Camping near Red Rock Canyon State Park

98% (20 reviews)

Discover the most magical spots to pitch your tent or park your rig on your next Red Rock Canyon State Park adventure.

Star in your very own Western in the Californian desert.

Popular ways to camp

Community favorites near Red Rock Canyon State Park

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Public campgrounds in the park
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Stay at a public campground in Red Rock Canyon State Park

The trails of Red Rock Canyon State Park.

98%

(20)

Ricardo Campground

50 sites In Red Rock Canyon State Park

from

$25

/ night

Top-rated campgrounds near Red Rock Canyon State Park

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Kernville Ranch

5 sites · Lodging15 acres · Kernville, CA

Nestled in meadows with a private river flowing through horse pastures, tall shade trees and all natural cedar hot tub. Kernville Ranch is just a 5 minute walk from the center of Kernville. Plenty of fishing and white water rafting, hiking and hot springs and snow play depending on the season. Explore the lake for water-sports, the high country for pristine wilderness and a little snow. The town is full of restaurants, antiques stores, and a wonderful museum of the rich heritage of this Wild West town,

85%

(10)

Desert Stargazers Dream

3 sites · RVs, Tents2 acres · Edwards Air Force Base, CA

Learn more about this land: Less them 3 hours from Los Angeles, this private property is 2 acres of the secluded desert for you to enjoy! Just outside California City, there are miles of roads for the off-road enthusiast and some of the best stargazing in California. (As the Mayor once said, you can see more stars in California City then you could in Los Angeles). There is also great rockhounding and hiking opportunities! Campers can set up camp anywhere on the property but we also have an area cleared off for tent or car camping. There is also a firepit - enjoy and have a huge bon fire! Fires are allowed but must be completely put out, and campers must bring all their own supplies. All off-roading must get permit before hand - contact host for details.

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(25)

Bare All Retreat

8 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents138 acres · Caliente, CA

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

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SoCal Camping

39 sites · Lodging20 acres · Kernville, CA

The cabins are situated in The Sequoia National Forest, overlooking the majestic rapids of the Kern River. Come and hike, bike, dip in the river, or simply kick back and take in the 360 of sky scrapping mountains (even glimpse Mount Whitney!) At once a silver mine along the Kern River, now converted to a fun recreation spot for adventure seekers

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Spirit Walk - Private Retreat

14 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents8 acres · Wofford Heights, CA

Private ADULT ONLY camping. With a central outdoor kitchen and dining area, group fire pit, & a bathroom with a composting toilet, sink, & shower. Seasonal creek. Quiet and private. We have a small cabin (The Playhouse) and 15 campsites. 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.

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Camping with Mountain Views

1 site · RV, Tent2 acres · Posey, CA

Learn more about this land: 1.1 miles from U.S National Forest. Camp site is huge. The total land is 2.36 acres and the land below the parking area is part of the property and can be used to relax, walk around, or let dogs run. Views for miles and a peaceful place to relax in the Sequoias. Night view of city lights below in San Joaquin Valley. Pull in and have the place to yourself. There's no onsite manager but there is someone within a mile of the property if there are needs or issues. Let me know if you want to buy wood as the caretaker sells wood for $10 a night or less if you stay more than one night. You can check yourself in and out with directions that are provided upon booking so you can arrive anytime you want.If you have a large camper 32 foot or under unless you are a miracle worker :). If you don't think you can pull a trailer from the sharp left on the road you can go up the road about 1.5 miles and turn around so it's an easy right.

96%

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3 Peaks Sanctuary

40 sites · Tents10 acres · Boron, CA

Nearby activities include hiking and exploring 'The Buttes', aka '3 Peaks' - a nearby rock formation of ancient origin - about a mile to the south. Also in the area is Harper Dry Lake, which has been used as an airfield to test experiment aircraft in the past, and includes a wildlife viewing area (look for the signs, off Harper Lake Road, on the way in). To the north is Fremont Peak, and in the distance to the East can be found Black Mountain. Common flora in the area include Creosote Bush, Salt Brush and White or, Purple Sage.

