to navigate with maps you downloaded in advance.
There are no signs and the only trail markers are rock cairns.
You're going to have to rediscover how to use a map and follow directions. As you hike, you will remember how to observe the stars and the sky and the shadows of sun.
This is part of your DNA, it is part of your soul as a human.
You'll remember Aquarius. Your soul has been here before.
Have you ever seen the Milky Way Galaxy? We are in the Earth's second darkest "dark sky" region. The photo of the sky here was taken by a guest!
You can see the Milky Way here with your naked eyes.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~**~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~**~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
A VIRTUAL GUIDED EXPERIENCE
I am a trained Red Cross Advanced Wilderness First Responder and trained wilderness guide with Outdoors Unlimited, Desert Survivors and Sierra Club. My partner is a badass level 5-11 rock climber and full time Van Lifer.
We are here as your "virtual tour guides" to guide you and give you advice, directions and guidance during your journey. We're in our 60s and we remember life before the GPS, iPhone and Internet. That said, we are old and still managed to climb and walk around here -- so I'm sure you can manage too.
A minivan or car camping with a tent will be fine here, but this is not a State Park, or a "glampground." The Guide we give you when you reserve your space will give you details on how to pack, prepare, survive heat and cold, and directions to hot springs, swimming holes and hikes.
READ THE GUIDE AND ASK QUESTIONS BEFORE YOU DRIVE HERE.
Aquarius is not really that hard to reach, but it's not convenient, either. "The journey is the destination," and the drive is more amazing than the campsite itself.
This is not "glamping" or a developed campground with wifi and services -- it is a destination for those of us who crave the rare and hard to find experience of total silence, serenity, dark sky and potent powerful land.
It's not for tourist who wants electricity, a faucet, hot shower, and a chlorinated pool -- it's for human BEings who want to firelight, starlight, moonlight, drinking from a well or spring, bathing in a hot spring and a natural spring fed swimming hole.
Remember life, not that long ago, when humans could communicate with each other, plants and animals, without words or devices.
Come here for a personal vision quest, a personal transformational journey, for deep inner healing and reflection.
When you remove the stress of traffic noise, light pollution, EMF, devices, the Internet, signs, radio waves, chemicals, pesticides, herbicides and all the interference of the modern world, you will remember, deep in your intercellular DNA -- what it means to be human.
You will discover how many stars, galaxies and solar systems are out there. This alone could move you to tears.
You will discover who you really are. Not alone in the Universe, and much more powerful than you have been told.
THE SOUND OF SILENCE
Have you ever been somewhere so quiet you can hear your heartbeat? It will happen here. This is not just one of the darkest places on Earth, it is one of the most silent. There is no electrical, noise or light interference -- an experience so rare in the modern world.
Silence is unbelievably restorative. Meditation and states of awareness, inspiration, soul purpose and a connection with Source happen spontaneously in this silence.
SOLITUDE
You are unlikely to see another vehicle once you turn off the main Interstate. Even if we are "busy" (4 or 5 campsites filled, but usually just one) you will find solitude easily if you just wander off a bit up the jeep trail or down one of the ravines.
SELF RELIANT CAMPSITES
These are bare land, flat, drive in campsites and they are accessible with regular 2 wheel drive cars, camper vans or RVs -- or smaller pull behind trailers. These pristine, bare wilderness campsites have large stone fire rings, and there is a shared, community wood pile.
The nearest gas/food is 7 miles away (at 80 mph) plus 14 miles at 20-40 mph. There is a well you can hike to, and there is drinkable water 1 mile down the road.
MOONLIGHT HIKING
For a bright full moonlight hike to the hot spring or hiking the creek beds and canyons around the ranch in the cool of the night. You will not need a flashlight--the sand and canyon walls will reflect the moonlight and you can even see your moonshadow. It's fascinating to hike the desert in moonlight and see bats and other night creatures.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~**~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~**~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~**~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Accessible in a regular car
These sites are 15 miles from the main Interstate freeway -- far enough to feel remote and totally silent with no light pollution and no traffic noise whatsoever. This silence is worth the (spectacular) drive into the mountains. Keep in mind it will take about 35 minutes to drive here off the freeway -- the journey is the destination. The drive is spectacular, Instagram worthy through the little traveled Aquarius Mountain range, and you will see wild animals so unaccustomed to human visitors that they stand in the road.
DAY TRIP TO HOT SPRING
There is a secret Hot Spring (no sulfur smell, 100 degrees clear water) and we will give you directions to drive to it in a regular 2WD car and hike in -- 1 mile, flat, easy walk on sand though a beautiful canyon.
NEARBY SWIMMING HOLES
From our Base Camp, you can take day trips by a regular 2WD car to nearby swimming holes.
CAVES, PETROGLYPHS, CLIMBING
If you have a mountain bike, are a hiker, backpacker or have an ATV/4X4, (with short wheelbase and high clearance is best -- though Subaru Outbacks have done fine here) you can explore the surrounding vast and uncharted wilderness on miles of jeep trails.
