The best camping near Red Rock Canyon State Park

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

The best camping near Red Rock Canyon State Park

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

Top-rated campgrounds reviewed by the Hipcamp community.

Top-rated campgrounds near Red Rock Canyon State Park

94%
(55)

Magic Portal Stargazer's Retreat

14 sites · RVs, Tents5 acres · Elizabeth Lake, CA
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.
Pets
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$33.15
 / night
87%
(27)

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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$28
 / night
100%
(58)

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.
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Campfires
from 
$35
 / night
99%
(38)

Wandering Star Ranch

1 site · RV, Tent15 acres · Weldon, CA
Learn more about this land: A large private dispersed group camp- Entire property (all sites) included in rental. 7 night maximum.  Longer possible with discussion. 15 acres yours to enjoy. Take your jeep or ATVs through our gates straight into the BrightStar BLM Wilderness which abuts the property on two sides.  Beginners can ride the extensive trails on the property itself. Play your music, dance naked, let your dogs run free... Enjoy the fantastic star gazing. Visit the primitive firing range a two minute walk away or by jeep, or plink varmints on site. Hiking, Biking.  Nearby fishing, swimming, boating in the Kern River or Lake . The Brightstar wilderness extends to Jawbone canyon. Situated on the back side of the lake, this site provides more sunlight time than many other sites around the lake.  In some cases close to 2 hours. Close to the lake at Mt. Mesa, boat launch, South fork Audubon nature preserve, restaurants, and scenic back road to Kernville. Verizon has good service  Gas/Diesel and Market with Deli 5 minutes away. (Ice, wood, adult beverages, fishing tackle, full grocery)
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from 
$75
 / night
83%
(21)

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
Pets
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from 
$24
 / night

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

  1. The 50 campsites at Ricardo Campground are available on a first-come, first-served basis only.
  2. 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.

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