Best Camping near Tehachapi, CA

Whether you're a tent camper, an RVer, or just passing through, Tehachapi, CA has a lot to offer. Tehachapi is an adventure-filled destination for those who love the outdoorsy camper lifestyle. But it's also great for those who prefer to spend time near the city, exploring and sightseeing. Find the best campgrounds near Tehachapi, plus reviews and photos from other campers like you.

Best Camping Sites Near Tehachapi, CA (157)

    Camper-submitted photo from Tehachapi Mountain Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Tehachapi Mountain Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Tehachapi Mountain Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Tehachapi Mountain Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Tehachapi Mountain Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Tehachapi Mountain Park

    1. Tehachapi Mountain Park

    13 Reviews
    21 Photos
    238 Saves
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • ADA Access
    • RVs
    Camper-submitted photo from Ricardo Campground - Red Rock Canyon State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Ricardo Campground - Red Rock Canyon State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Ricardo Campground - Red Rock Canyon State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Ricardo Campground - Red Rock Canyon State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Ricardo Campground - Red Rock Canyon State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Ricardo Campground - Red Rock Canyon State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Orange Grove RV Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Orange Grove RV Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Orange Grove RV Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Orange Grove RV Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Orange Grove RV Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Orange Grove RV Park

    3. Orange Grove RV Park

    22 Reviews
    70 Photos
    77 Saves

    Every one of our extra-long, pull-thru sites offers the shade of two or more leafy orange trees. With their snowy white trunks and fragrant, flavorful fruits, the trees form a 40-acre oasis of shade and serenity in Bakersfield’s desert climate. And guess what? You can pick all the sweet, delicious oranges you want. Swim, hike, and explore at California’s most unique destination – Orange Grove RV Park.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access

    $43 - $54 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Brite Lake Aquatic Recreation Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Brite Lake Aquatic Recreation Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Brite Lake Aquatic Recreation Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Brite Lake Aquatic Recreation Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Brite Lake Aquatic Recreation Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Brite Lake Aquatic Recreation Area

    4. Brite Lake Aquatic Recreation Area

    9 Reviews
    20 Photos
    122 Saves
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
    Camper-submitted photo from Mountain Valley RV Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Mountain Valley RV Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Mountain Valley RV Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Mountain Valley RV Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Mountain Valley RV Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Mountain Valley RV Park

    5. Mountain Valley RV Park

    9 Reviews
    12 Photos
    44 Saves
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
    Camper-submitted photo from Bakersfield River Run RV Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Bakersfield River Run RV Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Bakersfield River Run RV Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Bakersfield River Run RV Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Bakersfield River Run RV Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Bakersfield River Run RV Park

    6. Bakersfield River Run RV Park

    24 Reviews
    43 Photos
    67 Saves

    "The PLACE To Stay". Bakersfield's Premier RV Park, we are centrally located in Bakersfield, CA right off of Highway 99 and Rosedale Hwy. Each site offers full hookups including 70 channel cable TV and Wi-Fi so that you can stay connected while relaxing in the park. Many nearby attractions including Buck Owens Crystal Palace, Rabobank convention center and many other sports and entertainment venues. We strive to make every guest feel welcome by providing friendly staff, clean and safe facilities and exceptional service. If you are traveling through the area, we hope that you will choose to stay with us.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access

    $42 - $49 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Kern River Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Kern River Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Kern River Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Kern River Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Kern River Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Kern River Campground

    7. Kern River Campground

    18 Reviews
    25 Photos
    221 Saves

    Kern River Campground features 50 sites right along the Kern River, each with their own picnic table and fire ring. There is also potable water spigots and bathrooms at the campground. Other nearby attractions are Lake Ming, California Living Museum, and Hart Park.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
    • RVs
    Camper-submitted photo from Kern River County Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Kern River County Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Kern River County Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Kern River County Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Kern River County Park

    8. Kern River County Park

    11 Reviews
    5 Photos
    95 Saves
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
    Camper-submitted photo from Rivernook Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Rivernook Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Rivernook Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Rivernook Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Rivernook Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Rivernook Campground

    9. Rivernook Campground

    26 Reviews
    54 Photos
    562 Saves

    Rivernook Campground is the biggest privately owned campground along a beautiful stretch of the Kern River, with creeks running through the park. We offer Full Hook Up RV sites, Partial RV sites and dry tent camping sites. We have full service newly remodeled restrooms for our guests at no charge, on site dump station, cable, WIFI and we have a little store that might have something you need!