The surrounding wilderness area has a deep creek that flows year round, waterfalls, deep blue pools and swimming holes. There is much to explore here and very few people visit this area, so it is perfect for social distancing.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~**~*~*~*~*~*~*
HIKE, BIKE OR AWD AND EXPLORE
From here, if you want, you can continue into the ranch on a short wheelbase, high clearance 4x4 vehicle, (Subaru Outbacks have managed it), mountain bike, or a horse. You can hike by foot with day pack or backpack for overnight camping on the three square miles of land of the ranch.
Please book "Isolation Point" if you plan to backpack overnight so we know you are out there.
~*~*~**~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~**~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
SUPERBLOOM WILDFLOWERS
In the Spring, after rains, you will see fields of red, orange, gold, and purple wildflowers, including sweet scented white flowering agave, yellow flowered prickly pear, orange flowered cholla, red flowering Ocotillo, red Indian Paintbrush, fields of orange poppies, violet datura, and blooming purple sage.
Along the ride you will see blooming Joshua Trees, Barrel Cactus and endangered Saguaro and BLOOMING AGAVE FORESTS. Wow. They smell amazing.
A BASE TO EXPLORE THE AREA
We love using the ranch as a base to explore the Joshua Tree Highway, swimming in the creek, hot springs, Alamo Lake, going to the small towns in this lost and lonely part of America, abandoned mines and ghost towns, and wandering the dirt roads around here.
If you love the desert, like we do, you will find this a uncharted, wild, untouched, authentic and untouristy gem in the Southwest.
BE SELF RELIANT
You must be self sufficient with water, food and a full tank of gas -- this is nothing in Nothing, Arizona. It is a very isolated area, even though it's only 3 miles "as the crow flies" from a busy Interstate and 7.5 miles from gas and food.
It's perfect for vans or small RVs and great for camping with a pop up shade structure or 10 x 10 with bug netting and a good cushy pad.
We reveal the specific maps you need, GPS coordinates, precise directions once you register.
ABOVE THE HEAT, BUT MILD YEAR ROUND
The ranch is up high above the heat at 3,900 - 5000 foot elevation, similar climate to Prescott at the higher parts of the ranch, weather like Wikieup in the lower elevations.
Winter is clear and sunny with averages in 50s-60s daytime and lows of 30s-20s at night.
Daytime is mild and sunny 60-70 in January, but nights can dip down to 20s and if it's windy, it's brisk.
Spring is like a summer, in the 70s and 80s, with cool nights in the 50s.
Summer is blazing in the 100s down at the Highway -- but up here in the Aquarius Mountains, it is usually in the 90s, with nights in the 70s, more like Prescott. We get the most rain in the Summer, not the Winter. (Dramatic monsoon thunderstorms!)
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:
CAN I BRING A DOG?
Yes, and your pet can go unleashed and run -- but bring tweezers in the event that they step on a burr or cactus thorn. (Best to stay on trail.) Leash your pet at night, or bring her into your vehicle in Winter for her warmth and safety.
DO I NEED SHADE?
We recommend bringing shade for your campsite in Summer. We are "Burning Man" desert camping veterans and used to being self reliant in the heat of the desert sun. Some folks like a sheet, tapestry or tarp fastened to their car, SUV, Van or RV. In Summer, bring a pop up shade structure with bug netting.
CAN I HAVE A CAMPFIRE?
Yes, as long as there are no restrictions.
ARE THERE ANY TREES?
For hanging out during the day, there is a nice cottonwood, aspen and gingko forest a short walk from the Base Camp--it is leafy in Spring/Summer and bare in the Winter/Fall. You can hike around and find shade, as the Primal humans did -- rocks, caves, and mesquite trees.
BIRDWATCHING/WILDLIFE
Because of the silence, distance from major roads, lack of fences and natural "bowl" of mountains surrounding from which to observe the distance, the ranch is a sanctuary for Endangered Species, many found only here. If you sit still and very silent, the animals and birds will appear. They are shy and will not bother or beg from you.
Often they will just stare at you, fascinated but unconcerned, as human visitors are so rare for them.
This is primal desert ecosystem, virtually uninhabited for decades. Wildlife abounds including 100 varieties of birds -- quail, blue jays, hawks, roadrunners, raven, owl, blue jays and wild turkey, even black hawks and bald eagles.
If you are silent, you will see desert cottontails, raccoon, skunks (spotted, striped, and hognose), mule deer, pronghorn antelope, elk, bighorn sheep, wild Mustang horses. You will see wild burros along the roads. (Bring binoculars!)
It is rare to find an ecosystem untouched by pesticide or herbicide in which so many species thrive.
There are lizards, snakes, bees, dragonflies and butterflies. You will hear a symphony of cicadas, crickets and birds.
There are predators here but they don't bother humans. They are wild.
PETROGLYPHS AND CAVES
Discover petroglyphs, prehistoric sites, ancient lava fields, volcanic formations and caves, and feel like you are truly the last human (or the first) alive on Earth.
BIKING, HORSEBACK RIDING, AWD, OHV, QUADS
Fat tire Mountain Biker's paradise with miles of winding dirt jeep roads to explore.
We can help you rent an off road vehicle tour from a local outfitter.
GHOST TOWNS
The ghost town of Nothing, to the south has... almost nothing. Signal is another ghost town nearby.
