Best Tent Camping near Randsburg, CA

Tent campsites near Randsburg, California are generally primitive with limited amenities. The area includes Vakinheim, a single-site tent campground that permits fires and allows pets, and Long Valley Campground, a Bureau of Land Management facility open from March to November with toilet facilities. Both locations offer drive-in access, though Long Valley also accommodates walk-in camping for those seeking a more secluded experience.

Campers should bring ample water supplies, especially when visiting Long Valley Campground. A visitor commented, "Remote. Saw 3 rattlesnakes. Bring plenty of water." Most tent sites in the region lack drinking water sources and have minimal facilities. Fire restrictions vary by location and season, with Vakinheim allowing fires while Long Valley prohibits them. The terrain is typically arid desert landscape with limited natural shade, making summer camping challenging without proper preparation. High clearance vehicles may be necessary to access some of the more remote tent camping areas.

The backcountry tent camping experience near Randsburg offers solitude and desert wilderness immersion. Areas away from established campgrounds provide opportunities for dispersed camping with fewer neighbors. Reviewers note that Vakinheim offers a positive primitive camping experience, with one camper stating it had "an area where we could set up bon fire" and that they "will definitely be coming back." Wildlife encounters, including rattlesnakes, are common in the region, requiring tent campers to exercise caution, especially during warmer months. The desert landscape provides excellent stargazing opportunities due to minimal light pollution, making these tent sites appealing to astronomy enthusiasts despite the sparse amenities.

Best Tent Sites Near Randsburg, California (4)

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Recent Tent Camping Photos near Randsburg, CA

1 Photos of 4 Randsburg Campgrounds


Tent Camping Reviews near Randsburg, CA

191 Reviews of 4 Randsburg Campgrounds


  • EThe Dyrt PRO User
    Nov. 6, 2020

    Ricardo Campground — Red Rock Canyon State Park

    Fantastic Beauty

    Nearly all these campsites butt up against the Badlands-esque rock formations with mini slot canyons to explore right at your campsite. My son absolutely loved this place. I loved it. We had a great time!

    It costs $25 per night and has zero amenities but the landscape makes up for it. Joshua trees and amazing rock formations, Jack rabbits and desert squirrels... it’s just great.

    1 bar AT&T if you’re lucky. No water, no electricity, but there’s a dump station near the visitor center. No electric car charging. Lots of tents and small rigs, nothing big. Campground uses narrow one-way dirt road. There are about 50 campsites with a picnic table, fire ring, rocky tent pad and fairly level gravel parking spot. At least 2 spots are ADA with concrete parking spots and nearby restroom.

    Now during COVID time it’s self registration, not sure about other times. We stayed one night and never saw a ranger. The campground was about half full and didn’t fill up while we were there.

  • Lee D.The Dyrt PRO User
    Dec. 8, 2023

    Ricardo Campground — Red Rock Canyon State Park

    Camping heaven!

    General: Smallish (approx. 50-site) campground that does not take reservations. No hookups, one walk-in tent site, and the others are either back-in or pull-through. Some are “double” sites that would be ideal for sharing. 

    Site Quality: Varies. All sites (except four, three of which are designated handicap sites) are a mixture of sand/gravel. Not all are completely level, and some accommodate larger vehicles than others. 

    Bathhouse: Pit toilets only. Some are open air and some are enclosed; the one closest to our site was clean. 

    Activities: hiking, photography. Good night sky area. The nature trail is accessible directly from the campground and the Hagen Canyon trail is ¾ mile from the campground. Red Cliffs is another short trail across the highway; these are the most popular (and short) hikes in the park but there are others. The views are jaw-dropping and well worth exploring. 

    Note that although there is a dump station, there is a $20 charge to use it. 

    We arrived around 1 pm on a Sunday in late March and had our pick of sites, however, the campground filled in to about ¾ full by the end of the day.

