Searching for the best camping near California City, CA? California City is filled with the activities, sights, and experiences to make everyone in your crew a happy camper. Discover great camping spots near California City, reviewed by campers like you.
"The red rock canyons surrounding the campground are reminiscent of Arizona or Utah desert. Great for hiking, photography, star gazing, climbing and off roading. Dog friendly."
"We luckily got a site away from the road, so less blowing sand from people driving by.
We were right next to the nature trail, which was great to have to get some exercise and nice views. "
"It is primarily for off road enthusiasts, however, we just came out here to enjoy the desert and go for walks. "
"Lots of trails to ride - for beginners to advanced. We zipped around in a side by side and everyone was responsible and nice."
"Overall it’s a nice desert spot with beautiful hikes nearby and private enough if you can keep away from the main road. I stayed for 4 days during the week."
"We stayed near the entrance on a Sunday night because we were losing service deeper down the road. Plenty of great dispersed camping options, we stayed in our ford transit."
"Have a damp station near by. This was a great option for passing through on our way to red rock canyon."
"Away from highway enough. Very windy. Great sunset and sunrise."
"I wasn’t sure when driving out here at night in a minivan, but the dirt road didn’t give me any trouble and I still had some service with Verizon."
"Smaller sizes are near the entrance while larger sites are in the back. No reservations so sites are first-come, first-serve, and paid for at the rec center(or via the dropbox after hours)."
ScoutI'm looking for a campsite near water and a nice mountain view, will definitely add Stine Cove to my next trip list.
TravelerWe have a 21’ travel trailer. Easy access. Wide open spaces.
GuideHandy stop for water & dump! $2 bucks for water & $5 bucks for the dump
LegendThis 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.
TravelerIt’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.
ScoutGreat location. Right across the street from the lake. Clean bathrooms and laundry room.
GuideNice 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.
GuideFun place to roam around the pinnacles during sun up and sun down! Will get very hot and windy during afternoon and night. Private camp sites, and saw one large site for bigger rigs. No service until you get to about Ridgecrest, so about 10 miles out from the start of the unpaved road with AT&T. Road to pinnacles is about 5 miles of gravely washboard road but gets smoother as you get around pinnacles. Has one vault toilet and informational signs along the road.
ScoutNot a bad just open desert, staying here on momorial day and really nobody is here so that’s nice
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.
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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