HISTORIC SMALL TOWNS
Wikieup, about 10 miles North, has gas, RV dumping, great classic American road trip food (even great Chicago pizza and steak sandwiches at Dazzo's), homemade pie at Luchia's, and a Trading Post with Native American jewelry and art.
All the food around here is surprisingly good with eclectic decor and fun roadside attractions for the kids, like peacocks!
Wickenburg, 50 miles south, has a great restaurant we love called Cowboy Cookin', and a big grocery store with block ice, water machine outside with filtered water.
Kingman, 60 miles north, is going hipster fast -- this town caters to tourists and truckers with all the services you need, like health food store, camping supplies and laundromat.
Bagdad is the nearest town as the crow flies if you are checking the weather.
Check out the Train Museum, historic downtown, Route 66, funky antique and secondhand clothing stores, flea markets, great tacos, two brew pubs, Black Ridge Brewery for live music. Desert Diamond Distillery for a tour of how Agave cactus is turned into Tequila.
Explore the magic of Aquarius Ranch and let us know what you discover
Pets
Toilets
Showers
from
$120
/ night
Bowen Ranch Hot Spring Retreat
7. Bowen Ranch Hot Spring Retreat
88%
(147)
17 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Lake Arrowhead, CA
Peaceful Off-the-Grid Property in the Mountains of the Mojave Desert,
Hot Springs and Numerous Hiking and Off-Roading Trails Nearby...
Surrounded by 1,000s of Acres of Undeveloped BLM and US Forestry Land, With Endless Views of the San Bernardino Mountains and High Desert Scenery.
Bring Your Tent, Trailer, RV or Camp in your Car .
Picnic Tables and Fire Pits (grills available). Flushing Toilets, Pits Toilets, Potable Water, and Showers On-Site.
Breakfast Lunch Dinner Served on the Weekends
*Warning! 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. Even though Deep Creek has never had any known cases of amoeba outbreaks, be advised that the warm waters around hot springs can carry a sometimes fatal amoeba.
*Although children are permitted at most sites on the property (children are not permitted at the cabin or spring pool sites), 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 Campground is part of the historic Bowen Ranch property that was homesteaded in 1924 and 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. See our webpage deepcreekhotspringscampground.com for more information and detailed driving directions to our property.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from
$62
/ night
DragonflyHill Desert Farm
8. DragonflyHill Desert Farm
97%
(304)
27 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Desert Hot Springs, CA
About
Welcome to DragonflyHill Desert Farm & Wildlife Habitat where you can experience desert magic, starry skies, and natural mineral water from our private well. Remote enough for a quiet retreat yet easy to get to and only a short drive to amenities and outdoor adventures! Please review our rules and read our entire listing description prior to requesting to stay here, to assure we’re the right space for you. Copies of our rules, registration documents, liability waiver and amenities are provided in our photos. Guests must agree to adhere to our rules and honor our cancellation policy to book with us. If you have any questions, please make an inquiry and we will get back to you very quickly. We really do love this work.
LOCATION:
We are located one mile down a well maintained and navigable dirt road, 20 minutes to Palm Springs, Desert Hot Springs and Palm Desert, and 15 minutes to the 10 freeway. We're near the Cabazon outlets, 2 hours to Los Angeles, San Diego, Disneyland, mountain areas, and beaches. Nearby there are local wildlife preserves, hiking and outdoor activities. We are 45 minutes to Joshua Tree and a half hour to Coachella. We truly are in the middle of nowhere and the center of everything. For folks traveling in winter, we’re considerably warmer than Joshua Tree and the High Desert. In summer we are cooler than Palm Springs. Immediate neighbors are small farmers and ranchers. Local spas and resorts are available for day use and access to their pools and ponds for as little as $10 a day ($5 seniors). We can provide space for events and entertainment for a small fee.
ARRIVAL:
Upon approving your reservation we'll send you a welcome message with information we need prior to your arrival to process your reservation, prepare for your arrival and provide you with check in information and accurate directions as gps apps to our location are often wrong. Please answer that initial email as soon as possible.
We'll follow up with check in information and driving directions.
Once in the gate, stay on the driveway and meet us on the patio with the blue shade sails. We will provide you with an approximately 15 minute orientation and tour, register you, check identification and show you to your campsite. Guests are required to fill out a liability waiver and a simple registration form. (See photos for copies of these forms.)
OUR SPACE:
Our land is 130 feet wide by an eighth of a mile deep in a residential neighborhood with lots 2.5-10 acres. We can see and hear our neighbors.
We maintain a very quiet space but occasionally our neighbors have their own activities and events. Let us know if the neighborhood gets too noisy and we'll try to mitigate those situations. We can also provide free earplugs for those very rare occasions. Guests wanting a totally isolated experience may want to book elsewhere.
DragonflyHill Desert Farm is a working farm in a wilderness area. Guests should check weather forecasts prior to arrival and assure that they have the right equipment. We have a moderate cancellation policy that allows guests to cancel 3 days prior to their arrival date to receive a refund. This allows enough time to check weather reports. There are occasional heavy rains and frequent high winds. It can get very hot in summer and reach freezing temperatures in winter. Despite our proximity to the freeway and nearby cities, and our location in a residential neighborhood, this is very much a wilderness area. DragonflyHill is not responsible for the weather.