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
    Camper-submitted photo from Joshua Tree Ranch Los Angeles
    Camper-submitted photo from Joshua Tree Ranch Los Angeles
    Camper-submitted photo from Joshua Tree Ranch Los Angeles
    Camper-submitted photo from Joshua Tree Ranch Los Angeles
    Camper-submitted photo from Joshua Tree Ranch Los Angeles
    Camper-submitted photo from Joshua Tree Ranch Los Angeles

    10. Joshua Tree Ranch Los Angeles

    6 Reviews
    20 Photos
    290 Saves

    Joshua trees 50 miles closer to LA than the Joshua Tree National Park! This is 2.5 acres of protected Joshua Tree lands in the Antelope Valley north of LA, between the snowy Tehachapi Mountains, and the rolling green foothills of the also-snowy San Gabriel Mountains. My first time out there I saw BOTH ENDS of a rainbow in front of the snowy Tehachapis!! Super dark skies, and a million stars at night. It feels like the wild west out here. Think long dirt roads, tumbleweeds, bones, and maybe some old bullet shells (there's no shooting allowed on the property anymore). The property itself is along a dirt "road" called Avenue C, but I'd be shocked if you encountered anyone driving along there. Except possibly another group of campers. This land used to be the domain of the Ketanemuk tribe, which I think means People From The East. In the summer they would go up and hunt and get pine nuts in the Tehachapi Mountains, and acorns from the oak trees in the San Gabriels. It's about a 20 minute drive from the town of Neenach (pronounced Nee-nack), where there's a general store and a cafe. They make a great breakfast burrito. A few minutes from the State Poppy Reserve, which blooms in the spring with miles of California poppies. If you have a larger group or event in mind, get in touch! We can figure out how to accommodate you.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • Tents
    • Alcohol

    $25 / night

Showing results 1-10 of 157 campgrounds

Pet-friendly camping near Tehachapi

Recent Reviews In Tehachapi

581 Reviews of 157 Tehachapi Campgrounds


  • M
    Camper-submitted photo from West Keyville
    Oct. 17, 2024

    West Keyville

    Beautiful scenery, challenging access

    I drove past a couple of camp grounds directly at the lake and was very disappointed what I found. Yes, you can camp right at the lake but only if you appreciate the charme of a Walmart parking lot. There is basically next to no trees or any nature for that matter.

    So I looked a little further and was very happy to have found this site. Beautifully located right at a river, surrounded by trees, big boulders and the stunning mountain scenerey.

    However, be aware that this is not serviced at all. There is no electricity, water, dump stations or anything else than the actual spot. And BEWARE: there is quite a steep and narrow entry road into the site. I drove in with a 30 feet class A camper and I am little worried if I will get out tomorrow. Also I smacked some leaves off of a tree on my way in with my 13“ clearance.

  • AnnaEvan S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Campo Alto Campground
    Oct. 15, 2024

    Campo Alto Campground

    Great Escape!

    This is a wonderful campground if you're looking to escape the crowds elsewhere. We were in spot 4 which was right next to the check in board. Despite the close proximity to the road the site was very big and had plenty of trees to throw our hammocks up and relax. Next time we would likely pick spots 6-8 or 13-17 as they were a little further into the campground and away from the main road.

    There is plenty of firewood to gather but I may suggest a small hatchet.

    The vault toilets were clean enough for vault toilets.

    My husband and I stayed Saturday to Monday and found that only a few hunters were left Sunday night and Monday morning and we enjoyed walking through the campground and checking out all the small viewpoints through the trees to the valleys below. The group sites looked spacious and awesome as well!

