Tent Camping Near Lancaster, CA
Looking for the best Lancaster tent camping? The Dyrt helps you find campsites with tent camping near Lancaster. Each tent campsite offers quick access to one or more of Lancaster's most popular destinations.
Best Tent Sites Near Lancaster, CA (59)
1. Joshua Tree Ranch Los Angeles
Lake Hughes, California7 Reviews•20 Photos•293 SavesJoshua 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
2. Antelope Valley Fairgrounds
Lancaster, California6 Reviews•43 Photos•8 SavesEnter through Gate 5.
- Pets
- Electric Hookups
- Phone Service
- ADA Access
- Tents
- Group
3. Little Jimmy Trail Campground
Valyermo, California7 Reviews•23 Photos•121 SavesCurrently NO toilet facilities at this site.
Just above Crystal Lake lies Little Jimmy trail camp...a backcountry campground nestled just 2 miles off the Angeles Crest Highway.
It features seven first-come, first-served sites with picnic tables, fire rings, vault/composting toilets, and vintage backcountry ovens.
Hike-in only (2.5 miles one-way). After parking your vehicle at Islip Saddle, cross the highway and begin hiking for 2.5 miles up the switchbacks until you reach Little Jimmy Campground on your right.
Popular with Boy Scout and Girl Scout troops, this scenic spot offers a chance to get away from established campgrounds and live amongst the Coulter Pines and Bigcone Douglas Firs.
Campers turned hikers have easy access to hop on the legendary Pacific Crest Trail which runs through the camp.
There is no fee to camp here other than an Adventure Pass for your parking. In the summertime, bears can be common visitors, so it please secure your food and scented items in bear-proof boxes provided or bring your own bear canisters. As always, make sure you follow the "Leave No Trace" principles and pack everything in and out!
- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- Tents
- Picnic Table
- Drinking Water
4. Oak Flat Campground
Castaic, California9 Reviews•15 Photos•107 Saves2800-foot elevation. 27 campsites. No water. Vault toilets. Campsites are first come - first served. RV's to 18'.
Adventure Pass or America the Beautiful Pass required, but the camping is free if you have one.
- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- Tents
- Trash
- Picnic Table
$5 / night
5. Millard Trail Campground
Altadena, California8 Reviews•39 Photos•211 SavesGate may be closed due to High Fire danger. Elevation: 1900-Foot ElevationAmenities: 6 hike-in__campsites- Picnic tables and campfire rings, vault toilets, no piped water.__Seasonal stream water may be available (treat before using). However, water flow may be low or non-existent due to reduced rainfall.Hiking: Just a short hike__to the 50' Millard Falls. __Fees: Camping - Adventure Pass/America the Beautiful Pass Required. Campsites are first come-first served. No reserving or holding of campsites allowed._ Day use -__Adventure Pass/America the Beautiful Pass Required.Millard Trail Camp may occasionally be closed due to bear activity. Be Bear Aware.
- Tents
- Group
- Cabins
- Tent Cabin
- Glamping
- Trash
6. Valley Forge Trail Camp hike in. no drive
Mount Wilson, California6 Reviews•24 Photos•392 Saves- Pets
- Fires
- Tents
- Trash
- Picnic Table
- Toilets
$5 / night
7. Mount Lowe Trail Campground
Mount Wilson, California6 Reviews•5 Photos•112 Saves- Pets
- Fires
- Tents
- Trash
- Picnic Table
- Toilets
8. Manker Campground
Mount Baldy, California12 Reviews•26 Photos•417 SavesCamp high in the clouds at Manker Flats Campground. This campground sits at 6000-feet and offers 21 campsites open year-round. However, piped-water is turned once temperatures reach freezing. Each site comes with a spacious spot for all your family camping needs and includes a picnic bench, fire ring, and vault toilets. It's located within a short drive to historic Mt. Baldy Schoolhouse and Visitor Center where visitors can discover the land's Native American roots. Close by, hikers have several options to begin their day's adventure including, Mt. Baldy Bowl trailhead. This trailhead can be combined with another major route, Devil's Backbone, to reach the summit (10,069') to form an impressive 11.3-mile loop hike. For the more casual hiker, a 1.4 mile round trip to the 75-foot San Antonio Falls is available. Bears are very active in this area, so it is recommended that all campers use provided bear boxes, personal bear canisters, or seal all food as to eliminate scent.
- Pets
- Electric Hookups
- ADA Access
- Tents
- Group
- Trash
$12 / night
9. West Fork Trail Campground - Temporarily Closed
Mount Wilson, California4 Reviews•9 Photos•254 Saves- Pets
- Fires
- Tents
- Tent Cabin
- Glamping
- Market
10. Cooper Canyon Trail Campground
Juniper Hills, California2 Reviews•48 Photos•162 Saves- Pets
- Fires
- Tents
- Group
- Picnic Table
- Toilets
Recent Tent Reviews in Lancaster
614 Reviews of 59 Lancaster Campgrounds
- J
Jason R.