We are not a resort. Expect dry plants and patches during summer and into the fall. As a farm, we may be a bit more rustic than your typical farm to allow for shelter for local wildlife. Our cultivation methods encourage biodiversity and though we are growing food, many of our crops resemble landscaping or natural habitat rather than garden patches. Currently we have habitat viewing areas, an herb garden, an orchard, an outdoor classroom, a sheltered social distancing patio, an outdoor kitchen, meditation gardens, our (seasonal) mineral pool, community library, game boards and toys, and a tree bath. Plant varieties, wildlife and presentation may vary by season. Our farm specializes in herbs, fruit trees, desert and native plants, and edible flowers. We also grow some sprouts and microgreens indoors. We cultivate community and share what we grow with our neighbors and our guests. Guests have shared access to the outdoor kitchen and BBQ area, the orchards, gardens, patios, and grounds of the Desert Farm and Wildlife Habitat, and (for safety reasons) limited access to the pool pond and spa -both unheated. The pool pond is filled with local mineral water from our own well. The pool pond is cleaned regularly & is chlorinated. The pool pond is not cleaned daily and is shared with wildlife. including bees and birds who drink water pool side. Debris from high winds and wildlife may contribute to the pool pond environment. Currently neither the pool pond nor the spa is heated. We also have wheelchair accessible hot water outdoor showers and wheelchair accessible porta potties.
The pool area is accessible to guests year round but the pool itself is winterized and unavailable from mid October through mid to late April.
We work hard to keep the home well maintained & clean; we're vigilant & do due diligence with professional quarterly visits from Truly Nolen 4 Season Pest Prevention (a green company.) We doubt you'll see any unwanted critters inside or near the house or other structures during your stay, but if you do, please advise us & we will promptly address the situation. DragonflyHill Desert Farm and Wildlife Habitat is in a remote area of the desert with lots of wildlife. To help us keep wildlife OUT of the house and campsites, please keep food out of reach of critters & clean up after every meal.
We affirmatively welcome children, but as this is a working farm in a wilderness area, parents will need to be vigilant of their child's safety and activity while here. We are constantly adding activities and features for children and adults.
We are child friendly and we are a good location for groups. (Just message us with your details and we can tailor your stay to meet your needs.)
We have 1 cat and 1 service dog. Other guests may have pets or assistance animals. Neighbors have chickens, farm animals and pets. There are a few feral cats in the vicinity as well as a variety of desert wildlife. At night you can hear the coyotes though we’ve never seen them or their tracks on our land. Common sightings of road runners, rabbits, hares, lizards, snakes, hawks, doves, desert wrens, migrating ducks (in the Spring), scorpions, mantises, crickets, mockingbirds, insects and spiders.
WHO WE ARE:
DragonflyHill is a community of artisans, activists, craftspeople and farmers, working together to cultivate community, develop methodologies for living and working together in ever increasing paradigms of social justice and sustainability. We are a safe and sober space that is disability and LGBTQIA affirmative, anti-racist, anti-sexist, anti-imperialist and de-colonialist, because anything else is just a bandaid. Core values of our work include attention to detail, fine craftwork and cultivating community.
Some members of the Dragonfly Team live on the premises at all times and will be here for the duration of your stay. The rest of the team are community members. All Team members work at DragonflyHill Desert Farm and Wildlife Habitat in different capacities, in cooperation and collaboration with each other. It should be noted that we are not a museum community and our collective is not on display. Only 2-3 members of the community are currently responsible for hosting guests. Community members are autonomous and, much of our community functions virtually. There are also occasional community events at the farm, including farming, though many activities are just coming back after the pandemic. We hope to offer activities in the Fall. All activities will continue to be held outdoors and social distancing is required.
We speak: English and Spanish. We can communicate somewhat in French, Italian and Portuguese.
DRAGONFLYHILL CONSEIRGE
We love to hear about your travels and share our knowledge of our community and Southern California with our guests. Our library, located on the Blue Patio, offers children’s books, local history including indigenous history, farming and gardening, wildlife guides, hiking trails, entertainment and tourist attractions. We can recommend activities on and off site including places to go with children, local hiking, museums, restaurants and shopping.
In addition to campsites, for additional fees, we offer reiki, a private jacuzzi hot water mineral bath, farm tours, firewood, tutoring, tax preparation, vehicle storage, event and space rental, and classes. Three of us are licensed to officiate weddings.
RULES, DOCUMENTS & AMENITIES
Carefully read our listing description and our rules to determine if we're the right space for you. We know we have excellent reviews but take the time to assure that we offer what you are looking for. Each Hipcamp host is autonomous and has their own rules, amenities and features. Hipcamp does not provide guests a copy of the house rules until after you have selected a location and then requires you to agree to the house rules before finalizing your decision. There is not enough space in the listing description to include the rules so guests can see them prior to booking. If you would like to see our rules, registration documents or a list of amenities please find them in our photos or message us prior to booking and we will send you a copy.
