The best camping near Tule Elk State Natural Reserve

Discover the most magical spots to pitch your tent or park your rig on your next Tule Elk State Natural Reserve adventure.

Discover the serene Tule Elk State Natural Reserve and its wildlife.  

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Top-rated campgrounds near Tule Elk State Natural Reserve

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Cuyama Badlands

32 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents164 acres · Cuyama, CA
If you've ever wondered what it might be like to camp on the moon, this is it. Completely removed from civilization and surrounded by a barren nature that is alive with the subtle presence of the universe. Seasonally, Spring wildflowers burst across the landscape. Cave paintings of Chumash Indians at Painted Rock remind us of those who lived before us. **Read on for more details.** Our Carrizo Camp is surrounded by the Carrizo Plains National Monument. This is truly a get away from it all camping. That's it. You, the coyotes and your own private moon. Our Songdog Camps are sparsely scattered atop a 200 foot mesa that looks west over a valley offering stunning desert sunsets and amazing stargazing. These UPPER SITES are NOT OHV friendly, but any of our canyon bottom sites are a great base for your riding adventures up in Ballinger Canyon OHV. We'll be happy to recommend a site for you. Our Ranch House and Glamp sites are available on occasion. This is our home but we love to share our life in the outback. We believe it will give you a better appreciation of life's simpler side. Our offerings include fresh air and sunshine, amazing night sky, endless views, and plenty of space and privacy to enjoy your moments in nature. You'll find our amenities and activities puposefully sparse here. Upon booking, there are about 5 miles of dirt road on the property that you are welcome to explore on foot or by bicycle. Rustic is the theme here. There is no shower, no wifi, and no electricity available, but you will enjoy your own private spigot and the cellular service is acceptable. Within a short drive, you'll find plenty of hiking/biking and adventuring, and if you enjoy exploring by car, definitely take a loop drive through Carizzo Plains National Monument, or Mount Pinos and Lockwood Valley. Enjoy a beautiful dinner at the Cuyama Buckhorn and take in the view of the Caliente mountain range. For any sites located south of Ballinger Wash, your vehicle length is limited to 22' and no more than 4' overhang from the rear axle, so you don't get stuck in the crossing and block access for others. Towing services are 1-3 hours away. The AllTrails app will give a pretty good birds eye view of hiking in the area. Our friendly cancellation policies vary between 24 hours for simple campsites and 72 hours for our Glamp sites and Group sites. We do offer a buyout opportunity for the mesa, however the cancellation policy for that much stricter at 50% refund up until 1 week before check-in time. Be sure to check the Google for distance to Cuyama Valley, and your dates for availability and site descriptions. Upon booking, you can look forward to an information packed email to help you make the very best of your trip! We look forward to seeing you! *This land was sparsely populated by the Chumash Indian and is evident by the numerous cave painting that remain here near the Caliente mountain. In the era of the California Missions, this land was a part of the Spanish land grants. Currently the property is privately owned and is adjacent to large sections of publicly held lands.
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$40
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94%
(698)

Blue Sky Center

31 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents267 acres · New Cuyama, CA
1948- On January 1, 1948 a wildcatter named George Hadley, who had been oil prospecting in the valley for 10 years, made the first oil strike in the Cuyama Valley. Richfield Oil Company soon moved in and extracted nearly 300 million barrels of oil in just a few short years. To accommodate an exploding workforce in the early 1950s, the company built the town of New Cuyama, its infrastructure, public buildings, the Cuyama airstrip (L88) and all the industrial structures that are now home to Blue Sky. Richfield Oil Company, later merging with Atlantic Oil Company forming the Atlantic Richfield Oil Company (ARCO), created high-paying jobs, a safe and prosperous community, and developed schools, churches, and recreational areas for the employee-residents.1973- With dwindling production in the area and new discoveries in Alaska, Atlantic-Richfield Oil Company put the town of New Cuyama and its associated infrastructure up for sale. Word of an entire town for sale made its way to entrepreneur, Russell O’Quinn of the Foundation for Airborne Relief (FAR) and Mildred Dotson, a wealthy widow from Tulsa, Oklahoma. The two worked together to acquire the townsite and adjacent land. O’Quinn, an aviator, inventor, and test pilot, aspired to use the New Cuyama airstrip and facilities as a base for humanitarian relief and a non-profit trade school. Though not fully realized, FAR’s primary vision included utilizing converted military aircraft to airlift food and medical supplies to developing countries and global disaster areas. Dotson had loftier goals. Her plans included an 18-hole fly-in golf course, expansion of the Buckhorn Restaurant and Motel, and a 40- to 50-acre lake for amphibious landing and water sports. 1986- Another visionary, Harry Kislevitz, inventor of the popular design tool Colorforms® and founder of Future City/Villages International, sought to develop the site as a “City of Friendship,” an all-electric village of 5,000 earthen homes. The dwellings were to be designed by Nader Khalili, an Iranian-born architect who specialized in earthen structures, worked with NASA on prototypes for lunar homes and received an award from the United Nations for his work towards the development of low cost, sustainable structures for human shelter in impoverished and disaster prone environments. One 628-sq-ft Khalili prototype remains on the property today ("the Cantina"). Khalili went on to form the California Institute for Earth Art and Architecture, Cal-Earth, in Hesperia, CA.1993- Recognizing the transformative potential of clean, solar power and the attractiveness of a rural destination, entrepreneur Mike Nolan worked to develop the Solar Skypark and Big Sky Guest Ranch with Santa Barbara Architect, Barry Berkus. The Sky Park included plans for sixty-five fly-in residences on one-acre lots powered completely from clean, solar energy. The Big Sky Guest Ranch was intended to function as a clubhouse for Skypark residents complete with an equestrian center, a small subsistence farm, pool and plenty of enriching recreational activities. 2012- At the end of 2011, the Zannon Family Foundation made a long-term investment in acquiring the New Cuyama Airport property with the vision of rehabilitating the site to be a low-cost resource for programs and organizations working to advance sustainable living practices and technologies. Plans began soon after towards developing a framework and organization to develop the space and coordinate with prospective programs and institutions. In 2014 Blue Sky Sustainable Living Center ("Blue Sky Center") received 501(c)(3) not-for-profit status, endeavoring to reclaim this property for the public good. Today, Blue Sky Center provides unduplicated services and technical assistance to support small businesses and entrepreneurs as well as the local food system, with core work focused on community research and advocacy led by Cuyamans. Learn more on our website and consider supporting our community work with your donation or by hosting your next special event here!
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$39
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99%
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Cuyama Oaks Ranch

