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Best Campgrounds near California City, CA

339 Reviews

Dispersed camping areas and established campgrounds dot the desert landscape surrounding California City, California. The region includes a mix of BLM-managed lands like Jawbone Canyon OHV Area with its free dispersed camping options alongside developed facilities such as Ricardo Campground at Red Rock Canyon State Park. Several campgrounds in the area feature both tent and RV sites with varying levels of amenities. Some locations like Borax Bill Substation provide electric hookups and facilities, while others like East Mojave Camp offer more primitive experiences on public lands with minimal infrastructure.

Road conditions and accessibility vary widely across camping areas near California City. High clearance vehicles are recommended for reaching more remote dispersed sites, especially at East Mojave Camp where "very remote absolutely nothing out there. Definitely somewhere you need to be aware of your surroundings," according to one visitor. The desert climate brings extreme temperature fluctuations, with summer highs regularly exceeding 100°F and winter nights dropping below freezing. Wind represents a consistent challenge for campers in this region, particularly at exposed sites. Most dispersed camping areas on BLM land have no water sources, restrooms, or trash facilities, requiring visitors to pack in all supplies and pack out all waste.

Camping experiences in the California City region are characterized by stark desert landscapes, geological features, and open space. Red Rock Canyon State Park stands out for its dramatic rock formations, with one camper noting "beautiful area with nice shady rock overhangs to stay cool during the day." Off-road recreation opportunities abound, especially at Jawbone Canyon OHV Area where campers have "lots of space to spread out" and privacy. Weekday visits typically offer more solitude than weekends when OHV traffic increases. Cell service remains limited throughout the region, with most dispersed sites offering little to no connectivity. The relative proximity to Edwards Air Force Base creates restrictions in some areas, requiring campers to verify access before arrival.

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Best Camping Sites Near California City, California (92)

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Recent Camping Photos near California City, CA

97 Photos of 92 California City Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near California City, CA

339 Reviews of 92 California City Campgrounds

  • TThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 30, 2025

    Wagon Wheel Staging Area

    Super spot - great lookout

    A fantastic spot. Great views, sheltered behind rocks, and even with clean restrooms. Many spots—some only accessible by 4WD due to deep sand and dry waterways. There are plenty of 2WD spots, though. Apparently popular with motocross riders on weekends. Everything was completely quiet for us. We were completely alone in the entire area. A wonderful place. We only had internet with T-Mobile across the road on the mountain.

  • K
    Sep. 11, 2025

    Owl Canyon Campground

    Great overnight stop

    Bit of rattle and shake on the road leading in. The sites are well laid out with picnic tables and fire pits plenty of space.

  • french M.
    Sep. 5, 2025

    Stine Cove Recreation Site

    Stine Cove

    I'm looking for a campsite near water and a nice mountain view, will definitely add Stine Cove to my next trip list.

  • HThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 21, 2025

    Spaceport RV Park

    Only used the dump & water

    Handy stop for water & dump! $2 bucks for water & $5 bucks for the dump

  • Laura M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 1, 2025

    Owl Canyon Campground

    Hard road in

    This is such a beautiful campground— we love coming here. It’s a 14-day limit, $6/night, self-pay, no host but the rangers come through pretty regularly. The road in is bad….. but it really is doable. It seems to get less awful each time we do it. 

    The hikes through the colored rocks are so pretty. It can get pretty windy and trash just gets blown all over so part of our daily activities when we stay here is walking around with our trash pickers and picking up trash that’s blown into the washes. There are trash bins here, no recycling, and there are pit toilets too. There’s something of a playground here, but it’s more cute than anything.  There are accessible non-gendered pit toilets here as well.

    The vibe here is always peaceful, friendly, mellow, though I will say we had a family group of horrid and extremely loud partiers for a few days (over the weekend) the last time we were there.

    Good cell service.

  • KThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 29, 2025

    Auxiliary Dam Recreation Site

    So beautiful

    It’s really a beautiful place but man you are packed in like sardines. Your feet away from everyone. Water is beautiful and such a bonus so made the crowds less of a hassle. The bathrooms are a ok and glad they are there because it’s just a dry lot lakeside.

  • Catrina L.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 3, 2025

    Lake Isabella RV Resort

    Great price and location

    Great location. Right across the street from the lake. Clean bathrooms and laundry room.

  • Stephanie F.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 28, 2025

    Wagon Wheel Staging Area

    Spacious, convenient, quiet

    Nice place! Just came to camp a few days very quiet at night, doesn’t get too windy, very convenient to road and many spacious spots around near rocks. I can get up to 3 bars of cell AT&T service in some spots. Has one spot with nice shaded tree which also had a raven nest in there with a baby raven. You can see chuckwalla lizards sun on top of the rocks and we also got a visit from a sidewinder rattlesnake. Just be sure to wear boots, keep kids or animals close, respect the locals.