We welcome guests new to Hipcamp but please take the time to familiarize yourself with the Hipcamp platform. Hipcamp travel is very different from public campgrounds. At DragonflyHill Desert Farm and Wildlife Habitat you will be guests in our home. We welcome and encourage guests with service and support animals to stay with us. All animals must have current vaccination records.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
from
$25
/ night
sol duc rainforest retreat
9. sol duc rainforest retreat
92%
(1061)
15 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Port Angeles, WA
Stay at our private piece of rain forest paradise. Our 9 acres of forest is adjacent to the Olympic national park and the Olympic discovery trail.
Camp next to Lake Crescent and the Sol Duc river/ hot springs, immersed in the Olympic rain forest, next to a bubbling creek. There is hiking , biking and boating in all directions. Each camp is semi secluded, surrounded in ferns and old growth trees.
With many trails that loop around and covered outdoor kitchens, its a great spot to chill and cook or explore the forests
thousands of ferns and bubbling brooks .
Located a mile and a half from Lake Crescent, adjacent to the Olympic Discovery Trail and the Olympic National Park, our property is
a perfect gathering point to explore the possibilities of the peninsula.
You will think you're in the park.
Pets
Toilets
Full hookups
from
$38
/ night
Ashley National Forest
10. Ashley National Forest
88%
(13)
1000 sites · Whiterocks, Utah
Choose some majestic highlights in this mountainous national forest.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Inyo National Forest
11. Inyo National Forest
96%
(453)
2001 sites · Lone Pine, California
Explore ancient pine forests, curious rock formations, and massive peaks in this sprawling national forest.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Mt. Hood National Forest
12. Mt. Hood National Forest
92%
(191)
1295 sites · Government Camp, Oregon
Explore mountains, lakes, hot springs, and hiking trails in this expansive forest near Portland.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
Shasta-Trinity National Forest
13. Shasta-Trinity National Forest
93%
(137)
912 sites · Junction City, California
California’s largest national forest offers year-round outdoor adventures and diverse camping options.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
Paisano Azul Ranch
14. Paisano Azul Ranch
95%
(1212)
16 sites · Tents, RVs · Study Butte, TX
Paisano Azul Ranch is on 30 acres located by Terlingua Creek.
The property is just minutes from the Terlingua Ghost Town and a short 3 mile drive to the Big Bend National park.
Come pitch your tent or park your camper amid the peaceful desert hillside with views of plateaus that lead to the Chisos Mountains in Big Bend National Park. There is a fire pit on site for you to toast marshmallows or cozy up near, and you can enjoy a bite to eat at the picnic table provided at each site.
The picnic tables are placed beneath shade sails.
There are two nice and new desert tan flushing Porta-Potties on-site, as well as showers for guests to use. These come in handy after a long day hiking.
We hope you'll enjoy the beautiful open sky sunsets, sunrises, and stargazing
as much as we do.
We are located just 3 miles from the entrance to Big Bend National Park. There are plenty of opportunities to get out and explore - you can hike, bike, canoe camp; kayak, off-road, swim, go horseback riding, visit hot springs, as well as visit restaurants, galleries, and listen to great music in Terlingua. There is something for everyone to feel free to bring the whole family.
DIRECTIONS: Once you are on Road Runner Circle, go past the house on the left with the Christmas lights on. Please continue down the road and follow the road around the curve to the left. The campsites will be on the left and side behind the rock walls. The campsite number that is booked is the campsite you will stay in.
Additional details to note:
- We now have an above ground pool to keep cool in during the summer! Covered with a shade sail the water stays nice and chilly. ($10 fee/person)
- You can stay connected if you'd like to, as cell reception and wifi are both available by the showers. Feel free to unplug during your stay though.
- Seeing other campers on your trip at the campsite is very standard, as the sites are far enough apart to feel like they are yours, but they are not private.
- Non potable water is provided on-site. The showers and non potable water is located approximately 1/4 mile from campsites 1-7.
-We have friendly, quirky miniature goats named Clyde and Stella to visit while up at the showers.
Please feel free to reach out with any questions and we look forward to your stay.
Pets
Toilets
Full hookups
from
$45
/ night
Umpqua's Last Resort
15. Umpqua's Last Resort
96%
(928)
35 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Idleyld Park, OR
Umpqua’s Last Resort is nestled along the North Umpqua River in the Umpqua National Forest. This region of the Oregon Cascade Mountains is commonly referred to as “Oregon’s Emerald-Jewel Gateway” to Crater Lake National Park. Spectacular marble river views, volcanic formations, thundering waters, and towering firs are just the beginning… the North Umpqua River is World Class!
Settled in the community of Dry Creek, 27-miles east of Idleyld Park [Idle-wild Park] on the North Umpqua River, Umpqua's Last Resort hosts fifteen 50/30/20amp Full Hook-up RV Sites, Glamping Tents, Camper Cabins, a Tiny Home, RV Experiences, heated shower house & restrooms, mountain Wi-Fi, access to the North Umpqua River & Dry Creek.
Umpqua’s Last Resort is a privately owned recreational vehicle park & campground located on exclusive private-property deep in the heart of the Umpqua National Forest. As a proud equal opportunity recreation provider we thank you for your interest.
