Top Dog Friendly Camping near Ridgecrest, CA

Are you planning a camping trip to Ridgecrest with your dog? We've got you covered. The Dyrt can help you find the best campsites for you and your dog. Whether you're looking for a quiet location in the woods or a happening campground near the attractions, The Dyrt makes it easy to find the perfect place to go camping with your dog.

Best Dog-Friendly Sites Near Ridgecrest, CA (59)

    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

    14 Reviews
    73 Photos
    380 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 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

    4.

    Fossil Falls Campground

    11 Reviews
    28 Photos
    208 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

  • 5.

    Rivernook Campground

    26 Reviews
    54 Photos
    561 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 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

    6.

    Fossil Falls dry lake bed

    7 Reviews
    25 Photos
    286 Saves
    Little Lake, California
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • ADA Access
    • Dispersed
    • Picnic Table
    Camper-submitted photo from Bertrand's High Desert Mobile Home & RV Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Bertrand's High Desert Mobile Home & RV Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Bertrand's High Desert Mobile Home & RV Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Bertrand's High Desert Mobile Home & RV Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Bertrand's High Desert Mobile Home & RV Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Bertrand's High Desert Mobile Home & RV Park

    7.

    Bertrand's High Desert Mobile Home & RV Park

    1 Review
    8 Photos
    11 Saves
    Inyokern, California
    • Pets
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • RVs
    • Trash

    $35 / night

  • 8.

    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

    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

    9.

    Stine Cove Recreation Site

    13 Reviews
    27 Photos
    296 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
Showing results 1-10 of 59 campgrounds

Recent Dog-Friendly Reviews In Ridgecrest

257 Reviews of 59 Ridgecrest Campgrounds


  • Camper-submitted photo from Keyesville Recreation Area Dispersed
    August 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

  • Camper-submitted photo from Wagon Wheel Staging Area
    July 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!

  • Camper-submitted photo from Boulder Gulch
    June 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.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Sequoia National Forest Fish Creek Campground
    June 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.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Sandy Flat
    June 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Rivernook Campground
    April 24, 2024

    Rivernook Campground

    Standard

    Probably could have been a 3. We checked in late 930 but called ahead to let them know. We got to our spot no power. Under 30 degrees with no heater not ideal. They did come fix it in the morning but when we mentioned it to the office they just said oh well. Definitely not exceptional service. General store was very limited. Wi-Fi didn’t work they claimed it was out of service. People drive way too fast through the camp ground. Lots of permanent residents with some pretty rough setups. Upside great location by the river. Beautiful sites and sounds.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Ricardo Campground — Red Rock Canyon State Park
    April 21, 2024

    Ricardo Campground — Red Rock Canyon State Park

    Desert Camping

    Enough space for our 29” RV, pavement was really ok for desert, water, toilets in the morning full of insects, but that’s desert. You also have Wi-Fi at the Visitors Center which we really loved. Our spot had view to both sites of the rocks.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Keyesville Recreation Area Dispersed
    March 25, 2024

    Keyesville Recreation Area Dispersed

    Stayed a night

    We pulled in at night time around 10:30PM. I was scared it would be sketchy, but turned out to be a smooth dirt road. We encountered multiple other campers as well before we found a suitable turnout. Loved the accessibility. We woke up to a beautiful little spot near the water; would definitely camp again here

  • Camper-submitted photo from Gold Ledge Campground
    March 7, 2024

    Gold Ledge Campground

    River View Campsite

    Came as a going away trip. Great little camp ground. The park ranger was kind and knowledgeable of where to get decently priced firewood. Close to amazing hiking trails and town so if you needed anything, it was just down the road.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Rivernook Campground
    February 29, 2024

    Rivernook Campground

    Nothing like the website photos…

    My partner and I canceled our booking here after a short drive to our “campsite”… everyone seemed to be camping in what looked like dirt parking spots with cheap fire rings with no space or privacy. The campground was rundown and poorly maintained… looks more like a cheap trailer park than whatever they’re advertising on the website. After driving almost two hours to this location… we will admit we were incredibly disappointed with what we found. Don’t waste your money.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Kern's River Edge Campground
    February 29, 2024

    Kern's River Edge Campground

    A lovely, quiet campground.

    My partner and I stayed here after a campground down the road overbooked us for a weekend, and it ended up being a lovely trip. The campsites were clean and spacious, the bathrooms were sanitary and showers were hot. Only downside happen to be the on-site general store was shut down the whole weekend.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Borax Bill Substation
    February 29, 2024

    Borax Bill Substation

    Just soooo peaceful!!!

    Office is only open th-tue, but staff roaming the area are very helpful. Dry camp the other days anywhere you want. Need tokens for showers, which you can get when office is open.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Wagon Wheel Staging Area
    January 17, 2024

    Wagon Wheel Staging Area

    Beautiful spot to stay

    Arrived in the dark and woke up to find a beautiful spot. Quiet, plenty of space and very few people here. Be prepared for freezing temps overnight in colder months.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Ricardo Campground — Red Rock Canyon State Park
    December 17, 2023

    Ricardo Campground — Red Rock Canyon State Park

    Beautiful "in the middle of no where," but close to town...

    We LOVE Red Rock (Ricardo)!! Other than it being an official campground its 'close' to dry camping. Definitely prefer its view and background over Jawbone (nearby...but Jawbone is still also great). If you are camping to chill, Red Rock...if you are there to shoot and ride, Jawbone. The best part is the BEAUTIFUL cliffs boarding the sites. Definitely follow the nature trail up onto the butte/mesa/cliff. (that's also the only place for cell signal :-P

  • Camper-submitted photo from Ricardo Campground — Red Rock Canyon State Park
    December 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.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Minietta Road
    November 10, 2023

    Minietta Road

    Great dispersed camping spot

    Great for a night or two, heading towards or leaving Death Valley between Joshua Tree..

    You are literally in the middle of nowhere. No cell phone reception, amenities, nothing, not even shelter, but yet so peaceful and quiet. We saw a couple of RVs but everyone has a TON of space....I would totally camp here again.

    I was able to let dog and cat out of camper and they weren't going anywhere....nothing to chase, etc.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Stine Cove Recreation Site
    October 27, 2023

    Stine Cove Recreation Site

    Camping at lake since 1957

    I’ve been camping at This lake since I was 11. My favorite place caught 100’s of fish out of there. I’ve camped in all the camps over the years but I like steins cove when we had a boat. Camp right on the water and the price is right FREE. I live in Az now but when we go back we always hit the lake.  Love it great memories with my mom and dad and our kids and grandkids. Enjoy❤️

  • Camper-submitted photo from Hungry Gulch
    September 2, 2023

    Hungry Gulch

    Most horrible experience. Rangers do absolutely nothing to guarantee quite nights and ignoring complaints

    This is the absolutely most horrible experience I have ever had. There was a group of people that were listening to loud music and singing till 6AM and we could not sleep. We tried talking to them, they said they would only listen to the ranger. Ranger stopped by but nothing changed. At 5 AM we went back to the ranger, but he sent us away. We could not sleep a single minute. Group was extremely aggressive and absolutely horribly loud. Most disappointing was that ranger did nothing and ignored us.



Guide to Ridgecrest

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Which is the most popular dog-friendly campsite near Ridgecrest, CA?

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

  • What is the best site to find dog-friendly camping near Ridgecrest, CA?

    TheDyrt.com has all 59 dog-friendly camping locations near Ridgecrest, CA, with real photos and reviews from campers.