8 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents82 acres · CA
Hello! Our names are Ricky and Nathan. We own and operate an 80 acre ranch that is great for family's, kids, romantic getaways, and LGBTQIA+ safe. We cannot wait to host you and your group! We're excited to share our property with those who appreciate nature and what seclusion in the mountains has to offer. Located deep in the Cuyama Valley, close to wine country, and booming local vineyards (1.25 hrs past Ojai and 45 minutes past Santa Maria) our ranch promises the getaway experience you've been looking for. The Ranch is 80 acres with majestic mountain views and vast canyons for hiking and trail access. During the spring and summer months imagine sitting in your own personal cowboy pooltub looking up at the stars. Smell the sage and wildflowers in the air while you sip wine. Surrounded by the Los Padres Mountains and located deep within the hidden valley of enchantment, this ranch gives the visitor the high-desert glamping/camping experience of their dreams. For the hikers and explorers out there, the ranch offers trails and within 30 min in every direction there are local trails. . There is a designated area for tent camping and for RV's, Trailers, Vans, and tiny homes (no electric yet for RVs). We also offer glamping sites and all inclusive yurts. The ranch is completely private and secluded, off HWY 166. We welcome all animals, big and small. We are farm! We have pigs, goats, ducks, chickens, turkeys and more!
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$67.50
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Okihi- Reimagining The Kern River

6 sites · Lodging, Tents14 acres · Bakersfield, CA
Okihi is a unique sanctuary where habitat restoration meets outdoor adventure. Nestled in a diverse landscape, we focus on healing the land through hands-on conservation while offering a space to connect with nature, camp, and learn. Restore and Explore We’re committed to revitalizing native habitats—our land is a living example of ecological renewal. Wander scenic trails, enjoy wildlife, and witness the power of restoration in action. Sustainable Farming and Livestock Our animals play a key role in regenerating the land. Horses, sheep, goats, turkeys, and chickens help manage invasive weeds and maintain healthy ecosystems. We compost all their manure, turning waste into valuable resources for soil health. Camping and Community Camp under the stars, explore nature, and join us for seasonal events and workshops focused on sustainability, conservation, and community. Whether you're here to camp, hike, or volunteer, Okihi is a place where nature and people come together for a common cause. Okihi is more than a destination—it's a living example of land restoration, sustainable living, and the power of community. Come explore, learn, and make a difference! Okihi is approximately 15 minutes east of Downtown Bakersfield. 20 minutes away from the 99 hwy or 178 hwy. Whichever way you are traveling, we are a great stopover point. Sites are spread around on the east side of the property facing the river for beautiful river views while you sip coffee from your site. There are a multitude of recreation opportunities to enjoy. On site there is hiking, places to practice yoga or meditate, kayaking, paddle boarding. We also have a hammock veranda that is fully shaded and a great place to relax along the river. Miles of biking paths run on the road right by where we are situated and there is a nearby river rafting company if you want the white water experience. Most of our campers are road tripping, getting away from LA, or are looking for a stopover on their way to/from Yosemite, Sequoia, Joshua Tree, etc. We are in a desert climate – cold in the winter and hot in the summer. Portable heaters or fans with misting options are available for rent.
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$32
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95%
(215)

