Best Tent Camping near Ridgecrest, CA

Searching for the perfect place to pitch your tent near Ridgecrest? You can find tent campsites by type, including drive-in, walk-in, and even hike-in for a backpacking adventure. Each tent site offers quick access to one or more of Ridgecrest, California's most popular destinations.

Best Tent Sites Near Ridgecrest, CA (11)

    Camper-submitted photo from Vakinheim
    Camper-submitted photo from Vakinheim
    Camper-submitted photo from Vakinheim
    Camper-submitted photo from Vakinheim
    Camper-submitted photo from Vakinheim
    Camper-submitted photo from Vakinheim

    1. 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 Walker Pass Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Walker Pass Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Walker Pass Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Walker Pass Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Walker Pass Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Walker Pass Campground

    2. Walker Pass Campground

    1 Review
    10 Photos
    73 Saves
    Onyx, California

    Walker Pass Campround is located just off of California State Highway 178 and at the junction of the Owens Peak and Cache Peak segments of the Pacific Crest National Scenic Trail. Located at 5,000 feet, there are pinyon pines and a few Joshua trees in this semi-arid setting and outstanding views of the dry, rugged foothills of the Southern Sierras. The campround includes eleven walk in sites for Pacific Crest Trail hikers and tent campers. The camprgound also has two sites for car camping. All sites have a picnic table and fire ring. Hitching racks and corrals are available for horses. No potable water is available at this site.

    • Tents
    • Equestrian
    • Standard (Tent/RV)
    • Toilets
    • Alcohol
    • No image available
      Camper-submitted photo from Chico Flat Dispersed Camping - Partially Closed, See Description
      Camper-submitted photo from Chico Flat Dispersed Camping - Partially Closed, See Description
      Camper-submitted photo from Chico Flat Dispersed Camping - Partially Closed, See Description
      Camper-submitted photo from Chico Flat Dispersed Camping - Partially Closed, See Description
      Camper-submitted photo from Chico Flat Dispersed Camping - Partially Closed, See Description
      Camper-submitted photo from Chico Flat Dispersed Camping - Partially Closed, See Description

      4. Chico Flat Dispersed Camping - Partially Closed, See Description

      8 Reviews
      26 Photos
      164 Saves
      Kernville, California

      Dispersed Camping on Upper Kern River approximately 4 to 5 miles north from Kernville. Ther is no water available at this location. Portable toilets and trash recepticals are available during__summer months. See Larger Picture Here.

      • Phone Service
      • Tents
      • Group
      • Standard (Tent/RV)
      • Dispersed
      • Trash
      Camper-submitted photo from Long Valley Campground

      5. Long Valley Campground

      1 Review
      1 Photo
      42 Saves
      Onyx, California

      Overview

      Long Valley Campground is a remote, primitive campground located within Chimney Peak Recreation Area and is cherry stemmed out of Domelands Wilderness. The campground contains 13 sites, picnic tables, fire rings, and primitive pit toilets. There is no potable water at the campground. The Volpe Trail, a 3-mile unmaintained route that provides access to the South Fork of the Kern River within Domelands Wilderness, starts at the end of the campground road near site 13.

      • Tents
      • Standard (Tent/RV)
      • Toilets
      Camper-submitted photo from Hobo Campground — Sequoia National Forest
      Camper-submitted photo from Hobo Campground — Sequoia National Forest
      Camper-submitted photo from Hobo Campground — Sequoia National Forest
      Camper-submitted photo from Hobo Campground — Sequoia National Forest

      6. Hobo Campground — Sequoia National Forest

      6 Reviews
      4 Photos
      Bodfish, California

      Overview

      Hobo Campground is tucked on the banks of the Lower Kern River, north of the popular Miracle Hot Springs. It sits at 2290 feet elevation on the Sequoia National Forest in the Lower Kern Canyon. The close proximity to the Lower Kern River and the shade provided by the riparian forest make it an ideal summer escape from the heat. It has 23 individual tent only sites and an additional 10 sites across the campground.__

      Recreation

      __White water boating is popular on the Lower Kern and requires a free Kern River Use permit from the Kernville Ranger Station. A trail also exists at the northern end of Hobo Campground that connects visitors to Sandy Flat Campground. The remains of an old resort can be found in the campground and Miracle Hot Springs area.

      Facilities

      __White water boating is popular on the Lower Kern and requires a free Kern River Use permit from the Kernville Ranger Station. A trail also exists at the northern end of Hobo Campground that connects visitors to Sandy Flat Campground. The remains of an old resort can be found in the campground and Miracle Hot Springs area.