Pets
Toilets
Full hookups
from
$35
/ night
Kokomo Farms
16. Kokomo Farms
100%
(214)
16 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Live Oak, FL
Kokomo Farms is an Organic rescue farm on approximately 20 acres. We named Kokomo Farms after our two loves. We traveled for years only to discover Kokomo is inside of us all . Our love for unwanted animals from horses, pigs chickens, ducks, dogs, birds (well you get the idea) allows us to care for rescued animals.
We offer many different unique stays from our Glamping Netted Hanging Round Bed to a converted Shipping Container made into an Eco Friendly Tiny Home to even a Tiny House Cottage and a treehouse!
Soak in our zen garden hot tub . The Zen garden is a peaceful botanical retreat. It's a fun and romantic vibe if you love animals to just relax and breathe! Bring a good book to read on the back porch of the Main house, add your artistic talents to our artwall, lie on our stargazing bed and enjoy our beautiful dark skies, meander thru the greenhouse, or enjoy our weekend community fires, or just Wander around Kokomo's spacious property which includes a beautiful Hammock of 200+ yr old Live Oak trees. Bring carrots to make horse friends. All our animals are retired but love to interact.
Rent a Kayak from a local outfitter for the Historic Suwannee River and enjoy North Florida's best natural resources that are very nearby, or just visit our local beautiful springs for a swim or hike!
Come enjoy a little of our paradise.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
from
$39
/ night
Hot Springs Campground
17. Hot Springs Campground
93%
(67)
33 sites · Tents, RVs · Apple Valley, CA
Rural 160 acre homestead property located in the mountains of the Mojave Desert, next to the Deep Creek Hot Springs. This off the grid property is surrounded by 1,000s of acres of undeveloped BLM and US Forestry land, providing endless views of the San Bernardino mountains and high desert scenery, Numerous hiking and OHV offroad trails right off the property. The 6 mile dirt road can be bumpy, but a 4WD isa not necessary. Low profile vehicles and large trailers Park your car, truck/trailer or RV right at one of our developed campsites that has a patch of turf, picnic tables and fire pits (grills available). Flushing toilets, pits toilets, potable water, and showers on site.
*Warning! 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. Even though Deep Creek has never had any known cases of amoeba outbreaks, be advised that the warm waters around hot springs can carry a sometimes fatal amoeba.
*Although children are permitted at most sites on the property (children are not permitted at the cabin or spring pool sites), 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 Campground is part of the historic Bowen Ranch property that was homesteaded in 1924 and 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. See our webpage deepcreekhotspringscampground.com for more information and detailed driving directions to our property.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from
$55
/ night
Arber-Moore's Ranch
18. Arber-Moore's Ranch
93%
(568)
6 sites · Tents, RVs · Oak View, CA
Beautiful natural campsites in the Valley of the Moon (Ojai Valley). Our sites are within an eighth of a mile of walking, running, biking, and riding trails from Ojai to the beaches of Ventura. On many days you can experience Ojai’s famous pink moments. You can hike the trails above Ojai, boat, eat, or picnic at Lake Casitas. Travel to nearby Ventura to shop, fish the pier, or take a deep sea fishing charter or Island charter to Whale watch or fish around the Channel Islands.
Please note the aerial view of the camping area recently placed by Hipcamp is NOT AT ALL REPRESENTATIVE of the current camping sites and shows a photo that is many years old when the site was merely land.
That photo is without any of the existing amenities or improvements. The actual sites are all Larger than Federal Park and Statepark guidelines, with averages of 20'x30' for campsites and 20'x40' for a long RVCampsite.
We have planted many young trees and continue to plant trees and native shrubs around and near the sites. We have picnic tables, table coverings, fire pits, and camping rugs/footprints. There is also an outdoor shower, a shower tent with hot water, and an upgraded porta-potty with a sink.
Note: During times when high heat is predicted, we strongly recommend that our Hipcampers bring pop-up shade tents or canopies for their sites.
The Hipcamp is adjacent to our working ranch, and any photos of old sheds, trucks, a wood lot, or other equipment are NOT on the Hipcamp, but you will drive past that property to get to the separate Hipcamp area.
Wineries, Farmer's Markets, Craft Breweries, dispensaries, and more are within 10 to 15 minutes of our site. Our location allows moments when you may see Hawks, Owls, Geese, Swallows, Robins, Bluebirds, and more.
We offer both tent and RV camping.
The Majority of our Guests love it here:
"Vivian and Dave were exceptional hosts!
Easy to contact and find our way to their property. Also gave us a plethora of places to go and things to do in the Ojai area.
The area was open and spacious, and many trees and upgrades were in the works to make future stays more user-friendly.
Big pluses were the shower and toilet facilities—much appreciated !!"
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
from
$69
/ night
Meadow Hot Springs Glamping Cabin
19. Meadow Hot Springs Glamping Cabin
96%
(48)
1 site · Lodging · Alma, CO
The Zella Hut is a cabin built in the late 1800's. It was redone in the 70's and recently updated with mid century modern interiors.
Now it serves as a backcountry hut in the winter and glamping cabin in the summer.
During the winter it can be accessed by skinning, snowshoeing and snowmobiling.