  • K
    Apr. 6, 2017

    Owl Canyon Campground

    A slice of heaven if you sleep outside

    We found Owl Canyon a few years back and became enchanted with this place. About three miles of washboarded (but maintained) gravel road leads to a small campgroundwith exquisite rock formations and plenty of hiking trails leading off in all directions. The first time we were here, we were the only campers other than the adorable camp hosts who had taken the trouble to put small solar lights on the vault toilets and soap on a rope hanging from the water faucets. Unfortunately, they are no longer there and neither is the solitude. The camp had a wide range of campers from Coleman pup tents to Land Yachts. UCSB has a large research station where students come out and study geology and mapping. It was fun to chat with them and get infected with their enthusiasm. The weather was mild enough to sleep out under the stars. The night sky is stunning! Wind can be an issue as it was this last visit. Tents were challenged and I was woken up in the middle of the night by a levitated camp chair landing on me. i will guess if you go sometime after spring break and mid-week, the campground won't be as crowded. Toilets are clean, water is limited and the price is right. Make sure to take extra tarps and rope to rig up a wind break or two and you are sure to have a nice stay. .

  • Chanel C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 18, 2018

    Saddleback Butte State Park Campground

    Ranger Review: Snap Buds at Saddleback Butte State Park

    [ PROS ]

    • Each site comes with a shade shelter, BBQ grill, and fire pit (max 8 to a site)
    • Great for solitude! It’s pretty quiet and empty, and there was only two other groups at the campsite so finding a place to set up was not a problem.
    • Sites have a good amount of distance from other sites. Not much privacy in terms of bushes/trees (it’s a desert!) but they are well spaced and the campgrounds is relatively empty so you can pick and choose where to pitch your tent.
    • First come first serve, cash only. Sites are by self-registration so it’s the honor system. You fill out the form and place $20 fee into an envelope and deposit into the drop box. Don’t forget to take your stub to show proof of payment in case someone comes around to verify.
    • You can hike the Dowen Nature Trail or the Little Butte Trail. Both are easy walks with flat/wide trails. Great for kids and elderly (wheelchair accessible)! Just make sure you wear sunscreen, good shoes, and drink lots of water.
    • Lots of flora and fauna to see! From rabbits and rattlesnakes, to Joshua Trees and wildflowers. You can also see one of the oldest living plants on earth, the creosote bush, and they can live over 10,000 years! It’s pretty awesome!
    • You can see granite buttes all around, which is one of the natural characteristics of Antelope Valley. If you want to hike up the buttes it’s a little steep so be prepared.
    • Evenings here are SPECTACULAR. The sky lights up with endless stars and you can see the milky way very clearly. Also, you can watch shooting stars ALL NIGHT. Absolutely magical.
    • Updated restroom facilities with nice flush toilets and sinks. They are relatively clean and well kept.

    [ CONS ]

    • No fires allowed! Which is weird because each campsite comes with a fire ring.
    • Lack of ranger presence, which is a pro or con depending on how you look at it. In some ways it’s nice feeling off the grid and removed, but the lack of ranger presence means that neighbors don’t always follow the campground rules and it feels a little sketch. Camp Host here is awesome though!
    • Really dusty and windy with constant 20mph winds. Our stuff was flying away constantly so we had to take the time to have everything tucked, staked, and held down securely. The inside of our tent was constantly covered in a fine layer of dust, even with the rainfly on. It was hard to sleep at night because our tent was rattling and flapping all night and dust was flying in.
    • SCORCHING HOT during the day and frigid cold at night. Just like you’d imagine a desert to be. If you come prepared, you’ll be fine :)
    • No showers here but there are water faucets if you need to splash some water on your face to cool down.

    Product Review

    As a Ranger for The Dyrt, I get products to test from time to time - this weekend I tested Snapbuds. Snapbuds is an earbud detangling system which keeps your earbuds from ever getting getting jumbled up into one of those hair-pulling knots. I love that they found such a simple solution to a problem that is VERY REAL. If you’ve ever spent time untangling earbuds than you understand the frustration.

    When I received the product it seemed simple enough, but I was a little overwhelmed with how much instructions came with the product. There are 2 ways - original and bolo - that you can set up your snapbuds, and I went with the original. Just be careful when setting up because they are permanently affixed. I screwed that up the first time opening the package because I got excited to snap them together without reading directions and ended up having one less snap.

