Best Camping near Inyokern, CA

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.

Best Camping Sites Near Inyokern, CA (129)

    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 Wagon Wheel Staging Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Wagon Wheel Staging Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Wagon Wheel Staging Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Wagon Wheel Staging Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Wagon Wheel Staging Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Wagon Wheel Staging Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Trona Pinnacles
    Camper-submitted photo from Trona Pinnacles
    Camper-submitted photo from Trona Pinnacles
    Camper-submitted photo from Trona Pinnacles
    Camper-submitted photo from Trona Pinnacles
    Camper-submitted photo from Trona Pinnacles

    3. Trona Pinnacles

    15 Reviews
    75 Photos
    390 Saves
    Trona, California

    Dispersed camping is allowed on for a period not to exceed 14 days within a 28 consecutive day period. The 28 day period begins when a camper initially occupies a specific location on public lands. The 14 day limit may be reached either through a number of separate visits or through 14 days of continuous overnight occupation during the 28 day period. After the 14th day of occupation, the camper must move outside of a 25 mile radius of the previous location until the 29th day since the initial occupation. There is no potable water or developed facilities other than a single vault toilet on site. Pack out all trash. There are no trash services. In the desert environment, even natural items like orange peels take years to decompose. Travel on existing roads and trails. Vegetation in this climate can take decades to recover when crushed by off road driving or parking. Camp in campgrounds if available. Using campgrounds reduces the number of vehicles, so that the great views are not blocked. Have a great time. The Trona Pinnacles are a great place to explore natural wonders and experience your public lands.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • Dispersed
    • Toilets
    • Alcohol
    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

    4. Rivernook Campground

    26 Reviews
    54 Photos
    563 Saves
    Kernville, California

    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

    $45 - $75 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Fossil Falls Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Fossil Falls Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Fossil Falls Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Fossil Falls Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Fossil Falls Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Fossil Falls Campground

    5. Fossil Falls Campground

    11 Reviews
    28 Photos
    216 Saves
    Little Lake, California

    Overview

    Fossil Falls Campground is located in along California Highway 365 at the base of the eastern Sierra Nevada mountains.

    Fossil Falls Campground contains 11 first-come-first-serve campsites with drinking water, restroom, tables and fire rings. RV sites are available and well suited for medium-sized RVs.

    The fee is $6.00 per night and the stay limit is 14 days.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • ADA Access
    • RVs
    • Tents

    $6 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Fossil Falls dry lake bed
    Camper-submitted photo from Fossil Falls dry lake bed
    Camper-submitted photo from Fossil Falls dry lake bed
    Camper-submitted photo from Fossil Falls dry lake bed
    Camper-submitted photo from Fossil Falls dry lake bed
    Camper-submitted photo from Fossil Falls dry lake bed
    Camper-submitted photo from Stine Cove Recreation Site
    Camper-submitted photo from Stine Cove Recreation Site
    Camper-submitted photo from Stine Cove Recreation Site
    Camper-submitted photo from Stine Cove Recreation Site
    Camper-submitted photo from Stine Cove Recreation Site
    Camper-submitted photo from Stine Cove Recreation Site

    7. Stine Cove Recreation Site

    13 Reviews
    27 Photos
    306 Saves
    Weldon, California

    POTENTIAL FIRE BANS - CHECK BEFORE CAMPING Last report - bans in effect til 11/2020 (reported 10/2020) Located on the east side of Lake Isabella off Sierra Way. Open camping; Free use area; Chemical toilets. No limit on trailer length. Open year round. Supplies at Kernville

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • Dispersed
    • Trash
    • Toilets
    Camper-submitted photo from KRS RV Resort@Camp James
    Camper-submitted photo from KRS RV Resort@Camp James
    Camper-submitted photo from KRS RV Resort@Camp James
    Camper-submitted photo from KRS RV Resort@Camp James
    Camper-submitted photo from KRS RV Resort@Camp James
    Camper-submitted photo from KRS RV Resort@Camp James

    8. KRS RV Resort@Camp James

    14 Reviews
    60 Photos
    229 Saves
    Kernville, California
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access

    $39 - $340 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Chimney Creek Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Chimney Creek Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Chimney Creek Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Chimney Creek Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Chimney Creek Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Chimney Creek Campground

    9. Chimney Creek Campground

    5 Reviews
    12 Photos
    67 Saves
    Little Lake, California

    Chimney Creek Campground is located within Chimney Peak Recreation Area and is cherry stemmed out of Owens Peak Wilderness. The campground contains 36 sites and is nestled among beautiful pinyon pines, grey pines, and oaks along Chimney Creek at 5,700 feet in elevation. Each site in the campground has a picnic table and fire ring. Potable water is available during the summer months near the very end of the campground loop at site 36. During the summer, days can be warm and dry. The Pacific Crest National Scenic Trail crosses Canebrake Road just south of the campground. Chimney Creek Trail, a primitive route along Chimney Creek, starts at the cattle guard a half mile from the start of the campground road.