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Family-Friendly Skoolie Glamping

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

EVERY STAY PLANTS A TREE 🌳 Our mission is to cultivate all ten acres of land into a sustainable oasis. That’s why we offer glamping on our tiny house bus (the "Starry Night Skoolie"), and tent camping in the gardens. 100% of proceeds to back to planting trees, watering gardens, and cultivating the land. Watch it grow: ForEveryStarATree.com In 2023, we incorporated as a nonprofit ecofarm called "For Every Star A Tree." Kids LOVE exploring our school bus clubhouse as well as the land. Pets LOVE to run free! Enjoy relaxing in the hammock, sitting at the picnic table, or even laying down on the ground to fall into the infinite starry night desert skies.

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Glamping at Camp Haystack

3 sites · Lodging, RVs1 acre · CA

The area was an alfalfa farm in the early 1900's. The property was purchased in 2019 and it has been a passion project to beautify and bring life to the area ever since. Hiking and jogging across the street and surrounding areas available, pets welcome, beautiful sunsets and sunrises, 10 mins from groceries and fast food.

Curate Arts

51 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents2 acres · California City, CA

A desert Oasis near the gateway to the Southern Sierra Nevada, Kennedy Meadows, Walkers pass all along the 14 freeway. The property is located approximately 12 miles out from the California City area and California City Blvd. Rhe properly is 2 acres with a lovely campsite that has a shaded picnic sitting area as well as a wood burning bbq station. The campsite is at the top of the property and is marked as you drive in via Rutgers Road. Visitors are welcome to bring pets, enjoy food and drink. The property is immediately adjacent to the OHV dirt bike and side by side trails. The famous Jaw Bone trail is here.

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Underworld Farms

15 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents6 acres · Kernville, CA

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

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Diamond Acres Camp 🏕

7 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents290 acres · Weldon, CA

Diamond Acres is a quiet, secluded camp in the Kern River Valley just minutes from Lake Isabella, the mighty Kern River, and Southern Sierras! We offer glamping sites (tent or trailer) with hot showers and flushing toilets! Come enjoy the solitude and stars. Our camp overlooks miles of rolling hills with no houses in view! Skip the crowded campgrounds and glamp comfortably while only being 5 minutes from Lake Isabella! Take a short walk to the top of the property and enjoy some of the best sunsets you've ever seen! We are close to the Kern River, OHV trails, hot springs, hiking, kayaking, fishing, boating, paragliding, and so much more!

The best camping near Red Rock Canyon State Park guide

Overview

About

With its jagged red-and-white-striped canyons, soaring cliffs, and dusty trails, it’s little surprise that Red Rock Canyon State Park has a host of Hollywood Westerns (plus a Destiny’s Child music video) on its resumé. If you’re not here as cast or crew, you’ve probably come for the trails, and movie-worthy views await at every turn. Saddle up for a horseback ride, bring your OTV, or enjoy a scenic hike beneath dramatic rock formations. Campers can sleep beneath the stars (the canyon is a renowned stargazing spot) at Ricardo Campground.

Tips for snagging a campsite

The 50 campsites at Ricardo Campground are available on a first-come, first-served basis only.
The campground can fill up fast, especially on weekends and holidays—plan to arrive on a Thursday evening or early Friday morning to avoid disappointment.

When to go

Day-trippers and campers flock to Red Rock Canyon State Park from spring through fall, and popular trails can get crowded, especially on weekends. Summer temperatures can reach 100°F, so come prepared with plenty of water and avoid hiking through the hottest time of the day. Our advice? Visit in spring when wildflowers bloom through the desert valleys, or in fall, when the mild weather is ideal for hiking.

Know before you go

Red Rock Canyon State Park is on Highway 14, 25 miles northeast of Mojave or about a 25-minute drive away. It’s about a 2-hour drive north of Los Angeles.
Daily parking fees and camping fees are charged at the state park.
Facilities at Red Rock Canyon State Park include a visitor center, restrooms, and picnic tables. Ricardo Campground has pit toilets, fire rings, picnic tables, and potable water. There are no electric hookups or showers, and the maximum RV size is 30 feet.
There are accessible campsites, picnic areas, and restrooms at Red Rock Canyon.

Nearby attractions

Embark on a unique camping adventure amidst the otherworldly landscape of Trona Pinnacles. Set up camp near the towering Tufa formations, explore the ancient fossil beds, and stargaze under clear night skies.