    Once you have your snapbuds in place, it’s really simple and easy to use. They look a little funny on the ear buds at first, but they are pretty small and light so they don’t affect the function or design. I crumbled my earbuds and shoved them into my pocket to try to tangle it naturally a couple times and they never tangled! The magnet placements really make them hassle free. Snapbuds are one of those products that you never realized you needed until you own it! It’s great for travel and people on-the-go, which makes it great for camping/backpacking. It’s nice to be able to pack your headphones away into a stuff sack or pocket, and easily pull them pull them out without having to deal with the nightmare of untangling them.

  • Emily C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Mar. 20, 2025

    Monarch-Rand Mine

    Quiet, Peaceful

    Quiet place, we only saw one other set of campers. The warm sun the next morning was beautiful but there is next to no vegetation. Additionally, this campsite has nothing so take what you need and leave no trace! It worked for a night. The road in is kind of weird as it runs parallel to another road similar, we drove along one and would alternate to try and avoid bad potholes. Some are inevitable and I would imagine high clearance is needed to access.

  • Mon M.
    Jul. 2, 2018

    Owl Canyon Campground

    BLM campground at the edge of Mojave

    It is a BLM campground in the Rainbow Basin right above Barstow, CA. Have to drive through washboard road for about five miles to get to the campground. Nice site with a trail head to Owl Canyon right by the campground. First come first serve site, but $6 per night. Each site has a picnic table with a shelter and a fire ring. Was very windy when we were there and had to put up tarp as wind shelter. Most pit toilets were clean, but it was an Easter weekend so very crowded with college field trips. No water (taps were not working) so bring your own water. There are some interesting playground structures at the campground towards the trail head. It was a full moon day so it was pretty bright that night and could not do stargazing. The view from our sites (first night #??, second night #22) were great. You can even see San Bernardino Mountains. A great place to camp if you are into geology. You can hike into Owl Canyon or drive a short distance to see colorful geological formations at Rainbow Basin. It was hot even in April so be prepared for the heat if you are not used to it.

  • M W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 21, 2020

    Fossil Falls Campground

    Camping close to 395, very quiet.

    Last time I spent the night here was in Feb. 2020, Close to Hwy. 395. BLM run and has vault toilets and a water source, fire rings and tables, no shade. Quiet, well separated sites. Good hiking in the area. Close to Red Hill off Hwy. 395.  Open all year. Cell service, great for star gazing.

  • Albert  V.
    May. 29, 2019

    Owl Canyon Campground

    Quiet camp site

    Owl Canyon Camp site is run by BLM. It’s in the dessert near Rainbow Basin. There are pit toilets that were clean and good condition. There approximately 20 campsites with fire ring, table, barbecue grill and a covering over table area. The views are nice for the dessert and their is wildlife in the area. Also BLM recommendations to bring water because the water provided runs out and is for washing.

  • Kevin M.
    Jun. 1, 2021

    Chimney Creek Campground

    Remote and quiet

    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.

    . They have primitive bathrooms . No potable water. So bring water. It is buggy. Ants, nats, mosquitos. Look for spots with shade cause it gets hot. . Sites from 19 to 36 are pretty nice.


Guide to Randsburg

Tent camping near Randsburg, California typically centers around arid high desert terrain with elevations ranging from 2,500 to 4,000 feet. Summer temperatures regularly exceed 100°F during daylight hours but can drop below 60°F after sunset. Winter camping requires preparation for overnight temperatures that can fall below freezing, with occasional strong winds common throughout the desert region.

What to do

Geology exploration: The desert landscape near Vakinheim offers unique geological features including exposed rock formations and mining remnants. "Amazing campgrounds. We had an area where we could set up bon fire. Had some wood on the area," notes camper Ana C., who found the location convenient for exploring the surrounding terrain.

Night sky photography: Desert campsites provide exceptional dark sky conditions with minimal light pollution. Campers at Long Valley Campground report clear visibility of the Milky Way on moonless nights. One visitor noted the area's remoteness makes it ideal for astrophotography but warns to "bring plenty of water" as facilities are minimal.