    Pine Mountain Club was close, quaint, and the people we met were friendly.

    We are keeping this spot in our back pockets for the next time we want to escape the busy city life!

  • Karen D.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Kern's River Edge Campground
    Oct. 6, 2024

    Kern's River Edge Campground

    Nice campsite, friendly hosts, family and kid oriented

    Well run site, with easy late check in process. Friendly on site camp hosts who sell ice and firewood. Quite a lot of rules, and it had kind of a kids camp feel to it. Showers are hot, but you need quarters for them. I only gave three stars as it just not my kind of campground. If you're a family with kids I think it'd be great.

  • NThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Paradise Cove
    Sep. 26, 2024

    Paradise Cove

    Beautiful scenery

    Very beautiful sight of the lake and mountains. Easy access from the road. Had a ton of wind and thunder so hard to move further up and away from the lake so we wherent up against the wind. Close to the road so a little noise from it, but thats what made it easy accessible as well. All in all a very nice campsite.

  • Ciara W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Keyesville Recreation Area Dispersed
    Aug. 7, 2024

    Keyesville Recreation Area Dispersed

    Guy just sitting in trees near the end

    All the spots at the front were taken here so we had to drive almost all the way to end. Don’t go down the final steep hill, you might not make it up. It’s very tight there and you have to do a 20 point turn to turn back.

    We walked down the hill and our friend saw some random guy come out the trees and follow us as we were walking back up. He might be living there because there was so much trash

    2 stars because the area itself is nice, there’s the river nearby and internet was good

  • AThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Castaic Lake State Recreation Area
    Jul. 20, 2024

    Castaic Lake State Recreation Area

    Nice view, not bad, needs work

    We stayed in Loop A on a Thursday night in July. For us, it was a convenient overnight stop. It was a lot less crazy/ crowded than we expected for an LA County campground in the middle of summer! This site is on the lagoon, not the main lake, but had nice views and a good breeze in the heat. Very minimal space, not much shade. But the real issue was that the bathroom stalls in our loop (A) had no doors. I also doubt they are cleaned daily, though it wasn't terrible. Being close to the city, there were a ton of people meandering around, but they all seemed to be doing their own thing (e.g fishing or just walking), few suspicious characters. Lots of families and kids made it feel fairly safe for an urban campground. Not our favorite, but we would stop over here again in a pinch.

  • merlinda M.
    Camper-submitted photo from Lake Piru Recreation Area
    Jul. 5, 2024

    Lake Piru Recreation Area

    Great campsite

    Campsite was established, picnic table, fireplace, and electricity. Floor is gravel in some areas so bring a rake or broom for tent area. Our site was pretty close to bathrooms that had showers. 1.50 for 8 minutes, uses quarters. Has hot water. Rangers drive by selling wood and ice.

  • m
    Camper-submitted photo from Boulder Gulch
    Jun. 29, 2024

    Boulder Gulch

    Good camping site

    This campground has some shade and some open areas.Area was clean and the host is personable. Cost of camping fee is $34 per night. Has potable water and running water in bathroom. No showers or amenities.

  • Maria K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Bakersfield River Run RV Park
    Jun. 19, 2024

    Bakersfield River Run RV Park

    Perfection!

    Everything in this campground is 5 stars, the BEST one you will find in the Bakersfield area. They have a waiting list for monthly rates. Clean, grassy, bath houses and laundry, many different flowers, pool and hot tub, pool table near the gym.

  • Tammy P.The Dyrt ADMIN User
    Camper-submitted photo from Los Alamos Campground at Pyramid Lake
    Jun. 19, 2024

    Los Alamos Campground at Pyramid Lake

    Close to the lake, can be very hot during the summer

    It usually stay empty and easy to get a site even in the peak season summer and spring but there is limited shades in most campsites and can get very hot during the days. There are not many trees around, Site 42 has really good shade but be aware of pocky leaves from those trees. My air mattress pop both times we camp there. There is not much around to do except pyramid lake close by which is nice and convenient to get to the water and go fishing or tubing. Also close by six flag.