20 Acres Outside of Bakersfield

13 sites · Tents20 acres · CA
LOCATION INFORMATION Our farm experience offers a no-fuss, rustic stay on a real working 20 acre farm approximately 15 miles south Bakersfield with easy freeway access. Sites are perched on the edge of the pond – enjoy catch and release fishing or spend some time on the provided paddle boards or kayaks. Most of our campers are road tripping, getting away from LA, or are looking for a stopover on their way to/from Yosemite, Sequoia, Joshua Tree, etc. We are in a desert climate – cold in the winter and hot in the summer. Each site has a small table, water spigot with potable (aka drinkable) water, picnic table and fire pit ring (you provide your own wood). All sites are BYO (bring your own) tent or you can sleep in your car. Certain sites have height limitations and cannot accommodate pop up tents or trucks with campers – you’ll see these limitations in the campsite names. There is one shared indoor toilet and one outdoor shower that has hot and cold water. You may be greeted by our 3 working dogs - they're big, but friendly and love visitors. We offer a self check-in. Guests can begin checking in anytime after 1pm and checkout is at 11am. If you are going to arrive after quiet hours (10pm), we request that you respect the other guests who may be sleeping and do not disturb them. RULES 1. Pets are not permitted. You will be asked to leave (with no refund) if you bring a pet. We have working dogs who protect the farm from predators. They will view your pet as a predator making it is an unsafe environment for your pet. 2. Quiet hours are 10pm-7am. We have ZERO TOLERANCE for noise after hours. If you are playing music, singing, being generally obnoxious or annoying to other campers and we receive complaints, you will be asked to pack up and leave. Please be respectful. 3. 1 Tent and 1 Car are permitted per site (with the exception of site 4, which fits 2 tents and 2 cars) 4. No tents, tarps, or canopies may be set up on our grass/lawn area. 5. No fireworks or anything else that involves fire outside of the firepit 6. Absolutely no feeding the farm dogs any food or treats. 7. At checkout, we ask guests to dispose of all trash in the dumpster located near campsite 5, wet down any hot coals, wipe down your tables and if you’ve moved any tables/chairs or used the paddle boards/kayaks to put them back. 8. We provide shampoo/body soap for the shower and do not allow outside bath products in the shower. 9. No moving or relocating the firepit SPECIAL HELPFUL NOTES 1. You may wander the property, but campers are not allowed in the pasture, barn, or on farm equipment and vehicles. We do not offer farm tours at this time. 2. There is no electricity or wifi at the campsites. Cell phone service for all providers is great. 3. You're welcome to hang your hammock if you have tree straps - no nailing or screwing anything to the trees. 4. Paddleboarding, kayaking and fishing (catch and release) are permitted however campers do so at their own risk. 5. We have working dogs who bark if predators are near, bullfrogs who croak at night and roosters that crow in the morning. Earplugs are recommended if you're a light sleeper. 6. There is a Walmart, Lowes, Albertsons and Vallarta market all located within 20 minutes of the farm for any firewood, ice or other items you need. 7. Do not leave your shoes or trash on the ground and accessible to animals. Between the dogs, wild cats, coyotes, foxes, skunks, racoons, squirrels, etc. they will go missing or you'll find a big mess in the morning. 8. We are a true working farm and we operate 7 days a week. This means any day of the week, we may be doing tractor work, fixing irrigation, mowing the lawn, weed eating, chain sawing, or any number of other activities that it takes to keep a farm operating and the camping area looking clean and nice. We also have staff coming and going in the early hours for farmers markets. 9. The campsites are cleaned every Monday and Thursday. We love our trees for the shade they provide and so do the birds – which means there’s bird poop (part of nature). If this is going to bother you, bring a tablecloth or towel. 10. We are on well water, during the summer months, let the water in the faucets run for a couple seconds to release the sulfur smell. 11. We do not provide electricity to charge electric vehicles. 12. We have security cameras throughout the property and placement is in accordance with California laws.
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$38
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The best camping near Tule Elk State Natural Reserve guide

Overview

About

Embark on an adventure at Tule Elk State Natural Reserve, where the majestic tule elk roam amid a backdrop of California's grasslands and foothills. Witness nature's splendor from the viewing platform, explore interpretive exhibits, or join a guided Auto Safari tour. While camping facilities are not available, the park offers a rich day-use experience with picnic areas and abundant wildlife viewing opportunities.

When to go

The best time to visit Tule Elk State Natural Reserve is during late summer through early autumn, when the tule elk are most active. Spring and fall also offer comfortable weather for wildlife spotting. Summer can bring extreme heat, and winter may be cold and foggy, so plan your visit accordingly for the best experience.

Know before you go

  • Check road conditions before your visit, as detours may affect access to the reserve.
  • Park hours are from 8am to sunset, ensuring you have ample daylight for your explorations.
  • While dogs are welcome in the day-use area on a leash no longer than 6 feet, they are not permitted on Auto Safari tours.
  • Accessible features include parking, the visitor center, the elk viewing platform, and the picnic area, catering to all visitors.
  • Remember to bring binoculars for an enhanced wildlife viewing experience, especially when the tule reeds are tall.
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