    • Phone Service
    • RVs
    • Tents
    • Toilets
    • Alcohol
    Camper-submitted photo from Vakinheim
    Camper-submitted photo from Vakinheim
    Camper-submitted photo from Vakinheim
    Camper-submitted photo from Vakinheim
    Camper-submitted photo from Vakinheim
    Camper-submitted photo from Vakinheim

    10. Vakinheim

    1 Review
    7 Photos
    2 Saves
    Inyokern, California

    Greetings Traveler,

    My name is Joe and I own the property known as Vakinheim. It has served as a private Spiritual Retreat for many friends over the years. I've hosted and held various outdoor adventure recreation activities, and even used it as a training ground where I practiced primitive survival skills in preparation for a 21 day Naked and Afraid Survival Challenge, which I am proud to say I completed during season 12, episode 9 on the Discovery Channel.

    Now, I am happy to share this very special place with you. Let me tell you a little about more about it.

    Vakinheim is an Open Desert Primitive Camp Site located 2 miles south of Inyokern.

    No amenities currently available. However the town of Inyokern is 2 short miles away, just close enough to be walking distance, yet still far enough away to feel alone in the desert.

    Vakinheim does accommodate multiple vehicles, as well as RVs and Trailers, Fellow Boondockers are always welcome. But please watch out for glass.

    The roundabout driveway allows for trailer pull throughs, and features a large communal fire pit in the center.

    The light pollution is always low, so you can see more stars at Vakinheim than you would in Hollywood, and every new moon you can see the galaxy.

    One of the best local Places to visit is Indian Wells Brewing Company, theirs beer are good, and they have an amazing restaurant too.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • Tents

    $10 - $20 / night

Showing results 1-10 of 129 campgrounds

Pet-friendly camping near Inyokern

Recent Reviews in Inyokern

406 Reviews of 129 Inyokern Campgrounds


  • EThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from BLM Desert Site
    Oct. 17, 2024

    BLM Desert Site

    BLM desert site

    35.08627305276245,-117.54092669125416 Great space. Easy to find. Away from highway enough. Very windy. Great sunset and sunrise.

  • MThe Dyrt PRO User
    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.

  • Ryan B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Holey Meadow Campground
    Oct. 8, 2024

    Holey Meadow Campground

    Beautiful and quiet

    Pulled in on a Friday afternoon and had the whole campgrounds to ourselves, until about 7 pm. Neighbors kept noise to a minimum. We chose site #3 (back right) and it had a fairly level spot for our cars RTT. Overall, the grounds and bathrooms were very clean. Holey Meadow, across the road, is small, but very beautiful. The main road is just past that, so you will hear traffic. The Trail of a Hundred Giants is about 2 miles north and worth a visit. A section of the trail was closed due to a downed tree, but still a nice walk.

  • Ryan B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Sequoia National Park Dispersed campground
    Oct. 8, 2024

    Sequoia National Park Dispersed campground

    Inaccurate Coordinates

    Arrived at the coordinates and had no place to turn off the road. Also, the area was hit by wildfires (maybe 2 years ago) so it's all pretty barren. Camped at Holey Meadows campground a few miles away.

  • 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.

  • AThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Camping area No. 3 (dispersed)
    Sep. 30, 2024

    Camping area No. 3 (dispersed)

    Perfect.

    This campsite was fantastic. Access was easy with a 4x4, but may be a little tough for a 2WD car. Plenty of space for a small trailer to maneuver.

    Highly recommend. Perfect for an off-road trailer or overland setup.

  • 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.

  • Cameron L.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Camping area No. 3 (dispersed)
    Aug. 20, 2024

    Camping area No. 3 (dispersed)

    Great Spot tucked off the road

    We stopped here on our way through Sequoia Nat’l Forest and loved it. The water is super clear and nice! We were the only ones staying here, so it was very quiet and calming. A handful of camping spots around this area, well worth the stay!

  • 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

  • RThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Wagon Wheel Staging Area
    Jul. 24, 2024

    Wagon Wheel Staging Area

    Gorgeous but DON’T GO IN THE SUMMER

    We arrived in the evening, when it was still 33 celcius (95f), but the whole day it was about 45 celcius (113f). So the place was as hot as it can be. But that won’t change my rating too much. Because if the weather was a bit cooler I would have loved this even more, when we woke up, we were greeted by a beautiful desert. If you have an AC that you can put on during the night, it shouldn’t be a problem!

  • Steve M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Upper Peppermint Dispersed Area
    Jul. 20, 2024

    Upper Peppermint Dispersed Area

    Fantastic but very, very remote spot

    Not for big rigs! A very primitive but beautiful area. Tons of winding roads with lots of S curves Leading up to 9000 feet. Many great camping spots including close to Peppermint Creek. Completely dry area so no campfires until November. No services and no reception so pack it in and pack it out!

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Lake Olancha RV Park & Campground / Westside of Death Valley
    Jul. 14, 2024

    Lake Olancha RV Park & Campground / Westside of Death Valley

    Confusing layout lacking signage

    It’s confusing to find the campsite. No signs directing you where to go. You have to drive behind the sites and pull through. Sites are small and you’re basically packed together. power and water are on the right instead of left. Bathroom ok, shower curtain looks dirty.

