Best Tent Camping near Tehachapi, CA

Are you planning a tent camping trip to Tehachapi? We've got you covered. The Dyrt is an easy way to find tent camping spots near Tehachapi. Search nearby tent campsites or find top-rated spots from other campers.

Best Tent Sites Near Tehachapi, CA (32)

    Camper-submitted photo from Joshua Tree Ranch Los Angeles
    Camper-submitted photo from Joshua Tree Ranch Los Angeles
    Camper-submitted photo from Joshua Tree Ranch Los Angeles
    Camper-submitted photo from Joshua Tree Ranch Los Angeles
    Camper-submitted photo from Joshua Tree Ranch Los Angeles
    Camper-submitted photo from Joshua Tree Ranch Los Angeles

    1. Joshua Tree Ranch Los Angeles

    7 Reviews
    20 Photos
    294 Saves
    Lake Hughes, California

    Joshua trees 50 miles closer to LA than the Joshua Tree National Park! This is 2.5 acres of protected Joshua Tree lands in the Antelope Valley north of LA, between the snowy Tehachapi Mountains, and the rolling green foothills of the also-snowy San Gabriel Mountains. My first time out there I saw BOTH ENDS of a rainbow in front of the snowy Tehachapis!! Super dark skies, and a million stars at night. It feels like the wild west out here. Think long dirt roads, tumbleweeds, bones, and maybe some old bullet shells (there's no shooting allowed on the property anymore). The property itself is along a dirt "road" called Avenue C, but I'd be shocked if you encountered anyone driving along there. Except possibly another group of campers. This land used to be the domain of the Ketanemuk tribe, which I think means People From The East. In the summer they would go up and hunt and get pine nuts in the Tehachapi Mountains, and acorns from the oak trees in the San Gabriels. It's about a 20 minute drive from the town of Neenach (pronounced Nee-nack), where there's a general store and a cafe. They make a great breakfast burrito. A few minutes from the State Poppy Reserve, which blooms in the spring with miles of California poppies. If you have a larger group or event in mind, get in touch! We can figure out how to accommodate you.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • Tents
    • Alcohol

    $25 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Breckenridge Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Breckenridge Campground
    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

    3. 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

    Camper-submitted photo from Oak Flat Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Oak Flat Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Oak Flat Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Oak Flat Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Oak Flat Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Oak Flat Campground

    4. Oak Flat Campground

    9 Reviews
    15 Photos
    109 Saves
    Castaic, California

    2800-foot elevation. 27 campsites. No water. Vault toilets. Campsites are first come - first served. RV's to 18'.

    Adventure Pass or America the Beautiful Pass required, but the camping is free if you have one.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • Tents
    • Trash
    • Picnic Table

    $5 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Antelope Valley Fairgrounds
    Camper-submitted photo from Antelope Valley Fairgrounds
    Camper-submitted photo from Antelope Valley Fairgrounds
    Camper-submitted photo from Antelope Valley Fairgrounds
    Camper-submitted photo from Antelope Valley Fairgrounds
    Camper-submitted photo from Antelope Valley Fairgrounds

    5. Antelope Valley Fairgrounds

    6 Reviews
    43 Photos
    8 Saves
    Lancaster, California

    Enter through Gate 5.

    • Pets
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • ADA Access
    • Tents
    • Group
    Camper-submitted photo from Autonomy Farms
    Camper-submitted photo from Autonomy Farms
    Camper-submitted photo from Autonomy Farms

    6. Autonomy Farms

    1 Review
    3 Photos
    8 Saves
    Greenfield, California

    Autonomy Farms was created in 2013 with the goal of connecting people to their food. The main farm operates south of Bakersfield on 20 acres, where we have our poultry operation. The farm sits at the base of the San Joaquin Valley, with beautiful views of Bear Mountain the surrounding foothills.

    In 2022, we opened up the farm to allow campers to come visit and stay. The farm features a pond stocked with fish, an outdoor shower (with both hot and cold water), indoor bathroom and plenty of room to roam. We have a total of 6 sites for tent campers, Vans, car campers and pop up camper trailers - sorry, no RVs or 5th wheels are allowed.

