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Best Dispersed Camping near Tehachapi, CA

55 Reviews

Dispersed camping opportunities near Tehachapi, California include several free primitive sites on public lands. Jawbone Canyon OHV Area offers numerous camping options in a rugged desert landscape with paved road access leading to multiple dispersed sites. Keyesville Recreation Area provides riverside camping with vault toilets and trash facilities at staging areas. Stine Cove Recreation Site features lakeside camping with basic amenities. East Mojave Camp presents extremely remote desert camping for those seeking solitude. According to one camper, Jawbone Canyon has "endless dispersed camping options in a beautifully rugged canyon" though wind can be problematic.

Most dispersed sites in this region require self-sufficiency. No drinking water is available at these locations, and campers must pack in all necessary supplies. Fire regulations vary by site and season; Jawbone Canyon allows fires while East Mojave Camp prohibits them. Vehicle access considerations are important for these areas. Several campers noted high clearance vehicles are recommended for many sites, particularly at East Mojave Camp where "the road is unmarked and very unmaintained" with "lots of wash outs." Standard passenger vehicles can access some areas closer to main roads.

The standard stay limit for BLM dispersed camping is 14 days within any 30-day period. Cell service ranges from limited to non-existent across these sites, with Jawbone Canyon reporting approximately one bar of Verizon service. Weather conditions can be extreme; summer temperatures frequently exceed 100°F, making spring and fall the preferred camping seasons. Winter nights drop below freezing. Proper waste management is essential; all sites operate under pack-in, pack-out principles. Vault toilets are available at some locations including Keyesville and Stine Cove, but most areas have no sanitation facilities.

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Best Dispersed Sites Near Tehachapi, California (16)

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Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos near Tehachapi, CA

28 Photos of 16 Tehachapi Campgrounds

Dispersed Camping Reviews near Tehachapi, CA

55 Reviews of 16 Tehachapi Campgrounds

  • Mike N.The Dyrt PRO User
    Mar. 2, 2021

    Hanning Flat Dispersed Area

    Great hideaway

    Great hideaway with plenty of dispersed sites. I spent two days here and only seen a handful of vehicles drive through, mostly US Forest Service trucks. Pack in, pack out. No toilets, showers, or water so bring in everything you need. 14 days of free camping every 30 days. A great find to get away from it all.

  • SThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 13, 2023

    East Mojave Camp

    Very very remote

    Very remote absolutely nothing out there. Definitely somewhere you need to be aware of your surroundings. You can get far enough away from the highway that you don’t need to worry about people driving by. There is nothing out here. The road to it is unmarked and very unmaintained Would definitely recommend high clearance vehicle if you want to be further away then 100 feet from the highway. Lots of wash outs. Beautiful sunrise. We were the only people there.

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Apr. 28, 2025

    Jawbone Canyon OHV Area — Eastern Kern County Onyx Ranch State Vehicular Recreation Area

    Jawbone Canyon OHV

    This is BLM land camping in an OHV area that we used for an overnight. For this purpose it was great. A paved road leads to endless dispersed camping options in a beautifully rugged canyon. There were a few OHVs but we arrived late on a weekday and OHV traffic stopped altogether in the evening. Wind was a problem and made sleeping hard. We camped in a 24’ travel trailer with a high clearance truck. While not necessary, the larger truck was nice to have on the dirt portions. There are sites that would be accessible by car as well just be more discerning. Verizon was at 1 bar the whole time.

  • l
    Sep. 6, 2022

    Chico Flat Dispersed Camping - Partially Closed, See Description

    Not Great

    Chico Flat Dispersed Campsite offers many areas with flat ground to tent upon, as well as a large parking lot to car camp if that’s your thing. However there aren’t loads of trees to hammock camp on. You cannot build a campfire here. There is a pit toilet. There is river access right next to the campsite. There is also spotty cell reception if you want that.

    Let it be known, this campsite is not clean. The previous campers that came long before me left two things: trash, and a message. There was a menagerie of bottle caps and broken glass strewn practically everywhere for me to pick up. This can be said for dare I say everywhere in this whole campsite. Additionally, this trash acted as a proverbial “go ahead” for other people to litter and make the litter situation worse; not cool.

    If you want to really get away from people, don’t come here. When I went people brought the whole kit-and-kaboodle: a suburb of tents, gas generators, bright lights, loud music, etcetera.

    Perhaps this isn’t how this site always is, but man it got crowded, noisy, and annoying. I’ll spare you from the whole story.

    If you’re looking for a quick spot to crash, look no further. If you’re intent on bringing generators, lights, dogs and speakers, this is unfortunately for you. If you’re looking to get away and spend time in nature like myself, this isn’t for you.

  • MThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 17, 2024

    West Keyville Dispersed

    Beautiful scenery, challenging access

    I drove past a couple of camp grounds directly at the lake and was very disappointed what I found. Yes, you can camp right at the lake but only if you appreciate the charme of a Walmart parking lot. There is basically next to no trees or any nature for that matter.

    So I looked a little further and was very happy to have found this site. Beautifully located right at a river, surrounded by trees, big boulders and the stunning mountain scenerey.

    However, be aware that this is not serviced at all. There is no electricity, water, dump stations or anything else than the actual spot. And BEWARE: there is quite a steep and narrow entry road into the site. I drove in with a 30 feet class A camper and I am little worried if I will get out tomorrow. Also I smacked some leaves off of a tree on my way in with my 13“ clearance.

