Best Campgrounds near Ridgecrest, CA

Camping near Ridgecrest, California, offers a unique blend of desert landscapes and outdoor adventures. Whether you're pitching a tent or parking an RV, there are plenty of spots to enjoy the great outdoors.

What to do:

• Hiking: Explore the stunning trails around the area. One camper mentioned, "The nature trail is accessible directly from the campground and the views are jaw-dropping and well worth exploring" at Ricardo Campground — Red Rock Canyon State Park.
• Photography: Capture the breathtaking vistas. A visitor at Trona Pinnacles said, "Beautiful place to play, make sure to bring lots of water," highlighting the area's scenic beauty.
• Stargazing: The clear desert skies provide a perfect backdrop for stargazing. One camper noted, "The night sky is even more breathtaking" at Fossil Falls Campground.

What campers like:

• Quiet and Seclusion: Many campers appreciate the peaceful atmosphere. A review from Wagon Wheel Staging Area stated, "We stayed here 1 night and had the place to ourselves. It is a very large area and quite beautiful."
• Natural Beauty: Campers rave about the stunning landscapes. One visitor at Wildrose Campground — Death Valley National Park said, "A lot of donkeys are on the road to be aware! Between the mountains. Fire pit. Quite windy in the nighttime - loved it."
• Affordable Camping: Many sites are free or low-cost. A camper at Stine Cove Recreation Site mentioned, "The price is right FREE. I live in Az now but when we go back we always hit the lake."

What you should know:

• Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds lack basic facilities. A visitor at Rivernook Campground noted, "General store was very limited. Wi-Fi didn’t work; they claimed it was out of service."
• Road Conditions: Be prepared for rough roads. One camper at Owl Canyon Campground warned, "Nearly 5 miles of either hard washboard dirt road or loose sand that you can get stuck in."
• Wildlife Encounters: Expect to see wildlife. A camper at KRS RV Resort@Camp James shared, "A friendly family of bears made their presence at night as the trash cans were ransacked in the morning."

Tips for camping with families:

• Choose Family-Friendly Sites: Look for campgrounds with amenities. A review from Rivernook Campground mentioned, "Restrooms and showers were very well kept. Good sites right on the river."
• Plan for Activities: Bring games and outdoor gear. One family at Tehachapi Mountain Park enjoyed, "Beautiful spot. Old school mountainside camping in the tall trees."
• Stay Safe: Keep an eye on kids, especially around wildlife. A camper at Ricardo Campground advised, "Definitely follow the nature trail up onto the butte/mesa/cliff."

Tips from RVers:

• Check Site Size: Make sure your RV fits the site. A review from Camp James noted, "Site 4 has a small uphill to back into which if you have an RV or heavy camper you're going to scrap hard backing in."
• Be Prepared for Weather: Bring gear for wind and temperature changes. A camper at Wildrose Campground mentioned, "Quite windy in the nighttime - loved it."
• Use Dump Stations Wisely: Some campgrounds charge for dump station use. A visitor at Rivernook Campground noted, "Note that although there is a dump station, there is a $20 charge to use it."

Camping in Ridgecrest, CA, offers a mix of adventure and relaxation. With its unique landscapes and variety of campgrounds, there's something for everyone to enjoy.