Guide
Oak Flat Campground
Nice but needs a permit not free
Ranger woke me up early asking for a permit. He was not agro, as I didn't look like I bum I think that helped. He explained a shell station off the 176 nearby sells $5 day passes and $30 annual.
- Melissa B.
Scout
willow springs blm
Dispersed
FYI- camping is limited to 14 days at a time 28 days a year, must access via publicly open roads, stay on designated trails, and take all your trash with you there are no trash cans no trash removal.
- Michell C.
Ranger
Ricardo Campground — Red Rock Canyon State Park
Gorgeous and Clean
The views from this campground are absolute stellar. The sites and pit toilets are clean and plenty of spaces were available. It was all first come, first served and self-pay when we arrived. Drive the loop and find your spot, then return the payment in the envelope provided to the pay station. I’m sure it’s a busy place on the weekends. It’s in an OHV area, so off road vehicle noise is to be expected, but it was minimal. The road in is smooth, sites are easy to access (with a few pull-through sites) and there are a few paved ADA specific sites as well. The sites up by the cliffs are offer the best views but many may be difficult to get level in if you have a motorhome or travel trailer.
vector J.Scout
Hollywood RV Park
Thats good
This location is conveniently situated near the heart of Los Angeles, making it an ideal spot for those looking to explore the city’s many attractions. The facilities are well-kept, with clean restrooms and a friendly staff always ready to assist. However, the noise from nearby https://blockblast.link/ may be disruptive for those in search of a quiet getaway, so it's worth considering if peace and quiet are a priority before booking.
I B.Scout
Hollywood RV Park
Nice and friendly Staff, clean site
Everything was fine. We stayed for 1 night to Visit L.A. . It was clean and the Staff was very nice. We called a night before and got a Site for our RV.
- EErin V.Guide
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.
Thomas F.
TravelerHollywood RV Park
6/10
This place offers a convenient location near the heart of Los Angeles, making it an excellent base for exploring the city's attractions. The facilities are well-maintained, with clean restrooms and helpful staff who are eager to assist guests. However, noise from the surrounding area can be an issue, so those seeking a peaceful retreat might want to consider this before booking.
- nnathalieScout
ATV Campground — Hungry Valley State Vehicular Recreation Area
Closed until further notice
The post fire which burned the area of 10,000 acres on June 15, 2024 has caused this area to be closed until further notice. We went to camp but were turned away. Be aware. Otherwise would have been a great place to stay as I have been there before
Greg D.Guide
Mountain Valley RV Park
Decent for a quick stop
Grounds seem well kept, the gravel was raked at our site when we pulled in. Restrooms are ok, the issue was that the lock them up at 10:00pm and don’t open until 7:30am. It would be so simple to put a code lock on the doors. You have to pay for WiFi, and the laundry machines are paid for by using a credit card for pay cards and the machine was out of cards. The only way to use it was to create an account with some vendor online! In the morning there were planes taking off, towing gliders, which was interesting to watch
Joseph P.Scoutwillow springs blm
Stayed for 2 months
Stayed for two months without any issues
Suly&Fabian L.Guide
Southfork Campground
Nature beautiful, human horrible
There are 21 campsites and not all have tree’s but its walking distance from the creek. Its nestled between mountains and the night sky is gorgeous. We saw wild ducks too and some other desert critters. Has it not been for the nasty animals called inconsiderate humans blasting their music and fighting amongst themselves bringing their family drama until 6am, the camp site would have been marvelous. No ranger to domesticate those animals and remind them of quiet hours. Another group even brought a dj and karaoke. Seriously, no consideration for the rest of the campers. They want to get away from the hustle and bustle and be with nature but they can’f live without the modern day amenities and bring that noise we are all trying to escape to a place of nature. They even had BB guns and shooting them within the campsite. Idiots. The day the ranger did come by he was giving tickets to vehicles with no pass. Wish he came at night when he was most needed. Bathrooms are poorly maintained too. Never coming back for an overnight stay, a day trip will suffice.
Anita A.Guide
Bonelli Bluffs
Less crowded ocale while visiting family nearby
Visiting family in Santa Ana and LA. Not to far for them to come to us and all to go to beach. Park clean and well maintained, personnel very kind and friendly Beautiful view from our site on area B. Crowded on weekend, much less during week Campground is not associated to adjacent Frank Bonelli Regional. Charge $12 to enter with vehicle but no fee to ride in on bikes
Jamie C.Traveler
Buckhorn Campground
Perfect peaceful getaway
Just stayed 8/15-18/24, although hot during the day, it was the getaway we needed. The Burkhart trail to the waterfall was beautiful. Clean campsites. Some neighboring camps were louder than you'd hope but it is what it is. Our second trip here and will return for sure.
- JJennifer T.Traveler
Hollywood RV Park
Lovely
Nice campground a little bit outside of Hollywood but with a very helpful camp host
Leslie R.
Legend
Placerita Canyon State Park Group Campsites
Haven't stayed, by reservation only for groups
I haven't stayed in this campground, but I added it to the Dyrt so people can find it as an option if they are searching for large group camping. You MUST call in advance to get permission and reserve for group camping.
