Recent Hipcampers say this Hipcamp is great for families and kids.
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Off-leash friendly
Pets can be off-leash at this Hipcamp.
Discover Magic Portal Stargazer's Retreat, a premier camping, overlanding, and RV destination nestled in the heart of the Mojave Desert, just 90 minutes from Los Angeles. Our quaint and peaceful campsite offers a tranquil escape under the expansive celestial canopy, perfect for stargazing enthusiasts, nature lovers, and RV travelers.
Prime Location Near Major Attractions:
Magic Portal is conveniently located near some of Southern California's most picturesque natural landmarks.
- Antelope Valley California Poppy Reserve (4 miles): Explore vibrant trails and seasonal wildflower blooms.
- Lake Hughes (10 miles): Enjoy fishing, hiking, and scenic views.
-Arthur B. Ripley Desert Woodland State Park (12 miles): Discover Joshua Trees and desert landscapes.
The Campsite:
Our grounds comprise five individual campsites, each outfitted with a solar lamp to help guide your way.There's plenty of space at each site for your tent and/or one vehicle (Cars, Campervans, Truck campers,Pop-up campers, Class B RVs). We also have an outhouse shared amongst the sites.
Discover Local Flora and Fauna:
During daylight, soak in the beauty of the Mojave Desert's natural landscape. Watch out for the local wildlife like quail, roadrunners, and jackrabbits. As night cloaks the desert, you're presented with a mesmerizing spectacle of a starlit sky, making it a dream location for stargazers. During the spring you will be immersed in a sea of wildflowers.
Unique Features:
Adding a unique allure to our campsite is the 'Portal to Nowhere'. This freestanding doorframe amidst the desert makes for a whimsical photo opportunity and a conversation starter.
Amenities and Information:
Please note, our amenities are basic to preserve the authentic charm of the surroundings. There no fire pits on site, and we encourage campers to bring along any additional necessities, including extra lighting, for their comfort. We do have a shared outhouse.
Stargazing and More:
Magic portal is located in a designated dark sky zone (turn on the map layer in Hipcamp), and is one of the closest campsites to Los Angeles in this designation. As night falls, the desert sky unveils a breathtaking view of the stars, providing an unmatched opportunity for stargazing. Whether you're seeking a peaceful retreat or a base to explore nearby attractions, Magic Portal Stargazer's Retreat promises a memorable outdoor adventure.
Book Your Adventure:
Reserve your spot today at Magic Portal Stargazer's Retreat for a unique camping experience just outside Los Angeles. We value your feedback as we continue to enhance our offerings.
The Magic Portal is a unique spot in the Mojave Desert, perfect for those seeking a peaceful escape with stunning sunsets and starry skies. The site is easy to access with a decent vehicle, though rain might make the path tricky. Visitors appreciate the solitude, wide open views, and occasional encounters with local wildlife. Wind can be a challenge, especially for those camping in tents, but the beauty of the landscape and the responsive host make it worthwhile.
The camp site had amazing views of the surrounding area, and the stars at night. The directions to the site were very good, although I do recommend using Google maps vs Apple as Google seems more precise. It was mid-March when we stayed so the weather wasn’t the best, and the wind was blowing! I would stay here again in the future.
Thanks so much for hosting us! We actually ran out of power in our 12 volt battery in the car and a gentleman on a Motocross helped us jump start the car.
We'll have to come during a new moon so we can see better stars! It was still so bright.
The Magic Portal is a truly unique and special spot in the Mojave Desert. The freestanding door frame, fittingly named the ‘Portal to Nowhere,’ adds a fun and creative touch to the landscape. My dog, however, wasn’t so sure about it and refused to walk through! I was lucky to catch a stunning sunset, and the peacefulness of the area made for a perfect stay. Highly recommend for anyone looking for a one-of-a-kind desert experience!
Spent the night with my wife here. Easily accessible via our Mazda CX-5 following the directions provided. Possibly a difficult path if after a hard rain. My only complaint is that the out-house was occupied by a creature when my wife went use it. Out of respect, we gave it its privacy for the rest of our stay. We had the entire campground to ourselves, minus the out-house. Did not do as much stargazing as I would have liked due to exhaustion from an impromptu hike at the nearby poppy reserve. The night sky was awesome except for the light pollution to the south from LA. There are ranches nearby so you do hear the occasional rooster and working dogs. You do hear the faint sound of vehicles off in the distance, but it’s mostly quiet and peaceful. A bonus were the open range sheep and goats in the area. They added a certain charm to our sunset/evening. Overall, it was a nice getaway from typical suburban and city surroundings.
I loved the area, nice flat spot, perfect for my dog and I, we even had a nice run in the morning 🌄
Location
Elizabeth Lake, Los Angeles, California, United StatesTraditional, ancestral territory of Yuhaaviatam/Maarenga’yam (Serrano) and Fernandeño Tataviam First Nations according to