Camping options near Ridgecrest, California range from developed campgrounds to dispersed camping across the high desert terrain. Located in the Mojave Desert at approximately 2,300 feet elevation, this region experiences extreme temperature variations with summer highs often exceeding 100°F and winter nights dropping below freezing. The area serves as a gateway to both the southern Sierra Nevada mountains and Death Valley National Park, creating diverse camping opportunities within a 1-2 hour drive.
What to do
Whitewater adventures: KRS RV Resort@Camp James offers excellent river access for water recreation. "We stayed in site 81 in our class C RV. Corner site on a creek that ran through the campground. The creek was great to sit in to escape the heat and float down," shared one visitor. The Kern River provides varying water activities based on seasonal flow.
Trail hiking: Troy Meadow Campground serves as a base for accessing Eastern Sierra wilderness trails. "Very beautiful well kept supposedly it had just opened an hour or two before I arrived after being closed for two years," noted a camper. The campground sits at higher elevation, providing cooler temperatures during summer months.
Dispersed camping: Minietta Road offers free primitive camping. "You are literally in the middle of nowhere. No cell phone reception, amenities, nothing, not even shelter, but yet so peaceful and quiet," explains one camper. This location provides stargazing opportunities away from light pollution, though requires complete self-sufficiency.
What campers like
Riverside sites: Visitors appreciate riverside camping at Headquarters Campground. "A nice secluded campground up the river from kern's more populated sites, in the heart of the Sequoia National Forest," notes one reviewer. The campground offers first-come, first-served sites with direct river access.
Family-friendly amenities: Camp Three Campground provides facilities for family outings. "This was a first family camping trip, and we were happy with our site. It had plenty of shade, was large enough to fit our huge cabin tent and still have extra space, and was a 2 minute walk to the stream where there was a nice little walled off spot safe for children to swim in," shared one family.
Swimming opportunities: Natural water features provide relief from summer heat. "The campsites were clean and spacious, the bathrooms were sanitary and showers were hot," mentioned a visitor about Kern's River Edge Campground. Most riverside campgrounds feature swimming holes or creek access within walking distance of campsites.
What you should know
Seasonal considerations: Summer temperatures frequently exceed 100°F in lower elevations while higher altitude campgrounds remain more comfortable. "We usually always camp here in May and since that is right before Memorial day when the campgrounds all open for the season it is usually pretty nice," notes a camper about Halfway Group Campground.
Wildlife awareness: Local campgrounds may have animal visitors. "The unfortunate part was we were in a family of Skunk's back yard. It's Skunk season when they teach their young. No one was sprayed but they were clear that we were not welcome," warns a Camp Three visitor.
Reservation timing: Most popular campgrounds fill quickly during peak season. "Book way in advance though. You can get a site right on the river with no sewage hook ups or get all hook ups off the river," advises a KRS RV Resort visitor.
Tips for camping with families
Shade selection: Choose campsites with natural shade for summer comfort. "We were at group site 3, it has a covered picnic area and flat area for tents closer to the river bank," explains a visitor to Halfway Group Campground.
Water play areas: Sites with gentle water access work best for children. "The creek was great to sit in to escape the heat and float down. Lots of kids and dog friendly," notes a Camp James visitor about the small creek running through the campground.
Off-season visits: Consider visiting during shoulder seasons for fewer crowds. "We usually always camp here in May and since that is right before Memorial day when the campgrounds all open for the season it is usually pretty nice," explains a camper about avoiding peak summer crowds.
Tips from RVers
Hookup options: Lake Isabella-Kern River KOA provides full RV amenities. "Overall nice site with full hookups & wi-fi/cell. Had a nice shade tree but it can be real sunny without one. Laundry right on site! Close to lake Isabella and all of the Kern," shares an RVer.
Site selection strategy: Choose between premium river locations or full hookup convenience. "The RV sights with full hooks up are further away from the river about 200 yards," explains a camper about Camp James, noting the tradeoff between river proximity and amenities.
Weather preparation: Desert temperature swings require planning for both cooling and heating. "Level sites, electric (30 used) water and sewer. Little shade - over 106 when there late Aug," cautions an RVer about Arabian RV Oasis, highlighting the need for adequate cooling systems during summer stays.