Things to do:
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visit the Placerita Canyon Nature Center, including live animal exhibits
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Ranger-led educational programs
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hike to waterfalls: https://www.alltrails.com/explore/trail/us/california/placerita-canyon-and-waterfall-trail
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- AAngelaTraveler
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.Traveler
Lupine Campground
Came across this place on a whim
After trying to find an escape from the fireworks and trying campgrounds in surrounding areas to this one and all of them being full, we just kept driving (ended up off-roading) and found this hidden jem. Quite, dark, and one dirt road in n out. No amenities besides a picnic table & fire pit. There's an outhouse, but it's pretty gross..
- merlinda M.Traveler
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.
- EElla Z.Scout
Manker Campground
Mankers campground
We spent 3days and 2nights here and enjoyed our stay, the caretaker was so nice! Although the restroom are very dirty but overall it was a great stay!
Tammy P.Traveler
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.Guide
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
Donna H.GuideHollywood RV Park
As good as it gets for LA
This quirky campground was safe, and that was what I needed while visiting friends in LA. This isn't a self-park park...the spaces are so close together that they use a cart to park you. On the upside, the bathrooms and showers were clean and plentiful, there was an area at the back of the park that was fenced for pups, and although the spaces were small, the park was landscaped such that you had some privacy. On the downside, the park is right next to the departure/arrival runway for Burbank and so if you don't fancy airplanes, you may not appreciate the noise. There is quite a bit of noise, but then again, you are in downtown Burbank. The owner is quite a character and told me that they even have an entertainment space where they offer musical performances, plays, etc. by local artists. He also mentioned that most of the park's customers were long-term residents that support the local production companies. I'm not sure if I would stay there again, but then again I'm not sure I'm interested in visiting Burbank again either.
Andrew S.GuideOak 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.
- CCora R.Scout
Applewhite Campground (Ca) — San Bernardino National Forest
Great place
I had a positive impression of this small campground, located just 5-7 miles away from the 215 highway, amidst natural surroundings. I can join many activities here such as playing merge fruit. However, I was taken aback to discover that the campground was closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. It would be great if they were open full-time, although it didn't affect our stay as we had planned to leave by Monday night. While the bathroom facilities could benefit from some renovations, the actual campsite itself was quite enjoyable. Despite a previous reviewer mentioning that the road near the campground was busy, we personally didn't find it bothersome as there were only occasional cars passing by during the day, and the traffic volume was relatively light during our visit
- JJoe R.Guide
Rim of the World Byway (near 15 fwy south) Dispersed
Easy in and out by mormon rocks
By Rim of the world scenic byway and mormon rocks. Easy in and out but next to train tracks. Quick stop friendly ;)
- JJoe R.Guide
Stockton Flats Yellow Post Sites 3-8
Prepare the climb; also not for big RVs
The turn is not marked well, in fact the coordinates are a little bit off. If you miss the turn like we did you have to go 5 miles or more to get a turnabout big enough to turn around. You climb a big steep hill to get to the turn in. On the way back down from the turnaround we almost burned out or brakes. We decided not to go to the site because it looked like a one lane road and too tight for our 35 ft bumper pull. Disappointed because pictures from others looked great and it is a beautiful area. We found a spot near the road that I’ll post for others.
Malina S.Scout
Little pine campground
Great weekend get away spot
Nice sized spot. We stayed on site 15, with a great view. Fire pit came in handy with a cooking grate and parking spaces are large enough for a small RV.
Guide to Lancaster
Tent camping near Lancaster, California offers a unique blend of natural beauty and outdoor adventure, perfect for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of city life.
Tent campers should check out Joshua Tree Ranch Los Angeles
- This spot is ideal for those seeking a primitive camping experience, with no facilities but plenty of Joshua trees and a peaceful atmosphere.
- Located just a 70-90 minute drive from LA, it provides a quick getaway for families and friends looking to reconnect with nature.
- While it can be tricky to find, the serene environment and limited cell service make it a great place to unwind without distractions.
Tips for tent camping near Lancaster
- Always check the weather before heading out; strong winds can make for a challenging night, as experienced by visitors at Joshua Tree Ranch Los Angeles.
- Bring your own supplies, as amenities are minimal at places like the Antelope Valley Fairgrounds, which is more suited for RVs than tents.
- Be prepared for a more rugged experience, as some areas may have rough roads and limited signage, making navigation a bit of an adventure.
Explore local attractions while camping
- The nearby Antelope Valley Fairgrounds offers a clean and well-maintained environment, perfect for those attending events or needing a place to park their RV.
- For a more secluded experience, consider Mount Pacifico Campground, which requires a hike-in but rewards visitors with stunning 360-degree views.
- If you're looking for a unique landscape, Vasquez Rocks County Park features dramatic rock formations and is a great spot for hiking and photography.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Lancaster, CA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Lancaster, CA is Joshua Tree Ranch Los Angeles with a 4.2-star rating from 7 reviews.
What is the best site to find tent camping near Lancaster, CA?
TheDyrt.com has all 59 tent camping locations near Lancaster, CA, with real photos and reviews from campers.