  • joel G.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Sawmill Campground
    Jun. 15, 2024

    Sawmill Campground

    Forest road camping outside of Yosemite

    Having to find a spot kind of late at night after other spots were full pretty level spot overlooking a meadow and review of the sunset roads a little rough getting back in there used four-wheel drive pulling a teardrop

  • Jorge R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from A Country RV Park
    Jun. 9, 2024

    A Country RV Park

    Accommodating and Clean

    Very convenient and super clean. The lady who answers the phone is super friendly and helpful. I think it's better for RVs and don't think there are any tent sites.

  • Daniel M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Sandy Flat
    Jun. 2, 2024

    Sandy Flat

    Great spot - close to the river

    The campground was great - the spot was not so great. I recommend staying here just don’t stay on camp spot 9. You have to “scale” down a medium incline just to get from your car to the camp flat for your tent. And your downwind from the bathrooms and can smell… everything. Again the campground was great and we were pretty close to the river which was awesome. But stay away from site 9. We’ll definitely be back but will be at one of the others. Be sure to bring river/water shoes and some decent bug repellent.

  • Maria K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Shady Haven RV Park and Mini Storage
    Jun. 1, 2024

    Shady Haven RV Park and Mini Storage

    Worst campground I’ve ever stayed at!

    5+ years Full time RVer, worst ever campground we have ever stayed at, stayed in many states, long-term short-term, stayed at this one for two months, although had a reservation for three. Sites are too tight, everything‘s grayish/dusty and dirty, you’re near a rail track, that blows its horn for minutes 24/7, that includes 2 AM, that includes 4 AM. Many of the neighbors you’ll see look like they’re on (mental) disability and don’t look healthy. Hot tub is smelly and yellow water too often although they state they clean it almost weekly. I god major depression staying here.

  • Andrew S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Oak Flat Campground
    May. 30, 2024

    Oak Flat Campground

    Everything I needed

    Free with the purchase of the adventure pass. I was here during the week and it was quiet and uneventful. Plenty of shade and simple. A bit of traffic noise but not too bad.

    I stayed here as part of my 2 month camping journey through SoCal. Really easy site to find.

    Toilets were clean. Bring your own water.

  • Dennis F.
    Camper-submitted photo from Kern River Campground
    May. 21, 2024

    Kern River Campground

    Not the best but it's a great place

    Been going up there since 1969 had many many Fantastic trips fishing is always good sightseeing is good just all around good place.

  • A
    Camper-submitted photo from Saddleback Butte State Park
    May. 13, 2024

    Saddleback Butte State Park

    Desolate

    The only thing more desolate than this campground is the landscape, but perhaps that's your thing. I'm the only one here on a Sunday night in May. A couple pulled in before me, but after a once-around, they left. Each campsite is well sheltered from the sun and wind -- 8' tall plywood windbreak wall plus lattice ceiling with room under it for two picnic tables and your tent. Too much noise from the nearby highway. By the way, if Google maps leads you to the closed picnic area, don't worry, there's a separate campground entrance south of it on the connecting street.

  • Caroline D.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Stine Cove Recreation Site
    May. 4, 2024

    Stine Cove Recreation Site

    the spot looked perfect, but the location didn't match

    we looked around the indicated GPS point but at this location, but house or ranch, nothing that looks like the photos posted previously. too bad the spot looked magnificent but with night falling and fatigue from the road we finally slept facing the road in the post office parking lot.

  • Michelle W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Ricardo Campground - Red Rock Canyon State Park
    May. 2, 2024

    Ricardo Campground - Red Rock Canyon State Park

    Gorgeous desert

    Beautiful area with nice shady rock overhangs to stay cool during the day. No AT&T signal. No tesla signal. There was poor WiFi at the visitor center but at least you could send an email or message. The desert was alive in April! I got #8 which had a nice view. Not too crowded at 1 pm on a Saturday where I got to choose from a dozen open sites. So much better than the Alabama Hills area which was completely packed.