      Natural Features

      The campsites are mostly all shaded by majestic sycamores, willows, cottonwoods, alders with views of the Lower Kern River close by.The trees show off a dramatic display of yellow, gold, and orange in the fall. The Kern River flows higher in the late spring and early summer months as water is released from Lake Isabella. The river can appear calm but can be deceiving with it's fast currents under the surface. The Forest Service does not encourage swimming in the river.

      contact_info

      This location is unstaffed. To speak with our main office for general information, please call: (760) 376-3781.

      Nearby Attractions

      Remington Hot Springs is a free Hot Spring on Forest Service Land located approximately one mile West of Hobo Camppground off Old Kern Canyon Road. White water rafting is a very popular activity on the Kern River, local Rafting Outfitters provide half-day to multi day trips along the Kern River.

      • Pets
      • Fires
      • Reservable
      • Tents

      $26 - $30 / night

      • No image available

        7. Ballarat Ghost Town

        1 Review
        12 Saves
        Trona, California
        • Fires
        • Tents
        • Dispersed
        • Market
        • Picnic Table
        • Firewood Available
        Camper-submitted photo from Live Oak South — Sequoia National Forest
        Camper-submitted photo from Live Oak South — Sequoia National Forest
        Camper-submitted photo from Live Oak South — Sequoia National Forest
        Camper-submitted photo from Live Oak South — Sequoia National Forest
        Camper-submitted photo from Live Oak South — Sequoia National Forest
        Camper-submitted photo from Live Oak South — Sequoia National Forest

        8. Live Oak South — Sequoia National Forest

        Be the first to review!
        6 Photos
        Wofford Heights, California

        Overview

        Reservations not being accepted. Live Oak South Campground is located across the road from Lake Isabella, a popular destination for boating, windsurfing, fishing and swimming. Lake Isabella sits within Sequoia National Forest, just 6 miles from the town of Lake Isabella.

        Recreation

        Water activities at Lake Isabella are popular and include swimming, water skiing, windsurfing and fishing. The lake is known for its trout fishing during the colder months. Other species include black and white crappie, bluegill, catfish and largemouth bass.

        Facilities

        Water activities at Lake Isabella are popular and include swimming, water skiing, windsurfing and fishing. The lake is known for its trout fishing during the colder months. Other species include black and white crappie, bluegill, catfish and largemouth bass.

        Natural Features

        The campground is situated in a grove of scenic oak trees at an approximate elevation of 2,500 feet. Lake Isabella sits at the southern end of the Sierra Nevada range. The 11,000-acre lake marks the division between the Upper Kern River and the Lower Kern River. Sequoia National Forest is named for the giant sequoia, the world's largest tree, which grows in more than 30 groves on the forest's lower slopes. The forest comprises about 1.1 million acres. Elevations range from 1,000 to 12,000 feet, creating precipitous canyons and mountain streams with spectacular waterfalls such as Salmon Creek Falls and Grizzly Falls.

        Nearby Attractions

        Live Oak South provides a good base for day trips to Sequoia National Park. The Trail of a Hundred Giants and numerous sequoia groves can be found nearby within Giant Sequoia National Monument. The Giant Sequoia Mercantile is just 5 miles away in Kernville, and offers a wide variety of books, maps, gifts and camping equipment.

        • Pets
        • Fires
        • Reservable
        • Tents
        • Picnic Table
        • No image available
          • No image available

            10. Corral Creek Recreation Site

            Be the first to review!
            17 Saves
            Kernville, California

            Dipersed camping and day use site along the North Fork of the Kern River. Portable toilets and trash bins available during summer months. No water available. Small, short trail leads to Corral Creek Picnic Area, which is a small beach along the Kern River. Camping, dogs, vehicles, and campfires are not allowed on beach.

            • Tents
          Showing results 1-10 of 11 campgrounds

          Recent Tent Reviews in Ridgecrest

          237 Reviews of 11 Ridgecrest Campgrounds


          • EThe Dyrt PRO User
            Camper-submitted photo from BLM Desert Site
            Oct. 17, 2024

            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.

          • Karen D.The Dyrt PRO User
            Camper-submitted photo from Kern's River Edge Campground
            Oct. 6, 2024

            Kern's River Edge Campground

            Nice campsite, friendly hosts, family and kid oriented

            Well run site, with easy late check in process. Friendly on site camp hosts who sell ice and firewood. Quite a lot of rules, and it had kind of a kids camp feel to it. Showers are hot, but you need quarters for them. I only gave three stars as it just not my kind of campground. If you're a family with kids I think it'd be great.