During the summer it can be accessed by car.
Its a small cabin, but it can sleep 4 in comfort.
No Rv campers, van and sprinter rvs ok.
Pets
Toilets
Showers
from
$171
/ night
Spirit Walk - Private Retreat
20. Spirit Walk - Private Retreat
99%
(565)
15 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Wofford Heights, CA
Private ADULT ONLY camping. With a central outdoor kitchen and dining area, group fire pit, and a bathroom with a composting toilet, sink and shower. Seasonal creek. Quiet and private.
Stargazer and the Boulders have their own fire pit, and there's a communal fire pit too.
We have a small cabin (The Playhouse) and 9 campsites. Each campsite will accommodate a medium size tent (10’x10’ max), except for The Boulders which will accommodate more.
No Pets, No Smoking
ADULTS ONLY. Spirit Walk is a quiet meditative place. It is not a conducive environment for young children. Thank you for understanding.
Lake Isabella, the Kern River and historic Kernville are just 5 minutes down the road.
All Hipcamp proceeds go directly back into the land in the way of forest maintenance, a tree planting program and improvements to the facilities.
Toilets
Campfires
Full hookups
from
$55
/ night
Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community
Julie
2 weeks ago
29 ft pop-up camper
With pets
We had a great stay at this Hipcamp. It was super convenient to Palm Springs, but once we arrived it truly felt peaceful and remote—exactly what we were hoping for. The property is very well thought out, with little details that made the stay easy and comfortable. The hosts were excellent communicators: responsive, clear, and helpful. Overall, it was a perfect balance of accessibility and seclusion, and we’d absolutely stay here again.
See more
E
Elise
2 weeks ago
20 ft Class B
Group trip
We enjoyed our 2 nights right next to the river. We were in a campervan at the site farthest from the shower. The site had everything we needed….and the shower “shed” was really nice with hot water. We will be coming back!
See more
w
wayd
2 weeks ago
Tent
Always a good time at this spot. Our third time here, it was raining this time but definitely didn't effect our spirits.
See moreA
Angela
2 weeks ago
35 ft Class C
Group trip
Views were beautiful, reasonable distance from the hot springs. Really appreciated the sauna tent and pool table at the recreation area!
See more
p
pam yue
2 weeks ago
Tent
I love the place, accessible and well equipped. Had a great time camping here. One minor thing to note is that it can get quite cold at night, so make sure you bring layers
See more
A
Apirak
2 weeks ago
Tent
I love the place the serenity, the quietness, the stars, the sky, the vibe and the water fall. If you’re looking for a place to relax this is a place for you. And the host is excellent.
See more
C
Craig
2 weeks ago
Tent
With pets
Very clean facilities and well laid out and organized campsites. Sites are elevated above a nice section of desert to take in. Very close to an entrance to Big Bend National Park and conveniences are close by, but not too close.
See more
C
Christopher
2 weeks ago
34 ft travel trailer
I had an amazing time at this site. So peaceful and beautiful. The customer service was on point. She was very polite and helpful. This is a site I would definitely recommend and come back to. Thank you
See more
Roxanne
2 weeks ago
2 nights at Comptche Matrix @ Sunny-land
We had a wonderful time at Sunnyland and were so happy with the site! We loved being able to cozy up next to a fire inside the cabin, and making our coffee & enjoying our meals in the outdoor kitchen space. The back deck to the cabin offers a breathtakingly beautiful view as well. It was such a peaceful experience and Sunny is an excellent host. I highly recommend if you want a getaway close to the coast. Thanks for the perfect holiday! We had such a relaxing time and will definitely be back.
See more
Jade
2 weeks ago
Tent
With pets
We had a perfect stay, the land is beautiful, the shower is hot! Easy to find, firewood available, would stay again anytime!
See more
C
Caitlyn
3 weeks ago
Tent
absolutely beautiful, such an upgrade. especially loved the first two tubs. the owners were super helpful in getting us checked in last minute
See more
J
Jorden
3 weeks ago
Tent
Amazing spot long drive down big bend but amazing place to stay!!
See moreJ
Jake
3 weeks ago
Tent
What a truly magical place. I can’t wait to come back again and hopefully camp next time. The host provided very clear (and fast) communication which made our visit that mych better.
See more
peter
3 weeks ago
2 nights at Spirit Walk - Private Retreat
Had the most wonderful time at playhouse in spirit camp. I felt comfortable and communication was a 10/10 throughout the experience. I would definitely recommend!
See more
S
Sara Hart
December 2025
20 ft pop-up camper
With pets
Fantastic stay! So convenient! Jason was a wonderful host!
See more
J
Jerry
December 2025
15 ft campervan
The vib here off the people who make it happen is very much my thing. We have a lot of common ground. The camp is very close to town but when I am here the city seems very far away. The hot springs have some good health benefits from the high mineral content that not like other places. If I want to eat at a restaurant or shop it’s only 20 minutes away. So I’m going to try and be a regular visitor for the near future. No stress at all but lots of community energy.
See moreR
Regan
December 2025
21 ft campervan
Easy to get in & camp, lovely location, great springs, super experience!