  • Hayley K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Mar. 15, 2019

    Stine Cove Recreation Site

    Busy but Beautiful

    We stopped here on the way into Sequoia National Forest knowing the Kern River sites would be full. There were lots of families playing by the water here and it was nice to have our dog out and swimming for a little bit.

    There is only one pit toilet bathroom so that was rough waiting for the line to go down. Kernville isn't far away so you can go to town easily to get supplies and food.

  • EThe Dyrt PRO User
    Apr. 22, 2025

    Evans Road Hidden Camp

    Beautiful spot, easy access

    Clearly defined track pops off 155. There are spots for a couple of campers. We drove to the end of the track, ends in a loop, and parked our camper van there. Beautiful views, flowers, fresh air. No other campers present so good privacy. Lots of birds, peepers, and late night owls. Quite pleasant.

  • mThe Dyrt PRO User
    Apr. 1, 2025

    Chico Flat Dispersed Camping - Partially Closed, See Description

    Loved it!

    Please please respect the camp if you stay here, leave it better than you found it. (The litter gets bad in the summer.) It's absolutely gorgeous here. There's great access to the national forest and the little town of Kernville is so cute and friendly.

  • Kiley S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 18, 2021

    Hanning Flat Dispersed Area

    STOKED to Find This Spot

    On my way into Sequoia NF I was so excited to see Hanning Flats dispersed camping area. My pup and I stayed for three nights and didn’t see another person or vehicle the whole time. So peaceful, quiet, sunny, green. My dog did get lots of ticks and we had a mouse find its way into the van but I still really have no complaints. Such a gorgeous spot, lovely sunsets and sunrises. We loved walking on the sandy dirt roads at golden hour. My van is only 2WD and did fine. As with all dispersed camping.. pack in pack out and we found a pre-made site to park at. No services/facilities. About 35 mins to Isabella for groceries/gas. We will be back :)

Guide to Tehachapi

Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Tehachapi, California, where nature lovers can find serene spots away from the crowds. With a variety of locations offering unique experiences, there's something for everyone looking to escape into the wilderness.

Stunning Views at Jawbone Canyon OHV Area for Dispersed Campers

  • This area is known for its breathtaking sunsets and sunrises, making it a perfect backdrop for your camping adventure.
  • With ample space to spread out, you can enjoy privacy while surrounded by stunning mountain scenery.
  • The trails here cater to all skill levels, providing opportunities for both beginners and experienced riders.

Exciting Activities While Free Camping Near Tehachapi

  • At Keyesville Recreation Area Dispersed, you can enjoy fishing and swimming in the nearby river, making it a great spot for water enthusiasts.
  • The area is also popular for off-roading, with plenty of trails to explore, ensuring an adrenaline-filled experience.
  • For those who enjoy hiking, the remote locations offer numerous trails that lead to beautiful vistas and secluded spots.

Tips for Free and Dispersed Camping Near Tehachapi, California

  • Always pack out what you pack in; sites like Black Gulch South Dispersed Camping emphasize the importance of leaving no trace.
  • Be prepared for limited amenities; many spots, such as East Mojave Camp, do not offer drinking water or toilets, so plan accordingly.
  • Consider visiting during weekdays for a quieter experience, as weekends can get busy at popular locations like Stine Cove Recreation Site.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the rules and regulations for dispersed camping around Tehachapi?

Dispersed camping around Tehachapi typically follows standard BLM and Forest Service regulations. At Jawbone Canyon OHV Area, camping is permitted on BLM land with the standard pack-in, pack-out policy. Many dispersed sites in the region enforce a 14-day stay limit within any 30-day period. Fire regulations vary by location and season - for example, at Chico Flat Dispersed Camping, campfires are prohibited. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip as they change seasonally. Respect for the environment is essential - leave no trace, use existing fire rings where permitted, and camp in previously used sites to minimize impact. Vehicle restrictions may apply in some areas, particularly during wet conditions.

What amenities or facilities can I expect at Tehachapi dispersed camping areas?

Dispersed camping around Tehachapi is typically primitive with minimal to no amenities. Stine Cove Recreation Site offers basic facilities with one pit toilet, though lines can form during busy periods. Most other areas, like West Keyville Dispersed, have no facilities whatsoever. You'll need to bring all essentials including water, food, and waste disposal supplies. Cell service is generally limited or non-existent. Some areas offer natural amenities like river access for swimming or recreation. Expect no designated fire rings, picnic tables, or trash service. Most locations require completely self-sufficient camping - pack in everything you need and pack out all trash. The primary amenity is the natural setting and privacy these areas provide.

Where can I find free dispersed camping in Tehachapi?

Several free dispersed camping options exist around Tehachapi. Hanning Flat Dispersed Area offers numerous sites with good privacy - it's often uncrowded with visitors reporting they stayed multiple days without seeing other campers. For those seeking more remote options, Evans Road Hidden Camp provides beautiful views and privacy with clearly defined tracks off Highway 155. Both are free camping areas with 14-day stay limits. While not directly in Tehachapi, these nearby options provide excellent free camping opportunities within reasonable driving distance. Other dispersed areas in the region include Jawbone Canyon OHV Area and East Mojave Camp, though some may require 4x4 vehicles for access.

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