The Dyrt is here to help plan your best camping near Inyokern. Enjoy the scenic camping, fun activities, and sights and sounds of Inyokern. Get the dirt on all the best camping near Inyokern. Browse campgrounds by amenities, site types, and more.
"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. "
"The location has access to off-road trails, but the riders stopped before dark and we had a quiet night."
"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."
$35 / night
"One of us felt that being secluded away from the main park gave the overnighters area a spooky lonely vibe at night (the other of us didn't feel that way and felt fine)."
"The office for the park is located at the RV parts building. There is also a dump station with potable water just outside the overnighter area with a self-pay station for just $10."
$10 - $20 / night
"Easy to find the location based of Joe's directions. I will definitely be coming back !! Thank you Joe !"
"This is a stop along the Pacific Crest Trail. The scenery is an amazing mix of Joshua Trees, pines, chaparral, mountains and large rocks, some snow on the peaks facing north."
"Right off the highway either beautiful overlook. Simple to access but few spaces for campers…lots if tent space."
$35 / night
"Sites are close together but still far enough to have all slide outs out and room to walk between.
Amenities: Big trash and recycling bins were a bonus."
"It was right next to the road, so not exactly quiet, but we were alone and got to hit the road nice and early. Great for what we needed. Pretty dark skies if youre into night photography!"
$6 / night
"A very cool and Very unique spot in Southern California. Places to walk around places to climb around. If you plan on doing any rock climbing then you’re planning on doing this in the morning."
"Just off the highway and easy to get to. The volcano in the distance is beautiful and fossil falls is so unique…lots of room to explore the lava flows."
"I never knew this was here and grew up camping in California. Filming for the remake of Planet of the Apes happened here."
"The winds starts around dinner time/dusk and really doesn't let up u til midnight. So if you are down to clown, this place is absolutely beautiful."
"If you like to stay off the beaten path and away from crowds. The this is a spot to check out. Stayed memorial weekend. We were one out of about 5 campers in the area.
."
"are open (at least 1, maybe 2) water appears to have been turned off. on plus side many sites have nice shade, but bugs are a problem in summer because of small creek. overall a great place to get away from"
GuideA 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.
TravelerGood campground on the way to Sequoia. Plenty of space, we had no problems finding a spot for our 30ft RV. There are restrooms available which seem to be cleaned every second day. You have access to the river nearby. The generator can be used until 10 p.m. Would recommend.
ScoutI'm looking for a campsite near water and a nice mountain view, will definitely add Stine Cove to my next trip list.
ScoutIn this place you are like lost on an unihabited island, no phone signal, not a single tree. I prepared enough food and stuff to camp in the RV about nearly 2 days. A family of 4 loved the so peaceful night there block blast.
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
ScoutAwesome place, can’t beat the zip line. Gonna be coming back for sure
GuideBeautiful drive up to the spot, unfortunately still closed in late March.
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.
Camping near Inyokern, California, offers a mix of stunning landscapes and unique experiences. Whether you’re looking for a quiet retreat or an adventurous getaway, there are several campgrounds to explore.
Camping near Inyokern, California, offers a variety of experiences, from serene landscapes to family-friendly activities. Whether you're in a tent or an RV, there's something for everyone to enjoy!
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I find free camping near Inyokern, California?
Several free camping options exist near Inyokern. Trona Pinnacles offers dispersed camping with plenty of space and privacy in a unique geological setting where Planet of the Apes was filmed. There's no potable water available, so bring your own supplies. Another option is Ant Canyon, which provides secluded spots next to large rock formations. It can be challenging to find, so look for the sign on the right when approaching. For better chances at seclusion, arrive early. Additionally, Walker Pass Campground offers free camping with basic toilet facilities about 30 minutes from Inyokern. Most of these sites operate on a first-come, first-served basis and follow standard BLM dispersed camping rules.
What are the BLM camping regulations in the Inyokern area?
BLM land around Inyokern typically allows dispersed camping for up to 14 consecutive days within a 28-day period. Fossil Falls Campground offers a BLM camping experience with toilets but no water, so bring plenty of your own. Ricardo Campground — Red Rock Canyon State Park operates on first-come, first-served basis and while technically a state park, follows similar regulations to nearby BLM lands. Standard BLM rules apply throughout the region: camp at least 200 feet from water sources, use existing fire rings, practice Leave No Trace principles, and pack out all trash. Fire restrictions may apply seasonally, especially during summer and fall. Check the Ridgecrest BLM Field Office for current fire restrictions and any special permit requirements before your trip.
Is Inyokern good for RV camping and what amenities are available?
Inyokern area is excellent for RV camping with several accommodating options. Wagon Wheel Staging Area is spacious enough for large RVs including skoolies, with basic amenities like two toilets. The area is spread out, providing privacy despite multiple campers. Dove Springs OHV Area offers plenty of spots for larger rigs with a wide, flat dirt road that's easily navigable for Class A motorhomes. For more amenities, Desert Empire Fair RV Park near Ridgecrest provides water hookups, toilets, and is big-rig friendly with reservable sites. Bertrand's High Desert Mobile Home & RV Park also offers reservable sites with water hookups for those wanting more creature comforts while still experiencing the desert landscape.
Keep Exploring