See more
Brad
December 2025
20 ft Class B
With pets
I had a really comfortable stay at Umpqua’s Last Resort. The grounds were pleasant, clean, and well-kept, and the staff was fantastic—super friendly, helpful, and informative. A great spot to relax and enjoy the area. Would definitely stay again!
See moreC
Crystal
December 2025
Tent
With pets
I’ve loved this place even before it was a hipcanp. Now I’m even more pleased with my experience. They have built up the hostprings site with an even larger soaking tub. The campsites are great and the water is hot and refreshing! I’ll definitely be coming back!
See more
A
Alisha
December 2025
Weekend Trip to Comptche Matrix @ Sunny-land
The tiny cabin is super cute and the bed is comfy. The view from the porch is amazing! We got lucky and got a clear night for the Geminid meteor shower and saw lots of shooting stars! I’m not always a “people person” but I loved meeting Sunny who is just the nicest! All the people and critters on Sunnyland are great! I will say, if you don’t like hearing kids at play or if you are afraid of super big, sweet dogs this may not be the place for you. Also, I couldn’t get the WiFi to work, but admittedly didn’t try too hard as there were better things to do than look at my phone! Oh, I also got a chance to look at the campsites and they are all very nice too. Next time we visit during nice weather I think we might try out the RidgeTop site!
See more
The best hot spring camping in United States guide
Where to go
Northeastern United States
Henry David Thoreau was famously smitten with his natural surroundings in Massachusetts—but the rest of the Northeast is pretty impressive, too. Consider Maine, which has an astonishing 3,500 miles of craggy coastline (That’s more than California has!). The extremely popular Acadia National Park has views for days thanks to gorgeous, pink granite cliffs, rocky beaches, and in the fall, spectacular foliage along the historic gravel carriage roads. Watch the day break from the summit of Cadillac Mountain—one of the first places in the United States to see the sunrise—or take a bracing dip in the waters of Sand Beach.
The Midwest
The Midwest is best known for its grassy, open spaces, but you can also camp around some incredible geographical attractions, particularly in South Dakota, where the legendary Badlands National Park houses rock formations and fossil beds, and Wind Cave National Park features one of the longest and densest caves in the world, with unique honeycomb-like boxwork formations. Above ground you’ll find the last remaining mixed grass prairie in the country—with elk, bison, and pronghorn sheep.
With more than 10,000 lakes, Minnesota is teeming with shoreline campsites, but Voyageurs National Park is by far the most impressive—to camp here, you actually have to arrive by boat.
The Southern United States
Sure, the American South is known for its charming cities, but its outdoor escapes are equally superb. Chesapeake Bay explorations and bluff-side campsites around historic Williamsburg are major draws in Virginia, but the state’s true claim to fame is Shenandoah National Park, offering more than 500 miles of hiking trails (including 101 miles of the Appalachian Trail), as well as Skyline Drive with over 70 stunning overlooks of waterfalls, wilderness, and forests. Rambling streams, mist-covered mountains, and some of the most diverse plant and animal life in the country abound at Great Smoky Mountains National Park, which straddles the borders of Tennessee and North Carolina.
Head further south for some true backcountry adventures—tents and hammocks only—in South Carolina’s incredible Congaree National Park, which preserves the largest tract of old-growth bottomland hardwood forest left in the US. If it's an underwater adventure you’re after, boat down to Biscayne National Park in the northern Florida Keys and get your fill of coral reefs, dive sites, mangrove forests, and wildlife watching.
The Southwest
The Grand Canyon is, without a doubt, the premier natural attraction in the Southwest, but several other natural phenomena make the region worthy of a visit. Big Bend National Park in Texas has very minimal light pollution, making it one of the best places in the country for stargazing, while New Mexico is home to White Sands National Park and its rolling dunes of rare, white gypsum sand that you can hike, tour on horseback, and even sled down. Travel further south through the state to Carlsbad Caverns National Park, a must-see labyrinth of more than 100 caves and stalactites. Pitch a tent in the backcountry (no lodging in the park) or set up your RV in the surrounding BLM land.
America's West Coast
West coast, best coast? Boasting wild landscapes and natural wonders at (almost) every turn, some argue the American West is a true camper’s paradise. America’s first national park, Yellowstone covers parts of Montana, Wyoming, and Idaho, and features more than 300 hypothermal geysers, including Old Faithful. For majestic scenery, try California, where you can find massive sequoia trees, waterfalls, and granite rock formations in Yosemite National Park, or panoramic views of stark desert at Joshua Tree National Park, named for the iconic, twisted, trees for which the park gets its name. One of the most ecologically diverse parks in the Pacific Northwest, Washington state’s Olympic National Park features three distinct ecosystems: glacier-capped mountains, rainforests, and the Pacific Coast. Stay at a campsite near the ocean and you might even catch a glimpse of humpback, sperm, or blue whales.
Even farther west, visitors flock to Haleakalā National Park on the Hawaiian island of Maui to see spectacular sunrises and sunsets from the summit of the park’s namesake dormant volcano. Equally as magical are the glaciers in Alaska’s Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve, where you can spend your days exploring misty fjords and your nights sleeping under the stars with puffins and whales nearby.