    We are an organic working farm, so depending on the day you stay, we may have more activity than others. We have staff on and off the farm coming and going from the farmers markets we participate in. We have three working dogs that love to keep predators away at night by barking if they sense any around. We have roosters that crow, lizards, bugs and insects, bull frogs in the pond, California King snakes, and lots of birds/hawks/owls.

    • Fires
    • Reservable
    • Tents
    • Trash
    • Picnic Table
    • WiFi

    $30 - $50 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Chula Vista Campground at Mt. Pinos
    Camper-submitted photo from Chula Vista Campground at Mt. Pinos
    Camper-submitted photo from Chula Vista Campground at Mt. Pinos
    Camper-submitted photo from Chula Vista Campground at Mt. Pinos
    Camper-submitted photo from Chula Vista Campground at Mt. Pinos
    Camper-submitted photo from Chula Vista Campground at Mt. Pinos
    Camper-submitted photo from ATV Campground — Hungry Valley State Vehicular Recreation Area

    8. ATV Campground — Hungry Valley State Vehicular Recreation Area

    1 Review
    1 Photo
    1 Save
    Lebec, California

    Hungry Valley SVRA is open seven days a week, 24 hours a day. Camping is only allowed in designated campgrounds. Quiet hours are 10:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m.

    Semi-Developed Camping: Hungry Valley has eleven semi-developed campgrounds with over 200 campsites available on a first come, first serve basis. Located along Gold Hill Road and Hungry Valley Road, these campgrounds provide shade ramadas, picnic tables, fire rings, vault toilets, and trash bins. Smith Forks Campground has flush toilets and sinks. Drinking water is not available in the park.

    Group Campground: The Honey Valley Group Camp is a large group campground with shade ramadas, picnic tables, barbecue, and fire rings. You can reserve the Honey Valley Group Campground through Reserve California.

    Fire / Firewood Restrictions: Open ground fires and firewood collection in the park are not allowed. If you plan to have a fire, you will need to buy firewood locally. Burn it where you buy it. Ask about any seasonal fire restrictions. Pallet burning is not allowed.

    Dump Stations: There are no dump stations in the park. A dump station is available nearby in the town of Lebec at the truck stop or at the northbound and southbound rest areas. Seasonal dump services are also available at Pyramid Lake.

    • Fires
    • Tents
    • Standard (Tent/RV)
    • Trash
    • Picnic Table
    • Toilets

    $10 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Cherry Creek Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Cherry Creek Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Cherry Creek Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Cherry Creek Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Cherry Creek Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Cherry Creek Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Angeles National Forest Bear Campground

    10. Angeles National Forest Bear Campground

    2 Reviews
    1 Photo
    7 Saves
    Lake Hughes, California

    5,200-foot elevation. 7 campsites. No toilets. Campsites are first come - first served. Adventure Pass required for vehicles parked at this campground. Trash pick up is not available, so please help by taking your trash out with you. Treat stream water before using, if it is available. Please call the Acton Work Center at (661) 269-2808 for current road information.

    • Phone Service
    • Tents
    • Picnic Table
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Showing results 1-10 of 32 campgrounds

Recent Tent Reviews in Tehachapi

495 Reviews of 32 Tehachapi Campgrounds


  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Oak Flat Campground
    Dec. 15, 2024

    Oak Flat Campground

    Nice but needs a permit not free

    Ranger woke me up early asking for a permit. He was not agro, as I didn't look like I bum I think that helped. He explained a shell station off the 176 nearby sells $5 day passes and $30 annual.

  • Melissa B.
    Camper-submitted photo from willow springs blm
    Dec. 11, 2024

    willow springs blm

    Dispersed

    FYI- camping is limited to 14 days at a time 28 days a year, must access via publicly open roads, stay on designated trails, and take all your trash with you there are no trash cans no trash removal.

  • Wendy S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Buena Vista Aquatic Recreational Area
    Dec. 6, 2024

    Buena Vista Aquatic Recreational Area

    Just fine, but read!

    This is a county park on a lake. The campsites are unique in that they are all pull through, but really pull along. There’s lots of space and you are not on top of each other. That said, the campground is full of pocket gophers and ground squirrels so lots of uneven ground. The bathrooms are really old. Like they have metal toilets. I travel a lot and wouldn’t choose to shower here. It’s great in November and December. I’m sure it’s hot in the summer and not a ton of shade. It’s very affordable and did the job. If the bathrooms were not so old it would have been a 4 star.