Guide to Tehachapi

Camping near Tehachapi, California, offers a mix of stunning landscapes and unique experiences. Whether you're looking for a quiet getaway or an adventure-filled trip, there are plenty of campgrounds to explore.

What to do:

  • Hiking: There are numerous trails around the campgrounds. At Reyes Creek Campground, one camper mentioned, "The host Jade was one of the most friendliest hosts we’ve ever met. There are raccoons, squirrels, and deer around." This makes for a great nature experience while hiking.
  • Fishing: Many campers enjoy fishing in the nearby rivers. A visitor at Kern River Campground said, "Been going up there since 1969 had many many fantastic trips; fishing is always good."
  • Wildlife Watching: Campers often spot various wildlife. One reviewer at Chilao Campground noted, "Bears were very active the night we were there," which adds excitement to your stay.

What campers like:

  • Scenic Views: Campgrounds like Ricardo Campground offer beautiful vistas. A camper shared, "Gorgeous vistas and the weather was decent."
  • Clean Facilities: Clean bathrooms and well-kept sites are a big plus. A visitor at Camp James said, "Camp James is a clean, spacious park. All sites are well kept, with access to clean bathrooms."
  • Friendly Staff: Campers appreciate helpful hosts. One reviewer at Wheeler Gorge Campground mentioned, "Camp hosts greeted us upon arrival and gave us a run down which I appreciate."

What you should know:

  • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds, like Wheeler Gorge Campground, do not have drinking water or electric hookups. A camper noted, "No running water available; fire ban."
  • Bear Encounters: Bears are common in some areas. A visitor at KRS RV Resort@Camp James mentioned, "A friendly family of bears made their presence at night."
  • Noise Levels: Campgrounds near highways can be noisy. One camper at Orange Grove RV Park said, "At times you can hear the freeway and trains passing by."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for places with activities for kids. A reviewer at Rivernook Campground said, "Very clean. Restrooms and showers were very well kept. Good sites right on the river."
  • Plan for Bugs: Some areas can have bugs, especially in warmer months. A camper at Chilao Campground warned, "The bugs were relentless. Come with a net canopy or you're gonna have a bad time."
  • Pack Snacks and Games: Keep kids entertained with snacks and games. A visitor at Kern River Campground shared, "We had a great time floating on the river, sleeping in tents right by the water."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site. A reviewer at Rivernook Campground mentioned, "Each site is so close together that you can literally hear everyone’s conversations."
  • Be Prepared for Limited Services: Some campgrounds may not have full hookups. A camper at Bakersfield River Run RV Park noted, "The pull-through sites alternate direction of entry."
  • Stay Connected: If you need Wi-Fi, check availability beforehand. A visitor at Wheeler Gorge Campground mentioned, "You also have Wi-Fi at the Visitors Center which we really loved."

Camping near Tehachapi, California, has something for everyone. With beautiful landscapes, friendly campgrounds, and plenty of activities, it’s a great spot for your next outdoor adventure!

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What camping is available near Tehachapi, CA?

    According to TheDyrt.com, Tehachapi, CA offers a wide range of camping options, with 157 campgrounds and RV parks near Tehachapi, CA and 18 free dispersed camping spots.

  • Which is the most popular campground near Tehachapi, CA?

    According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Tehachapi, CA is Tehachapi Mountain Park with a 4.5-star rating from 13 reviews.

  • Where can I find free dispersed camping near Tehachapi, CA?

    According to TheDyrt.com, there are 18 free dispersed camping spots near Tehachapi, CA.

  • What parks are near Tehachapi, CA?

    According to TheDyrt.com, there are 17 parks near Tehachapi, CA that allow camping, notably Angeles National Forest and Sequoia National Forest.