Guide to California City

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

What to do:

  • Explore Ghost Towns: Visit the Calico Ghost Town for a fun day of walking through history. One camper mentioned, "The Ghost town is a fun place to walk through," making it a great spot for families and history buffs alike.
  • Hiking Opportunities: Check out the trails around Red Rock Canyon State Park. A visitor shared, "The desert was alive in April! I got #8 which had a nice view," highlighting the stunning scenery and hiking options.
  • Stargazing: Many campgrounds in the area, like Sawtooth Canyon Campground, are known for their clear night skies. One reviewer noted, "Good night sky area," perfect for those who love to gaze at the stars.

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained restrooms and showers. A visitor at Rivernook Campground said, "Restrooms and showers were very well kept," which is a big plus for many.
  • Spacious Sites: Many campgrounds, such as Orange Grove RV Park, offer generous site sizes. One camper mentioned, "Sites were generous size, facilities and grounds clean," making it a comfortable choice for families.
  • Friendly Staff: Campers often highlight the helpfulness of campground staff. A reviewer at Barstow-Calico KOA said, "The staff was incredibly helpful," which can make a big difference in your camping experience.

What you should know:

  • Noise Levels: Some campgrounds can get noisy, especially on weekends. A camper at Rivernook Campground mentioned, "No one enforced the 10pm quiet time," so be prepared for some late-night sounds.
  • Limited Amenities: Not all campgrounds have full amenities. For example, Ricardo Campground has no drinking water or electric hookups, so plan accordingly.
  • Crowded on Weekends: Popular spots like Buckhorn Campground can fill up quickly. A visitor noted, "It does get crowded on the weekend," so arriving early is a good idea.

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose Campgrounds with Activities: Look for campgrounds that offer fun activities for kids. One camper at Crystal Lake Rec Area Campground mentioned, "The kids loved it," when talking about the nearby lake and hiking trails.
  • Pack Snacks and Drinks: Having snacks on hand can keep everyone happy. A reviewer at Thousand Trails Soledad Canyon mentioned, "The general store was very limited," so bring your own supplies.
  • Plan for Quiet Time: Make sure to have quiet activities for downtime. A camper at Table Mountain Campground said, "Campground was clean and quiet," which is great for relaxing after a day of fun.

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site. A visitor at Sawtooth Canyon Campground noted, "There are only about 20 spots here and it is popular," so check availability.
  • Be Prepared for Dusty Roads: Some campgrounds have rough access roads. A reviewer at Buckhorn Campground mentioned, "The roads are very small," so drive carefully.
  • Bring Extra Water: Many campgrounds, like Ricardo Campground, do not have water hookups. A camper advised, "No drinking water," so bring enough for your stay.

Camping near California City, California, has something for everyone, from families to solo adventurers. Just remember to plan ahead and enjoy the beautiful surroundings!

Frequently Asked Questions

Where are the best camping spots in California City?

The California City area offers several excellent camping options. Ricardo Campground — Red Rock Canyon State Park is highly recommended for its dramatic red rock formations that resemble Arizona or Utah landscapes. It's perfect for hiking, photography, stargazing, and climbing. For those seeking more remote experiences, Trona Pinnacles provides expansive dispersed camping with unique geological formations where Planet of the Apes was filmed. Both locations offer a true desert experience, though they can get crowded on holidays and weekends. For best camping experiences, arrive mid-week when possible to secure prime spots.

What amenities are available at California City campgrounds?

Amenities vary widely across California City area campgrounds. Wagon Wheel Staging Area offers basic facilities including two toilets but no hookups, making it suitable for self-contained camping. The area is spacious enough for RVs including big rigs. For more developed options, Lake Isabella-Kern River KOA provides full amenities including bathrooms with showers, a pool, splash pad, and sites for both tents and RVs. Most dispersed camping areas like Borax Bill Substation have no facilities, so campers must pack in water and pack out waste. Most campgrounds in the area are dog-friendly, but always verify pet policies before arriving.

Do I need a permit to camp in California City?

Permit requirements vary by location around California City. At Dove Springs OHV Area, camping is allowed without specific permits, though you should follow dispersed camping guidelines. For Saddleback Butte State Park Campground, standard California State Park fees apply, with campsites available on a first-come, first-served basis. Many dispersed BLM areas allow free camping for up to 14 days. If planning to use OHV areas for recreation, you'll need appropriate OHV registrations and permits for your vehicles. Always check current regulations before your trip, as permit requirements can change seasonally, especially during high fire danger periods.

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