Wildlife observation: The desert ecosystem harbors diverse wildlife including lizards, jackrabbits, and occasional predators like coyotes. Campers should maintain appropriate distance and observe reptiles from afar. "Remote. Saw 3 rattlesnakes," reports Jon J., highlighting the importance of wildlife awareness when camping in this region.

What campers like

Isolation and quiet: The dispersed camping options near Randsburg provide significant distance between sites. The limited number of campsites at Adobe Boondocks Camp ensures minimal crowding even during peak seasons. The camp offers amenities not commonly found at other sites in the area, including picnic tables, toilet facilities, and firewood availability.

Low cost accommodations: Most Bureau of Land Management (BLM) lands near Randsburg permit free dispersed camping with a 14-day stay limit. Long Valley Campground provides free access with basic toilet facilities, though campers must pack in all water and supplies. The campground remains open from March through November, closing during winter months.

Desert exploration opportunities: The network of dirt roads surrounding Woodford Hills campground provides access to remote desert areas suitable for hiking and photography. The site features tent-only accommodations with drive-in access, though no fires are permitted due to fire hazard concerns in the arid environment.

What you should know

Water requirements: No drinking water sources exist at most campsites near Randsburg. Campers should bring 1-2 gallons per person per day during cooler months and 2-3 gallons per person daily in summer. The Long Valley Campground specifically requires visitors to pack in all water supplies, with the nearest reliable water source located approximately 12 miles away in town.

Weather preparations: Desert temperature fluctuations can exceed 40°F between day and night. Summer days regularly reach 95-110°F while dropping to 55-65°F overnight. Winter temperatures range from 50-65°F during day to 25-40°F at night. Wind conditions can change rapidly, requiring secure tent stakes and wind-resistant shelter placement.

Vehicle requirements: Many access roads to dispersed camping locations require high-clearance vehicles. Standard passenger cars can generally reach established sites like Long Valley Campground, but exploring beyond maintained roads requires appropriate vehicles. Some routes become impassable after rain, with clay soils creating hazardous driving conditions for 2-3 days following precipitation.

Tips for camping with families

Wildlife safety education: Teach children proper procedures for desert wildlife encounters, especially regarding snakes. Maintain a minimum 10-foot distance from wildlife, wear closed-toe shoes, and check shoes and bedding before use. Store food in wildlife-resistant containers even at established campsites.

Temperature management: Schedule outdoor activities before 10 AM or after 4 PM during summer months to avoid peak heat. Use pop-up canopies or other portable shade structures at sites with minimal natural shade. Consider camping at higher elevation sites like Long Valley Campground during summer, where temperatures average 5-8 degrees cooler than in the valley floor.

Evening activities: Plan for early sunset activities during winter months when darkness arrives by 5 PM. Bring astronomy guides for stargazing opportunities, as the dark skies provide excellent conditions for identifying constellations. Limited cellular reception exists throughout the region, requiring offline entertainment options for children.

Tips from RVers

Road conditions: Access roads to most Randsburg area campgrounds have sections of washboard surfaces and occasional rocky patches. RVers report needing to travel below 15 MPH on some approach roads to prevent cabinet and equipment damage. Large motorhomes over 30 feet may have difficulty accessing sites beyond established campgrounds.

Leveling challenges: The desert terrain at dispersed sites often features uneven ground. RVers recommend bringing extra leveling blocks as soil composition may cause settling overnight, particularly after temperature changes. Most established sites lack designated parking pads, requiring careful positioning upon arrival.

Supply planning: With limited services near camping areas, RVers should arrive fully stocked with water and supplies. The nearest reliable fuel stations and groceries are approximately 25-30 miles away depending on your camping location. Generator restrictions vary by site, with most BLM areas allowing limited generator operation between 8 AM and 8 PM.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular tent campsite near Randsburg, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Randsburg, CA is Vakinheim with a 5-star rating from 1 review.

What is the best site to find tent camping near Randsburg, CA?

TheDyrt.com has all 4 tent camping locations near Randsburg, CA, with real photos and reviews from campers.