          • NThe Dyrt PRO User
            Camper-submitted photo from Paradise Cove
            Sep. 26, 2024

            Paradise Cove

            Beautiful scenery

            Very beautiful sight of the lake and mountains. Easy access from the road. Had a ton of wind and thunder so hard to move further up and away from the lake so we wherent up against the wind. Close to the road so a little noise from it, but thats what made it easy accessible as well. All in all a very nice campsite.

          • JThe Dyrt PRO User
            Camper-submitted photo from Lake Olancha RV Park & Campground / Westside of Death Valley
            Jul. 14, 2024

            Lake Olancha RV Park & Campground / Westside of Death Valley

            Confusing layout lacking signage

            It’s confusing to find the campsite. No signs directing you where to go. You have to drive behind the sites and pull through. Sites are small and you’re basically packed together. power and water are on the right instead of left. Bathroom ok, shower curtain looks dirty.

          • Eric A.
            Camper-submitted photo from Fish Creek Campground
            Jul. 8, 2024

            Fish Creek Campground

            Tranquil Camping

            Campsite 32 was beautiful, overlooking the creek, every morning here was blissful. Fairly remote (about 25-30 min from the general store with wifi) this place feels like another world

          • m
            Camper-submitted photo from Boulder Gulch
            Jun. 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.

          • Barrie M.The Dyrt PRO User
            Camper-submitted photo from Lake Olancha RV Park & Campground / Westside of Death Valley
            Jun. 28, 2024

            Lake Olancha RV Park & Campground / Westside of Death Valley

            Tranquility

            A lovely site, both scenic and peaceful. Was very quiet when we stayed. The small lake was ideal for a bit of casual kayaking and nature watching - mostly birds and dragonflies. Charming and spacious, the informality of the site was a refreshing change. Owing to it being quiet, we spent most of our time there in one of the riverside overlooks that provided seating, a table & a grill (as well as being a vantage point for watching nature and launching the kayaks.

            The only slight negative was that it was the only one of 10 we used on this trip that offered full hook-ups but no WiFi (5G service was adequate though). Would also benefit with the addition of more than just the single shower/toilet unit (which contrary to another review was of more than adequate size)

          • Nicholas G.The Dyrt PRO User
            Camper-submitted photo from Sequoia National Forest Fish Creek Campground
            Jun. 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.

          • Daniel M.The Dyrt PRO User
            Camper-submitted photo from Sandy Flat
            Jun. 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.

          • Michelle W.The Dyrt PRO User
            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.

          • Bryan S.
            Camper-submitted photo from Rivernook Campground
            Apr. 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.

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

          • Jack J.
            Camper-submitted photo from Gold Ledge Campground
            Mar. 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.

          • makenna W.
            Camper-submitted photo from Rivernook Campground
            Feb. 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.

          • makenna W.
            Camper-submitted photo from Kern's River Edge Campground
            Feb. 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.

          • Ken W.The Dyrt PRO User
            Camper-submitted photo from Borax Bill Substation
            Feb. 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.

          • MThe Dyrt PRO User
            Camper-submitted photo from Ballarat Ghost Town
            Feb. 27, 2024

            Ballarat Ghost Town

            I think I was in the right spot.

            Campground had some nice spots for dry camping. I planned to stay on BLM land off the road but this seemed part of the ghost town private property. It was late and I was confused..I need to go back and donate $5.

          • JThe Dyrt PRO User
            Camper-submitted photo from Ricardo Campground — Red Rock Canyon State Park
            Dec. 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

          • Lee D.The Dyrt PRO User
            Camper-submitted photo from Ricardo Campground — Red Rock Canyon State Park
            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.

          • A
            Camper-submitted photo from Vakinheim
            Nov. 13, 2023

            Vakinheim

            Amazing Camp Grounds

            Amazing campgrounds. We had an area where we could set up bon fire. Had some wood on the area. Easy to find the location based of Joe's directions. I will definitely be coming back !! Thank you Joe !

          • A
            Camper-submitted photo from Lake Olancha RV Park & Campground / Westside of Death Valley
            Nov. 11, 2023

            Lake Olancha RV Park & Campground / Westside of Death Valley

            Park By The Pond

            This resort is really just a place to park with hookups. The lake is a large pond and it’s beautiful but there is only one small restroom with one small shower with barely room to change. There are no other services like laundry, clubhouse, pool, gym. The price was the same as a fully featured property. The host was responsive and nice.

          • Kristi D.The Dyrt PRO User
            Camper-submitted photo from Minietta Road
            Nov. 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.

          • E
            Camper-submitted photo from Hungry Gulch
            Sep. 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.



          Frequently Asked Questions

          • Which is the most popular tent campsite near Ridgecrest, CA?

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

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

            TheDyrt.com has all 11 tent camping locations near Ridgecrest, CA, with real photos and reviews from campers.