  • Eric A.
    Camper-submitted photo from Fish Creek Campground
    Jul. 8, 2024

    Fish Creek Campground

    Tranquil Camping

    Campsite 32 was beautiful, overlooking the creek, every morning here was blissful. Fairly remote (about 25-30 min from the general store with wifi) this place feels like another world

  • 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.

  • Barrie M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Lake Olancha RV Park & Campground / Westside of Death Valley
    Jun. 28, 2024

    Lake Olancha RV Park & Campground / Westside of Death Valley

    Tranquility

    A lovely site, both scenic and peaceful. Was very quiet when we stayed. The small lake was ideal for a bit of casual kayaking and nature watching - mostly birds and dragonflies. Charming and spacious, the informality of the site was a refreshing change. Owing to it being quiet, we spent most of our time there in one of the riverside overlooks that provided seating, a table & a grill (as well as being a vantage point for watching nature and launching the kayaks.

    The only slight negative was that it was the only one of 10 we used on this trip that offered full hook-ups but no WiFi (5G service was adequate though). Would also benefit with the addition of more than just the single shower/toilet unit (which contrary to another review was of more than adequate size)

  • Nicholas G.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Sequoia National Forest Fish Creek Campground
    Jun. 13, 2024

    Sequoia National Forest Fish Creek Campground

    Radical

    The sites were pretty well spaced and quiet at night. The bathrooms were not bad, and there's running water (needs to be treated). There's the wonderful sound of motorcycles on and off through the day, so if that bothers you take notice. There's some great fishing near by too.

  • 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.

  • Khin N.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Sequoia National Forest 22S82 Dispersed Site
    Jun. 1, 2024

    Sequoia National Forest 22S82 Dispersed Site

    Dispersed campground

    This place is near the natural water slide area. Road is not good but you can do with 4x4 all the way inside. You can see very flat area. We spent a night near big tree because there is no one.

  • RThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Sequoia National Park Dispersed campground
    May. 25, 2024

    Sequoia National Park Dispersed campground

    Definitely beautiful

    Does take about 45 mins to wind up there and i got there at 1:15am. Didn't find the campgrounds but had large side areas with forest machinery. Next to stream. Then if you continue on you will hit a 4 mile off road (my Corolla/any sedan OK) and see great views and waterfall! Nice!

  • 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 Inyokern

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.

What to do

What campers like

  • Scenic Views: Campers rave about the beautiful vistas. One reviewer at Fossil Falls Campground said, “The stars were amazing and the sunrise was on point too.”
  • Quiet Atmosphere: Many appreciate the peacefulness of the campgrounds. A visitor at Trona Pinnacles remarked, “It was very quiet and secluded.”
  • Wildlife Encounters: Campers enjoy spotting wildlife. At Stine Cove Recreation Site, one camper mentioned, “Watch eagles prey on ducks, pelicans gather, hear the frogs croak.”

What you should know

  • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds, like Ricardo Campground — Red Rock Canyon State Park, don’t have drinking water or electric hookups. A camper noted, “No drinking water, no electric hookups, but fires are allowed.”
  • Windy Conditions: Be prepared for strong winds, especially at places like Trona Pinnacles. One camper advised, “The wind woke me up at 3 am and kept me up all night.”
  • Road Conditions: Some campgrounds have rough access roads. A visitor at Fossil Falls Campground mentioned, “Rough road depending on rain washout - I managed to navigate in my low clearance station wagon.”

Tips for camping with families

  • Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for spots like Kern River Campground, which has spacious sites. A camper said, “The sites are spacious and private.”
  • Plan for Activities: Bring games and outdoor activities. One family at Camp James enjoyed, “So many things to do and the campground resort is run well.”
  • Pack for Comfort: Ensure you have enough supplies for comfort. A visitor at Rivernook Campground mentioned, “Restrooms and showers were very well kept.”

Tips from RVers

  • Check Site Sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site. A camper at Tehachapi Mountain Park warned, “This is not a place for large RVs or trailers.”
  • Use Full Hookups: Look for campgrounds with full hookups, like KRS RV Resort@Camp James. A visitor said, “Full hookups, close to everything.”
  • Be Mindful of Noise: Some campgrounds can get noisy. A camper at Rivernook Campground noted, “People drive way too fast through the campground.”

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

  • What camping is available near Inyokern, CA?

    According to TheDyrt.com, Inyokern, CA offers a wide range of camping options, with 129 campgrounds and RV parks near Inyokern, CA and 45 free dispersed camping spots.

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

    According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Inyokern, CA is Ricardo Campground — Red Rock Canyon State Park with a 4.4-star rating from 36 reviews.

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

    According to TheDyrt.com, there are 45 free dispersed camping spots near Inyokern, CA.

  • What parks are near Inyokern, CA?

    According to TheDyrt.com, there are 18 parks near Inyokern, CA that allow camping, notably Sequoia National Forest and Death Valley National Park.