Tehachapi camping areas sit at elevations around 4,000 feet, creating a transition zone between the Mojave Desert and the Sierra Nevada mountains. The region experiences distinct seasonal changes with snow possible during winter months and temperatures that can drop significantly at night even during summer. Cellular service becomes stronger and more reliable as you descend from the mountains toward Bakersfield or Mojave.
What to do
Mountain activities and trails: Visitors staying at Mountain Valley RV Park can enjoy watching gliders take off from the adjacent airfield. "It is surreal to get pulled into the air, release the tow, and only hear the wind as you fly over the mountains searching and finding updrafts," notes one camper who had previously booked a glider flight.
Fruit picking opportunities: Several RV parks in the Bakersfield area have fruit trees on the property. At Orange Grove RV Park, "oranges are absolutely fantastic and makes you wonder why you can't get the same quality in a store," according to a regular visitor who stays there during transit in April and September.
Restaurant options: The region offers dining experiences near camping facilities. At Mountain Valley RV Park, "In the morning we walked over to the Raven's Nest for breakfast and watched the gliders take off starting around 9am. I also recommend Red House BBQ a few miles up the road if you are looking for lunch or dinner," shares a visitor who appreciated the food options.
What campers like
Quiet atmosphere: Many campers appreciate the peaceful settings available at RV parks near Tehachapi. One visitor at Mountain Valley RV Park noted, "There is something embracing about the valley location at about 4000 ft elevation- with views of the surrounding hills, minimal road noise, mature trees, space between sites and lovely song birds."
Clean facilities: Well-maintained amenities matter to visitors of RV parks in Tehachapi and Bakersfield. A guest at Bakersfield River Run RV Park mentioned, "Everything from the bathrooms to the laundry were fantastic clean/maintained, the pool was nice, the park was very clean and organized."
Natural surroundings: Campers enjoy the vegetation and scenery around Tehachapi RV parks. "This was a sweet little quiet RV park. We spent the night on a longer trip and were pleasantly surprised. There are mountain views and we saw a lovely sunset across the airfield," commented a visitor about Mountain Valley RV Park.
What you should know
Bathroom access limitations: Some parks restrict restroom access during overnight hours. At Mountain Valley RV Park, "Restrooms are ok, the issue was that the lock them up at 10:00pm and don't open until 7:30am," reports one camper. Similarly, a visitor to Bakersfield River Run RV Park noted that "bathrooms have free showers but they were closed."
Seasonal conditions: Weather patterns affect camping comfort significantly. "Now that I've spent some time in the desert I can now say that this little rv park is a nice place. Not too many places have trees, or grass, or a view, in the desert," explains a camper about Mountain Valley RV Park, highlighting the rarity of shade and greenery in the region.
Noise considerations: Bear Mountain RV Park in Bakersfield has "an overwhelming majority of the spaces are for monthly residents, and you can tell most of the campers there are seasoned veterans... The area is quiet enough, but you can definitely hear the soft whir of cars on the highway close by."
Tips for camping with families
Pool access scheduling: During peak periods or health restrictions, pool time may be limited. A visitor to Bakersfield River Run RV Park explained, "Due to Covid the pool was beautiful, tho u will need a reservation during Covid, you get a 35 minute slot, 10 people at a time. Which was nice, who likes a crowded pool?!!"
Entertainment options: A Country RV Park offers amenities for families with children. "Paved sites, well landscaped, they even have orange and lemon trees you can pick some fruit off of. Just a delightful stop," commented a visitor, highlighting activities children might enjoy.
Pet accommodations: Families traveling with dogs will find designated areas at several parks. At Bear Mountain RV Park, there are "small grassy dog park which was nice," making it easier to accommodate four-legged family members.
Tips from RVers
Navigating to sites: Finding entrances can be challenging at some parks. A visitor to Bear Mountain RV Park warned, "My first complaint is there is absolutely no signage into this campground. If not for GPS's insistence we would have definitely missed."
Site selection strategy: At Thousand Trails Soledad Canyon, location within the park significantly impacts stay quality. "This trip we stayed down near the welcome center instead of Lot N and the experience didn't even seem like the same RV Park. No loud music, no barking dog, less dust, and dirt," shared a returning visitor.
Hook-up specifics: RV parks around Tehachapi offer varying levels of utilities. Spaceport RV Park provides "Full hookup for $20.00/night and VERY helpful park staff!!! It's my understanding they let you dump for $5.00 and fill your freshwater tank for $2.00 even if you don't stay here."
Site spacing considerations: Layout and proximity to other RVs affects comfort. At Bakersfield River Run RV Park, "Spots were a little close to each other but not too bad since everyone was facing opposite sides," giving some privacy despite the proximity.