  • Michell C.
    Camper-submitted photo from Ricardo Campground — Red Rock Canyon State Park
    Nov. 28, 2024

    Ricardo Campground — Red Rock Canyon State Park

    Gorgeous and Clean

    The views from this campground are absolute stellar. The sites and pit toilets are clean and plenty of spaces were available. It was all first come, first served and self-pay when we arrived. Drive the loop and find your spot, then return the payment in the envelope provided to the pay station. I’m sure it’s a busy place on the weekends. It’s in an OHV area, so off road vehicle noise is to be expected, but it was minimal. The road in is smooth, sites are easy to access (with a few pull-through sites) and there are a few paved ADA specific sites as well. The sites up by the cliffs are offer the best views but many may be difficult to get level in if you have a motorhome or travel trailer.

  • MThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from West Keyville Dispersed
    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.

  • AnnaEvan S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Campo Alto Campground
    Oct. 15, 2024

    Campo Alto Campground

    Great Escape!

    This is a wonderful campground if you're looking to escape the crowds elsewhere. We were in spot 4 which was right next to the check in board. Despite the close proximity to the road the site was very big and had plenty of trees to throw our hammocks up and relax. Next time we would likely pick spots 6-8 or 13-17 as they were a little further into the campground and away from the main road.

    There is plenty of firewood to gather but I may suggest a small hatchet.

    The vault toilets were clean enough for vault toilets.

    My husband and I stayed Saturday to Monday and found that only a few hunters were left Sunday night and Monday morning and we enjoyed walking through the campground and checking out all the small viewpoints through the trees to the valleys below. The group sites looked spacious and awesome as well!

    Pine Mountain Club was close, quaint, and the people we met were friendly.

    We are keeping this spot in our back pockets for the next time we want to escape the busy city life!

  • 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.

  • Greg D.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Mountain Valley RV Park
    Sep. 20, 2024

    Mountain Valley RV Park

    Decent for a quick stop

    Grounds seem well kept, the gravel was raked at our site when we pulled in. Restrooms are ok, the issue was that the lock them up at 10:00pm and don’t open until 7:30am. It would be so simple to put a code lock on the doors. You have to pay for WiFi, and the laundry machines are paid for by using a credit card for pay cards and the machine was out of cards. The only way to use it was to create an account with some vendor online! In the morning there were planes taking off, towing gliders, which was interesting to watch

  • AThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Castaic Lake State Recreation Area
    Jul. 20, 2024

    Castaic Lake State Recreation Area

    Nice view, not bad, needs work

    We stayed in Loop A on a Thursday night in July. For us, it was a convenient overnight stop. It was a lot less crazy/ crowded than we expected for an LA County campground in the middle of summer! This site is on the lagoon, not the main lake, but had nice views and a good breeze in the heat. Very minimal space, not much shade. But the real issue was that the bathroom stalls in our loop (A) had no doors. I also doubt they are cleaned daily, though it wasn't terrible. Being close to the city, there were a ton of people meandering around, but they all seemed to be doing their own thing (e.g fishing or just walking), few suspicious characters. Lots of families and kids made it feel fairly safe for an urban campground. Not our favorite, but we would stop over here again in a pinch.

  • merlinda M.
    Camper-submitted photo from Lake Piru Recreation Area
    Jul. 5, 2024

    Lake Piru Recreation Area

    Great campsite

    Campsite was established, picnic table, fireplace, and electricity. Floor is gravel in some areas so bring a rake or broom for tent area. Our site was pretty close to bathrooms that had showers. 1.50 for 8 minutes, uses quarters. Has hot water. Rangers drive by selling wood and ice.

  • 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.

  • Tammy P.The Dyrt ADMIN User
    Camper-submitted photo from Los Alamos Campground at Pyramid Lake
    Jun. 19, 2024

    Los Alamos Campground at Pyramid Lake

    Close to the lake, can be very hot during the summer

    It usually stay empty and easy to get a site even in the peak season summer and spring but there is limited shades in most campsites and can get very hot during the days. There are not many trees around, Site 42 has really good shade but be aware of pocky leaves from those trees. My air mattress pop both times we camp there. There is not much around to do except pyramid lake close by which is nice and convenient to get to the water and go fishing or tubing. Also close by six flag.

  • joel G.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Sawmill Campground
    Jun. 15, 2024

    Sawmill Campground

    Forest road camping outside of Yosemite

    Having to find a spot kind of late at night after other spots were full pretty level spot overlooking a meadow and review of the sunset roads a little rough getting back in there used four-wheel drive pulling a teardrop

  • Jorge R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from A Country RV Park
    Jun. 9, 2024

    A Country RV Park

    Accommodating and Clean

    Very convenient and super clean. The lady who answers the phone is super friendly and helpful. I think it's better for RVs and don't think there are any tent sites.

  • 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.

  • Maria K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Shaded Haven RV Park
    Jun. 1, 2024

    Shaded Haven RV Park

    Worst campground I’ve ever stayed at!

    5+ years Full time RVer, worst ever campground we have ever stayed at, stayed in many states, long-term short-term, stayed at this one for two months, although had a reservation for three. Sites are too tight, everything‘s grayish/dusty and dirty, you’re near a rail track, that blows its horn for minutes 24/7, that includes 2 AM, that includes 4 AM. Many of the neighbors you’ll see look like they’re on (mental) disability and don’t look healthy. Hot tub is smelly and yellow water too often although they state they clean it almost weekly. I god major depression staying here.

  • Andrew S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Oak Flat Campground
    May. 30, 2024

    Oak Flat Campground

    Everything I needed

    Free with the purchase of the adventure pass. I was here during the week and it was quiet and uneventful. Plenty of shade and simple. A bit of traffic noise but not too bad.

    I stayed here as part of my 2 month camping journey through SoCal. Really easy site to find.

    Toilets were clean. Bring your own water.

  • Dennis F.
    Camper-submitted photo from Kern River Campground
    May. 21, 2024

    Kern River Campground

    Not the best but it's a great place

    Been going up there since 1969 had many many Fantastic trips fishing is always good sightseeing is good just all around good place.

  • A
    Camper-submitted photo from Saddleback Butte State Park Campground
    May. 13, 2024

    Saddleback Butte State Park Campground

    Desolate

    The only thing more desolate than this campground is the landscape, but perhaps that's your thing. I'm the only one here on a Sunday night in May. A couple pulled in before me, but after a once-around, they left. Each campsite is well sheltered from the sun and wind -- 8' tall plywood windbreak wall plus lattice ceiling with room under it for two picnic tables and your tent. Too much noise from the nearby highway. By the way, if Google maps leads you to the closed picnic area, don't worry, there's a separate campground entrance south of it on the connecting street.

  • 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.


Drive Time


Guide to Tehachapi

Tent camping near Tehachapi, California, offers a unique blend of natural beauty and outdoor adventure, perfect for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of city life.

Tips for Tent Camping Near Tehachapi

  • For a more primitive experience, consider staying at Joshua Tree Ranch Los Angeles, where you can enjoy the tranquility of the desert and the iconic Joshua trees.
  • Be prepared for limited amenities at Breckenridge Campground, which features basic facilities like picnic tables and toilets, making it a great spot for a simple camping experience.
  • Always check the weather before heading out, especially if you're camping at Hobo Campground — Sequoia National Forest, as conditions can change rapidly in the mountains.

Local Attractions for Tent Campers

  • Explore the stunning landscapes and diverse wildlife at Breckenridge Campground, which is surrounded by beautiful trails perfect for hiking and biking.
  • Visit the nearby Sequoia National Forest, where Hobo Campground — Sequoia National Forest provides access to breathtaking views and outdoor activities like fishing and river floating.
  • Experience the unique environment of Joshua Tree Ranch Los Angeles, where you can immerse yourself in nature and enjoy stargazing under clear desert skies.

Activities to Enjoy While Tent Camping

Frequently Asked Questions

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

    According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Tehachapi, CA is Joshua Tree Ranch Los Angeles with a 4.2-star rating from 7 reviews.

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

    TheDyrt.com has all 32 tent camping locations near Tehachapi, CA, with real photos and reviews from campers.